Wild Horses

The past few days have been insanely busy.

From a 2 day cram course for the state exam to craziness at work, it has been a headache. I need to relax at my happy place.

I finally got to ride again after a week of nasty weather. It was a gorgeous day, 60 degrees and sunny. I figured the horses would be on their best behavior because they had lots of outside time, blankets were off and the weather was gorgeous. Boy was I wrong.

The lesson horses were doing every little thing they could to be put on the naughty list. Shortcake even decided to bite. Yes, bite. In the 15 years I have never even known her to attempt to nip, much less full on bite. I knew we were doomed.

We worked and got all the kids up on their mounts and in the arena and my trainer took over the lessons.

I walked in to get my usual hunter horse, Soul, only to realize my hunt saddle was on one of the lesson horses. I decided to go on a whim and ride him in a dressage saddle and work on some lateral movements with him.

Yeah, about that...

I took him to the mounting block and he would not sit still. I got on him and he immediately started to jog. I finally got him to chill and we went to work at the trot. He was so strong. It felt like I was holding all 1000 pounds of him. Thanks, Soul. In  the canter I had to half halt strong and repeatedly ask him to woah. It didn't work.

In the cool out he decided his shenanigans were not over and spooked/tried to run off because another horse trotted, then 3 people were whispering on the sidelines and then because the wind blew. This horse has been on an airplane, in coliseums with screaming people and we have ridden in the rain.

He was full of himself and today my shoulders are on fire. Thanks, Soul.

Back in the Saddle

This past weekend it poured rain but I still made it to the barn to work on the whole "perfect my seat" part of my 2015 goals. Cindy (my trainer's trainer) was in town to whip us into shape. I knew going into this that I would be in for it. I knew I had taken to much time off, but I signed up for it with a goal in mind.

We were standing around talking about our goals and I said I wanted to perfect my seat and I saw the gleam in my trainer's eye. Uh-oh, this means sore muscles for weeks! She told me to grab Raffany.

Doesn't he look thrilled? And ignore the barn aisle. This is after 15 lessons and kids. 

He was actually really good. We worked on my seat and his lazy trot. Cindy made us do, what felt like 100 transitions from trot to walk to canter to walk to trot to canter to trot. It really made me more aware of my seat and brought me back. I tend to lean forward like a hunter. My large chest doesn't help. It also brought him back on his haunches which is how he is supposed to carry himself and enabled him to trot more forward and light. He became putty in my hands and came round into the contact. When he gets like that it feels like magic.

The next day my abs, shoulders and thighs were on fire. Not as bad as I thought they would be, so I was kind of proud of myself, but sore enough that I took a day off.

Monday, I went back to the barn and worked with Soul.

Look at that handsome face. He is the love of my life and my husband has accepted it.

Monday we worked on more transitions. Soul tells on me a little more than Raffany and will let the trainer know the second I do anything wrong. Soul and I have also worked together as a team for years so he knows my ques and I know his so our errors are more obvious. Cindy really went to work on strengthening my core muscles. Ow. Then during all of our transitions to canter from walk and back she noticed my hands slid forward and my body flew forward when I got unsure that he was going to listen. That just made him miss the cue even more. 

She told me to think of myself as a side rein, holding my hands steady but soft and always in the same place. I give way to much apparently. I think my rearing gray taught me that bad habit. I was also told to post with my abs and not my legs. Hmm... can you say pain?

 We also worked on keeping forward momentum in our transitions. It is harder than it sounds to ask your horse to keep moving forward and go into a slower gait all at the same time. We got it though!

 I have a lot to work on the next few months. Cindy comes back in March and I want to show improvement! Tuesday I went and just practiced with Soul so maybe I can actually stick to it all. All I know is that this is what I need. I need horse time, because it is my sanity. Even my husband said, "you are so much happier and brighter after time at the barn."

 I think this is going to be a 2015 goal worth keeping. 

Yep... that would be my horse!

I have had so many embarrassing moments that it was hard to choose just one. I managed to narrow it down to one that was so embarrassing I cried. It involves this guy:

He looks cute. Don't let him fool you.

So I was around 14 and we were at a local horse show. Everyone who was anyone was there. I rode Casper in a few classes and he placed well. I was proud of him! Then it was my sister's turn to take him in a class or two. 

We put her up on Casper and my cousin went in on her horse. The class was a large beginners class. Everything seemed to be going well, but then I saw it. A little pony threatening to kick Casper. Casper's eyes got big but he kept trotting. The second time around my cousin lost her balance and her horse (Toby) panicked and threw her off. This is all it took. 

The next thing I know Toby is running around the arena and Casper is right behind him. My sister and cousin are both on the ground. Parents are yelling and trainers are grabbing ponies and kids. I run to the gate and ask to go in. 

The ring steward said, "Young lady only adults are allowed in the arena at this time. It is to dangerous in there for children."

I put my hand on my hip and in my sassy 14 year old way said, "Mr. if you want that big gray horse causing the chaos caught you better let me in the gate." I think he wanted to strangle me but he let me in the gate. At this point all the ponies had gathered at one end of the arena. I couldn't see over their backs to see where Casper was so I let our special whistle and yelled his name. All of a sudden a big gray face popped over the back of the pony in front of me. I grabbed his reins and got him out of there, throwing a smug grin at the ring steward. 

When we got back to the barn and I had groomed Casper and tucked him in his stall, my cousin and I sat down and cried. We realized we had one more day of competing and everyone now knew us and our naughty horses. We had to face these people. Casper kept nickering apologies at me and I accepted but I was super embarrassed and still kind of am. 

In his defense, the show officials should have known better than to let that many beginners in an arena together.

-M

The outside of a horse... #blogtober2014

Today's topic was probably my favorite. I love quotes. I have a notebook filled with them and 2 pinterest boards dedicated to them.

My favorite quote is probably this one about horses and their healing by Winston Churchhill. That horse is my boy and he has healed my broken heart and bruised soul more than once. My husband has a rule that I have to be around horses as much as possible. If not I become grouchy and sad and not myself. Then I go ride and the outside of my horse heals the inside of me.

Cheesy yes. True absolutely. I need horses. They are my passion and my gift. You can't waste your gift or talent. And who are you without your passion?

If I won the Lottery I would.....

So I am a day late. Starting off the blog everyday in October a day late. this is going to go well.

The first prompt is "If you won the lottery you'd..."

I would go horse cray-cray. I would pay off all of our debt.

Then I would buy 2 new dodge trucks. One for him and one for me. I am going to need a big truck to haul all of my new ponies around. I better get a new horse trailer while I am at it.

Now for the ponies. I am going to want a dressage horse and a hunter horse. Then new saddles and matching saddle pads with matching blankets and brushes.

Hunter 

Dressage

I am going to need gorgeous riding clothes. An outfit for everyday of course. And then once I buy all of that I am going to need a large estate (Not a barn or farm an estate. Estate sounds fancier) I want stables that make the Queens horses jealous.

After all of that is bought and the horses are settled I would take a month vacation somewhere with gorgeous beaches and drinks with umbrellas and I would relax.

I really need to win the lottery.

Kinda like Serena and Venus...

I know I wrote a post earlier about how I haven't really enjoyed this summer. I mean it hasn't been awful but it has kinda been all work and no play and I have had basically no saddle time.

I did manage to squeeze in at least one ride and it was a ride that meant A LOT. You see, my sister and I have ridden together since we were kids. Mom would load us up and take us to the barn where we would tack up and hit the arena together. We would stay all day riding our horses and once we got REALLY good we started working with other peoples' horses. Our trainer was like a second mom to us and she always made sure we got some AMAZING opportunities. (She still does)

We started showing shortly after. Sara was always the pretty rider that could make it look effortless. I was always the effective rider that could take a horse that was unruly or untrained and take him/her through the levels and win. We did well in the show world. We bonded with our horses and they enjoyed their jobs. It showed in the arena.

Skip ahead to a few years later. School schedules collided, boys came into the picture, babies and marriage happened and while we were riding it was only occasionally and never together.

Until a few weeks ago....

Sara and I left work and went to the barn together. We stepped out of the car and I looked at Sara and said, "Do you realize it's been years since we have been in a ring together?" We walked into the barn and grabbed our horses. Our trainer made the same comment, " It has been years since my girls have been in an arena together."

Our ride was fantastic. Our horses behaved perfectly. Sara looked flawless and I worked hard to get Soul to understand what we were working on. We zigged and zagged around each other. She is the only person I can ride with and I know I don't have to make sure she isn't going to run into me. We have a 6th sense about where the other is about to turn. It's kinda cool.

 At one point we were taking our walk breaks and looked up and people from the barn were standing around the arena watching us. One of the ladies from the barn said, "I cant believe you two are in the arena together again." Mom stood proudly on the side line with my nephew, talking to him about how maybe one day he could be an equestrian like mama and auntie.

I know it seems like it is not a big deal for 2 people to ride horses together. Heck, I ride with 8 other people in the arena with me all the time. But Sara and I were always together. Always trying to be better than the other, challenging each other, cheering for each other and laughing at each other. Even though it is an individual sport we are a team and that day we felt like celebrities kinda like Serena and Venus, but without all the money and sponsors. Who knows maybe once life slows down a little we will show together again.

Weekend re-cap

I failed this weekend. Or did I?

I forgot to take pictures because I was living. Oops.

Saturday, I climbed into the saddle on Soul. Last week I rode Raffany as a warm up. He was perfect and I was thankful because after 3 months off, I could not handle a challenge.

Soul was also a perfect boy. I felt like I was all over the place and my abs... ow. But we are slowly making progress. Also, my back hates my F breasts. A reduction may be needed. Or does anyone have any suggestions for an amazing sports bra for large tatas?

Sunday I washed the car. Fun I know.  Then I surprised the hubby at work. He surprised me by taking me to the barn that we met at . I love impromptu visits to places that mean so much. It was amazing to be back on the property where we first dated. The fields were grown up and the barns were gone. The house was falling in, but being there with him sitting in the field with his arms around me took me back 10 years. It's the little things.

Pain meds, 1200lb beasts and food.

I have walked through this lovely Tuesday thinking it was Friday all day. Tomorrow is going to be a rude awakening.

Via - Via

It actually hasn't been a bad day. I did have to cancel my lesson because I am on some pretty heavy pain meds. Something about 1200 lb animals and not being on your toes just doesn't mix. Especially when one of those lovelies gets so excited to see you, he turns into a bucking, leaping goof ball and the other is a newbie. I do not have a death wish.

In other news... my husband is perfect and spoils me rotten. I got french toast this morning for breakfast. I think french toast is probably the yummiest breakfast food ever. It is so weird though. Who thought "I am going to dip this bread in egg and let it get soggy and fry it up?" Every time I try to get crazy in the kitchen it is a flop.

This post has no rhyme or reason. Just rambles. That is my brain this week!

And my small attention span is taking me elsewhere...

A beautiful weekend...

Ahhh, the weekend. 

I did absolutely nothing and I am not sorry. 

I got the award for being lazy this weekend. 

Seriously. 

Okay, lets start at Saturday. 

I slept until .... let's just say really late. 

I woke up and got dressed in my lazy girl jeans and headed to the barn. 

I didn't even muster up the energy to ride, y'all. How sad is that?

I spent the day watching training horses, snuggling with Soul and helping the kids bathe their horses after their rides. I was content with the coldest bottle of water, the breeze blowing and sun and sand. I pretended I was tanning at the beach. 

I came home from the barn and soaked in the tub and then decided to take a nap. 

See how productive this weekend is turning out to be so far? 

I get lazier if you can believe it. 

Sunday, I slept late again. 

I worked on making a new "It Works" binder for all of my client sheets. 

(shameless plug: newyouwithmallory.myitworks.com) 

I napped again. 

And finally decided to drag myself to the grocery store to buy wine and cookies. 

It was the perfect weekend. Perfect. I hope to do it again in 5 days! 

Ps- If you want to tighten tone and firm, check out my It Works website. If you are interested in becoming a distributor email me! 

I am back!

Hey guys, I am back. Sorry, but last week was insane.

I had a board meeting for a horse show that I volunteer for. It was bad news all the way around. We are down in volunteers and donations. This show supports the local Special Olympics so it is heart breaking. I guess it means I just need to work harder. If you would like to make a donation please email me.

Then my great-aunt passed away suddenly. I had to work and her funeral was out of town so I didn't get to attend. I just sent up prayers for her family.

Then a police officer we know was shot twice. He is okay, but can you say stressful week?!

The weekend was a little better. Hubs went on a church retreat and while he was gone, I played.

Saturday I taught a riding lesson or two. Then I groomed one of older western horses. He got clipped (when we shave their whiskers) and bathed and then we went for a walk through the grass so he could graze and dry in the sun.

Around 2 pm board members for the horse club began showing up and it was show time. I threw on a western saddle (I typically ride English) and we did a quick demo on a new equestrian sport known as Western Dressage. It felt good to go back to my western riding roots. Toby was excellent and loved showing off. It was tons of fun and I really hope this sport takes off.

After that I rushed off to mom's and we went to a "It works" party.  The party was a blast, we wrapped our bodies grabbed some  water and chatted and looked at the different products while we waited. Then we got our results. I lost 1/2 an inch and can't wait to see how much more I lose in the next 72 hours. Mom lost an inch! She is blessed with a hot bod anyways.

Sunday, I had went to mom's to visit the horses and hangout on the sun porch with the fam. It was cold so we stayed huddled under quilts but it was cozy. Mom and dad adopted a beagle/bassett mix that was severely abused and for the first time in 3 months he let me touch him without being afraid of me. He even let me hold him. That was a huge breakthrough for the little guy.

 

It was a perfect weekend of horses, puppies and family.

This is what I do...

I have talked about my love of horses and the fact that I compete. I have shown a few pictures of my horses, but today I want to show you exactly what I do.

I compete and train in several disciplines. The first one is my favorite. It's an art and an OCD person's dream because it is about accuracy and perfection.

Dressage. In the upper levels, we make our horses dance.

And one of my other favorties...

                                         

I also ride Morgan Hunters. It's a little more intense, because sometimes there are 30 of us cantering in an arena together in herd.

                                             

Grand Nationals and the World Championship Show. 

I still get goosebumps and tears in my eyes, because I can remember the adrenaline walking into the arena. 

Can't believe I made it that far! 

So that's what I do. It's what keeps me sane.  I have to take 2 weeks off because of this stupid bronchitis and it is killing me! 

Butting Heads

I wrote this awhile ago and never hit publish. I think I guard the horse side of me because it is one of the most important things I have.


So here it is. This will give you insight on the equestrian side of me. You can see where my passion lies.
You might not get all the lingo, but still....

Meet Raffany ...

Why is he running around with his nose stuck out and his ears pinned back? 

He is stubborn and has an attitude. 

This horse and I butt heads and argue more than any horse I have ever ridden. He will kick out at my leg, trot slow, buck at the canter, grit his teeth. Ugh... the list goes on and on. The vet and dentist have both looked at him. They just laugh and say it's not a health problem, it's a personality problem. He is just as lovely on the ground. 

So why do I ride this horse that clearly is not the partner for me?

He loves kids and is one of our best lesson horses. He is a saint for them! Occasionally I ride him to remind him that he has to work and to keep him toned. And also, he has the worlds bounciest trot and it's great to work on my sitting when I get sloppy. 

Another reason... On those days when we agree to disagree, it is the most amazing thing you have ever seen. He gets happy and relaxed. His lead changes and leg yields are effort less. He comes round and stretches to the contact. His shoulder- ins and haunches-in are flawless. It is breathtaking and I credit this horse for some of my best and most successful rides.

Sometimes it's those horses. The ones who challenge you. The ones that make you wonder what you are going to get that day. The ones that don't seem to be meant for you, that actually end up helping you the most. Through the good rides and the bad, I wouldn't trade a single one. 

I love you Raffany, you big grouch. 

I think love is the same way. It's the people that challenge the most that help you the most.

Friday Letters

Dear Friday Letters,
It has been awhile and I have kinda missed you. Your a great way to re-cap my week and my feelings.

Dear Cold Weather,
Brrr.... You do not make riding very fun. I hate feeling like an ice cube when I get done training. Not cool. There is a reason I live in the south and that reason is not the cold.

Dear Soul,
Ow. I understand you were frustrated because we were learning something new, but you didn't need to pull my arms out of socket. Seriously, my arms are on fire today.

Don't let that sweet face fool you. He was rotten last night, but it was still a blast. 

Dear weekend,

I am going to party like I'm 80. Comfort food and nap times galore. Do not throw any wrenches into that plan, okay?

Dear readers, 

Thank you for being here and while you are here join the giveaway! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The other side of me...

So, you know how in my about me section I talk about how I am a crazy horse lady? You guys never get to see that. It is on an entirely different blog, but today I wanted to show ya'll what makes me tick. What relaxes me and what my passion is.

I wrote a post about my Saturday ride. Riding is a workout and like any workout sometimes you just don't want to train. But again like any work out you never regret it.

Here it is, the other side of me...
I have been battling a nasty cold for two weeks. Two weeks! I haven't felt like riding, because it's hard to breathe and it's been cold. Every time I have to trot for more that 5 minutes I have coughing spells that hurt. This week I finally felt better but still weak and it was freezing, but the trainer spoke and I got my butt to the barn. I told her I could squeeze in a ride early, but only a quick one. 

Saturday I showed up at 9 am. It was cold and the ground was still frozen. I immediately regretted agreeing to ride. The outdoor arena was frozen solid so I couldn't ride in the sunshine. Lovely, riding in the shaded arena in the cold weather. I waited for Soul to finish his grain and pulled him out of his stall. I peeled off his blankets and started to brush. As the shavings fell from him, the stress fell from me. He nickered and nuzzled and I smiled and laughed. We got tacked up and headed down to the covered arena where he could hardly stand still while I got on.

My trainer made her way to the arena and we went to work. He trotted and came into frame perfectly ( where the horses bend there necks and bodies pretty). I barely put my leg on and he molded to my leg around curves and floated around the arena. Then we asked for the canter (my favorite part). He can sometimes be a little strong and bossy but he was literally floating. I was sitting perfectly. It was like we were on the same brainwave. Our ride was cut short because he was being so perfect and we wanted to reward him. I walked him out much longer than normal, not wanting the ride to end. That ride I didn't want to start? The one I was convinced it was too cold to do?


Guess what... I was warm, relaxed and happy. It was just what I needed. I left the barn clear headed and confident. I left the barn happy and relaxed. I left the barn knowing little Soul and I had been just what each other needed and realizing I should never put riding on the back burner even if it is cold and I am sick. I never regret a ride. Ever. So why put off getting to the barn? I need to ride. For my sanity and my health. 

Get to know me.

Today I was over at Travel Babbles and she is doing a twenty facts link up. I have noticed a few new followers around here so even though I have already spilled some secrets, I decided to join in and tell you a few things.

1) I wish that I could wear pajamas everyday. I worked from home for dad before I worked in the office and it made me LAZY. I wear yoga pants to work all the time.

2) I have a temper. I can sometimes be a bitch. Sorry. We are being honest here and that is me.

3) I just bought my childhood home and I am in love with it. I love sleeping in this familiar place and I love all the memories that are here and all the ones to come. It's the coolest feeling ever.

4) I could sleep 16 hours a day. I am a professional sleeper. My pillow and I are besties.

5) I love sweet tea. I have a glass everyday. I get grumpy without it.

6) I am an equestrian. I have ridden horses since birth (mom rode while pregnant with me). I have been to Grand Nationals and the World Championships but I still never feel good enough. One day.

7) I have a mouth like a sailor. I try to watch it on here but it is so damn hard!

8) I am OCD over somethings but somethings have to remain chaotic for me to be satisfied.

9) One of my favorite moments in the day... When Riley goes to sleep and dreams. He yips in his sleep and it is adorable. My heart melts.

10) I am trying to be more organized with this whole blog thing. I have a calendar and am ready for this next year. I am really bad about procrastinating but I am hoping that using the calendar will help with this.

11) I am a product junkie. There are probably 4 bottles of shampoo, 8 bottles of lotion, 6 bottles of perfume and 3 mascaras in my bathroom right now.

12) I sing constantly. About everything. If I don't know a song to fit the situation, I make up one. I am pretty sure this is why my husband married me. I am entertaining as hell. He says embarrassing but sometimes he mixes up his words.

13) I hope I one day have a little girl so I can play with all of the amazing toys I saved from my childhood. Seriously there are Polly Pockets in my attic waiting for that day. That makes me a loser, doesn't it?

14) I really want to go up in a hot air balloon, but my husband is terrified of the idea. This frustrates me too no end,

15) My animals are my babies and my family means everything. Seriously, I do not know what I would do without them.

16) I could eat Pizza every day. Why are there so many calories in pizza? There are veggies in it. Doesn't that count as healthy?

17) I think that humans should be allowed to hibernate during the winter. Seriously, we should be allowed to sleep and eat and snuggle without having to go out into the cold and work.

18) I have to sleep with a fan at night, but there cannot be any other noise and it has to be pitch black. I also have to sleep with 3 pillows.

19) The two most relaxing things in the world ... my farm and my horses. I just never make myself take the time to breathe and enjoy them until I am at the breaking point. This year I have decided to change that.

20) I love my blog. I hope it shows. This year I hope to open up more and show you all a little more me. I want to connect with you guys and build lasting friendships.

Big Things Poppin'

I am excited for January guys. Very excited. I have a giveaway planned and possibly a swap if I can get a co-host or two. So if you want in on this, email me. Let's work together.

I am also going into the year more organized. Be still my OCD heart. I am so excited. I have a planner for everyday life, one for bills and one for the blog. A more organized me means a more effective sponsor program. It also means that with the new bill planner, the hubs and I will be out of debt by June. That is amazing. We will just owe on the house and car, but no more credit cards.

I also have already started a diet. I decided why wait until the new year. My husband and my horses need me to be healthy now. Plus our riding uniforms are not figure friendly.

White spandex ya'll. Who decided that we would wear white? It gets dirty and we are working with animals and it makes anyone look huge. That is why we are dieting like cray cray. But not crazy enough to give up wine or Bacardi Hurricanes or sweet tea.

Big things are happening ya'll, big things. Join me!