Instead of sulking this fall...

[FlightCheck]

Instead of sulking this fall about my lack of riding time (business is good, so for example I'm only in the same STATE as the FPM for about 7 days in October), I have decided that THIS is my "off season". I've pulled the FatPaintMare's hind shoes, and I am using the time to perfect "the little things".

I spent one ride entirely at the walk, reminding the FatPaintMare of her manners (STAND when I mount, until I tell you differently; STAND when we halt, not the usual 5 count and off we go), practicing turns on the forehand and haunches, opening and closing gates, getting a CORRECT halt, leg yields, etc.

I spent one ride entirely on the buckle, doing all of the above using the trot and canter, and learning how much out of shape I am!

I spent one ride lengthening and shortening the strides of all 3 gaits.

I have also gone over all my tack, making notes of things needing repairs, giving away items I no longer need/want, deep cleaning and conditioning, and actually trying to create an INVENTORY of what I have.

The clipper blades are away being sharpened, trailer repairs/checks are all done, the trailer is getting neater, and the vet visits are charted through January.

Instead of being cranky because no lessons (why spend $$ when we're both out of shape?), I am saving for winter lessons when "everyone" comes down in January. I'm looking at what days I have off to show the FatPaintMare...and I am trying to have a POSITIVE attitude.

We'll see if it works!!

[SweetieG]

What a great attitude. I too have been sulking and need to just let it go. Here I am pregnant with number 4. Showing is completely out for the fall, winter, and most likely spring, too. I've already had to adjust what I do when I ride, but lately I'm not even getting to ride much. We've been in an "opportunity" slump. Horse gets hurt, horse gets better, babysitters can't come, have a sitter, horse throws a shoe, no one notices for two days, horse sore from nailing into a torn up hoof, child sick, horse looses another shoe...anyway, I'm sure you get the picture. All the while,I feel like my clock is ticking, and soon I won't be able to ride at all. Ugggghhh! So, maybe I can spin it like you have and try not to stress. After all, mare will be with a trainer for a couple of months and the end of my pregnancy. I should just take this time to do "other" things...there is lots to do at the walk and even from the ground. We do have to remind ourselves that our time will come again, soon. Until then, make the most of what we've got! Thanks. I needed to vent and to hear your approach. Time to make a change!

[deltawave]

It is a good feeling to take care of all the "essentials" that wind up getting sacrificed! :yes: There are times (particularly when it's very, very muddy) that I'll do an entire 30 minute ride at the walk, and many's the time I've found that the ride AFTER that is so very much better because of that little bit of focus on the "easy" stuff.

Just think how smug you'll feel in a month or two when you've got all your "stuff" together, a fresh horse, and plenty of time! :)

[CookiePony]

...the trailer is getting neater...

I love the way you put this! Everything's relative, right? :lol:

But you've turned what seemed to be a negative into a positive. Marvelous!

[catmchorse]

Lovely attitude :)

I'm just returning from two months of a broken ankle and I too am taking advantage of the 'down time.' I've committed to really, truly working on my position. My mom is going to longe the horse while I ride without stirrups. I'm going to spend a lot of time both stirrupless and in two-point.

In my convalescence I've spent a lot of time watching other people ride in clinics. Between bouts of killer jealousy, I've learned a lot by simply observing, and gained a deeper understanding of the rider's position/aids and how it affects the horse.

I've spent a lot of time watching my mom ride, and thus been able to observe from ringside the habits of the horses, as well as what works and doesn't work.

I set up a neat, well-organized records book for each horse.

Once I was able to ditch the crutches for a walking boot, I spent a couple weeks teaching the project mare to be a pleasure to longe.

And I gained a healthy appreciation for my normal able-bodiedness!

Maybe everyone should make fall their time for fully exploring what they have :yes:

[RunForIt]

Saturday and Sunday, I had two MARVELOUS, incredibly beneficial lessons with Andrew Harbision...at the WALK! OK, we did get to trot around the arena 2-3 times Saturday and again Sunday. Rasta is coming back beautifully from his time off this summer (amazing how these big animals can hurt themselves so easily), but we are bored, bored, and BORED from all the walking. Andrew gave me two simple tools to help Rasta relax, bend, and move into the outside rein. No pulling back, no over-flexing, and the little horse was amazing. I've never understood what it meant, what it felt like for a horse to "carry himself at the trot" - Rasta did!

And I can do it at home too! An unheard of occurence in my case :lol:.

I DO appreciate your frustration, FC - especially as you are emersed in watching everyone else ride...the tables will turn as the weather changes though and you'll be happily riding again...Thanks for helping us all pay attention to the important "little stuff". :D :cool:

[riderboy]

This is a great example of someone who really seems to love the whole "package" even when the brown stuff hits the propellor. My guy has been off and will be off the whole season but I still love doing the things you mentioned, walk trot rehab, cleaning, organizing, grooming for my wife etc. It's really hard to go to shows and walk the XC and see everyone having fun but the nice thing about being there is that everyone has had some bad or worse juju than me. They understand and say "hang in there!"

[kdail]

This topic is SO good for me to read right now. I, too, have been sulking around b/c my horse seems to magically come up lame just when I have paid for an event or a clinic from which I can't get a refund. Timing has really been bad, so I've been feeling sorry for myself. I'm also re-evaluating whether I want to continue competing or just ride for fun & fitness. Budget concerns are at the top of my list, so I'm considering switching to a more affordable (and less glamorous) boarding facility until I figure out if I still want to do all this or not.

In the midst of my self-pity...along comes your post, demonstrating your wonderfully positive approach to your own "down time", and I'm ashamed of myself for being so mopey/sulky. I think I'll print out your original post as a to-do list and a great source of encouragement to focus on the positives.

Bravo to you for redirecting your energies into opportunities!

Thanks for the pick-me-up!

[zagafi]

Excellent and timely post! I just started reading Jane Savoie's "It's Not Just About the Ribbons" last night and she really talks a lot about ATTITUDE being everything. Good for you!!

[BBowen]

FlightCheck:

Thanks for the wonderful post and pushing me to think about the coming winter (not ready). Since my little girl is only three, I am going back and forth about turning her out for the winter and starting back up in the spring. Her trainer is going to FL for the winter and I can't necessarily get out to rider every day. She has been so good since we started her this year, so it may just be the thing to do to give her a break for the winter and just do ground work until spring.

I have a little brag about her; Wed. I went out to watch her trainer ride her. One of the guys at the barn was weed-eating around the outdoor arena. He asked if he should stop while the trainer rides -- nope, she needs to get used to it. She never blinked an eye or twitched an ear the whole time the week-eater was going. Kept her mind on business. She has such a wonderful mind.

[pegasusmom]

It's down time for us here too - the YP and the big baby pony's season came to an abrupt end about three weeks ago when the aforementioned big baby pony managed to hit a sinkhole the day after TS Hannah and flipped himself - really cranked his neck badly and rung his bell. Doesn't look like there are any fractures (my vet has a unique perspective on cervical fractures having done C-3 and C-4 herself about 2 years ago) and Andrew has permission on Monday to start 30 minutes a day of long and low ambling at the walk. Now his mother can ride a Grand Prix test at the walk (it's my favorite gait) so we plan on getting the body parts swinging together and look to pick up again at the first of the year.

[foxhavenfarm]

LOVE the positive attitude and the great ideas....but I'm still sulking as I have at least two more weeks on crutches.:rolleyes::dead:

[flutie1]

"Instead of sulking this fall about my lack of riding time (business is good, so for example I'm only in the same STATE as the FPM for about 7 days in October)..."

... but FC, wouldn't you be sulking if business weren't so good? Could it be it's because you're so good at what you do?????

Gobi's Mom

[FlightCheck]

MISTER FC would be sulking... I'd pretend to sulk, and go hang out with the FPM.

I could live in a stall next to the FPM - or in my trailer. Mister FC, well, he has higher standards. ;)

[RunForIt]

MISTER FC would be sulking... I'd pretend to sulk, and go hang out with the FPM.

I could live in a stall next to the FPM - or in my trailer. Mister FC, well, he has higher standards. ;)

Are we not lucky to have FC!? :D :cool: I NEED a laugh right now...many thanks, as usual, FC. Carrots to the FPM! (CP will read this and will bloody well make sure dear Taco has plenty - huh, CP?) :lol: :winkgrin: :cool: