Cupid Training Diary: February 19th to 26th

Sunday February 19th:

I went out Sunday morning with the plan of working Cupid in the round pen and giving her a bath, but when I got to the barn I realized that I felt like riding. I hopped on and did mostly trot work focusing on lengthening our stride and smoothing into a trot I can sit. Last fall Cupid had a beautiful trot that was easy to sit but once I stopped consistently asking her to perform it she "lost" that trot. By the end of our ride I was able to sit the trot down the long side of the arena, and maintain a nice collected (or it felt collected) trot through several laps of the arena. One area that we still need work on is maintaining our pace through circles. Cupid has a tendency to show halfway through our circle no matter how large it is. Part of me is convinced that this is because I'm signaling her to slow but am not 100% aware that I'm giving the signal.

Monday February 20th:

Because it was Monday I didn't make it out to the barn.

Tuesday February 21st:

Tuesday I rushed over to the barn after work. I assumed I would be alone so my plan was to take advantage of having the whole arena and working on trot and canter circles. I also planned on working on the sitting trot to maintain our progress on sitting the entire long side. My plan did get slightly derailed by the assistant trainer bringing a friend out to take a quick lesson. While I was a bit disappointed that I was going to have to rework my plan it did provide a good lesson for Cupid. Typically I like to use the entire arena and avoid cutting through the center a lot. Because of her "middle means stop" mentality, I will ask her to work through the center but it's not an exercise I consistently do. With the lunge line lesson going on at the "near" side of the arena I decided to focus on using the "far" side. Cupid quickly picked up that we were using only half the arena and seemed to enjoy having to work with shorter sides. She maintained a nice pace and did not get too distracted by the lesson going on next to us. The biggest issue I had was that when we went to canter I used the entire arena and there's a section that is consistently deep. Cupid would hit the breaks every time we would hit this spot and throw a fit when I pushed her to maintain her canter. I know this area is a bit of an issue but she attempted to take advantage of this area. We finished and Cupid got a quick bath.

Wednesday February 22nd:

It poured on Wednesday. I planned on going to the barn and even had my stuff packed but the rain was too severe. Cupid is always pissy when I pull her in from the rain so I figured she would rather be left alone. She also got her feet done today and I don't like working her hard after the farrier is out.

Thursday February 23rd:

I attempted to get to the barn, then got stuck in traffic for 90 minutes. After sitting for an hour I was too irritated and tired so I headed home. By the time I would have gotten to the barn it would have been too dark to do anything.

Friday February 24th:

On Friday, I had to go to a graduation party for a friend. So poor Cupid spent a third day without being worked. Though my boarding contract states she can be used for lessons I'm 100% sure she isn't. Both her bridle and girth are in my locker and she never has sweat marks.

Saturday February 25th:

I was finally able to make it out to the barn. My usual riding group was there and it was nice to be able to catch up with them. We worked on our walk to trot to walk transitions, and on sitting the trot. Cupid was super responsive and we were able to sit the long sides and post the short sides for a good 5 laps. All while maintaining a consistent pace and staying somewhat rounded. We also worked on standing under saddle for longer than a minute and standing quietly by other horses. While Cupid is horse friendly she tends to put a nasty face on when shes asked to stand with other horses, or squirm when standing under saddle.

Sunday February 26th:

On Sunday, I finally had a lesson. It had been two weeks since my last formal lesson, and  it as nice to get feedback other than "she has come so far". This lesson was with the assistant trainer and it was my first private lesson since I started at this barn. I like group lessons but it's nice getting feedback and having the attention of my trainer for the whole lesson. We focused on my two-point, keeping Cupid at a consistent pace, and not overthinking jumps. What I liked about this lesson was that the assistant trainer never uses our set course of outside - diagonal - outside - diagonal, she always uses the jumps and creates different "courses". Today was a serpentine using the jumps at the front of the arena. At the end of the lesson we did outside double to outside triple while staying in two-point during the lines. Cupid was initially squirmy and did the lines "drunk", but after doing the double-triple several times we came together as a team and hit both lines straight and stayed straight. What I find special about this lesson was the assistant trainer recorded our last triple and I got my first video of me riding. I've probably reviewed this video 20 times since I got it and have picked up on so many different things I need to work on. I wish there was a way I could record myself more so I could see what I am doing wrong.

It amazes me when I look at how far Cupid has come in such a short time. I'm consistently amazed by her and find her a joy to work with.

Cupid Training Diary: February 12th - 18th

Sunday was the first day Cupid and I actually got to use our new saddle. On Saturday I had visited Stockmans saddle shop and bought the M. Toulouse Premier. This was my first time riding Cupid in an "adult" saddle, and my first time riding in an "adult" saddle since last May when I was trying barns. This ride was a fairly basic walk/trot/canter flat just to get me used to having the extra leather. The flap still feels a bit too long but everyone agrees that the saddle fits me and puts me in the right position. At the end of my planned flat work the assistant trainer asked if I had jumped in the saddle yet. Because I hadn't she had me pop over the single diagonal a few times. Despite having a saddle that fit I still found myself gripping with my knees and not going into proper two-point. I ended the ride by walking Cupid around the barn yard just so she stops associating the middle of the arena with the end of our rides.

Our new saddle with my favorite saddle pad

Monday is our typical day off. The barn is closed unless you've gained permission from the trainer and I still haven't gained that permission. It's on my bucket list just so I can go out and groom Cupid and make sure she has water in her paddock.

Tuesday I was at the barn alone again. My plan was to try doing our course once just to see how my position was over a full course. But because no one was there I decided to do a flat school and use the two ground pole "jumps" to work on my two-point. Cupid was amazing and tried her hardest. Because we kept getting our canter leads correct I decided to try cantering her through the ground poles. She was a bit confused and broke to the trot a few times but at our last attempt she managed to fly through them while maintaining the canter, on the correct lead! I decided that was a perfect end to our ride and brought her in for a grooming/shedding blade session. 

All decked out for her holiday

Work passed out candy apples and cards

Our Valentine's Day Picutre

Wednesday I was also alone at the barn so we did our flat work and focused more on our walk to trot to walk transitions. Cupid knows these transitions well but it was nice working on the without worrying about any other horses in the arena. We also worked on trotting the ground poles and keeping her from drifting to the middle of the arena. Everything goes back to her thinking the middle of the arena means "done", and I'm convinced it comes from people only dismounting in the middle. On Wednesday I also changed our bit from a full cheek corkscrew to a full check jointed snaffle. Cupid realized that she had a lighter bit and went back to her head tossing and playing with her mouth. I'm hoping this is a temporary thing while she learns this bit because I really don't like the idea of using a corkscrew full time.

The book we're using to help work on transitions and training

Thursday we had some company as the assistant trainer, another boarder, and the barn owner were all there. The barn owner had brought fresh round bales to the paddocks and was moving them with the bobcat. Cupid has a love/hate relationship with the bobcat because she knows it brings the food but it's also the thing that spooked her last summer and made her jump the fence. Tacking her up was a chore because the barn owner and I were talking and Cupid was focused on the bobcat. When I went to bridle her she decided to try and drag me outside to see it so I had to force her into a stall. The front gate was open and I was worried that she would try to follow the trailer outside if I let go. That probably wasn't the best training but I did manage to redirect her to what I wanted as opposed to what she wanted. I do wish that I could use the trailer and bobcat to train her. If she had the change to check them out while they were running and associate them with something good then I'm sure she would stop spooking because of them. 

Our ride was uneventful, because it took longer to tack up I lost some ride time. We did get a comment from the assistant trainer that she liked how Cupid moved in the new bit and she thought my two-point was getting much better. It's always nice hearing comments that validate I'm doing the right thing. 

Friday I finally got the furminator I had ordered. Earlier in the week I decided that I needed something heavy duty to help Cupid shed faster. After I finish grooming her it always looks like someone tore out all her fur because of the coating on the floor. We spent a good 30 minutes working with my curry comb and the furminator. When I finished with her coat she looked so shiny and healthy. Since I had her, asleep, in the cross ties I decided to trim her mane and bridle path. I know you're supposed to pull the mane and shave the bridle path but Cupid is terrified of the clippers and pulling comb. I figure anything that will teach her acceptance of having me play with her head is a good thing. 

Our new grooming toy! Works like a dream

Saturday morning I woke up to a text from my trainer saying that lessons were canceled for the day. I went out to work with Cupid on the flat. My plan had been to work her in our dressage ring because it's flat, even, and clear of trip hazards. Cupid was not having my plan at all. She ran out of the ring several times, tossed her head, and seemed in a panic over everything. Because we were getting frustrated with each other I trotted her over to the jumping ring. Once we were there she calmed down and seemed more comfortable. We managed to get a good flat in and jumped the entire course. I had her canter our ground pole line then trot the rest. I'm dying to work with her on cantering a jump, I think we finally have a good sense of balance and are ready to do it, but the problem is that we both need a trainer to sit down and work with us on it. 

Modeling our new tack. A new noseband is my next item to buy. 

Steele My Heart..... Again?

Well, as of January 11th, Cupid no longer belongs to my trainer. She's now privately owned and in a full time training program. Her new owner is out at the barn six days a week and Cupid really seems to love the extra attention she is receiving. I would say that I'm jealous but it's pretty hard to be jealous of yourself. 

Deciding to buy Cupid was almost as stressful as deciding to buy my house. The idea that I am now committed to an expensive animal for the next 20 years is terrifying, but I knew that Cupid is the horse for me. In the past month she's learned to pick up her feet when I say "pick" while tapping the back of her leg, and she now manages to pick up her left lead most of the time. We still have a long way to go but I can't wait to see where we're at in a few months.

There are several big changes on the horizon for us but I know that these choices are for the better. The first major change, that I can share, is that I've completely changed some of her tack. I bought us a new saddle that fits her about the same as our old saddle, but actually fits me. We went from a 15.75" Pessoa Pony to a 17" M. Toulouse Premia. Stockman's Harness and and Saddle Shop in Orlando was extremely helpful to work with. I brought in the Pessoa for them to see and walked out with the Toulouse and an HDR. I tried both saddles on Cupid but decided that the Toulouse felt the best on her and felt the best for me. While the HDR was nice it felt like I had no contact with Cupid, and like we were slipping all over. When I went back to Stockman's to return the HDR, the salesgirl helped me find a set of stirrups and matching leathers. 

This week I plan on going through my barns stash of pony bits to find a softer bit to try. Right now Cupid is in a full cheek corkscrew, which I think is giving me more "woah" than "go". Recently I've had to use a small set of spurs on Cupid and carry my crop. I don't have an issue carrying the crop because she responds to it being flagged in her eyesight, but I don't want to wear the spurs full time. Hopefully taking the brakes off will help us. 

As for the other changes, those will be announced as soon as I feel comfortable and am sure they'll go through. My plan is to try and us this as a training journal for Cupid. I might not be able to update with pictures every post but I'll sure try!

If I eat the lunge whip I don't have to go in the round pen

A Week In Review 1/1/2017-1/7/2017

Hopefully doing by doing weekly recaps I'll be able to stay on top of this and actually publish valuable content. So, for the first official 2017 post, here's my weekly recap.

Sunday - 1/1/2017
I started my new year by ringing it in with some of the most amazing people possible. My friend from New York thew a party at his new house which meant that we didn't have to brave the Disney crowds. I would have thrown the party but I had family in town and they're notorious for going to bed early. One huge perk of this party was that the Jedi got to meet New York and Vegas. It also, unfortunately, meant this is the last New Years I'll get to spend with Vegas. In February, he'll sadly be moving to Las Vegas for his job.

Outfit for the night! Naturally all White House Black Market

Three Mouseketeers and Jedi!

Three Mouseketeers? 

The lovely host of the evening

The rest of day was spent saying goodbye to my family, as they had to drive back to Illinois. and cleaning the house. I also received a request from my mom to go look at a house for her. She had been considering this house for awhile but there are some architectural quirks that have turned her off. My realtor was, thankfully, available to go view the house the next day.

Monday - 1/2/2017
I was able to get a quick 2 mile run in the morning and some stretching. Lately I've been neglecting any form of yoga so my legs and back have been extremely tight.

Jedi was willing to go check out the house for my mom with me, so we went to meet with my realtor. The house was surprisingly beautiful. It has an amazing view, beautiful land, and a nice structure. My poor mom received the report that she might want to fly down to check it out.

Jedi and I got back to my house and hung out watching Netflix for a bit. While we did that I attempted to finish my tree skirt that was supposed to be finished by Christmas. Obviously, I haven't finished it yet.

Tuesday - 1/3/2017
On Tuesday I had to go back to work. As expected it was an extremely slow day because everyone was getting back into the swing of things. Unfortunately for me I was still feeling the effects of my lack of sleep over the weekend so I dragged all day. When I got home I may or may not have fallen asleep on the couch.

Yes I have a cow calendar at my desk....

Wednesday - 1/4/2017
Wednesday at work was fairly slow, but thankfully picked up as the day went on. I skipped out on my lunch break to go visit Cupid and apologize for only making it out to her once over the weekend. While she may not be my lease right now I do feel a personal responsibility to make sure she stays happy and socialized.

Thursday - 1/5/2017
While at work we had a quick meeting regarding dress code. During this meeting skinny jeans, work appropriate tops, and sandals were discussed. I personally can't stand conversations about dress code. It forces people to get defensive and puts a spotlight on those who have accidentally violated the dress code.

That afternoon I received a quick text from Jedi "What's realtor's contact information? I need to get out of my rental property." This was a nice start to my day because I've become pretty fond of searching for houses. We made plans to hang out after I got off work but that didn't happen because he got off work late and just wanted to go to bed.

Friday - 1/6/2017
Friday, I got to stand through a meeting discussing how bad of a storm the southern states are getting. I also had a jeans day option, but because of the meeting the previous day I elected not to participate. I only buy my jeans from White House Black Market and have a pair dedicated to work dress down days. But because of the meeting the day before I decided it wasn't worth the hassle.

After work Jedi and I were finally able to hang out and look at the houses he was interested in. He had contacted my realtor and was sent a whole list of houses in our area for his consideration.

Saturday - 1/7/2017
Which finally brings us to today. My car was sorely overdue for an oil change so that was in order. While there they naturally were able to find something wrong with my car and recommended I get the tires aligned. This would be a nice thing to do but it'll have to wait a few weeks until after a few changes have taken place.

Because the Goodyear is by Dover I naturally had to make a stop. While there I was there I was able to find the set of reins that my trainer suggested I buy. At 25 I'm now officially living my pony kid dreams. I have a 14.1 hand, grey pony mare, and now I have a set of pastel rainbow reins. I wish I could say I was embarrassed to buy them but it was super exciting to pick them out. I plan on trying them on Cupid tomorrow to make sure I bought the right size. If not, I'll have to run to Dover after my lesson to make an exchange.

Hello Goodyear, we meet again

Hummingbird feeder that I totally should have gotten

Rainbow reins and Wonder Dust #GreenBeanProblems

While my week wasn't too exciting it was certainly eventful in terms of amusement.

*If anyone has a suggestion for a Valentine's day costume for a horse let me know! With a pony named Cupid I definitely have to play up the Valentine's day cheesiness.

2016 Reflection

2016 was a year of big changes for me. While everyone seems to be glad to see the year end, I find it bittersweet. 2016 was good to me and allowed me to grow in both my personal life and professional life.

January:

I packed up my life in Illinois and moved across the country to Florida. I had virtually no family here and only a close knit group of friends. While it was hard knowing I wouldn't be with my family, it was exciting knowing that I was setting out on my own. 

Pumpkin checking out what's on tv

Max knew I was leaving and wasn't a happy camper

Brother trying gator tail for the first time

February:

I started a new job in a profession I never saw myself in. Training was stressful, but I learned so much and feel like I've gained several extremely valuable skills. Through training (and this job) I've also been able to meet people who have pushed me to be the best I can be. February also brought the Princess Half Marathon weekend. This race occurred during my training for work so I was stressed, exhausted, and so excited for everything. I wouldn't change how this race happened for anything. 

In addition to work and the race I also suddenly lost my Cockapoo, Max. It's still hard to think about how I wasn't able to be there with him and how I'll never be able to do the things we loved with him. Red in peace buddy. I know you're waiting for me somewhere (with your red ball or squeaky pig). 

Last picture of Max. Rest in Peace Bubbie.

Mom and I at the Princess 5k

Princess 10k character stop at the Boardwalk

Meeting with Jack and Sally at the Princess Half

March: 

I've always had cats in my life. After the decision was made to not move Pumpkin down with me, I took it upon my self to find a cat to adopt. The requirements were it had to be an adult, have short hair, and display it knew how to use the litter box. Somehow one cat turned into two and I couldn't be happier. Cali and Bailey fit every requirement and added one that might have to be on my list in the future: they're bonded and always make me smile with their "sister act". 

March also brought my mom down for spring break. During her trip we hoped to get my washing machine repaired but this wasn't a goal that HHGregg seemed to have. The darn washing machine repair lasted almost two months and several hours off work. 

The day I went to look at the girls at Petco

Bailey's adoption picture

Cali's adoption picture

April:

In April, I was one of a small percentage at work to pass a competency test. This pass was due to hours of study and making sure I knew my info 110%. Passing this test might go down as one of the proudest moments of my career. 

I also participated in the Dark Side half marathon. The race was fun and is actually one that I've signed up to run in 2017!

April also brought me to my current stable. I met with our barn "ambassador" to learn about the facility and our trainer. It was during my tour that she pointed out a grey pony and commented "You would make a good team with Cupid. You're the perfect size for her". Talk about sealing my fate. 

Dark Side Half Medal

 May:

I got to go home for my brothers graduation. It was strange seeing how my room had changed and not having Max around, but it was nice seeing everyone. I got to see my best friend for a bit and catch up with her (and her boyfriend) which was a major highlight of the trip. 

I also had my first few lessons at the new barn. It was at my second lesson that I rode Cupid and at my third lesson I made the decision to lease her starting in June. 

For work I achieved a major milestone where I was invited onto a team of select individuals to do more advanced work. Knowing that I had been handpicked validated my choice in accepting this job. 

Graduate Kitty?

NIU CLAS Graduation. Go Huskies!

Cupid doesn't understand "stand still and take the picture"

June:

June was much slower. I started my lease on Cupid and spent as much time with her as I was allowed. I also had my mom come visit and got to go antiquing with her. It was during this visit that she suggested I look into purchasing a house so I could get out of my shoddy apartment. 

July:

I spent the Fourth of July with a friend at Altamonte Springs Red, Hot and Boom. It was a fun and cheap way to spend the holiday, plus Altamonte threw a really good event.

My riding took a backseat in July when Cupid tried to jump out of her pasture. She made it but also took down the fence a injured her shoulder. So we took time off from riding and spent a lot of time cleaning her cut and making sure it wasn't infected. Because she hates being stalled and the cut was in a place that we couldn't bandage I did have to spend a lot of time cleaning dirt and other nastiness out of it.

Towards the end of July I got to test if my cats were actually dog friendly with my moms two dogs, Kodi and Lucy. Poor Kodi was the first victim and we learned that my cats are so dog friendly they will back the dog up into the wall in an effort to smell him. All four animals are now able to live in peace and we've actually left them all home alone without incident. This really helps when my mom comes to visit so that she doesn't have to get a hotel room with the dogs.

Hulk pony waiting for me in her stall

This is what happens when you challenge a metal fence

Aftermath of Hulk Pony using Hulk Smash

One of the many lunch breaks I spent applying meds

Bailey preparing to pounce on Lucy's tail

Somehow harmony was achieved

August:

August brought be back into the saddle and back into biking. Cupid's leg had fully healed so I was able to start riding her again. After a brief discussion with my trainer, we decided that it was time to try Cupid at a show. We set our sights on an upcoming show at the Sumter Equestrian Center and set to work on getting her ready.

I also went and joined the Florida Freewheelers. They're a local bike club and it allowed me to explore some of the biking opportunities that Florida has to offer. Unfortunately, they cater to the road bike crew and I refuse to spend money on one. I would rather keep my hybrid and stick to local trails than bike on the road constantly.

Wine and Paint night with my mom

Hulk Pony showing me she's no longer lame

First Florida Freewheelers ride

September:

September brought my first show with Cupid. We showed at the Sumter Equestrian Center's September Hunter/Jumper, Dressage show in walk-trot cross rails, and pre-long stirrup. While Cupid and I do canter at home she hasn't gotten her leads consistently on her left side so we didn't want to set her up to fail. We took 5th in pre-long stirrup hunter on the flat, 4th in walk-trot hunter on the flat, and 3rd in both walk-trot equitation on the flat and pre-long stirrup equitation on the flat. We did scratch all of our jumping classes. On Saturday Cupid had been so exhausted by the show environment that she laid down right before we were set to do our first fence course. My trainer and I decided to scratch her for the rest of the day and I would take her out later that night to do a quick course at the open warm-up slot. We wanted to make sure that she was just tired and not sick. On Sunday Cupid had adjusted to the show environment so well that she was back to pulling some of her "I don't want to trot, so I'm not going to trot" stunts. Because I wanted to have a good experience showing her and not have a course where we took out every fence we decided to scratch her. Overall, we had a good experience and I now know what to expect from her.

I also made my first "giant" adult decision. After the news about the UN I knew that interest rates would possibly be going up so I decided to look for a house of my own. I knew the exact neighborhood I wanted and at the end of September I put an offer out on a townhouse and had my offer accepted. The house passed the inspection with flying colors.

Pony all clean and loaded in the trailer

Showing off her ribbons from the first day

Walking before our class

The green bean and I waiting in the lineup

October:

Which brings be to October. At the end of October, I closed on my house and began preparing it to move in. My apartment complex was a complicated mess who attempted to make the whole process difficult which meant I would have my apartment until the end of November. This did allow me to paint the house and do minor work on items that I knew I wanted to change (like the gross bathroom lighting).

Also in October, I went back home for a weekend to see my cousins and family. Thankfully this trip was a short one because the day before I returned home my maintenance man at the apartment decided he needed to do a repair right then and there. They entered my apartment, unauthorized, and while performing their "good customer service", locked poor Cali in the closet. Thankfully I came home the next day and was able to get her out of the closet and get her food and water. This officially marked the end of my cooperation with the apartment company and helped validate why I needed the house right away.

My emergency water stash during the hurricane

Looking out my back door in the middle of the storm

November:

I was finally able to move my furniture to the house in November. I also stripped and completely refinished a china cabinet that I had bought while in my apartment. The cabinet had been painted in chalk paint and took forever to remove the paint enough to take another coat. Never again will I buy an item that has been treated with chalk paint and chalk paint wax.

I participated in my final races of the year, the Wine and Dine Half Marathon and 10k. They were great races and I'm glad I did them, but the timing of the races has really caused me to reconsider signing up for Disney races in the future. Because I had signed up months before I didn't know I was going to purchase the house. Had I known, I would have waited and wouldn't have had a 10k and a move on the same day.

Speaking of Disney, in November a friend of mine from my Disney days came down to visit. It was my first time meeting her fiance and he fit in with our group just fine. I'm so glad she found him and am so proud of her.

Poor Cal didn't take the move too well

She had to learn how to do stairs

Bailey got rushed to the vet

During the Half Marathon

The color I had to strip

Final product

December:

Finally, December brought the return of Cupid. I took off October and November to have a bit of a financial break and to focus fully on my house. Seeing her and being able to work with her again was a huge relief.

I also went to Battleground Orlando for the first time. It's a laser tag and paint ball course set up like a video game. We went for a friends birthday using groupon and it was totally worth it. The games they arranged were extremely fun and I was exhausted by the end. If anyone in the Orlando area is looking for a fun activity I would highly recommend it. 

It's hard to believe that was my entire year in a nutshell. Here's to a great 2016 and a (hopefully) even better 2017. 

Battleground Orlando for C's birthday

Work ugly sweater group costume

Christmas pony!

Here's to our Vegas trips in 2017

I couldn't think of three better people to say goodbye to 2016 with