wrapping things up ~ 5th and final in the winter trail course series

After four days of rain, the final trail course day came - and so did the sun! Thank goodness for well-draining outdoor arena's!! It was a gorgeous day to be outside!

Altho Koda's heel bruise is much better, I did not take him to the competition. We've barely ridden at the trot, and not loped for weeks. It wouldn't be fair to ask him to ride for hours, and risk setting him back. The kind hosts offered sharing their accomplished seasoned horse Chance, but I even turned riding that beautiful boy down. My lower back is in bad shape after trying to get the borrowed Back on Track boot off Koda. Sigh. My back woe's have come and gone for years, I should have known better...however, I turned my lemons into lemonade and shot photos of the event!!  

Chance

Beautiful Friesian cross

April Trail Course:
Start: Gate, left hand push, Walk through gate and close
Back through L poles, walk out over pole
Jog through serpentine, over four poles (small letter h shape)
Lope over wagon wheel poles (four poles) right lead
Lope to side pass pole, stop, side pass right over pole
Walk to pole, side pass left over pole
Jog to and over poles (one single pole, turn over three)
Walk over bridge and over poles
Lope over two poles in left lead and into house
Perform a 360 turn either direction, walk out of house
Walk to and over four elevated criss cross logs
Exit arena

Brad & Cierra over the criss cross logs

Jogging over the h shaped poles

Chance stopping in the house

Getting ready to side pass

Snapshot of how our horses did:

Cierra: She was quiet, but uncharacteristically distracted and unfocused. Our trainer thought Cierra was coming into heat. Somehow when it came time to ride the scored course, she pulled her focus together and took first with our trainer!

Patty & Cierra loping the wagon wheel

Nemo: What can I say but he was very Nemo, nothing out of the wonderful ordinary to share. He placed third with Brad!

Brad & Nemo practicing

It was a very different experience to be an observer. I really don't have a good sense of how the course was, altho I heard it was tough. Saw a lot of improvement, but no super clean courses. Chance competes (and wins) in trail, and even he had trouble spots. Attending numbers were down, only eight course's competed (hosts scores don't count). With six places, every rider went home with a goodie bag - which is nice. Altho we all felt kinda bad about the turn-out for the hosts, and can't figure out why there aren't more people attending?! It is such a welcoming friendly learning environment, with all different levels of riding capabilities and disciplines. It's fun to see how much every horse & rider improves! They mentioned starting the trail competition up again in November. You can bet we will be there! 

These cuties didn't compete, but they stole the show

High Point winners
(Cierra) Kris, Brad, and Patty (on Nemo)

Our trainer Patty took home Highpoint, a pretty embroidered halter. Brad tied for second, and gave the embroidered Reserve hay bag to Kris. He opted for a nice set of polo wraps! Well-deserved congrats goes out to these three great riders!! We wrapped up the series with a potluck, and headed home with forever kinda memories. 

the shared experience ~ 4th in the winter trail course series

The weather was sooo nice on Saturday, they held the March Trail Challenge outside!! Hard to believe just one short week ago we were up north playing in the snow. With the combination of being on vacation, and the not so distant bitter cold weather, we were only able to get one ride in the past two weeks. On the way up to our horses there were lots of thoughts circulating in my head, especially considering we would be riding outside for the first time this year...

We arrived early and were the first ones on the practice course. I think Koda recognized the place. Brad & I had taken a break from the competition back in November and rode by ourselves in their outdoor. Without knowing it at the time, it was probably helpful. 

Some riders just hop on and ride, I like to walk around in hand and look at the immediate surroundings together. Naturally Koda was a bit looky, but quickly settled in.

Brad & Cierra resetting poles
Patty riding Koda in background

At first, the course seemed confusing. But as in past months, after practicing the sticky spots it flowed together and made sense. Although it was sunny out, the wind was fresh and whipping. With a spread out course, it caused all the horses to want to rush. Even the seasoned horses that live at that barn.

Considering the struggles I've had with Koda recently, I thought about just jogging the lope sections. There is no shame in that. More then one rider in this series replaces the loping portion. But instead of taking the easy route, I tried. I got as far as I was comfortable, and then asked for help. Being the great person that she is, our trainer was willing to hand off Cierra (the horse that is in training) and ride Koda for me. She doesn't just ride him, she explains what she is doing and why. Every time our trainer helps me, I understand the situation a little more. The why & how, make better sense. I am sooo thankful for her help!! She would stop Koda the second he started trying to blow through (fill in the blank) sometimes that would be in the middle of a set of poles, or many times at a lope cue. It didn't take long, and he decided it was easier to listen the first time then to keep restarting. This is far from a new concept to me, but feeling it and timing is absolutely crucial. Both are a work in progress.

Below is a short video of them working together during practice. My phone said it was too big to send, so I had to clip the video. It begins after the first loped poles, and ends after the loped boxed formation (before the last four jog poles shown in the photos below).

We played musical horses, and before we knew it, it was showtime. Due to other events & shows, there was a smaller turnout then previous months. 10 trail courses were judged.

March Trail Course:
Start: Gate, right hand push
Jog into box, execute a 360 either direction, walk out of box
Lope left lead over three poles
Break down to a jog over three (elevated) poles
Lope left lead over four poles
Break down to a jog, continue jog over poles & through serpentine
Lope right lead over five poles (in box formation)
Break to a jog and jog over four poles
Stop or break to a walk, walk over bridge, then walk over pole and into chute
Back around chute corner
Walk out of chute, over three (elevated) poles

Snapshot of how our horses did:

Cierra: What can I say about how this pretty girl did? She did amazing, and even placed fourth with Brad. Young is young, and she had her energy moments, but continues to learn to work through them. Cierra is the main reason we are doing this winter series. There is only one way to learn, and that is to do. We were all impressed when a strong gust of wind suddenly blew the gate over while Brad was just about to walk her through it. It was during the competition, and Cierra just stood there looking at the gate as if to say "what's that doing down there?" What a good girl! Most horse any age would have at least startled. When our trainer rode her in the scored course, at one point she stopped her, re-asking for the lope - and I think the smile on her face below depicts the response she got best: 

Patty & Cierra doing the last set of 4 jog poles
(photo courtesy of High Pines)

Patty & Cierra doing the 360
(photo courtesy of High Pines)

Nemo: He may be a rockstar, but he's still a horse and succumbed to the same thing every other one did - elevated energy. It's tough to be on top, where everyone expects a stellar ride. His owner sadly knocked himself out of highpoint. Sometimes you can try too hard. I know Brad is kicking himself. All you can do is learn the lesson, and look forward to a better ride next time. Our trainer Patty faired better on Nemo, and placed second.

Brad & Nemo working the gate
(photo courtesy of High Pines)

Brad & Nemo doing the 360
(photo courtesy of High Pines)

Brad & Nemo doing the last set of 4 jog poles
(photo courtesy of High Pines)

Koda: We watched and waited for the right moment to compete. Calming my nerves, or at least trying to. I didn't just fall off the turnip truck and realized the previous months I was riding right after the winning riders. My strategy was to avoid that if possible. I think it works against you. Koda & I stood patiently near the gate. Trying to take deep calming breaths, while reminding myself to take it slow. If I could just squelch my nerves...all eyes are on you, and there were more spectators then riders. Time stands still when you are on course. Sometimes I remember what I see or did, sometimes I don't. Our course was going well, but I knew we didn't do the elevated jog poles correctly. Apparently Koda reached over and jumped the elevated ones. Most clunked them, as they were set a little too close. I felt relief after completing the loped box formation and breaking down to the jog. Everyone clapped and cheered loudly the second we cleared the last set of elevated poles. I reached down and gave my boy the love he deserved, for listening so well!!

After everyone was done competing, I heard my name called...Koda and I took first place...I still can't believe it!!!! I can now officially say I've surpassed my goals. One was to place higher then the horse whisperer - just once - and the other was to change my "show" story. I've been telling it since I was 12, it's probably getting a little old (the story, not me!!) I know it's not nice to want to beat anyone, let alone your husband. But do you have any idea how much crap I've had to listen to since this series started?? A lot. I had to give a little back. Now, I'll need to come up with a new goal.

Koda & I doing the 360
(photo courtesy of High Pines)

Koda & I doing the last set of 4 jog poles
(photo courtesy of High Pines)

We went out for burgers that night, and my hubby made a breakfast for champions the next morning. I can't help but feel sorry for the guy. I certainly didn't wish him out of highpoint. He claims my ride would have placed first regardless of how he did with Nemo. I'm not sure that's true. Besides I had no intentions of winning, didn't think it was even possible. But I'll be the first to admit, it felt good. It's hard to be humble.

The top six all went home with similar Easter themed goodie bags, filled with a small stuffed animal, chocolates, pencils and stickers, a holding container, pudding cups, and a couple scratch-off lotto tickets. None of us won big bucks. Instead we won much more, the shared experience.

Link-backs to the Winter Fun Trail Course Series to date:

November Trail Course

December Trail Course

January Trail Course

February Trail Course was cancelled due to weather

The April Trail Challenge will complete the series. Stay Tuned.

all that really matters ~ 3rd in trail course series

A break from frigid WI weather came just in time for the January Trail Course Challenge! We arrived late morning, and instantly felt the high energy. For some reason the energy was much thicker then previous courses. Koda's ears were on high alert. We tried to get acclimated to the obstacles, and not get run over. The host just smiled "this is the horse show, without being at a horse show". We focused on learning the new trail course pattern, instead of whatever was in the air that day.

Arena doors were open, the cool breeze kept the green & gold streamers a float, at times not so gently. The course decor theme this month was based on our NFL team, the Packers. The last obstacle was too cute. The hosts daughter had decorated two Packer posters to use as goal posts. We were to end the course by scoring a goal!

Packer fun with horses

January Trail Course:
Start: Walk over Bridge
Walk into Box, 360 turn to Right, Walk out of Box
At cone, Lope Left Lead into Chute
Side-pass left and back out of Chute
Walk to Gate, Go through Gate, Left Hand Push
Jog to spiral poles, continue over, Stop at Cone 
Perform a 360 Spin to Left
Right Lead Lope, over Pole, around Cone, over another Pole and Stop at Cone
Walk to Ball, use horse to Push Ball through Goal Post
Exit at Walk

January Course

Snapshot of how our horses did:
Our trainer took one look inside the arena before joining us, then had Cierra burn off some excess energy outside in the round pen. It was a good call. Cierra handled everything so much better this time! When riding more then one horse, they justifiably keep the higher score and toss out the lower one. Cierra would have placed otherwise, with our trainer.

Cierra & Trainer on course, making the tight lope over
Nemo (L)

Nemo was his usual rockstar, and placed first with Brad and second with our trainer. He is being remembered as the "white appaloosa" and is in first place running for high point with his owner, the horse whisperer.

Koda & I were having a smooth run until we got to the spin, my demise!! Our spin has gotten so dysfunctional. I don't know how/if I'll ever be able to get it fixed, without paying someone to fix it for me. Sad, but true. I tried not to over think the technical aspects, something I am frequently guilty of, but we spun right out and into the cone marker. Oops! What a sloppy mess that was. We got scored way too low on two other completed obstacles. Our trot over may not have been perfect, but neither myself nor our trainer could figure out what was incorrect about our lope over. We may have been scored low simply because those two obstacles were pre/post to our big spin flopola. Makes me no difference. Koda listened to everything I asked, all that really matters.

Young horse overcoming ball fear, with help from judge 
Nemo & Brad (L)

After days of cajoling from my hubby, I failed at placing higher then him on the course. Sigh. I even had a string of backers, but nope. I can come up with a whole list of excuses. For example, both his horses are ridden by a trainer blah, blah, blah. Nemo isn't in training, but ends up getting little tune-ups by default. Whenever Brad rides Cierra, they flip-flop horses. Let's face reality, it's really because he is a natural. Hence the horse whisperer nickname he has earned from more people then myself. I'll never do anything horse related even half better then my husband. Not that it's remotely important. After the show he endured some return commentary from the funny farm. Now what are we gonna do?! Next month we could bet if I win he makes supper, and if I lose we go out for supper ;)

Overall, the numbers and those attending were pretty similar to previous months. About 16 different horses competed, 20-ish courses ridden, and a handful of horses joining in during practice. It was once again a great learning experience, with good challenges, conversations & fun!!

Koda's new friend

Link-backs to the Winter Fun Trail Course Series to date:

November Trail Course

December Trail Course


Edited: adding photos from the January Course, courtesy of High Pines

Pow-Wow during practice by the Packer Goals
Brad on Nemo & me on Koda

Practice Time
Cierra waiting to do lope-overs

changing the story ~ 2nd in trail course series

Everything feels different towards the end/beginning of a year. There are gatherings filled with memories, anticipation, and reflection. Schedules shift, and everything feels a bit peculiar. When the December trail course date finally arrived, we welcomed the day away and all that it offered! A learning experience filled with challenges, friendships new and old, fun and laughter - lots of laughter - was sooo good for the soul!!

Interestingly enough, there was only one returning rider (besides us) from the first November course. The hosting facility called our trainer to see if we were coming. With only two signed up (guessing the sign up is at their barn?) they were thinking of canceling. Can't blame them, hosting is a lot of work! Good thing they didn't. They ended up with 13 different horses entered to compete, 15 courses ridden, and 2 horse/rider's practicing but not showing. We made sure the host knows now, consider us signed up for the series!

Cute tail on that roping dummy!
The gate rope had attached bells.

Thank goodness we arrived early enough to get some solid practice in, before the arena got busy. They had set up a challenging course, with things none of us thought to practice. Roping? duh! A teardrop back through? what's that? My hubby & I have never seen one (our trainer was kicking herself) and ohhh my, that was one tight serpentine!!

The December trail course:
Start: at Mailbox, retrieve & replace mail 
Walk to gate, turn at will, Work Gate, left hand push, close gate
Walk to 3 cones, turn at will, back through & around in a teardrop shape
Trot to poles, continue & Serpentine 5 poles, circle left & over pole, stop at bridge
Over bridge, stop at roping dummy
Swing & toss rope 
Walk to cone, 270 turn on haunches
Lope off right lead over pole, circle wide between back through cones & bridge, over pole, stop at beginning pole
Side-pass right, over pole
Exit at a Walk

The course was wide, and almost used the entire arena.
When not showing we were asked to use their extra stalls,
or hang out in the aisles or corners.

A snapshot of how our horses did:

Cierra was much better overall. She was great starting out, but as the arena filled up so did the stimulation, and her ability to deal with it. Typical of a young horse. They just don't know how to deal with heightened emotions. Brad has come a long way with her, and helped Cierra deal with the added energy. Our trainer Patty & I watched them work as a team, so proud of both of them! He chose to take the course second with her, completed the course as we cheered them on! Cierra still struggles with standing at the gate, altho she's had lot's of practice. Brad & I gifted our trainer with a new homemade sturdy gate for Christmas, but it only helps so much in new surroundings. Our trainer also showed her later in the course, with similar results.

New gate at our barn!

With Nemo, what can I say? Altho he had trouble dealing with the back through cones in practice (because of his personality) with help he figured it out, and rocked it by show time! Brad & Nemo placed 3rd, our trainer & Nemo placed 5th. He continues to prove to be the amazing horse that he is!! 

I was much more relaxed with Koda this challenge, altho I got the usual lack of effort on his part. When asked if I needed any help near the end of practice, I told our trainer I was struggling with keeping the trot through the serpentine (it was tight, the horses had to work) and of course the lope off. Yes I know, more leg. She offered to ride the practice course with Koda. She did, and made sure I knew afterwards that altho I always blame me, it isn't. She feels he isn't doing his part, meeting me half way. I know that, but I feel it's my lack of ability to get him to want to meet me halfway...I have no doubt, it will be a long road but we will figure it out together. I was very proud of Koda for not buying into the craziness a couple of the horses expelled, or better said, their young riders created... 

The two main things I got docked for: The dreaded (270) turn on the haunches...the move we've been struggling with...oh well, I'll keep trying. I also made a mistake on the pattern. Altho we nailed the lope off (I heard the supportive whistles, thanks guys!) I didn't circle wide, and instead took the harder version of the pattern ~ oops! Altho we completed it, I clipped the second pole. I can't complain, we placed fourth!!! 

We made a couple new friends throughout the competition, and ended up watching & hanging out in the "musical corner" (had to be there) where Brad eventually joined us. He picked up on it from across the arena...funny how those with a common outlook find each other without even trying.

Fun corner group

On the way home my hubby told me that now I'll have to change my showing story. I'm sure he's sick of hearing, "I've only ever shown once at a camp show, when I was 12..." I had sooo much stinkin' fun at the trail course competition, learned a bunch, even more then the first course...I didn't even know this was possible.

out of my comfort zone ~ 1st in trail course series

Winter has a way of slowing things down, including riding time. Days are shorter, colder, and there is so much to do before XYZ that our motivation begins to easily fade. While we were freezing our butt's off, and the horses were less then thrilled to be riding in the cold, something new and different happened...

Unexpectedly, we got asked to participate in a winter Trail Course Fun Series. It is being held at a barn close to where our horses live. Our trainer is friends and shows with the host facility owners. We never would have heard about this event otherwise. She thought it would be a great way for Brad and Cierra to practice becoming a team, in a casual show type setting. He hopes to show Cierra in the 2015 show season in some Ranch classes, including Trail.

Our trainer asked if I didn't think it would be fun to ride Koda in the local trail series as well...ummm...I had no idea. Really, I didn't. I've only ridden in one fun show at horse camp when I was twelve, as if something that long ago even counts. Altho I do remember some of it. I rode a roan Appaloosa mare named Strawberry, and took second in my riding class. I also remember how nervous and worked up I was, as well as the warm support received from my camp counselor & cabin mates. Needless to say the uneasiness of "what if's" and preference to stay within my comfort zone has increased with age. Besides, competing with horses at any level has never been on my bucket list.

As the first trail course date got closer and details were getting hashed out, I got put on the spot. While tacking up, our trainer came over by me to find out if we were indeed going to the trail series. Which by the way was three days away. I tried responding with "ask Brad" and she said she already did. He told her to ask me - lol!! Apparently my hubby had played the "ask the spouse" card first...our trainer is a good egg for putting up with us two. She asked again, if I didn't think it would be fun to ride Koda in the trail competition. I didn't want to be the one to decide everyone's fate, so I responded with "you know the show, you know me, and you know my horse, if you think we can do it, then I am willing to try". You guessed it, we went.

I was so busy those remaining days prior, preparing and hosting our family holiday gathering & house guest, that I didn't have time to even think about riding an organized trail course. It's probably a good thing I didn't roll around in the fear of failure. None of our horses have ever trailered to an unknown barn full of new horses, altho as you know Cierra has been to a couple sanctioned shows. There would be a lot of first's...

We had briefly talked about the trail series on the way home from riding, several times. My hubby kept saying it would be no different then going on a trail ride. Au contraire. Even so, I was pleasantly surprised and found it was a great setting for newbie's, riders & horses alike! 

Nemo in the distance, Brad & Cierra riding forward, me & Koda riding away
Practice time starts, photo by High Pines

They offered a good long warm-up, and allowed in the saddle course practice (which is not allowed in a real show) before the judged trail course. The warm-up arena filled up closer to starting time, and everyone practiced. About 13 horses entered, with approximately 17 course entries (some horses did the course twice, with different riders). Each obstacle was scored 1-10 on various elements, there were no disqualifications or special tack requirements. Top six scores received a gift bag and there will be high point prizes at the end of the series. 

The hosts intend to increase the difficulty of the trail course, as the show goes on monthly into Spring. We all thought this first course was plenty challenging, even the seasoned riders. Altho the course series is just for fun, and it's completely unofficial, some of us talked about how nervous we got, and how funny it was that we even got nervous when it was our turn to ride the course.

The November trail course:
Start: Work Gate, right hand push, close gate
Trot through Serpentine, and through half of L to cone
Back through L
Lope right lead out of L, straight to box
Walk into box, perform a 270 turn to left
Walk out of box and over bridge
Walk to ground pole and side-pass left
Perform a 180 turn, walk to ground pole and side-pass right
Exit at a Walk

A snapshot of how our horses did:
It wasn't a good day for Ms. Cierra. She was very "looky" and never did settle in. Brad rode her first, for almost the entire time. Altho I was worried for him in certain instances, he did a good job working with her excess energy and they completed the course. Our trainer showed Cierra towards the end, and had a similar experience. I think it made Brad feel better to know, it wasn't just him.

Nemo was the usual rockstar and placed twice in the top six. Once on the course with our trainer, who rode him almost the entire time we were there, and once with Brad who gladly hopped on his familiar mount near the end of the show. They each earned a fun different goodie bag. Among other things, Brad's gift bag included this silly monkey...

The monkey's hands have velcro, and my hubby promptly hung him on his truck mirror. It's as uncharacteristic of Brad, as Cierra was at the trail course earlier that day. I hope the monkey hangs around for a while serving as a reminder, that makes him smile when things are less then fun. 

Koda and I did good together. We worked through our nerves early on, and practiced obstacles during the warm-up. The worst I got from him was when I first showed him the open service door by the L. He got high headed and snorted sooo loud when a pastured horse came rushing over the hill, the whole arena turned around. Our trainer was shocked, and asked if I needed to lunge him. Nope, he didn't even scoot or prance and quickly got over it. We had a couple struggles a few years back while encountering new horses on the trail. I really didn't know how he would react being in such tight quarters with unknown horses, but Koda has grown up and was so well behaved. I think he enjoyed the experience? 

It didn't take long during the warm-up to know I would have trouble with the "Lope right lead out of L, straight to box". I typically lope Koda off from a trot, not from a standstill and never right over a pole. Our trainer gave me a few helpful tips: back as far as you can, walk a few steps, shorten my reins, and ask firmly. By the time I found out what the pattern was (totally my fault) it was hard to get into that L spot to practice. I was able to unsuccessfully try twice. 

Brad & Cierra and me & Koda, between the pink & orange jackets
Rider's watching the course, photo by High Pines

As the competition started, things temporarily got quiet. Except for Koda. He chomped at his bit methodically, apparently out of boredom. Koda became the unofficial pace keeper, he sounds like a metronome. Everyone was so friendly that by the time I rode the course (think I went 5th?) I was ready. Nothing really mattered anyways, except for trying, as we cheered each other on.

As far as our scored course, it would have been a lot better if Koda hadn't eaten the gate decorations! Whoops!! He nabbed some of the grassy tall stalks, just as I reached to unlatch the gate...little stinker! Oh well, he wasn't the only one. I knew I was instantly doomed, since his first priority was getting the stalk in his mouth. We all had a good laugh as Koda proceeded to multi-task during the entire course, must have looked as ridiculous as it felt.

I got docked 5 points for his eating, some for clipping the box upon entering, and the judge also mentioned she didn't like how close I was to the poles on my side-passes.

Nemo & our trainer backing in the L
Judging the course, photo by High Pines

I thought the judge did a great job overall, and really appreciated her sharing her comments and suggestions afterwards. I never did see the scores, but could have. By the way, I didn't even realize it until I rode back to the group and several acknowledged me for getting my lope-off to the box!! 

We were at the show for what felt like a long time, 3-4 hours? A fair amount of it was standing, talking with other riders, and watching the course rides. Brad & I did sneak off for a short ride (I got permission) with Koda & Nemo in their nice big open outdoor arena. I would give my eye teeth to have a place like High Pines. Not fancy, but well kept with everything a horse person needs, including being tucked away off the road and surrounded by woods. 

I am sooo happy we went, and pleased with how things turned out...life has a beautiful unpredictability about it. To say I am looking forward to the next trail course day in December, would be an understatement. We not only enjoyed our time, met some nice people, but learned some valuable things about ourselves and our horses that need practice. 

My Sunday ride on Koda was great, it felt fresh and he moved out much better. I was reminded there is only one way to feel alive and grow, and it's getting out of ones comfort zone. I won much more then any prize would have given me at this first competition, things you can't put in your pocket, but instead hold near to your heart...