Stan's New Owners

So I finally talked with Stanleys new owner and I"m glad to say from what I hear he is a spoiled horse in a pasture full of his friends. And that his new owner fell in love with him, just like I did. It puts my heart at peace finally knowing that Stanley is in a loving home and being loved and that his owner contacted me to tell me all about him and how he is doing.

So, I"m gonna get updates on Stanley occasionally and I"ll try to post them up in a timely manner because we all love Stanley and his amazing personality and love to hear more stories about his adventures in life, the people he changed and the reliable guy everyone can count on.

Stan & Rick Forever!

Good Bye Stanley.... :(

Yes, this is a very sad day for so I wrote this  for Stanley and I hope he won't miss me to much.


My beloved Stanley,
I will miss you. All your quirks and your personality. I'm sorry we didn't do our last trail ride as I promised we would have when I would leave you. Thanks for letting me take care of you and love you as if you were my own horse.


So I bid you adieu. You will always be in my heart and I will never forget you. You have taught me so much the past year and you have also made me a better rider. You have made me overcome my fear of jumping, and I loved to take trail rides with you, and I will miss our winter runs and sledding rounds. Good luck and I hope your new leaser will treat you well.

Your biggest fan,
              
                    Ricki

The Results Are In!

Tehehe! We came away with two ribbons!!! A third and a fourth place! YIPPE! BIGGEST IMPROVEMENT EVER! Unlike our last show where we got nothing.

But this was a hectic show. I first came super late to the show because they didn't tell me the time my event was and I was going off speculation. So when I arrived, I missed my warmup round and I was the last to go in my heat. After a quick 10 minute warmup, Stan and me headed into the ring. Got over the first jump, came to second and Stan strangely became the best reiner in the world. Honest, it was a extended canter and he just sat back on his hindquarters and slid to a stop in front of the jump and I fell off after he leaped sideways.

Trust me I tired to stay on, but my girth wasn't tight enough so my saddle slipped sideways.No I wasn't hurt, but just a bruised dignity and sand down my pants! Now having sand down your pants is not the nicest thing in the world, but you just can't take off your pants in the ring and shake the sand out, so I had to wait until after my flat classes.

Sorry guys, no videos, I wish though, maybe next show it will happen. :D

So I walked out of the ring, resolved to do better in my two flat classes. And yes I did!!! I got a third and a fourth place! Though I swear I beat the other girl. At least I kept my heel down and showed little movement for cues. At least a second or first, but what can you do.

 Everyone at the show knew each other!!!!! And when I came, I was the outsider, and I think favoritism is happening. But then again, what can you do, all I can do is trainer harder and better for my flat classes.


Here are some pics!

And then we had some fun on the track, it was just so tempting. Open and wide and great way to get rid of Stanley's energy!!! And to tell you, I felt like a jockey riding on Stan. it was so much fun!!! I mean, yeah I was sorta pissed I didn't come home with reserve or that a top trainer from the farm hosting the show won against me, even though her horse bolted across the ring.

But my run with Stanley was amazing! I loved it so much, is racing in our blood? No, Is endurance in our blood? Possibly. Is having a damn good time in our blood? YES IT IS!!!

I wanna say, live life to the fullest as the rage is on the internet, "YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE!"! YOLO!!!!!!

How do you let of steam after losing in a class?

Getting Ready For the Show

I didn't want another humiliation again like I had last show. Where I was ready, but Stanley wasn't enough ready and it is partially my fault. I looked up the time wrong and wasn't that prepared but this time I will be prepared!!!!!


My amazing cousin is in town right now, and she is so kindly helping me with Stanley. We went to the dollar store today and bought a ton of flowers and paper so we can make the jumps all pretty and nice and colorful so Stanley can get used to it  and not shy at it.

That is the amazing jump! I say it is pretty good myself and it does work! But more needs to be put on, that at the show I have to make sure I do the warm-up round so Stanley doesn't freak at the jumps. It worked last time at my first show. 

Wish me luck on my show and enjoy my new boots!

 

Also remember...

 

Mane, Veils, and Braids..OH MY!

I have another favorite past time of mine when I'm not riding or its raining outside or I just don't feel like to ride. Is that I play around with Stanleys mane. You name it, ribbons, dying, braids, wraps. I do it all. Just becasue I find it fun and it is very time consuming and gives me a clear head.

Here are some of the designs I did. :D

Braids

 Running Braid

 Veil, Braids

 Long Hunter Braids

More to come!

Sometimes you just have to start from scratch.

"She didn't come home with one ribbon, she didn't come home with 2 ribbons, she came home with none!"
-Me.


So I had my second horse show today, and it went wrong from the beginning. How? Well, lets start with warm-up. Yes, I made Stanley show ready, I put his mane in braids, braided his tail, cleaned him and clipped him and headed out to the show ring. Stan, as usual, was a totally spaz. I guess its that crazy Arabian in him that he has. Which made warmup sorta humiliating for me, but luckily not a ton of people were warming up. But on the upside, I got a ton of compliments on how he and I looked. We looked awesome! tehe. Also I have concluded that Stanley is severely ADHD. He just can't stay focused for so long and it takes awhile for him to get going and doing something. But I have to thank my trainer for saving me and helping me calm down Stanley to the point where he was his lazy self again. aka meaning more work for me and actually focus on my position and working on him framing up and getting his skills in order.


So here we are waiting at the show for my event, Medium Stirrup 2'0 Hunter, Medium Stirrup 2'0 Eqt. and Hunter Under Saddle.Long and hot under the sun and Stanley and me were super bored while waiting so he decided to always graze and I was chatting along with some other riders.
So it my round, it was rotating 3 riders. So 12 in total were in the Medium Stirrup and they split us up into 3. 3 riders compete 3 rounds and then the next 3 compete. So here is Stanley and me, last ones in to go our first round in Hunter. Lets say, we only made 2 jumps before we were called out of the ring. Aka, Stanley refused the first jump twice and the second jump once and then finally went over it. Yeah TOTALLY humiliated, but you know what, next round will be slightly better.

The next round came up, and I have given Stanley and huge pep-talk before walking in the ring, making sure he saw the other riders and horses doing the course. I really think it helped, because he only refused twice and did the whole course with me, kicking and urging him on over the jumps like a complete crazy idiot. But needless to say, I was pleased we completed the course.

We were called in right after in the HUS round, where Stanley was really asleep, we didn't even place in it because Stanley was falling asleep and didn't want to do any more work.

So yeah, no ribbons but lessons learned. hahaha, lets hope my next show goes better. That is in a few weeks.

Ok ok, I admit, I love quotes. hahaha as you can tell and if you noticed, I am the harshest criticizer of myself and to tell you the truth? I won't deny it. As I have been told once before,

"Your biggest enemy is yourself."

I really have nothing to say other but just a pretty photo of me and Stanley.

The Early Show

Wowie..it has been ages since I last updated this blog. I've been just super busy with school and EMT class. (Yeah, I'm becoming an EMT) and Stanley and life that I had no time to update anything. But now, finals are over and I have summer break with only my EMT class to do in the evenings I can post more!! YIPPE!!

Last week was my first show with Stanley, "The Early Show". and we did Low Hunters and Crossrail Hunters, couldn't do any more classes becasue it was super expensive and I"m dead broke and Stanley was a hyper crazy arabian. (for once).

My event was supposed to start at 5:00pm so I came to the grounds around 3:00pm, to go explore, get Stanley used to the grounds and register and everything. Get to warming up Stanley in the indoor arena and I have to say, I felt soooo small on Stanley among all those tall TB and Warmbloods and including it was raining so Stanley got a bath in a bottle instead of a shower so he wasn;t the cleanest. We stuck out like a sore thumb and inlcuding I was riding 2 of the two grays at the show. So everyone knew us.

But that didn;t stop me from giving Stanley a good warmup and making us look good. I love when he arches his neck and banners his tail, he is so pretty and we looked good. Well I think we did. hahaha

Here I am waiting for my event right? I learn they are behind on the schedule and I have to wait, didn't ride till 7:45pm and Stanley was being a big grump becasue he didn't get his food, so we raided the grass and flowerbeds outside the arena while we were waiting. Stanley and his grass and me with my nachos!

Finally, it was our event and I was called in. "Rider 697 on Prides Tribute ridden by Ricki Wischmann"
Oh boy, I was sooo nevous when I entered the ring that I forgot what jump came first! But Stanley got me in line by acting up and reminding me that I was in a show ring, and my friends were watching and everyone at the show was watching. First time we did the course we trotted it, oh boy, trotting and Stanley don't mix well. I can offically say my first round SUCKED! I couldn't get my form down and had issues counting my stirdes and including Stanley wanted to keep stopping to eat the bright colorful flowers on the jumps. (Thank goodness he didn't). Soo I'm not going to talk about my first round becasue when I came out of it, I nearly started to cry. But my amazing trainer Katie-Anne told me it was ok and said that my second round will be better and this is what I had to do. I got 4th out of 4th in the class. Go figure right?

Honest to say, my second round was way better then the first, I set Stanley in a canter and we went over the jumps smoothly except for one where it was my fault. I was so proud of me and Stanley after and good part is, we got 5th out of 8th in our second class. So super happy! Overall it was a good warmup learning show for Stanley and Me and now I can see what I can improve on and be even better in my next show!

Sorry guys, no pictures but I do have a video for you!

And then waiting for my ribbons with my two AWESOME friends.

Stanley is a Unicorn in Disguise...

Well, more like, it started two weeks ago. Ah yes, Stanley and me are working really hard to get ready for our first show on April 18th-22nd. Lots and lots and LOTS of ground work and pole work. Got my two-point down and my form down. Now Stanley just has to do the same, well he is sorta close,he just needs to get into shape.

But apparently with the weather like it is, super nice and warm, Stanley has finally finished shedding his winter coat. So now he looks like a horse not a fuzzy pony! "Nice Pony you got!" "ITS NOT A PONY ITS A HORSE" time is now over.  Tho I did like when a girl pointed out to her mom that Stanley was a Unicorn in disguise. I am pleased to announce that yes,

Stanley is a unicorn in disguise. He just told me a few weeks ago but I refused to believe it till I found this picture!

I can't believe how I missed it! As I am looking back through my photos I can now see what I didn't see before, the flowing mane and flowing tail, how he carries himself most times and how he is so smooth at most times and that look he gives me when I go into the tack room and pull out his peppermint candy canes.


So to all out there who think unicorns don't exist then I prove you wrong! I has a picture of proof here that unicorns do exist and they are not made up. My lovley handsome Stanley is one and thanks to a kid, he came out.

Fun in the Snow!!

WOWie...it has been a long time since I last put up a post! I just have been so busy with school and everything that I had no time to post anything.  A few weeks ago, Stanley injured himself. Somehow hurt his hind right hock and I couldn't ride him for two weeks. But now I am pleased to say that he is well recovered and we are getting back into working again. So excited that our first show is in *counts weeks on calendar* is 6 weeks from today!!!! Also that its end of semester and then summer starts!!!! But right now, it doesn't feel like spring.

We just got a huge dump of snow on us last night and well I can officially say this is the first time this season I had to go out and shovel snow....TWICE! Oh yes I was waiting all winter to shovel snow, I honestly thought we didn't have a good winter this year but looks like it is just coming in late. I mean, finally the mountain got some snow too!!! I mean I headed up skiing last weekend and the snow was awesome. Did some jumps and went through trees and some powder runs overall after a few crashes and stuff I was way happy.




Back to my original post, once we had a ton of  snow in a pile, my sister and me finally started to carve an animal to the snow. Can you guess what it is? HIs name is Puff. Puff the Magic Fat Snow Dragon. Oh yes, I see you guys want some pics, well here you go from last night, out amazing, wonderful dragon! (Made out of snow) Only got one for your guys but you can see him right? lol

 Heading back out to the barn to check on Stanley. The snow has finally stopped and I haven't ridden him in a few days so I decided to let him run in the field because it has been weeks since he could really stretch out his legs and run. First, I had to brush him, crazy horse is shedding like crazy right now and we still have snow on the ground. Pretty soon I have to put a blanket on him if we keep getting snow so poor Stanley doesn't get a cold.lol Then together we headed out to the field away from the barn. Now in order to get to the field, we had to go in the back field, down a gravel road and to the huge pasture. Stanley of course was always plowing ahead, and when he didn't want to make his own path, he would follow mine and almost run me over because he was so excited.

At last we made it to the pasture and here is where I let Stanley just go out and run. Next time I have to take his friend Cache along, I mean he was going crazy along the rail for his friend. But finally he calmed down and strutted his moves with a little help from me. hahaha

So I can officially say Stanley is the most photogenic horse I have every laid eyes on. From any angle standstill to running he is just perfect. NOt to sound so bratty about him, but Damn Stanley, best horse ever! hahaha

HEre, I"ll even show you some pics!

Hehe and than later we did some sledding with Stanley!!! Me and my sister with our good friend Talin and Elmon. Honestly this is the first time I sledded behind a horse well I didn't, but my sister did. I rode Stanley. lol Doesn't this look like fun!?

Anyhow...that is all I have for you guys today. I'll get some riding pic soon in! hahaha

I swear Stanley has his own mindset!

I have never met a horse with such an odd but amazing personality. I mean, one, he likes to eat snow. If I put in in a pile he will eat it. Whats with him and snow? lol Second, he needs to get motivated for working. Once I get him moving he is like, 'oh this isn't so bad, I love it' and he will give it his best. Also, he doesn't like going in trailers, only if he sees food. But even then, he doesn't stay in.

I have never met a horse like this, but I must say, he has the smoothest canter EVER! I discovered, if I work him on a loose rein when warming up, he will collect better and listen better. Including he loves open fields, way better in them then a small arena. And I think Stanley and me have reached a mutual ground. If I stop working him with trailers, he works better on groundwork. But this would be a problem in the long run, first show is in April, and if Stanley can't load in the trailer, then I can't go to the show, then I would be very sad... :( I wouldn't have a chance to try my new saddle.

But, never fail, I will get Stanley in the trailer, food or no food. Don't worry, I will be gentle. Maybe issue a challenge out to professional horse trainers, if you can get Stanley in the trailer, then you would be amazing! lol He is my best friend and a loyal guy. He will listen and not interrupt, he makes my dull day bright and my attitude better. I love Stanley!!!! :D

Did I tell you guys my first show is in April. Yes, I can't wait. I have contacted my amazing trainer and starting up lessons again in a few weeks. Excited. As I told you, 2'3 is what we will be showing this year, maybe a little bit higher, but for not 2'3. And I am not complaining, I would rather get my form down really REALLY good, then be jumping high. I hate to admit it, I'm sorta scared of jumping height just because I have a bad memories of my last time I did a show a few years ago. So I need to work pass that to get even better.

Oh, my birthday is coming up. March 19th! I'm so excited, I wonder what I"m gonna get for it....um...I guess I can show you my wish list of what I want!
http://www.amazon.com/registry/wishlist/3QX4IM69RZY36/ref=cm_wl_rlist_go_o

Tehe. Gotta get a matching bridle for my saddle!Also new paddock boots, anyone have any suggestions? for the boots I mean? I really like the Ariats, but they are expensive...any other good choice? lol Also I think I'll take pics of the barn tomorrow so you guys can see where I ride at and where Stanley lives! I'll also make it really really pretty and clean to make it look good for you guys. I'll show you the arena, the barn, the field, stalls, tackroom etc. I really like the barn, its awesome but I wish we had built in heaters in the roof so heat emits down.

Oh, also with this season, Stanley is shedding like crazy!!! Its to early to shed! Its not even March, just February. Wait, its February? that means *counts on fingers* in like 3 months I have my first show!!!! EKKKKK!!! SO CLOSE! Can't wait!

Running out of things to say...but...

"May the odds be ever in your favor."

Winter Gallop.

Today my sister and me went out riding. Since we couldn't go up to the Sundance Film Festival, we headed out to the barn. YIPPE!!! I hadn't seen Stanley in a few days and I could tell, he wanted to go and was sick of just sitting around in his stall, because one, he weaves side to side and two, he won't stand still! Besides, I had to tell him he has a new baby brother! Congrats to Tabitha and Brandon on their beautiful baby boy Beau! Stanley now has a little brother! Stanley was just excited and told me that he was so happy that he has an older brother. :D

But one thing that is erking me about this weather we have right now. I have NEVER remember it to be so wet and warm in January in a long time. I mean, I screwed my skis up when I went skiing, because NO snow was up on the mountain and I was going over rocks. *shudders* This never happened. Second, I rarely have to go and shovel. Last year, we had a ton of snow, I mean in November I made a snow pony! This year, I haven't even done a single snow sculpture. :( Also I didn't go skiing with Stanley yet in the snow, but we did go sledding. Stanley was so amazing that he pulled my sister and her friend behind him when we had a huge dump. We get some snow, then we get rain, and that all leads up to having a messy arena where I really can't ride in. Including the fact, Stanley thinks it spring so he is starting to shed. IT looks like I have to drag out the blanket for him in a few weeks. Great, now the blanket is gonna be all muddy and dirty when I put it on him for the night. Oh well, I am getting used to do laundry. I am getting of topic here aren't I?


Well, me and my sister were riding in the back field, going up and down the stretch of grass. Along that stretch is this old abandon house and infront of it, a huge flat grassy (now under some snow) pasture. I like, "WOw...if Stanley could go in that, we could really work on our riding." So me and my sister checked out the house, we dingdonged with no response so we looked in the back, and the house was abandon. Cool right? Well, I took Stanley in the pasture and just let him rip it down the length. For now I can let him go without him going straight to the barn in an out of control gallop. I can tell, he loved it so much, like it will just TAKE OFF! I swear, if I was on a racetrack he would run around the whole thing...well, most of it, he might stop half way, catch his breath and then charge on! lol He does that up on Gallop Hill.Back to the story...

Then when we took a breather, I saw my sister talking to a guy and I"m like, "Oh shoot, we are in hella trouble." so I dismount and I walk Stanley out of the pasture. Ready to come up with a really good story in my mind, aka, "I didn't see anyone in the house so I thought it was ok to go around in the pasture, I really didn't mean to trespass or anything, it won't happen again and bla bla bla bla bla.".

But instead the two were getting along like old friends and the guy, Jim, was his name, was the caretaker of the property and he told us, my horse and Rex and Cache, could use the pasture and graze in it, use it for riding, etc. and if we needed anything, just let him know. Also we discovered he owns an apple orchard! Stanley loves apples. So do I! :D

So that is how we got this awesome arena/pasture to ride in, and all I can say, Stanley does so much better in a bigger arena then the small one next to the barn. Now I can focus on my position better, get him collected and work out his kinks. He also agreed to help me set up some jumps in the pasture when summer comes so Stanley and me can practice. First show is April 22-28, 2012. :D So excited!

In the end, after riding in the pasture without permission, then getting permission to ride in it, It was a pretty good day. After riding, I worked with Stanley in the trailer and I am pleased to announce that he stays in the trailer, only if he has food, once its gone, he gets out. But as I say, 'Its a step forward." And of course..I have a few pictures to show you all. Thanks to my lovely sister for taking them.

(Don't mind my outfit..I look horrible in winter clothes. lol)
********TO COME SOON!! ONCE I FIND SOME TIME...****************





"In Riding A Horse, We Borrow Freedom."- Unknown

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

So not been doing much besides going out on trails, goofing off with Stanley and waiting for some snow. :D
After a few months in braids.... Check back previous posts..I took them out and Stanleys mane is sooo amazing!  Its so thick and luscious. :D

  I love it. :D

Now just a random video. :D

When we went on a trail ride on Christmas!

JUST WANT TO SAY HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM STANLEY AND ME!