Hey, Remember Me?

I have a mental bucket list.

Things I want to do before I die.

Number 3 on my list is called "Hey, Remember Me?"

(Note: This list is not in order of importance!)

Now what is "Hey, Remember Me?" Allow me to explain.

Ever since I got into Parelli all those years ago (hehehe...) I've always wanted to go to 3 (or more) tour stops in 1 year/one touring. Just so after the second one I can go up to Pat and/or Linda and say "Hey, do you remember me?"

It's not possible to do it after just one because I am pretty sure they won't remember you. However if you go twice before and then the thirt time they see you, I bet they may remember you!!

Anyway that oppurtuny may have finally arisen! Thanks to the Parelli Horse & Soul tickets being free for Savvy Club Members, it is now possible for Mom and I to go to the Conyers, GA event in February and the Murfreesboro, TN event next October. Also there is the possibility of me going up to Ohio to visit the same friends who I just went to go visit in Savannah (they are moving) and we can go to the Columbus, OH event together!

The Ohio option is still VERY up in the air so nothing for sure, though I would love to go because it would mean completing my bucket list goal!!

Scenario @ Murfreesboro even after going to previous two..(lets just say it did happen...)

Julia: Hey Linda, remember me?
Linda: Oh my gosh, yes! Didn't I see you at.. Conyers and umm...Columbus?
Julia: Yep! And I'm back again!
Linda: Oh wow. Where do you live?
Julia: Chattanooga. So this is the closest one out of all. I think you should offer free tickets more often. It really makes alot more things possible. ;)
Linda: Obviously. *laughs*
Julia: Would you mind signing this photo that you have already signed twice once again please?
Linda: Sure.


Something like that ;)

New Doors Open when Others Close.

Lately, I have found myself amongst so many new oppurtunities it has become hard to keep track.

I have also found my past coming back around to find me in odd ways. 

The first thing that has come back around is the fact Casper is doing lessons again. (With me of course)

When I first began playing with him I was determined not to teach lessons with him till I deemed him ready. Some part of my mind even decided that he would never do lessons again. At that time he was completely wrong for the job. His horsenality, spirit level, emotional, mental and physical fitness were all wrong for it.

Now he seems to be the perfect match for Jimmy. I have been using Sharlie too of course but still. It is odd how things come back around in a circle. 

The important thing is that Casper is thriving. Something he wasn't doing before because he couldn't. [This is where I could go on and on about why he couldn't before, but I won't do that.] What is important is that his enviroment, emotional, mental and physical fitness are all in great shape and the most important facter- he is happy.

Another thing that has seemed to come back around is that I feel like I am accepted at the stables again. I think the summer away caused me to feel like a bit of an outsider but I feel involved again. Of course it had nothing to do with anyone leaving me out. I did it to myself. I went off in my own little bubble for a while with just Sharlie and Casper. When I started teaching lessons, I came back out of the bubble and back to the stables. 

Some people from my past have come back into my life. Some via Facebook, some in other ways. Not quite sure what to make of it yet...though I have a feeling it will turn into something or another.

I have officially been writing Casper's story for a year and a half! (give or take!) 

Here is a excert from Chapter 3.

"Startled and frightened, Tangerine shot forward into the stream. I began running toward the stream, expecting Tangy to come running out the other side. However she had stopped in the middle of the stream, realizing what she had done. I watched as she tried to turn around to go back but she seemed to be sinking into the sandy bottom of the stream. Since that didn’t work she tried to wade towards me on the other bank.

I realized in growing horror that Tangerine was stuck in the sand and seemed to be sinking. It hit me with a jerk. 

“Quick sand!” I shouted."

Now onto new doors...

A few days ago, a lovely old horse by the name of Callie passed. She was a sweet and gentle darling but was in pain. Callie's owner Melissa contacted me today (or was it yesterday?) about what I did with Sharlie and Casper, was it Parelli, etc... Melissa also has Little Bit who was Callie's bestest friend in the whole wide world but Callie was Melissa's soul-pony. (Soul mate, soul pony...get it?) Thus she and LB never really had the same relationship as Callie and her. 

LB and Callie used to be therapy horses and I was delighted when Melissa told me she did the 7 games with them way back when. 

Anyway we set up an exchange of sorts :P

I help her out with Little Bit, the queen of all Left Brain Extroverts. (No, seriously!)

And hopefully she can help me out with my teaching technique when it comes to lessons!

"Good, better, best, never let it rest! Make your good better and your better best!"

Now you may have noticed I have added some music to the blog. I love music and I have been thinking about adding a playlist. I hope you like the music. Hopefully the list will expand past what it is now (as in...5 songs! :P) 

If you want to turn the music off, it is at the bottom of the page!

I'm off to Savannah tomorrow!

Toodles!

A Strange New Welcome!

Hey guys!

I have always taken pride in the fact that Sharlie and Casper are some of the best mannered and friendly horses at the stables. They always are waiting for me at the gate, nickering at me with ears pricked and eyes fixed on my every movement.

I loved this welcome every time I went down to the stables and I had become used to it. Taken it for granted.

So imagine my shock when I went to go and say hello to them and they are acting like completely different horses! Sharlie was going back and forth from nudging me with her nose rather violently to spinning around in circles. Casper had taken to trotting around me and and almost prancing in place.
On top of that they were biting and kicking at each other like they were suddenly worst enemies!

Needless to say I was shocked and dumbfounded. My sweet, gentle, polite, well-mannered, friendly darlings were being aggressive and just....completely different. I was about to walk out of the field and decide not to play with them when I saw Sharlie paw at the gate just before Casper came up and began nibbling at one of the bars.

Suddenly it clicked! They wanted out, they wanted to get out and explore  and play! I hadn't been down to play since the weekend!

I ran back and got Casper's halter and ran back to him. He practically dove his nose into the halter!

I got the sense that both horses wanted to play hard today. It was a vibe. So that is what we did.

With Casper we did something I have avoided for a while: circling game at the trot!
He was tense at first but I didn't stop this time. Soon afterwards he relaxed and had slack in the lead rope.

We did traveling circles, squeeze through barrels, watch where you are going...a whole bunch of stuff. Casper was sweaty by the end of it (something very hard to do if you have ever met Casper!) but he had a very happy expression on his face!

Also, I think I found out one of the other reasons why he was acting so offish before. While spending some undemanding time with him afterwards I noticed he had clumps of what looked like mud on his belly. However when I looked closer I saw that they were in fact large scabs on a very ugly infected wound.

Its rather odd looking I must admit. However its in a rather odd place where a savvy string, brush or hand could easily brush over it unknowning but cause him pain. I washed it several times, disinfectated it. The point is...it looks wierd.


I will have to keep an eye on it.

For Sharlie, our "intense" play session was much more mental than physical. The trailer was up by the barn so I took advantage of it to play around it a little bit. Sideways, squeeze, all of it helped. We have definitly made progress. She willingly sniffed it today! That is a lot of progress considering she was afraid to go near it 3 weeks ago.

That is all for now. I won't be posting till after fall break probably.

Good night,

Julia

Thoughts of the Past, the Present and the Future

Hola!

Time for a much needed long and lovely post, n'est pas?

Alright, first things first. Remember those things below?? (They are also in the side column! >>)

Fall Goals:

For Casper:

- Pass Level 1

- Go out on the trails confidently w/ a saddle and hackamore.

- Be 100% comfortable in the stall.

For Sharlie:

- Fluidity at the trot and onwards.

- Balance in the saddle.

- Refine phases.

For Me:

- Raising my energy. [Lightening bolts & purple waves.]

- Being more aware and improving my use of body language.

- My lightness.

These are my goals to complete before the end of November. (Yea that is when fall ends for me :P)

I just read over them today and realized something. I've already completed alot of this!

For Casper:

Go out on the trails confidently w/ a saddle and hackamore ✓

For Sharlie: 

Fluidity at the trot ✓

Balance in the saddle ✓

For Me:

Being more aware and improving my use of body language. ✓

Pretty darn good if you ask me!!

Now, onwards!

I completely forgot to tell you guys I have started teaching lessons! Yes, yes! 

To be honest, its been a little bumpy. I have been using Casper but he hasn't been the most cooperative. Sharlie on the other hand has been a charm. However it is very true that Sharlie is much more intimidating than Casper is due to her size. Its a completely new path so we are sort of expirementing as we go. (Unfortunatly for poor Jimmy!)

Then next week I am going down to Savannah to go see my friends! They are (hopefully) starting Parelli and so I'll help them out a bit. I can't wait to go to the beach, eat donuts for breakfast and watch all the X-Men movies. 

:) 

Also, keep an eye on the Parelli Central blog for when my blog post is published! :D

Anywho...that is all for now! :)

Naturally,

Julia

"Natural" Manifesto

http://www.wattpad.com/2283280-natural-manifestopoem-natural-manifesto

Not a Night to Forget

This evening was a very productive evening. I did the pony rides at a party, did the chores and then rode Sharlie out on a trailride with Mom walking with Casper.

I enjoyed doing the chores like always because I learn alot about horse behavior and horsenalities. I find all very fascinating.

The highlight though was when we went out for a walk. Sharlie was doing well at the walk so I decided to try a trot. For the first try I wasn't completely fluid but I wasn't bouncing or unbalancing myself. It took several more tries to find what I wanted.

To be completely in sync with Sharlie while trotting.

And I found an amazing discovery.

When one is completely in sync and fluid with Sharlie at the trot, one can drop the reins and steer with only their body. They do not bounce or slide. Almost like they are sitting on an armchair. You aren't going to fall.

Discovery of Confidence

Hey guys!

I have some very exciting news!

I have been writing an article about my discovery of confidence. It took a few weeks but I finally finished it last night.
I then sent it to Parelli Central.
I got a reply today asking if it was okay if they used it on their blog. I said yes!
I am so excited!
I will post the link when it is up :)

Naturally,
~Julia

My Letter to Linda

Hey Linda,
I really doubt you will remember me but I thought I should let you know in some way. Back in January 2008 (was it that long ago already?) I came up to talk to you at the Franklin Celebration in TN. I had just bought my very first horse ever and only had her for a week. Charlotte's Firefly after my friend who lived in Australia. I still have the photo of Sharlie that you signed.
Well a few weeks after the Celebration Sharlie got really sick. Her left eye was swollen, runny and pussy. She could barely open it. The horse that I had assessed as a LBE during the Celebration was gone and replaced with a RBE. The vet came out and said that Sharlie was blind in her left eye due to moonblindness. 
To summarize, from February to May of 2008 my mom and I focused all our attention on Sharlie's physical and medical care. I stopped riding because I was terrified of riding Sharlie and I would always need my mom to help me lead Sharlie. I basically got stuck in the same cycle you did with Regalo in a way. I excersiced her in the round pen, running running trying to wear her out when she only grew stronger physically.
In May, some how I realized that I was NOT doing Parelli. I was not doing what Parelli was all about.
That is the day everything changed. Sure, Sharlie and I still have bad moments but we get less and less every time we play together. Over the summer Sharlie and I went to a Parelli friend's house for 2 weeks to focus on our natural horsemanship. Then I spent a week interning with Emily Larramore who will be coming to Ocala in November for her Fast Track.
The results of this summer have truly come through. On Saturday I went down to go play with Sharlie on the 45 foot line for what was the 2nd time. Here is an example of how it went.
"I wonder if she would pick up a canter 30 feet away because I raise my energy?" Sharlie picked up a canter.
"I wonder if she will change direction if I take only two steps back?" Sharlie changed direction.
We did some amazing things that afternoon. Even though we still can't canter in the saddle (due to confidence issues) and we may be facing the gigantic problem of Sharlie never wanting to load in a trailer again, we still have those beautiful moments.
And I just wanted to say thank you.
:)
Happy Birthday Linda.
~Julia, Sharlie and Casper.

I wrote this on Linda's Parelli Connect page yesterday evening. I didn't even realize it was her birthday till I was about to post it and saw everyone's birthday messages. :P

Maybe we will get a reply, maybe we won't. I don't really care. But it was something that was on my mind for a while now.

Am I A Bad Blogger?

Am I?

I have barely posted anything these last few weeks. That is partly cause I have done barely anything with the horses. (Yes, I know. I fail.)

Well in an effort to make it up to you let me share with you this blog. Its my writing blog.


http://ajourneyofwordsandstories.wordpress.com/

Also let me share a story I wrote. Its short.

The Big Top

I stood fiddling with the leather popper on the end of the lead rope, shifting from one foot to another and trying not to listen to just how loud the applause was from the crowd inside the Big Top. Someone came up and tapped me on the shoulder and said that I was up next. They said “Don’t be nervous, just let the Big Top work its magic.”

I took a deep breath and looked up toward the horizon. There lay the bold and beautiful Colorado Mountains. I was here, finally.

I heard Neil Pye introduce me to the crowd and I clucked to my partner at the end of the lead rope. We took the few steps into the arena and all my worries washed away. I took in the crowd with a smile as I took off the black rope halter after giving my Haflinger a big hug.  River stood by me, waiting patiently for my signal. 

We started out simple with some Stick To Me at the walk, trot and canter that transformed  gracefully into circles that began close and slowly spiraled outward till River was cantering along the rail. I showed him with my body language to weave through the comes that had been placed along the long end of the fence. With only a couple steps back and forward, River followed my body and weaved the cones to perfection. The applause resonated off of the ceiling 

and the walls.

Then I raised my energy and clicked a bit and River sprinted at a full gallop along the outskirts of the arena. After one lap I lifted my stick ever so slightly in front of him and he came to a sliding stop, causing the curling and twisting dust to envelope him and the audience near him  in a large cloud. The applause seemed to echo.

I waited for a few moments and then as if in slow motion I saw River’s proud face emerge from the dust, his ears pricked asking me what was next. I welcomed him back close to me and gave him a small kiss on the nose before swinging up onto his back. He turned his head to look at me through his thick forelock. I gave him a small smile before asking him forward. He took off at a graceful trot. He arched his neck and picked up his feet like he was a large fancy dressage champion, descended from generations of careful Warmblood breeding rather than a Haflinger pony abandoned at birth by his mother and by many people after that. 

We performed a number of figures, including the Clover Leaf pattern, the piaffe and a sliding stop. I noticed a group of 4 girls who looked about 13, 14 years old sitting by the fence watching us with big eyes. 

We ended the performance with spinning around both ways. As River laid down after bowing, the applause was almost deafening. I looked all around me, soaking it in. 

We were here.

The magic of the Big Top did work. 

Gus

This is from July. I forgot to post it when I returned home. Better late than never.






As some of you know I was on vacation, camping in Cherokee, NC. It is a beautiful place to camp with streams, forests, waterfalls..gorgeous.

And in every touristy place there is of course the horse rides. I decided to opt into this one because I was hoping for some wild reason that it would include something to do with Native Americans- don’t ask me why but it seemed like a reasonable hope. We were in Cherokee, NC right next to if not already in the reserve, it was a trail ride...I don’t know. I am just so fascinated with the Native Americans I was hoping for anything. At least it would be a pretty stable right? I had seen some beautiful valley pastures around and I thought “Hey it would be great to see a beautiful barn.”

If you didn’t already know this about me, then let me share. I do not like going on the tourist horse rides. Why? Because I seem to have a knack for going to the worst possible ones. Where the horses go on the same trail over and over and over, never having their saddles or bridles taken off, only having a five minute break to bring water and grab a snack. 

But surely in the beautiful land of the Cherokee it will be different, right? Oh so so wrong. It was the worst I’d seen in quite some time. 

The trails were gorgeous but not ideal for horses to walk on, large slippery pebbles, muddy tiny trails on the edge of a sharp drop, sharp rocky paths. The horses had about 5 minutes to drink and grab some hay- still completely tacked- before being assigned a new passenger. I don’t know what disgusted me more: When one of the guides (not much older than me) told me to pull to stop, kick REALLY HARD to go, jerk left to go left and jerk right to go right. (Okay, I’ll admit he said “pull left” and “pull right” but the way he showed me to do it was basically jerking.) He still told me this even though he knew I was an experienced rider. Or (what was more disgusting) the fact that most of these horses are were ‘old hags’ with thin weak necks and a rather bony body. Most of these horses had to be in the 20’s at least and should be retired.

My horse was Gus. A dapple grey gelding who was crossed with draft. (When I asked what breed he was I got this for an answer: “Dunno...something fat.” Oh the joy of rednecks) He was thick (of course) but seemed to have the features of a more delicate horse. Not Arab, but maybe Andalusian(?) I wouldn’t know. He looked younger than most of the other horses and more muscular. Reaching almost 16 hands, Gus was for the more ‘experienced’ riders.

I didn’t know what to expect, to be quite honest. Gus had been on this trail already once this morning- would this mean he would be bored out of his mind or had already seen the spooky sights of the day and was much calmer now? What horsenality was he? Most of the horses seemed to be left brain introvert but I wasn’t going to assume anything till I could judge for myself.

Either way I was determined to make this trail for Gus much more interesting than he ever would have expected.

We started out on a narrow path that curved to the side of the mountain with a rocky face on one side and a steep drop on the other. My first goal was to figure out what Horsenality he was. 

Almost immediately I was able to tell he was introverted. Not only would he rather not move his feet, but I could tell his brain was moving quickly. What was he thinking about? I wasn’t quite sure. The path perhaps, or how to throw me off the path. Maybe the horse behind him or the horse in front of him. He was thinking about something.

I’ve had my experiences with trail horses. Those who test you, those who try to do anything and everything to annoy you (and usually succeed), those who couldn’t care, who don’t want to be there anymore. A trail horse I have yet to see is a horse who even after years of walking the same trail, is still enthusiastic about it. Has anyone ever seen a horse like that?

So what was Gus? Well for some reason I felt that he was somewhat new at this. Not brand new, but had been only on this trail for several months. Maybe only a year. Somewhere around there. 

Now was he Right Brain or Left Brain? Left Brain obviously. 

Now time to give Gus something REALLY interesting to think about.

We had to stay at least 10 feet away from the horse in front of us. So why not play the Yoyo Game? Slowing down and speeding up while still staying at a walk. I would start with Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3..Phase 4, 5, 6... Phase 6 was flicking the reins back and forth and FINALLY he sped up. Then slowing down was also a challenge. I had to use the reins a lot more than I would have liked. But after about 20 minutes his ears were locked onto me and was listening to my Phases 1 & 2. Now we were coming up to a series of hairpin turns. Hmmm...what would happen if I turned my body instead of turning him with my reins? The first hairpin it didn’t work but the next 3 he bent to the curve wonderfully.

Needless to say, I had never seen a horse lick their lips that much. 

But remember how I said he was for ‘experienced’ riders? Well so far he had all the qualities of a beginner’s horse: being as numb and slow as possible.  

Well on the way back I discovered why he was for experienced riders. Or maybe it was just for me. But he began to test me. Could he snatch at this grass? Could he get too close to the horse in front of him or too far behind? What if he put his ears back and threw his head?


I made the wrong thing hard and the right thing easy (kind of). When he threw his head, I encouraged it. When he got to close to the horse in front of him, I urged him forward even more.  When he tried to slow down so much the horse behind him would run into him, I would slow him down even more. 


Do you see what I mean?


This took the whole hour and a half ride back. But when we got back, he was close to the perfect horse. I wanted to take him home but I couldn't.
It hurt to think he would just have another rider and go back to the way he was before. But I could find some relief in the fact I just made his day very interesting. Maybe even his week, month or year.


I love you Gus, and still think of you.