tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90155424719656189662024-03-13T10:29:58.955-04:00The Horseback ArtistGrace Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14940229993479813381noreply@blogger.comBlogger184125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9015542471965618966.post-41835530027558811172024-03-13T10:20:00.007-04:002024-03-13T10:29:24.993-04:00Daylight Savings<p>Once you have kids, the whole daylight savings thing starts to make a lot less sense. Our family morning routine and bedtime schedules have been out of whack for days...but I'm hoping things will get better soon. </p><p>On the upside, additional daylight also means more hours in the day for barn visits to hang out with my best mareface.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhsMT0OtnrPDxuZr-knMcJO9-L5g2VX0hR8ajnWHNyuNWLaKCUbT_DpYX_N3Jstaj6rOWtAYuzCnDlPmjsEB7Xy-_Emcg-3Oi28NIUBEJfHHxJSZukEKj8KNlXlaF7-SS9lQmdKijbE8Ubi207wkK-8kB1rNTiJL8BRm_9g935QNyVHeCkSz2KCKqy5dg4t" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1150" data-original-width="828" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhsMT0OtnrPDxuZr-knMcJO9-L5g2VX0hR8ajnWHNyuNWLaKCUbT_DpYX_N3Jstaj6rOWtAYuzCnDlPmjsEB7Xy-_Emcg-3Oi28NIUBEJfHHxJSZukEKj8KNlXlaF7-SS9lQmdKijbE8Ubi207wkK-8kB1rNTiJL8BRm_9g935QNyVHeCkSz2KCKqy5dg4t=w231-h320" width="231" /></a></div><br />We did a family barn visit this past weekend and managed to beat out the rain before it hit the area hard. <p></p><p>I was so relieved to see that Quest's eye is 100% better, and no follow-up vet visit was warranted thankfully! She is certainly looking and feeling like her old self again. </p><p>I gave her a nice grooming session- all the rain and pasture mud made that a FUN challenge. And I also did a quick maintenance trim while the rest of the family napped in the car waiting for me. Asides from that pesky RF mild clubfoot that we need to balance out, her feet are solid and easy to work with. I really appreciate a horse with decent feet. </p><p>More daylight also means more trail time with Quest very soon. As mareface gets along in years though, I've been intentional in adjusting expectations as well. I recently read a great article <a href="https://www.theplaidhorse.com/2021/08/09/what-ever-happened-to-serviceably-sound/">What Ever Happened to “Serviceably” Sound? </a> that affirmed enjoying your horse doesn't end just because they aren't 100% in every shape and form. "A horse can be less than perfect and still be wonderful."</p><p>As long as Quest is ready for adventure, we'll be out enjoying our trails and daylight together until the day she tells me otherwise.</p>Grace Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14940229993479813381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9015542471965618966.post-59331458060098492732024-03-05T12:39:00.003-05:002024-03-05T14:51:11.316-05:00NaMoPaiMo 2024 - Complete <p>My model inspiration for this year's NaMoPaiMo event<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: georgia; font-size: 13px;"> </span>comes with a story. Back in October, I was browsing through my social media accounts when I stumbled upon a parent looking for a small memorial gift for her son who had to say goodbye to his beloved mare recently. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh74yRrGin19dymLjDhV2yV9T6pNuGUk5dHkfGMGWKamLNdGKWKkz8UOWn9gNFop9_VHLw2WuLEJ1OrU9WzHNeJy3dJsUFSPAZBFsxE61VW1FUwULBP1bvnmcn12-IIoVXw69I0mVHXDeAfhS8r4HsmZE0RX6oNBwuTyHBajfXvnzCDTleQ9RgQgGe1HfkH" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="676" data-original-width="581" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh74yRrGin19dymLjDhV2yV9T6pNuGUk5dHkfGMGWKamLNdGKWKkz8UOWn9gNFop9_VHLw2WuLEJ1OrU9WzHNeJy3dJsUFSPAZBFsxE61VW1FUwULBP1bvnmcn12-IIoVXw69I0mVHXDeAfhS8r4HsmZE0RX6oNBwuTyHBajfXvnzCDTleQ9RgQgGe1HfkH=w275-h320" width="275" /></a></div><br />After leaving a comment on her post that I painted model horses, the lady immediately reached out asking for my prices and work examples. I told her I was happy to gift it to her son completely free, she was overwhelmed. <p></p><p>I had the model prepped and ready to go for months but the past few months were tough. My husband has been dealing with a ton of work stress and late nights since January and it was inevitably spilling over to me. My creative juices took a huge hit as a result. But art has always been my happy place and resolved to push through with finishing this project and managed to get it done for NaMoPaiMo as well. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiXYQaRgDPwE2Hdb9yzWEmmzpeWtJXY2gmrT89HTqFksceo3LsHgOCAryWx_KrcwRIGf4LAxuUcwHfrp9A-z5qV5A6BWWKxbRP6Ca6M44VTjimE03SIcLbg0LFUWFPTq2HXrALeW7DefwF0DLp77slsYs_LvCnhaWHDnaamJOBzx0HkS6At-HBDAkzexobW" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="826" data-original-width="828" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiXYQaRgDPwE2Hdb9yzWEmmzpeWtJXY2gmrT89HTqFksceo3LsHgOCAryWx_KrcwRIGf4LAxuUcwHfrp9A-z5qV5A6BWWKxbRP6Ca6M44VTjimE03SIcLbg0LFUWFPTq2HXrALeW7DefwF0DLp77slsYs_LvCnhaWHDnaamJOBzx0HkS6At-HBDAkzexobW" width="241" /></a></div><p>Rest in peace, Dolly. You were so very loved by your little boy. </p><p></p>Grace Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14940229993479813381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9015542471965618966.post-56724003125700685442024-02-20T15:24:00.005-05:002024-02-20T16:01:31.373-05:00Of Tandem Rides and Eyes The start of 2024 has been quite something to be sure. Since moving Quest back out to SV, I haven't been able to see her as often as I would like but she's definitely living her best life in pasture and with lots of horsey friends. I sorely miss the days when she was close to home but it's getting harder and harder to find a place nearby that has a good balance of all the things that we both need. Knowing how much happier Quest is being pasture boarded, I can't in good conscience keep her in a stall just for my convenience either. <div><br /></div><div>I'm thankful for a supportive non-horsey husband though and we try to do as many family barn trips on the weekend as possible. And with winter slowly giving way to spring (fingers crossed), there is riding to be done! Mareface is always game for a quick adventure and my son has been enjoying all of our tandem bareback rides around the property. Quest has never put a foot wrong with him on board. She's really just the best <3 I'm hoping we can graduate to trail rides soon, maybe that'll be a goal for the summer. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.postimg.cc/0yVHf6P1/photo-2024-01-13-21-38-07.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="763" height="320" src="https://i.postimg.cc/0yVHf6P1/photo-2024-01-13-21-38-07.jpg" width="305" /></a></div><br /><div>A couple weeks ago, Quest had her first mishap in years. This mare has a really strong sense of self-preservation that she rarely, if ever, needs a vet visit. However one morning a couple weeks ago, the BO texted me that she noticed during morning feeds that Quest's right eye was watering. It looked a million times better after the BO took her in and cleaned it up. It wasn't as scary looking anymore and Quest didn't seem any worse for the wear. As luck and timing would have it, the vet was coming out for dental work at the barn later that week and I had them check out Quest's eye just in case. </div><div><br /></div><div>It turns out that mareface had somehow scraped the inside of her bottom eyelid! No debris or foreign matter was found, no stitches or anything else was needed. Just daily application of an antibiotic ointment. I was so relieved that it wasn't anything worse as eye injuries can get pretty bad very quickly.</div><div><br /></div><div>Fingers crossed for quick, speedy healing!</div>Grace Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14940229993479813381noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9015542471965618966.post-61249013627082922432023-11-07T10:40:00.002-05:002023-11-07T15:12:23.442-05:00Somehow<p>I'm grateful and glad that I was able to do my annual birthday ride yesterday. It's been a whirlwind the past few months with two little ones underfoot. I will never ever regret my decision to start a family but the reality of things is that it does make it just that much harder to find time for myself. </p><p>The more you love something, the harder the universe sometimes makes you work for it. But in the end, things somehow will work out. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.postimg.cc/4NQK6JTR/photo-2023-11-07-09-06-49.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1067" height="300" src="https://i.postimg.cc/4NQK6JTR/photo-2023-11-07-09-06-49.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.postimg.cc/BnhXzM6h/photo-2023-11-07-09-06-50.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="714" data-original-width="1280" height="223" src="https://i.postimg.cc/BnhXzM6h/photo-2023-11-07-09-06-50.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Grace Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14940229993479813381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9015542471965618966.post-31888800227424743602023-09-05T10:06:00.001-04:002023-09-05T11:38:01.571-04:00Product Review: "Better Than Leather" Turnout Halter by Two Horse Tack<p>Earlier this year I was contacted by <a href="https://www.twohorsetack.com/" target="_blank">Two Horse Tack</a> to try out the <a href="https://www.twohorsetack.com/p-1846-better-than-leather-turnout-halter.aspx" target="_blank">Better Than Leather Turnout Halter</a> and looked forward to the opportunity to review another one of their products. I had this review drafted months ago, but it is being posted rather delayed due to my daughter deciding to arrive several weeks earlier than we had anticipated. Before everything descended into chaos, I did manage to jot down my first impressions and get out to the barn to take some photos. </p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.ibb.co/gdm3yqH/photo-2023-09-05-09-12-22.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://i.ibb.co/gdm3yqH/photo-2023-09-05-09-12-22.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The Better Than Leather turnout halter is made with 3/4" 580 Beta Biothane in brown with stainless steel hardware and the adjustable crownpiece and adjustable chin. According to the website, this was the "horse" size. Quest has more petite Arab-sized features so being able to adjust the size in more than one way using both the crown and chin pieces is a huge plus. </div><div><div><p>I'm very familiar with biothane/beta biothane material as I pretty much exclusively only use synthetic tack when I ride or do anything with my horse. This is my first ever experience with the "Better Than Leather" material and I am impressed. I was quite surprised by how much it actually looks like real leather. The material is thinner and more pliable than regular beta biothane but feels just as sturdy and durable. It has a matte finish to it that gives it the appearance of traditional leather while still being easy to clean and maintain. </p></div><div></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.ibb.co/D5nLpnY/photo-2023-09-05-09-12-16.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://i.ibb.co/D5nLpnY/photo-2023-09-05-09-12-16.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>As usual with all THT products, the halter is customizable and is made to order. The options are endless for individual needs and wants. This turnout halter comes in black or brown beta biothane and in 3 different material widths to compliment a variety of head sizes. </p><p>If you're looking for the traditional look of leather but the ease of care and durability of beta biothane, the Better Than Leather Turnout Halter from Two Horse Tack would be a great choice. It will certainly be my go-to halter when I'm at the barn from now on. </p></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.ibb.co/PZKXSyr/photo-2023-09-05-09-12-18.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://i.ibb.co/PZKXSyr/photo-2023-09-05-09-12-18.jpg" width="240" /></a></div></div>Grace Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14940229993479813381noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9015542471965618966.post-9558415714972196962023-08-23T11:11:00.011-04:002023-09-05T10:10:38.231-04:00Well...There's That <p>Hi blogger world, it's been awhile! I've been away the past half year taking family leave and enjoying my new little one who decided to arrive on her own schedule. She took me by surprise so I didn't really get a chance to really prepare for anything and left a lot of things in a lurch. Thankfully we're doing well though and I have plenty of cute photos to share, which will come soon.</p><p>However first off, a long overdue horse update....So remember that the barn that Quest and I moved into earlier this year? Well, it didn't work out. </p><p>Our first few months at DF were wonderful, almost heavenly blissful. The drive distance was reasonable, the property was aged but immaculate, the trails were gorgeous, and most importantly Quest was out in pasture 24/7, content, and living her best horsey life. I felt so very lucky that we finally found something that hit all my must-haves plus some more. </p><p>However about two months ago, everything started to unravel. It started off with a random message from the manager J saying she was moving some her show horses and clients back home (she lives on property) so she needed the boarders to accommodate. She asked if I wanted to move Quest to a sister barn that was located an hour away. I was very confused by the request at first but after talking to a couple folks I managed to get the full story. Apparently the show clients were unhappy about the distance to the sister barn so out of convenience, J decided to move all the show horses and clients back home and severing all ties with the sister barn. </p><p>I politely declined to move, mostly because of the fact that I had two younger kids and I moved to DF to try and balance out actually being a parent with my riding hobby. But I had a feeling that the manager would be looking for any reason to try and get as many boarders out of the barn as soon as possible. From that point on, things started getting weird. The easy, laid-back vibe of the trail-riders barn became more chaotic and hectic once all the show horses came back to the barn. J moved the boarder tack trunks out and rearranged saddles to make room for her horses and client things. My tack went missing for awhile because I didn't know about the re-shuffle until after the fact.</p><p>However annoying, the final straw was J blindsiding me with a huge paragraph message that Quest's hip rubbing while she was in heat that was apparently causing damage to the fence. She gave me two choices: Find another barn or put Quest on Regumate year around via monthly injection administered by vet. She did not allow a supplement, did not allow the oral daily dose, did not want to individualize the treatment (annual was "easier" for them to manage) and there was no consulting a vet.</p><p>Bottom line, it was obvious that she wanted us out of the barn and would do anything to make it happen. My hands are full with taking care of my family. I just don't have the time and energy to deal with insanity anymore. </p><p>So we're leaving. It was a nice place while it lasted.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.ibb.co/RjtR0qV/photo-2023-08-02-09-47-42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://i.ibb.co/RjtR0qV/photo-2023-08-02-09-47-42.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Grace Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14940229993479813381noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9015542471965618966.post-88075131570950900172023-02-24T10:47:00.006-05:002023-03-14T11:35:22.236-04:00NaMoPaiMo 2023 = Complete! <p>NaMoPaiMo or National Model Painting Month is an annual event that takes place each February with the goal for customizers to start and finish a model horse within the month. This year the rules were expanded to allow for completion of a model that was started before the event and also welcomed international participation. </p><p>I honestly thought I wouldn't be able to participate, let alone finish a model, for this year's event but I somehow managed to get it done! </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.ibb.co/bb2WY5Q/332685136-762694151614416-1437946441259275387-n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="411" data-original-width="800" height="205" src="https://i.ibb.co/bb2WY5Q/332685136-762694151614416-1437946441259275387-n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breyer Stablemate Arabian Stallion "Twist" repaint. This is one of my favorite molds that I conga.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>After finding out mid-2022 that we were expecting, I was forced to take a break from customizing when the nausea got really bad. By some miraculous timing, I finally started feeling much better towards the end of January enough to slowly get back into it. I had a few client projects sitting on my desk untouched and got to work the beginning of February. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.ibb.co/2W8tbXM/332960731-727812608950185-2068239159630251778-n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="411" data-original-width="800" height="205" src="https://i.ibb.co/2W8tbXM/332960731-727812608950185-2068239159630251778-n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.ibb.co/q1jg7sv/332912856-594148049229659-2144422815886294728-n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="800" height="207" src="https://i.ibb.co/q1jg7sv/332912856-594148049229659-2144422815886294728-n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div>After much prep, painting, and detailing I managed to get not one but three models done before the end of the month for NaMoPaiMo. I'm really pleased to have accomplished this especially after such a long time away. </div><p>My project queue is full of fun things coming up and I'm hoping to use the time during my leave later this year to make headway during baby downtime. This is very optimistic thinking obviously but here's to hoping! </p>Grace Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14940229993479813381noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9015542471965618966.post-21440459385337631912023-02-21T10:01:00.004-05:002023-08-23T11:11:09.145-04:00Moving Day<p>Barn moving day came and went uneventfully. Last minute, manager J told me that her hauler would be able to meet us at 8am instead of the originally agreed upon time at 1pm. It's kind of a huge time difference...but we made it work. </p><p>I've done every move on my own in the past but with how massively huge I am now, I requested W to come along to help carry my tack trunk and other things. I really can't risk a fall especially with how close we are to the finish line. My wonderful husband already anticipated my request and was happy to help thankfully. With groggy C along for the very early morning adventure, we got a quick on-the-go breakfast and arrived at the barn with time to spare. The hauler arrived a little before we did and was ready to load whenever we were. </p><p>W grabbed my stuff while I took care of Quest and led her to the trailer, a 2h bp with ramp. Mareface hesitated midway up the ramp but within 10 seconds she followed the rest of the way in without a question. After a thank you and big goodbye hug with T, we hit the road and arrived at the new barn in less than 20 minutes. </p><p>Quest hopped off the trailer alert and attentive, and I walked us over to her new pasture with barn hand M and pasture mate, a QH gelding named Bert, leading the way. Mareface trotted off and after about a minute of that, she decided that she was more interested finding a nice place to roll. That being accomplished, it was time to immediately stuff her face with hay. </p><p>It was the most boring move day ever and just the way I hoped it would be. Manager J has been giving me updates throughout the weekend and Quest sounds like she's settled right in with no drama. </p><p>It never ceases to amaze me how far along mareface has come mentally since I pulled her from the feedlot all those years ago. Back then she would have been a lathered mess from a trailer ride but nowadays she is just attentive and settles down within minutes. I'm hoping my gut is right about the new barn move and things continue to go well.</p>Grace Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14940229993479813381noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9015542471965618966.post-82289974904631992282023-02-06T15:14:00.002-05:002023-02-15T08:45:55.929-05:00A Year for Self-Care<p>About 2 months to go until Baby Girl's arrival! Time really seems to be flying by. </p><p>The baby shower is in a week and I'm really looking forward to celebrating with our close friends and family. We had to skip out on all the "fun" things back in 2020 so this time we're hoping to make up for it in some ways with a little gathering of sorts. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWUbrcMZUf1_RPjMw9rtxg-RTrH7rmG1INUYgYBAHFk3thGNms8iopvudDUsQgA5xxeyqyxYv3b2qGPRQDttrMJOZvvD-ijjINsw3CFLnV2AWpTIH_rZ_YztC7miXTy_6kFil_aJnhYtdYMvwmsU350LLYUFddPP4sR2KRyVkpEaDah8YdiygCUDRxTw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="961" data-original-width="777" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWUbrcMZUf1_RPjMw9rtxg-RTrH7rmG1INUYgYBAHFk3thGNms8iopvudDUsQgA5xxeyqyxYv3b2qGPRQDttrMJOZvvD-ijjINsw3CFLnV2AWpTIH_rZ_YztC7miXTy_6kFil_aJnhYtdYMvwmsU350LLYUFddPP4sR2KRyVkpEaDah8YdiygCUDRxTw=w259-h320" width="259" /></a></div><br />In addition to all the family related preparations, I've also been pre-emptively making plans to invest in my own well-being and health once the physical part of "having a baby" is done. Since having C, I have admittedly not been as active as I wanted to be and a big part has had to do with the fact that my riding adventures with Quest came to a grinding halt when we moved to the new barn a little over a year ago. I honestly love the barn, the owner, and the care is top-notch but riding in a WMA has been a hair-raising experience more often than not during hunting season. <p></p><p>I don't fault the hunters - they have every right to enjoy their hobby too but hearing a gun go off in the field nearby is just a little too much for me sometimes. Mareface, to her immense credit, has never ever put a foot wrong during our rides last year even when things got a little too much for her. At her worse, she'd snort and jig for a few steps before relaxing back into my hands again. But I never pushed it and if the parking lot was crowded with hunter trucks on a particular day, I turned us right back around and we usually just putted around in the pasture or the little outdoor arena. </p><p>The original plan when we moved in about a year ago was that the BO would to take us on a trailer ride down the road to the 5-mile ballast trail so Quest and I could get some miles in. But sadly, after over a year of being there and asking multiple times, the trip did not happen due to a reason or another. I think I gave up on asking. It's not like me to give up easily or quickly, but I was honestly tired.</p><p>After thinking long and hard, I've decided it's time for Quest and me to move on to our next adventure. A few weekends ago, W and C joined me on a trip to go check out a prospective barn. The new location is nearly the same drive distance and time as the current barn but has miles of horse-safe trails directly accessible from the barn and about 2000ft from the driveway is nature preserve with miles of bridle paths to explore. Quest would go back to being 100% pasture boarded as well, which was what I had preferred. I feel in my gut the new barn will be a good fit for us and what I want to do with Quest in the near future. </p><p>Over the years as a horse owner, perhaps my lofty goals have become simpler now- My biggest priorities are top care and safe, accessible trails. I did sign up for PonyUp 100 this year though. You can be sure once I get medical clearance, I'm going to be right back in the saddle again! I still dream of doing distance riding, but that's for another day whenever that door opens. For now, I choose to enjoy what I have and nothing better than a good mare that is sound and game for any trail I put in front of her.</p>Grace Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14940229993479813381noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9015542471965618966.post-57114992473967011882022-12-13T09:16:00.005-05:002022-12-13T09:18:12.135-05:00Winter Days<p>The colder weather has definitely set in and everyone- both human and horse - are now bundled up warm and toasty under fluffy coats and blankets. </p><p>We stopped by the barn this past weekend for a quick visit/grooming session and to drop off gifts for the staff. I try to make it a point to thank them during the holidays for all the hard work they do keeping Quest's stall clean and her turnout pasture safe every single day. I have been unable to make it up to the barn as often as I would have wanted the past couple months but knowing she's getting quality care gives me peace of mind. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.ibb.co/MZ5sc3V/620-EA571-A4-D0-4-D54-BBD3-5145-DC47-B071.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="483" height="400" src="https://i.ibb.co/MZ5sc3V/620-EA571-A4-D0-4-D54-BBD3-5145-DC47-B071.jpg" width="241" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.ibb.co/hXCn2GQ/7-F51-E9-E6-1650-43-C3-A940-2-DC18487-A334.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="592" height="320" src="https://i.ibb.co/hXCn2GQ/7-F51-E9-E6-1650-43-C3-A940-2-DC18487-A334.jpg" width="237" /></a></div></div><p>For those who don't do social media or FB, I have BIG news to share: My husband and I found out a couple weeks ago that we are having a baby girl! It's very exciting to be rounding out our little family with a fourth member and maybe another future equestrian. Thankfully C has a natural affinity for animals and loves horses...but I'd be only so lucky to have not one, but TWO horse-loving kids. </p><p>We have a name picked out for baby girl but won't be sharing that until she arrives in the spring. Until then, it's a flurry of preparation to finish setting up C's big boy bedroom and getting ready for an actual, in-person baby shower. We can't wait to celebrate with all of our close friends and family this time around vs while expecting C in 2020. </p><p>So... hence the lack of riding posts lately and in the past few months, it was all for good reason. Even with my medical history, I'm low risk but it's always better safe than sorry. And to be honest, Quest probably enjoyed her semi-vacation and we'll be back to the trails we love in no time. </p><p>Here's to a happy and healthy end to 2022, dear fellow bloggers and readers! See you all next year. </p>Grace Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14940229993479813381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9015542471965618966.post-133577401836720272022-11-08T12:14:00.002-05:002023-02-15T08:48:06.792-05:00Another Year<p>I had a lovely weekend enjoying another birthday. Never ceases to amaze me just how blessed I am with my family, both human and 4-legged! </p><p>We started celebrating on Friday. W and I did a barn visit in the afternoon so I could get some grooming, treats, and cuddles with Quest. She indulged me with a sweet horse hug that left me grinning from ear to ear <3 </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.ibb.co/mH9gsWL/314943542-10160097604746131-5815316694023484808-n.jpg" style="display: inline; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="503" height="400" src="https://i.ibb.co/mH9gsWL/314943542-10160097604746131-5815316694023484808-n.jpg" width="252" /></a></div><p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"></p></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Saturday was supposed to be a "just the two of us" day but unfortunately my parents had a conflict last minute and were unable to watch C as originally planned. It was no matter though, and our little family did a road trip up to CT to check out a gorgeous park called Grace Farms (very aptly named if you ask me). The location was formerly a horse farm and the current owners kept the original turnout fields and barn building layout. The weather was perfect and we enjoyed wandering the grounds and getting family photos. </span></div><p style="text-align: left;">And finally, Sunday night was spent together with a special family dinner with grandmother (who turned 98 a couple months ago). It was a really wonderful time. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.ibb.co/F5rq7jK/313967173-10100559781450479-41049094471456628-n.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://i.ibb.co/F5rq7jK/313967173-10100559781450479-41049094471456628-n.jpg" width="400" /></a></p>Grace Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14940229993479813381noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9015542471965618966.post-17552654907322291362022-10-03T11:33:00.002-04:002023-02-15T08:49:32.571-05:00It's Been Awhile<p>Like most folks that I have been following along on Blogger since I started here, I also took a break from regular posts. It's been incredibly hard to keep up with all the things that has been going on and suddenly slow traffic here has made it tough for me to motivate myself to carve out time for super in-depth posts. However I do miss writing and I have enjoyed re-reading my own posts to remember and celebrate how much has happened to me since I started blogging and documenting my horseback adventures. </p><p>Quest is thriving. We moved barns exactly a year ago and she has settled well in her stall in the evenings and actually lays down for naps too. This was unheard of when I first got her nearly 8 years ago. This past summer, she obliged little guy C in his first ever solo pony ride and was an absolute saint (as was expected). With the WMA in full blown hunting season mode, we're not really doing much trails nowadays and this is the one big downside with this barn unfortunately I've noticed. I'm thinking of seriously looking into other boarding options with better access to safer trails. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.ibb.co/xf366J8/IMG-3379.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://i.ibb.co/xf366J8/IMG-3379.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Always asking for cookies.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.ibb.co/S6WP48R/737-C1598-9-D41-4022-95-C4-62265-AA957-B1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="694" data-original-width="694" height="320" src="https://i.ibb.co/S6WP48R/737-C1598-9-D41-4022-95-C4-62265-AA957-B1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best mare for bareback rides whenever and where ever</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div>Baby C is...no longer a baby! He's turning 2 in a month and has the attitude to show for it. He's got opinions and ideas of his own, but is such a joy and so much fun to have around. He still loves animals (especially dogs and horses!) and is very independent and brave. We started him in full time daycare this month and he loves it. He adjusted within days and enjoys the new weekly routine. I've been able to get more work done during my wfh days which is very nice. As for other family stuff, we have a big update coming soon but that will have to wait until a later post! </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.ibb.co/9tDNLrV/IMG-3377.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://i.ibb.co/9tDNLrV/IMG-3377.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">C brushing and "feeding" his pony- too cute.</td></tr></tbody></table>Grace Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14940229993479813381noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9015542471965618966.post-56213804115247345522022-03-09T09:45:00.004-05:002022-03-09T09:45:55.772-05:00A New Artistic Venture <p>Expressing myself artistically has always been a huge part of who I am. It was my first self-taught hobby and played a huge part in my journey of finding myself during a time when I struggled to see value in who I was. </p><p>I started small, on a college student budget, doing pieces for myself and friends. My real commission work breakthrough happened at my first art convention almost a decade ago when a friend offered to let me use a corner of her vendor table. I was unprepared to sell anything, but I put down a couple sketches I had done while traveling and hoped someone liked what they saw. I went home that weekend with nearly $1k in profit, just from doing what I loved. </p><p>I kept on drawing after that. With each convention and commission, I used my earnings to restock art supplies that I needed to continue in the hobby - good materials were not cheap but doing commissions helped every bit of the way and from the ground up, I built a tight-knit community around my artwork and thrived, finally having found a place to express myself and my work. </p><p>In recent years though as life picked up speed, I eventually found myself without motivation to pick up my tablet pen or pencil to draw for anyone, let alone myself. It was as if a part of me had went dark and chose to stay that way. Maybe it was the result of the pandemic or working through my emotional/mental trauma of my childbirth experience. I'm not sure honestly, but I knew something was wrong but I was apathetic to change it. </p><p>Then about a month ago, I was contacted by a friend and repeat client who asked if I could take on an art commission for him. It was dusting off the cobwebs and flexing long unused muscles. I realized I missed being creative and I really missed challenging myself to learn a new skill. </p><p>After giving it thought, I decided to take the leap into a new hobby and try my hand at model horse customization. In my mind, it was the natural combination of the two things I enjoy most in my spare time. Figuring out a new hobby has been quite the adventure so far. I've been learning about different model scales, live showing, photo showing, resin material types, painting techniques, painting supplies, and my favorite part- Collecting models to work with. </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.ibb.co/yfm5WsV/img00.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="640" height="267" src="https://i.ibb.co/yfm5WsV/img00.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My current project ponies in various states of prep and sculpting. <br />It looks like a mess now but this "diamond in the rough" stage is probably my favorite part of the whole customization process.</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>With my newly acquired model bodies, I did a few small projects to practice customization techniques and I guess they proved that I was doing well enough to start taking on commissions. I'm currently working on my first custom order and I'm very humbled that what started out as a pipedream just a month ago is now reality. </p><p></p><p>At its heart, I've always wanted this blog to have a shared focus of my two favorite things- riding and art. Customization seems to have neatly fit the bill. I'm still riding, enjoying trail time with Quest, and taking on catch rides when I can, but I'm pretty excited to explore and find my way back to this other side of myself.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.ibb.co/CwByjJP/22-03-08-122002.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="272" height="448" src="https://i.ibb.co/CwByjJP/22-03-08-122002.jpg" width="272" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little guy has been watching me work on project ponies for a couple days now. <br />One afternoon, he asked for a brush and picked up a model bunny to “paint” <3</td></tr></tbody></table>Grace Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14940229993479813381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9015542471965618966.post-37920208681374039212022-01-28T11:50:00.002-05:002022-01-28T19:50:29.444-05:00Product Review: Custom Yacht Braid Lead by Sunset Halters <p>It's been awhile since I've done a product review post. I really missed sharing about neat equine related things that I get to try out. I was contacted by <a href="https://www.sunsethalters.com/" target="_blank">Sunset Halters</a> last month that I won a raffle for a custom <a href="https://www.sunsethalters.com/916-yacht-braid-leads-and-lunge-lines.html">12ft yacht braid lead rope</a>. This news was definitely a nice way to start off the new year.</p><p>The ordering process was easy and hassle-free; the hardest part was picking out what colors I wanted for the lead and decorative knot. Less than a week after sending in my order details, I got a USPS tracking number and my product arrived within one week...Talk about a quick turnaround, wow. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.ibb.co/pLG6P2p/IMG-1506.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://i.ibb.co/pLG6P2p/IMG-1506.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So pretty in purple and black <3</td></tr></tbody></table><p>The lead rope did not come with a snap (it's an additional cost for snaps) but it was an easy fix- I just attached an extra snap that I salvaged from an old frayed lead rope and it was good to go. I was impressed by the neat splicing work and the decorative knot gives it that extra customized detail. The 9/16" width definitely gives the lead a heavier feel compared to regular lead ropes and lends a nice weight in the hand. Nothing better than a functional piece of tack that also looks and feels good. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.ibb.co/SvkyFdT/IMG-1507.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="494" height="320" src="https://i.ibb.co/SvkyFdT/IMG-1507.jpg" width="247" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice little details like the embossed sun stamped on the popper.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>The 12ft length is very generous and will make it easy to tie pretty much anywhere at the barn or from the trailer. The length isn't too unwieldy to to store in a saddle bag yet it is long enough that if Quest needed a refresher while on the trails, I can hop off and do groundwork safely. </p><div><p>The website mentions that the material is abrasion, rot, mildew, snag and fade resistant so time will tell how the the lead rope holds up to frequent use at the barn. </p><p>So far though I'm pleased with the quality of product that I received and am impressed with amazingly fast turnaround time from order to delivery. The price will run you about $40 plus shipping. If you're looking for a good quality yacht rope product, be sure to check out Sunset Halters. </p></div>Grace Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14940229993479813381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9015542471965618966.post-63770246796658431432022-01-19T13:26:00.003-05:002022-01-19T13:45:03.381-05:00Time Flies <p>I can't believe we're already midway through January, where has the time gone? </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.ibb.co/QvzwpG1/IMG-1432.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://i.ibb.co/QvzwpG1/IMG-1432.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>The holiday season finished on a very quiet note. With having a infant under 5yo and the height of the newest variant, we ended up deciding to pass on large traditional family gatherings and various get-togethers that we had originally planned. It was a little sad since there are a quite a few people in our families who never met baby boy and he's already 14 months old now. </p><p>C started to walk 100% independently about a month ago and he has been unstoppable since. He decided one night that he was tired of holding onto things for support and suddenly he was off on his own...and didn't stop again for 30 minutes. It been such a joy seeing him really grow into his own- he enjoys engaging with new people with his bright smiles, is just a little bit naughty, and definitely has a mind of his own. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.ibb.co/d7GtxSp/2320-FAB4-13-D3-4060-9-B04-880-EA3-F6-FF20.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="643" data-original-width="643" height="320" src="https://i.ibb.co/d7GtxSp/2320-FAB4-13-D3-4060-9-B04-880-EA3-F6-FF20.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Quest and I are doing very well. We have done a few trail rides and mareface has been sassy and ready to go every time. Equestrian goals for 2022 are simple:</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Getting Quest used to random human shenanigans as I want to introduce C to leadline riding in the warmer months so I'll be pulling out some of our old desensitizing toys and trying some games to get her used to all the wacky things I can think of. Mareface has always been rock-solid steady in the arena (to the point of being bored and half-asleep) so I honestly don't expect anything to really happen but better safe than sorry. </li><li>Take Quest off property for some fun trail rides. Since I sold my trailer last year, I haven't been able to really do much new trail exploring and I'm itching to do it again. Fortunately I have connected with friends willing to let me catch a trailer ride with them so hopefully the stars align for an adventure soon. </li><li>And if things fall into my lap, I'd love to do a catch ride or two in CTR or endurance but that is on the way back burner due to limited budget and PTO priorities. </li></ol><p></p><p>Other than that, anything extra that we manage to accomplish in the year to come would be a nice cherry on top. Hope you all had a great start to 2022 so far! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.ibb.co/6yQt5cj/IMG-1478.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://i.ibb.co/6yQt5cj/IMG-1478.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Grace Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14940229993479813381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9015542471965618966.post-7633567983070225092021-12-07T16:10:00.003-05:002023-02-15T08:50:23.792-05:00Finding Simplicity<p>It's been a few weeks since Thanksgiving came and went but in a lot of ways, it marks the official start to the holiday season. Well, at least in my mind it does. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.ibb.co/NN0TrLk/IMG-1363.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="360" height="320" src="https://i.ibb.co/NN0TrLk/IMG-1363.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p>It's been fun watching Baby C take in all the sights and sounds. Though this <i>technically </i>isn't his first ever Christmas, its the first one where he is more than just a wiggling ball. Now there is holiday music, blinking tree lights, cooking food smells, cooler weather. </p><p></p><p>His innocent sense of wonder is really something to behold and honestly his genuine reaction to the smallest things is the humble reminder I needed that sometimes things in life don't have to be big, huge, expensive, or fancy to be memorable, enjoyable, or emotionally satisfying. </p><p>That mantra has been running through my mind whenever I spend time at the barn. It's been a few weeks since Quest and I did our last ride together and I was itching for the trails this past weekend. </p><p>Before going to the barn, I stopped to buy a set of nippers to give mareface a quick trim. I've been having difficulty coordinating with the farrier I had used at the previous barn so I made up my mind to do what I could in the meantime. The nippers were a godsend and then the rasp made quick work. It helped that Quest stood nicely for me in the crossties. Good mare! </p><p>I debated doing a full tack trail ride at first but in the end, I opted for bareback and bitless. We got tacked up with the little S-hack, my like-new Toklat Coolback bareback pad (which I got for an absolute steal of a price from a local horseperson), and made sure to wear my orange vest. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.ibb.co/QX859Bt/IMG-1331.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://i.ibb.co/QX859Bt/IMG-1331.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.ibb.co/Hr3wvG9/IMG-1355.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://i.ibb.co/Hr3wvG9/IMG-1355.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>The weather was cool and Quest was full of sass. When we got into the WMA, she immediately asked to move out. However we had seen a few trucks and a couple hunters in the parking lot so a speedy ride was probably not the best thing for that particular day. </p><p>After a few reminders to slow down and chill, Quest did settle into her big walk and we enjoyed a lovely 3.5mi ride done in about 50mins. We could have done more but it was a little unnerving hearing all the dogs and rifles in the training area. We were in no danger at any time as the two areas are completely separated and inaccessible on foot but it was tough not to be on edge. Despite all that, it was a good ride and Quest felt 110% after her trim which I'm very pleased about. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.ibb.co/vDbDYFB/IMG-1234.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://i.ibb.co/vDbDYFB/IMG-1234.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy birthday to me. <br />I promised myself a real bareback pad someday and finally got one!</td></tr></tbody></table><p>I'm in total love with the Coolback and feel utterly spoiled by actually having a <i>real</i> bareback pad after making due with my DIY pad for the past 6-7 years. I think I need a neoprene girth since the girth that came with the pad is a little too slick and I could see that the pad slid back a little after our ride. Though for the price I got it at and knowing how much use I'll definitely get out of it, I'm not complaining at all and its an easy fix. Can't wait to do more bareback rides this winter!</p>Grace Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14940229993479813381noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9015542471965618966.post-25155029627174285992021-11-10T16:25:00.001-05:002021-11-10T16:25:30.468-05:00Two Birthday Rides <p>The month started off with two wonderful rides that mean so very much to me. This time last year, I was quite pregnant at full term/40 weeks and unable to enjoy my traditional birthday trail ride. A full year later, it absolutely made my birthday to be hopping on my favorite mareface doing what we love together again. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.ibb.co/yBQWLfZ/IMG-4562.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://i.ibb.co/yBQWLfZ/IMG-4562.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>A few days later I went back out to the barn, this time with little guy in tow to celebrate his birthday with his own birthday ride!</p><p>My husband had to work so this was the first ever 100% solo outing with just me and baby. I worried if I was trying to attempt too much by myself, but everything went well. After grooming and tacking up Quest with the bareback pad and S-hack, I strapped C into the baby carrier and we headed to the outdoor arena. I swung up with the mounting block and off we went. </p><p>Quest was a saint. Little guy was babbling and laughing. I was grinning from ear to ear. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.ibb.co/Y8Gg5k9/IMG-1206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://i.ibb.co/Y8Gg5k9/IMG-1206.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Little human, can I have cookies please?"</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.ibb.co/z4YM1Ls/IMG-1220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="581" data-original-width="640" height="291" src="https://i.ibb.co/z4YM1Ls/IMG-1220.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Giddy smiles!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.ibb.co/1QxVmFr/IMG-1233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://i.ibb.co/1QxVmFr/IMG-1233.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quest is so incredibly gentle with him. <br />He was petting all over her nose and face.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>It's hard to put into words how happy I was to share a birthday ride with my little boy, and maybe start a new tradition with him - the fact that he enjoyed it was the icing on top. </p><p>It is certainly curious how different my emotional state was a year ago and sometimes...still is. While I've physically healed, I'm still not 100% emotionally fine and...honestly, that is okay. It's been good to find support from other parents who have gone through a similar journey and to realize that is is perfectly okay for my mental health to take its own path and time to recover. </p><p>Having Quest so rock steady and ready when I need her the most has been an incredible gift to my emotional wellbeing though. Through long hours alone on the trail, I've given myself that quiet space to sort through a maze of thoughts- realizing the need to prioritize what actually matters to me and to stop caring about what doesn't and to intentionally surround myself with good, supportive people. </p><p>And even though the year of distance riding didn't quite happen the way I had wanted it to....Rides will always be there and my family, our small little growing family, will only be as it is for a short time. Maybe it'll be next year, or the year after that. I'll take what ever catch rides I can fit into my schedule.</p><p> In the meantime though, I'll continue to enjoy my little slice of personal heaven - riding with my little guy and my best mareface.</p>Grace Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14940229993479813381noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9015542471965618966.post-14095838608150216512021-10-19T14:01:00.004-04:002021-11-01T16:29:12.676-04:00Fall Trail Exploring<p>Having Quest closer to home has definitely been a welcome change. For the first time in years, I don't feel guilty when taking my time at the barn. Being able to spend a few extra minutes grooming and scratching mareface in her favorite itchy spots before tacking up for our rides has been so nice. Those little moments are definitely things that I missed about spending time with my horse. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.ibb.co/JB2vr4j/IMG-1030.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://i.ibb.co/JB2vr4j/IMG-1030.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>With each ride, we have been exploring more of our new home and mapped out a lot of trails made by the state this year. They have afforded us lovely fall views and some visual diversity. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.ibb.co/K95QQW6/IMG-0976.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://i.ibb.co/K95QQW6/IMG-0976.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Someone randomly decided to plant some corn...</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Fortunately the trails have also been entirely devoid of hunters, despite being entirely within the WMA. T had mentioned that though hunting is allowed in the area , the animals have moved a miles away where ample resources were better found and I'd have to agree- so far, we have run into just small songbirds and one dead deer carcass which probably died from old age. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.ibb.co/RYwXxPk/IMG-0985.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://i.ibb.co/RYwXxPk/IMG-0985.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><p>Always wearing our safety orange tack and vest.</p></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>We also did some road riding on our third adventure to check out a powerline trail that T told me about. While we did reach our goal, the terrain was thick with brush and rocky - I couldn't risk injury to either of us so I took a few photos to memorialize our powerline adventure and turned home for better footing. <div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.ibb.co/MkMpjDT/IMG-0995.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://i.ibb.co/MkMpjDT/IMG-0995.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>Also riding on the road was a little gnarly when the occasional driver chose to be dumb and reckless. Thankfully Quest was an absolute saint and we stayed safe the whole time. She's just so good <3 </p></div></div>Grace Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14940229993479813381noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9015542471965618966.post-9679485165914952872021-10-04T16:51:00.011-04:002021-11-11T08:31:29.409-05:00Moved In <p>It's been quite a whirlwind of a weekend but the barn move went smooth and quick. </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.ibb.co/jzTH83G/IMG-0938.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://i.ibb.co/jzTH83G/IMG-0938.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A very good mareface <3</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>I took a day off work for the occasion and asked my parents to watch Baby C while I was away to take care of my fur baby. I hit the road early and got to the barn about an hour before T and her rig were scheduled to arrive. After grabbing mareface from her pasture, I loaded up my tack trunk and saddle into my car, and cleaned up my tack area. </p><p></p><p>We were ready to go sooner than I thought so Quest got a prolonged grooming session while I cried over untangling the giant mat in her tail....</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.ibb.co/1Xd6WvW/IMG-0937.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://i.ibb.co/1Xd6WvW/IMG-0937.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ugh....so much work left to do.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Fortunately T arrived early and pulled up to the gate for us to load on. Her trailer was a 3-horse slant with step-up. It's been quite awhile since I did any trailer loading with Quest and the last time she got on a trailer was our last barn move but I led mareface over and without a single hesitation, she followed me right on. Good mare! </p><p> T was super impressed, "Wow, that took like 2 seconds! You want to trade me your horse???" I grinned. T had been prepared for a lengthly trailer loading session and even brought cookies just in case bribery was needed. Quest still got two cookies for being the best girl. </p><p>We pulled out of the barn less than 10 minutes after T arrived and hit the road to her farm. T was a great and conscientious driver which I (and Quest definitely) appreciated. We made good time with little traffic and soon pulled up to the barn. To my immense relief, Quest was barely sweating from the trip and she backed off the trailer perfectly without a fuss. Mareface was definitely on alert but she didn't do anything bad, just very aware of everything going on. </p><p>While the barnhelp finished getting her stall ready, I led Quest around her paddock and pasture for a tour, showing her the fence perimeter and her water trough. By the end of the tour, she was totally chilled out and ready to relax. I took off her halter and soon enough, she found her spot and went for a nice big roll. T let her other horses out of their stalls and the herd said hello to Quest over the fence. There was some posturing from Lady, T's main riding horse, but after Quest quickly showed her she didn't bide by that, all was well and everyone got along. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.ibb.co/cQH8tCf/IMG-0947.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://i.ibb.co/cQH8tCf/IMG-0947.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first stall with the open doors and the connecting paddock AND back pasture are all for Quest. </td></tr></tbody></table> <div>I stuck around for about an hour or so to keep an eye on things and move some of my tack in. Seeing how things were going super well, I decided to chance a quick bareback ride in Quest's pasture right before I headed home. She totally didn't care and plodded along happily. T kept me posted on how Quest did that evening, and it sounds like she absolutely loves my horse (which is a very good thing!) <p>The next day, I went back out to the barn in the afternoon with my treeless saddle and we did a trail ride in full tack. Mareface was definitely excited to be out but she settled down quick and we got in a lovely 4 miles in one hour. All done at her ground eating walking march - we didn't do any trot or canter since it was our first time out exploring the WMA trails. Looking forward to doing more rides though! </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.ibb.co/vxMK1Fn/IMG-0967.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://i.ibb.co/vxMK1Fn/IMG-0967.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've so missed the view behind her sunset kissed ears <3</td></tr></tbody></table></div>Grace Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14940229993479813381noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9015542471965618966.post-72152827803520790692021-09-27T10:35:00.003-04:002021-09-28T08:24:04.396-04:00Goodbye Trailer<p>After a lot of thinking and internal deliberation, I made the decision to list my trailer for sale last weekend. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.ibb.co/BBZZ2v6/IMG-0910.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://i.ibb.co/BBZZ2v6/IMG-0910.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting hooked up to the new owners' truck</td></tr></tbody></table><p>There must have been a trailer scarcity going on or maybe my timing and price was just right but my message inbox exploded overnight. I think I got around 40-50 offers in less than a week after posting. It was rather overwhelming to field all the messages coming in and decide on which buyer to go with but in the end, I went with my gut instinct and I think I made the right decision. My trailer went home with a young family who will be giving it a complete make-over and a new purpose. I'm excited to see how it turns out. </p><p>I am definitely feeling little sad about selling my little stock trailer but with everything going on in my life at the moment, it was too nice to sit in a field when it still had years of use left in it. I don't regret buying it when I did 5 years ago and it was really nice to have around. But my immediate goals and needs have changed over the past couple years and I'll probably be trailer-less for the next few years since our new barn home (more on that in a little bit) will take care of our needs. The husband has promised me a nicer trailer when the time comes so we'll be mobile again someday whenever that is. </p><p>As for the new barn...it was a quick decision that my husband and I made together. Baby C has been an amazing little roadtrip companion for the past 10-11 months and has weathered long drives with little issue. However as he's getting older and more opinionated now, the 2-hour roundtrip drive to the barn on the weekends was exhausting for everyone and I feel very pressed for time when I'm out riding with Quest. To his credit, husband has never made me feel guilty and actually 90% of the time he's the one doing the driving however I want to be cognizant of how he feels (even when he doesn't say it out loud). The current barn was tough to beat in terms of board cost but greater was the inevitable realization that it was time for Quest and me to find a new barn closer to home. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.ibb.co/JH6CYy8/IMG-0883.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://i.ibb.co/JH6CYy8/IMG-0883.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The smiles! </td></tr></tbody></table><p>From just being a part of the local horse community, I knew full well going into this search that the toughest part would be finding something that would fit my location/drive distance radius AND have ample pasture turnout. But I had to hope- so I posted a causal ISO in the local horse FB group and crossed my fingers. </p><p>I got a ton of responses from folks wanting to help (and solicit business) but nothing really quite fit the bill- until I got a private message from a lady named T who offered to have us visit her farmette located about 30-35 minutes away from home. We chatted extensively through FB and set up a time to stop by later that weekend. My little family came along for the visit - they are a part of this horse adventure as well and it was important to have T get to know my family if she was opening up her home property to us. The farmette has a stall for everyone for feeding 2x a day and semi-private pasture paddock attached and a larger main pasture for turnout. For riding, there is an outdoor arena with jumps, panels for a round pen if needed, and direct access to 5-mile ballast-footing trail in a WMA with lots of other forest trails. T often hauls out for shows and hunter paces so if we ever wanted a ride, she has already made her rig and herself available to us. All in all it seemed like a good set up for our current needs but I still gave myself a couple days to think it over before making the decision. The move will be in a few days time and I'll get some media to share after the dust has settled. </p><p>As for the mareface, Quest is doing well and we have been getting in lovely arena rides when I have the time to fit them in. I've wanted to try other bitless options with her for a very long time and finally got the little-S hackmore set up exactly the way I want. Best mareface took it it in stride in our first arena ride testing it out with no drama or fuss. I'm hoping to do more rides with it, maybe take it out on trail later when we are moved into the new place. It'll be really nice to have Quest closer to home again, I really missed seeing her around.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.ibb.co/rdCcp64/IMG-0825.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://i.ibb.co/rdCcp64/IMG-0825.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Forever my happy place <3 </td></tr></tbody></table>Grace Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14940229993479813381noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9015542471965618966.post-7542925285371165732021-06-15T10:38:00.002-04:002021-07-22T16:16:26.893-04:00Baby Boy's First Pony Ride <p>The big moment finally happened. My little guy had his first pony ride this past weekend and absolutely LOVED it. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_itUVd1c6MzjhQ7zuUJtEHZSiX-EvmfUPweqJkIzwFh87OTk89pcMOXlP9z_Zazw0c14O6_mlBJjmuNkna-WDoqWOTv81drQKEI5nWE1BRQlrPAZzQwVU7bKRY4whslRDeqkW0h2qToku/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="796" data-original-width="819" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_itUVd1c6MzjhQ7zuUJtEHZSiX-EvmfUPweqJkIzwFh87OTk89pcMOXlP9z_Zazw0c14O6_mlBJjmuNkna-WDoqWOTv81drQKEI5nWE1BRQlrPAZzQwVU7bKRY4whslRDeqkW0h2qToku/w320-h311/image.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><p></p><p>As much as I wanted to instantly throw my kid on top of my horse and hit the trails, I made myself wait until Caleb proved he had good core and head control. When I noticed he was hitting the big developmental milestones- being able to sit up unassisted for as long as he wanted to and could completely roll over, I took that for a green light. </p><p>I used a bareback pad for our little ride - I feel a lot more secure riding bareback for some reason and just in case a quick emergency dismount was needed, I didn't want to get tangled up in stirrups. </p><p>But obviously, nothing bad happened. Everyone was all smiles the entire time and Caleb would pet Quest's mane and withers whenever he could reach. Mareface was a complete saint in the outdoor arena and never put a single foot out of line. I was so happy to share my love of horses and riding with my kid. Hopefully this bodes well for future horse adventures as a family. </p>Grace Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14940229993479813381noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9015542471965618966.post-5763437837340704622021-04-19T11:25:00.004-04:002021-04-19T11:25:51.383-04:00DIY Half Pad Cover with Shims<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ever since I did my first 25mi CTR catch ride in a borrowed treeless saddle years ago, I instantly became a huge fan and immediately got one for my distance tack setup. From the start, I've been using a Supracor saddle pad along with it my treeless saddle with zero issues. In fact, I have always gotten perfect sweat marks and never a sore back on every horse I've used my treeless saddle + Supracor pad combo with. </div><p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><p></p></blockquote><p>However I recently heard the pads weren't exactly ideal for treeless riding over time or longer distances (anything longer than 35mi/LD) due to gradual pad structural breakdown with repeated compression. To be honest, I haven't seen any issues occur after the hundreds of trail miles I put in but it felt prudent to maybe try and prevent possible issues from becoming bigger problems in the future.</p><p>I was definitely pretty gutted though since I love how easy the Supracor pad was to clean (just rinse and hang dry) and as a first-time mom with a 5mo boy, anything that can save me hours of scrubbing and cleaning is a huge win in my books. Determined to prolong the use of my pads, I started doing my research in all the endurance and trail riding groups and to my immense relief, a lot of seasoned riders provided a similar suggestion that had worked successfully for them- using a <a href="https://tacktackroom.com/81552-thickbox_default/skito-equalizer-half-pad-w-extra-cover.jpg" target="_blank">Skito Equalizer Half Pad</a> under the saddle to provide extra spine clearance.</p><p>Unfortunately after doing some digging, the half pad was providing to be very elusive to find and it was no longer being made by the company. After getting some photos of the product, it definitely looked like something that I could try my hand making though! </p><p>For materials, the only thing I really needed to buy was some canvas fabric. I had all the other materials on hand already from previous projects. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.postimg.cc/yx0P9DP4/IMG-0212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="607" data-original-width="640" height="304" src="https://i.postimg.cc/yx0P9DP4/IMG-0212.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The materials I used for this project. <br />The only thing not pictured here is the Velcro</td></tr></tbody></table><p>I created the cover pattern using a Skito shim I had and made sure to include a seam allowance and ample room on the side were the Velcro would be sewn in. I made four separate panels using the same template and sewed them all together edge to edge creating a "pocket" with an opening that would be sealed together by the Velcro. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.postimg.cc/jSMhz0z5/IMG-0213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="467" data-original-width="640" height="234" src="https://i.postimg.cc/jSMhz0z5/IMG-0213.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.postimg.cc/1z4rBCHK/IMG-0214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://i.postimg.cc/1z4rBCHK/IMG-0214.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All four panels now sewn together</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.postimg.cc/d0Xmx2Nc/IMG-0215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://i.postimg.cc/d0Xmx2Nc/IMG-0215.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shims inserted with sewn Velcro closures</td></tr></tbody></table><p>The final step was sewing the spine with the cover right side out to separate the two shim pockets and keep them from sliding from side to side. With that done, I checked the fit against my Supracor pad and it came out pretty nice! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.postimg.cc/3NQjKKHL/IMG-0217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="548" height="320" src="https://i.postimg.cc/3NQjKKHL/IMG-0217.jpg" width="274" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.postimg.cc/wvmc81ny/IMG-0216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://i.postimg.cc/wvmc81ny/IMG-0216.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />I'm planning to give the half pad a test ride with Quest the next time I'm out at the barn and will update with how things go. Hopefully everything works out and I can continue to enjoy using my Supracor pad for many more long distance miles.Grace Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14940229993479813381noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9015542471965618966.post-72587881428741603072021-04-16T10:53:00.001-04:002021-04-16T10:53:54.290-04:00Photo Friday: Foxcatcher LD<p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-YpEy4s7Cn0amJAx5ucOVpJ_NGVjqWenFq88tKfIf6KjRUSOFAGHPI92yBp_ZsEhGH2AXPkwr67f2nQUmklGWvABQB_3pRUl7LWUy5d1Uw1cIfLyQVqhQ_1stdiu-q0t4lWVWO6HDgGWs/s1000/Foxcatcher%25284-3-21%25291447_LowRes-%2528ZF-10539-26171-1-001%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-YpEy4s7Cn0amJAx5ucOVpJ_NGVjqWenFq88tKfIf6KjRUSOFAGHPI92yBp_ZsEhGH2AXPkwr67f2nQUmklGWvABQB_3pRUl7LWUy5d1Uw1cIfLyQVqhQ_1stdiu-q0t4lWVWO6HDgGWs/w400-h266/Foxcatcher%25284-3-21%25291447_LowRes-%2528ZF-10539-26171-1-001%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p>Grace Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14940229993479813381noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9015542471965618966.post-9442081181256402582021-04-06T11:59:00.004-04:002021-04-06T16:16:37.043-04:002021 Foxcatcher Endurance <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.postimg.cc/5NwcFYZv/IMG-0113.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://i.postimg.cc/5NwcFYZv/IMG-0113.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>This past weekend, I finally got to dip my toes in endurance riding after many, many years of trying to get started in the sport. <p></p><p>Those who have been reading along for awhile may remember that I boarded at an endurance barn about 5 years ago with the intention of getting Quest and me going in the discipline. Unfortunately an injury sidelined us and put a temporary pause to those competitive dreams. The downtime in between was not wasted though. I did a lot of catch riding and trail ride-alongs with different endurance folks across the US from Texas to California. In my travels, I got hands-on exposure to the usual things like conditioning schedules, tack setups, elyting protocols, hydration but also most importantly, I began to really think and piece together what I valued and wanted from the sport because....it is frankly quite expensive and so much goes into even just <i>getting to </i>the ride, let alone completing and finishing in Top 10 or best condition. </p><p>At the end, after all the thinking and despite the numerous heartbreaking setbacks, my determination to give endurance an honest try never waned. My goal is still competing with Quest or another future mount but I recently was given an opportunity to partner up with a little Arabian mare named River for the Foxcatcher Endurance ride and jumped at the chance. </p><div>The week before the ride, my husband and I had a tall order of packing for the trip- not just my tack, but also everything we needed for an overnight stay away from home with Caleb. I did wonder how my little guy would do on the road trip and if this experience would bode badly for future family adventures. However I'm happy to say my little boy was so well-behaved and only badly fussed when he really needed something (namely his meals). </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.postimg.cc/D0X96809/IMG-0108.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://i.postimg.cc/D0X96809/IMG-0108.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A completely packed car, hitting the road</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.postimg.cc/D0X96809/IMG-0108.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div></div><div>Foxcatcher is held at Fair Hill NRMA, which is the same location for the Chesapeake CTRs that I did a catch-ride years ago. It was really nice to revisit the trails again after so much time away. The weather was forecasted to be bright and clear but early morning at the start was wind swept and frigid. I was glad we had hotel accommodations for the night before so that my husband and son had a place to stay out of the cold until the day warmed up. </div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.postimg.cc/6pwkV6XP/IMG-0117.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://i.postimg.cc/6pwkV6XP/IMG-0117.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All tacked up and waiting for our group to start</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div>I was instructed by River's owner to ride with two of her other horses and to stay together as a group. Asides from our group helping a rider catch her loose horse on trail within 1 minute of the ride start, the first 15 mile loop was uneventful. At the hold, River vetted through fine though had some bad groundwork attitude issues. We were watered, fed, elyted, tack and ready to go in time after the 45 minute hold. Unfortunately the two other horses in our little group with were pulled at vet check so River and I had to ride with a different rider group. Then one of the horses in that new group was dealing with some cold cramp lameness, it eventually resolved with no lasting problems thankfully. When we finally left camp with the group for the second loop, it was nearly 30-45 minutes later than the time on our card allowed, setting back our pace for the last 10 miles. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.postimg.cc/mgw0mxZg/IMG-0122.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://i.postimg.cc/mgw0mxZg/IMG-0122.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>River was game to go and we could have easily separated from the pack and moved out on our own to finish within ride time but I had to adhere to the owner's instructions. As a result while River and I technically "completed" the ride, we ended up finishing overtime. It was a bit of a bummer but I had a healthy, sassy horse and did my first ever 25 mile endurance ride 5 months post- pregnancy...not too shabby!</div><div><br /></div><div>With so many variables and the pandemic still on-going, I'm honestly not sure what the rest of the endurance season this year will look like but I'm going focus on the positive and stay grateful for each ride opportunity as they come and the chance to gain experience for bringing my own horse along for the adventure someday. Here's hopefully to many more competitive miles ahead in 2021! </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.postimg.cc/HLkFKSj4/IMG-0126.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://i.postimg.cc/HLkFKSj4/IMG-0126.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nothing but smiles</td></tr></tbody></table>Grace Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14940229993479813381noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9015542471965618966.post-35025976759395058322021-03-16T11:33:00.000-04:002021-03-16T11:33:04.882-04:00Six Years Later <p>My fellow horse-loving friends....it's finally happening, one way or another. I can't wait to share the finer details with you all soon!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH25ZSfmjCSTzytzHkxqr3kbLQ4Pu9mpedDQobF7XINnvgvBXegAY0P-yrJnHP3yL3ito2pKRaVdoKrKTMVGNQgkYGCds2j4D2ZQmWhYx500583n2ZeKq7xMl6M3b34L7IjgFumJoy8D2s/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="133" data-original-width="371" height="115" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH25ZSfmjCSTzytzHkxqr3kbLQ4Pu9mpedDQobF7XINnvgvBXegAY0P-yrJnHP3yL3ito2pKRaVdoKrKTMVGNQgkYGCds2j4D2ZQmWhYx500583n2ZeKq7xMl6M3b34L7IjgFumJoy8D2s/" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>Grace Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14940229993479813381noreply@blogger.com1