So as you can tell, I've been very bad on Ozzys blog. I'm not real happy with the quality of this website, and am thinking maybe I should just focus on the facebook group, as it seems easier to update and add photos to. The photos on here seem to loose their quality.
So I need your feedback Should I either look for a better host or should I just keep to the facebook group and blog on that. Or maybe I should just focus on a blog group. Something like fugly horse does. So I want to know from you all.
Also want you all to know Ozzy is available for commercial shoots, and or store openings and that sort of thing. If your interested give me a call to work out the details. Once the weather changes to warmer, we can also go and visit schools, daycares, nursing/retirement homes.
Today was our first ride of the winter season! The last time I rode was the Saturday before the daylight savings time. We went out on a trail ride with Brianne and Sandra, and it was wonderful. Never would I have had so much fun on a trail ride - which means that it really does come down to how warm you dress and the company you go with. I'm looking forward to this winter, and doing the trail riding to keep Oz in shape. I've committed to riding 3 times a week, although I already broke my committment this week by only riding twice. Thankfully Brianne is wonderful and rode him on our usual Thursday when I had a prior committment to deal with.
We have been focussing on the flat work as of late, only because we are both a bit out of shape, myself more then him. And between me being out of shape and not feeling well lately, we've kept the jumping to nothing. At first I thought this would be boring, but I'm actually getting quite a great sense of enjoyment in riding a well moving, and nicely framed horse. We even worked on shoulder in and shoulder out work - which feels amazing when he does it. And when he's on the bit he feels like riding AIR. We will definately be taking in some dressage shows next year, but won't ever leave our real love of jumping.
Tonight it was dark, cold and raining - and yet, yes wait for it, yes we actually rode in it. Ozzy was not thrilled by any means. And the look on his face when I started to bring out his tack was of 100% utter disbelief. What do you mean we are actually going out in this? I'm warm, in my stall, with my mum and step mum, and with hay.... and you want me to go outside and get WET!!!
Um yeah - I think so.
I did ride in my new horsey rubberboots - which I just love! Except when I'm riding. They fit in the stirrup just perfectly, and are loose enough for me to easily drop my heel down. But to put leg on - well it pinchs and pinchs badly! And folds back onto my shin painfully. But frankly I'm lazy and getting down to change my footwear and then crawl back onto my huge horse was just not going to happen tonight. So I didn't expect wonders tonight - and really only needed to ride for a half hour to be happy with tonights progress. But Ozzy was on his A game again. He had great movement, moved instantly off my leg, and really worked not only his butt but also his brain. And within a short period of time he was steaming and done. What a GREAT boy he is!
We have a lesson tomorrow morning and then maybe plan a trail ride during daylight hours on rememberance day. Guess I should let the others know hey - um Brianne, Kim and Sandra - do you want to ride on Tuesday? We will take some Timmys - or my new addiction, Starbucks Hot Carmel Apple Spice drink! Totally addictive! And probably accounting for why my pants aren't quite fitting.
I will try to blog about our rides -- key word TRY
So for all Ozzys fans - you can probably quit reading now, as I have a grievence to blog about. Well not really a grievence.. well okay sure now that I think about it I actually have two grievences.
The first one is an old one, but as soon as it popped into my head, I remembered how pissed off I was about it. At the last show - which was Topline there was a lady sitting up on the benches that was slagging me and my horse because we couldn't see distances. Now based on your critiquing of me, I doubt very much you're reading this, but should I be so lucky. Listen why don't you get off your fat butt and actually try riding a 2000 lb clydesdale over jumps. Lets not forget both he and I are green, and everything comes with time. And that is what these small shows and schooling shows are for. Do I think I'm ready for Spruce yet - no not YET but it will hopefully happen. But hey seeing as you believe openly enough to flap your lips out loud while others were sitting around you, that you think you can do a better job. Then the offer stands - you try jumping this horse... Its not nearly as easy as we've made it out to seem.
My other grievance is - certified coaches. I have read on our local cities website (Castanet) horsey ads from people I know and have met, and have seen teach and ride - and they claim to be certified. Now frankly most of these individuals should note that there is a huge difference between certified and certifiable! And trust me people you are more of the latter then the first!
If your yelling at a child or even an adult beginner rider - then frankly you shouldn't be coaching. Never forget we pay you! YOU work for US! Unless a rider goes to you and says hey I want to be in the next Olympics then chances are they just want to ride for enjoyment or small shows.
If your students don't wear a helmet, or rides wearing sneakers - then frankly I don't care if you are certified or not - you have no business teaching!
If you're teaching your students that turning the horse left means you crank their face around till it hits the riderin the foot - then again you have no business teaching. Frankly you need to go back and learn some more riding lessons yourself.
Western riding is just as much an art as english riding. And it doesn't mean you park your butt in a saddle and just steer with the horses face.
Okay so I deleted some more opinions as they are so obvious of the people (yes people not person) I'm referring to - its a wee bit close to bitchiness.... although thats really never stopped me before - I must be getting old.
And to all those that see these ads, talk to other people in the horsey world, find out what they have ACTUALLY done, and find out who their old students are and talk with them. Some coaches will do nothing but blow smoke up your butt to convince you that they are the best for you. Remember you are paying for this time - they are not doing you a favor! Now I am not blasting all coaches, because the Okanagan has some fabulous coaches/trainers out there. I have gone through both the good bad and ugly, and now frankly as is obvious on our blog, with the one that I think is the best. But should she ever leave us, which I pray that never happens, there are a few others out there - but not a whole lot.
Now I've grown up with horses, and they have been my life long passion - and my head is usually buried in magazines and books learning more and more about them. (Also a reason why the blog is usually out of date). Having been a hack rider most of my life, and then moving onto a breeder, and now moving on to my current focus - actually enjoying my horse both socially and competitively - I believe I have a great deal of experience with horses. I'm pretty sure I could pass some sort of certification that is out there - but does that mean I'm accomplished enough to teach riding - are you kidding me! Not a chance. This is an art form, and takes years of practice, dedication, education and actual competition. What I'm saying is its just too easy to write on an ad "Certified coach" when in actuality the only thing that they should be coaching is "This is a horse, and this is a llama - and this is the difference.
Now enough with my ranting. I'm going to end this on a good note - Congratulations all you American citizens! Not only did you chose an incrediable president but the next most amazing world leader