Then and Now

I know it has been a while since I have blogged, but I have good reason. Life/summer has been totally busy. I have made a ton of new friends, helped manage a barn and spend a great summer with my boys. School is getting ready to start and it' timeto beef up the BigRedHorse's training schedule. Kelsey and I sat on the computer one day and found all the local BN events. We hve picked one event for each month. Sept, Oct, and Nov. I can't wait. Starting Wednesday Setp. 8th, the BigRedHorse will be doing much, much more in order to prepare. We have already been working on our dressage, which desperately needs more work. I want to get in these three events in the next few months because....wait for it....I'm enlisting. I will be leaving for the Army in November or January. Olly will be cared for and periodically ridden by Kelsey. After this winter his "training" will be put on hold for 6 months. I am already missing him and kinda excited about getting him back in shape...funny how the mind works.

So, back to the fun stuff...

I decided to upload a video of Olly's first show. Now remember, that I hadn't ridden in say 7 years. I did take a few lessons, but nothing to get my muscles back in shape. My riding was shitty and Olly was just a wuss!


Ignore the wonderful comments from Husband.
Here are two of the latest videos of Olly and I. This is 17 months later.





Now, you tell me who has an awesome BigRedHorse??!!

Intrepid Riders Fraction

~INTREPID RIDERS FACTION ~We strive to go where others only dare to go with our horse loves...healing,being respectful of the horse, riding, playing, camping, jumping, swimming and traveling down the trails of life. . . . with the horse in Heart ~ Overcoming many obstacles and sometimes weather, to ride!

So, the other day I get a messege from Stacey over at The Jumping Percheron saying she sent me an award. here is what she wrote:
I'm going to pass this award on to Pru and Olly at Jumpin' Jolly Roger. Everything in the description of this award applies to Pru! I remember when we would ride in Hawaii and Olly wouldn't want to go over a single small raised ground rail and now check them out! Pru always knew Olly had a ton of potential that just needed to be unlocked and she was ready to give him the time and patience he needed for that. She is another friend that brought her horse from Hawaii to Virginia. I miss them both! She is also one of my few riding friends that will ride anywhere, anytime, jump anything, and isn't afraid to go all out. One day, we're gonna own a barn together!!!!!!!!! And you guys are all invited to trailer in a ride at it!

I want to add that Stacey has been a huge influence to me. Although I am older than she, I look up to her for advice and guidance on just about everything. I miss her dearly and we WILL have a barn one day!!
This Award is dedicated to those Horse lovers and riders that inspire others to go deeper in ability, knowledge and understanding of the Equine(s) they have been entrusted to.The good of the horse is the ultimate goal apart from pressures to achieve ribbons and fit into lesson schedules.



~Some of These riders are fearless, when it comes to weather conditions and the forecasting of them...being with their horses, fills these folks' soul and takes the cares out of daily routines.

~They are unconditionally loving to the horse and may have rescued it from known ailment or living condition.





~Others have researched and purchased/ acquired their horse, to find a difficulty in temperament or a physical burden within the animal. Yet, Being dedicated , they have persevered to proudly be in partnership with their horse, lovingly striving for deeper awareness's between them.



~Some horse lovers may have been riding for years and suddenly, had an accident that takes them away from the great joy and freedom they have, being aboard such a magnificent animal. ~They have allowed the healing horse to rise in their hearts once again, and beckon them back!



~Fear is not my normal response to things ... just a desire to achieve higher understanding of what may lay ahead of me with my mare, that truly is a gift to my heart and soul. I always seek out knowledgeable and caring individuals to assist me, in any quest I may look into.

I am taking with me the good I have gleaned from caring individuals that have shown great single minded LOVE to the horse, and am leaving the dust of the bad behind me, not allowing it to fetter my supreme desire to be all I can be : as a rider to my mare and also - to allow- her to be the Equine athlete she truly is!


There are not many rules with this award...JUST :

1)that you give it to only one person

2)link back to this post, so they may have an understanding to it's true nature.

3) You may use any or all of the written descriptions, with the award picture.

The person I am passing this down to is:

Kristen at Sweet Horse's Breath

When I read the description of this award, I instantly thought of her. She has gone through the most terrible times with her OTTB Laz. She has overcome the financial and emotional burden of owning her own horse. She has remained by his side through thick and thin. She has watched her boy endure pain from founder, when he could barely walk and at one point had an appointment scheduled for euthanisia, but she knew in her heart that Laz was a tough boy. She cancelled the appointment and held her head high. In her mind she knew that she may never ride Laz again, but it was worth it to just hear his whinney and be near him. Because of her courage, faith and maybe a little craziness, Laz is is making an awesome recovery and they have stared light riding. I read everyone of her blog posts. I am proud of her and Laz's success. Follow her their recovery. She is one amazing girl.