Lesson #164: Insisting Leadership

Remember when I said that I spoke too soon about spring being here? I had to dig into the closet for my puffy riding jacket and my down vest to head out to the stable today. It was freezing. But it didn't matter because I was on a mission today: I was going to be the leader today. I got Ariel from the paddock this time, without her racing around and we went straight in to get tacked up. Mare's shedding (surprise!) and I was covered in white hair/fur like it was going out of fashion. Other than the weather, her shedding points to the fact that spring is here!

Getting on Ariel, I made sure that I was the boss of our little herd and that she would move only when I told her to. The warm up was pretty good, as a result of me putting my assertive hat on. We were trotting around relaxed and content without any speeding or any fighting. Relaxed and long and low were our aim as well as keeping deep in the corners. I'd say things went quite well and each time she wanted to deek into a jump or otherwise, I was sure to bring her back and remind her that we were doing what I wanted.

Then we were asked to get into the c-a-n-t-e-r. If you say it aloud, Ariel understands what's being asked and actually responds to Sheri's command! I had to get her back down and under control and try it again on my own terms instead. We went round and round a few times to get them warmed up. I was bring reminded to sit back and as I persisted a few strides, Ariel actually collected her body. I have to remember to keep my chest open and shoulders back and down... like Sheri said last time, my arms are not to be tense, the muscles in my shoulders and back were meant to do the 'work'.

Today was a jumping day and we went over some of the jumps already set up. We did a single horizontal jump at an undetermined height (couldn't have been more than 2'3") going at it in the trot and as usual, Ariel speeds up into the jump. I'm told that there is a point of no return and at some point, I'm just going to have to accept that Ariel didn't listen (or more likely, I wasn't assertive enough) and just go through with it. Then we took the opposite jump the other way too. Our last jump exercise was (all done at the trot) was a line on the diagonal with an x and then a jump filled with 2 barrels. The first go at it was me letting Ariel take over and totally panicking and thus doing the "gah!! I'm falling forward and want to hug Ariel's neck to hold on for life". Ariel totally did a fight at one point and was trying to turn around but I had to pull her into a circle to regain the control. We did get through the line after all that fuss but it certainly was a pain to deal with!

Doesn't the Horse Do All the Work?

This is probably a question that comes up regularly for horseback riders (novice or otherwise) when speaking with non-horsey friends and family (or strangers). This post's underlying theme is a rant but I am running out of patience and, polite responses! Granted, sometimes it's genuine ignorance and they're reasonably open of the discussion we have. I have yet to meet anyone who is belligerent about the response but here's the question for you riding readers, what do you say?

Well I have to, when Deb's not paying attention!

The background to this post started with a dinner meeting in October: I met up with people who don't ride (but are physically active) and was coming from my lesson. I live in the city but these people live in the 'burbs and have really close access to riding stables and have zero (ZERO! Can we go negative points?) interest to explore the sport. We start on a bit of the usual banter and I try to avoid talking about what I had been up to. The question of where I was coming from came up casually but one of them asked "Why are you so tired and sweaty? Doesn't the horse do all the work when you ride?" I was too shocked and offended (b/c I'm sensitive, like that) to be flabbergasted. I raised an eyebrow and slowly (and calmly) replied "no". Clearly I looked like I was ready to punch them in the face so someone else piped up and asked about what it's like and what I do etc. The instigator continued to rub me the wrong way by asking things like "... that's the highest you go? (yea, because they can do more, right?)... don't you just sit up there and have the horse take you around? (because horses have become mind readers)... you like the stink of horse and poop? (oh come on. because if they haven't showered in days or weeks, they smell like roses. And everyone poops!)..."

I wish I had the cojones/balls/bullocks/chutzpah to whip out my smart phone and then make them watch this (the authors do need to get the grammar right in this vid but yea, "take that, jerkface!"):

Have a good day, everyone! :)

Treehouse of Horrors

I have a thing for toys... and the Simpsons and all things bizarre. Kidrobot a line of Simpsons figures that I got hooked on, over the weekend while visiting Silver Snail. Fittingly, it's also close to Halloween and it's the Treehouse of Horrors series! After buying 3 random figures, I've decided enough guessing: I want to get the full set (minus the gremlin b/c he's a "rare").

Kidrobot: Simpsons Treehouse of Horror

If you've watched the Halloween editions of the Simpsons, you'll probably recognize each character above and chuckle a little bit to yourself. Well, I chuckled a bit when I got a response on a forum that a guy had some of the ones I was looking for but only after I bought from someone else. He called me "bro"... which reminds me again that this tends to be a guy's hobby.... *sigh*

Goal Setting

I was chatting with Dave at work today. Our conversation went something like this:

Me: I'm riding tonight.
Dave: yea? that's cool.
Me: I have goals tonight. I"m going to attempt: 1. to initiate canter; 2. canter without holding onto the saddle; 3. ensure I'm not balancing through the reins/my hands
Dave: oh cool. So you can ride while shooting a bow and arrow. Like Legolas.

Leave it to Dave to see the real goals of doing anything.

Growing up is Still Awkward

I haven't been on here in a while and I'm way behind on my photo blog for 2012. It's time, everything is starting to coincide with everything else and I'm going to be running on a daily schedule very soon.

This week is going to be particularly rough. I usually get home to do some exercise and at this point, I don't think I'll be getting any all week. I've got a work related 2-day conference which I'm responsible to organize and coordinate. Then I have my french classes and my regular things. Good thing the Walking Dead finished yesterday. I just have to catch up on Vampire Diaries, Glee, Supernatural... and when the Game of Thrones start? oh god.

Today was a particularly rough day because I found out on Friday that the original reservations I have booked for this Thursday evening are... no good! I spent my spare time this evening working on trying to get a venue lined up on a small budget. Or so I thought!

When my other manager walked by and asked me what I was doing, I told him that I was under the impression that the budget was a LOT smaller than I thought we could do (and I wasn't frivolous to begin with, btw!) and when he looks at me,

he says, "think about what you'd expect on a date".

*crickets* I uh haven't been on a formal "date" for at least 4 years.

*more crickets* You... well, just think about what a normal date would constitute.

*mega crickets*

Maybe I'm a cheap date but I don't expect that a pricey date to equal a great time. I would like to think I place more emphasis on substance than cost. Apparently this isn't the way "adults" think. It seems that the cost is a big factor in how a date should run?? How sad! I'd rather have a relaxed fun time being entertained than having to entertain!

It's days like this that I think I still a kid or maybe that I'm just not where all these "big wigs" are at. And frankly? I don't think I care... I just don't like being caught off guard since the crickets can be really awkward...

Casualty

I got an email from AL the other morning, telling me the fate of one of the pair of ducks (angel and devil) I got her for a previous Christmas. The devil duck became a unnecessary casualty between one of her podmates and a Brampton manager. While AL, DC and I were trying to think of ways to retaliate to this unwarranted act, we were thinking of ways to punish the initiator...

Per an email from DC...

You know, sometimes the worst punishment is the anticipation of punishment.
So next time she calls you...

"Ya, I forgive you."

"Oh, thank goodness. You know, I still feel really bad."

"Don't sweat it. I have my duck back, that's all that matters... And although I doubt the sani-wipes you used to clean his under-side did anything to cleanse the deep-seeded darkness that stained his soul for eternity, caused by the trauma so unfairly bestowed upon him... I have my duck back."

"... Geez, I had no idea you-"

"You know,... He may be a devil duck, but I assure you, the fiery pit from whence he was forged out of pure, concentrated evil was undoubtedly a day-spa compared to what he was subjected to... Submerged in the foul sludge of a Brampton toilet bowl."

"Brampton's not that-"

"I have my duck back... That's all that matters. But if I were you, I'd be careful."

"Whoa now... You're not threatening me, are you?"

"OH goodness no. ME? Listen, lady. I'm not the one with crimson complexion and the horns growing out of my head. At least not until sundown. I'm talking about the *whisper* d-u-c-k.... He's extremely well-connected... To beings beyond our realm.... Ya."

Hey grandma, what's in that cup?

I just had this conversation with one of the guys in the office...

Me: [waiting for microwave]...
PB: [spies the jar I've brought with me to the kitchen; squints] Is... that Ovaltine??
Me: Yea. I've got almond milk heating up.
PB: Oh man. Only my grandma drinks that stuff.
Me: It's good for you.
PB: Oh yea... That's what my grandma used to tell me.
Me: [a little annoyed] Well, it's my afternoon snack.
PB: Yea, my grandma has an afternoon snack too.

Ahh... yea. I need to mention this guy has 2 kids...

I am the ARGYLE RAPIER!

I've a penchant for sweaters.

This conversation actually happened between me and my friend NR:
Me: ... ok so is this outfit ok?
NR: what are you wearing??? Is that... a SWEATER!?
Me: yea. What's wrong with a sweater?
NR: we're going to a club, not to visit your grandma.
Me: but it's cold out...

I have more sweaters than I have blouses/shirts for. No joke. Everytime I go shopping, I am inclined to the button down cardigan (see grandpa sweater). My favourite happens to be of the argyle pattern. I only bought my first argyle sweater in the last year or so. Well that's not true.. but my favourite sweaters are from Brooks Brothers. I love that they're not skin tight and I don't have to look like a sausage encased in wool.

The dry cleaners shrunk my favourite grey and blue argyle cardigan... the DRY CLEANERS!!! Isn't taking clothing to them to clean, to avoid having things shrunk or misshape??? Heck, I pay them for that! I was furious the morning I slipped the sweater on and it felt like I was wearing a cropped top with tube sock sleeves. I'd march right back in there but it's been several months since I picked it up from them... :(

Anyways, Brooks Brothers is having a 60% off sale so I bought a sweater to replace the shrunken one (even though it can't compare... and now I have to work up the nerve to donate that shrunken sweater)

I took this photo with an aperture of 1.8 and a shutter speed of 1/125 (?). Shiny coppery buttons!

K now... to wait for that cashmere one to go to 80% sale... :D

Right, the name "Argyle Rapier"... I was thinking about an appropriate Game of Thrones name. If I was a mercenary or knight or assassin, what would I be known as? What sort of name would have criminals and those undeserving of life, to shake, at the very sound of my name! I would strike fear in those about to die and tell them that they will die at the hands of The Argyle Rapier! *slash*slash*thrust*thrust*