Having officially recovered from my lessons on Prairie, it's only fitting that I'm planning to torture my poor legs (and left arm/claw) again with another trip this weekend. I feel like a human ping-pong ball bouncing between total elation at having lessons scheduled - and total and utter despair at the thought of being absolutely crippled again.
Did I mention that maximum post-lesson-crippling should strike just about the time I fold myself into an airplane seat for our honeymoon? Perfect. Nothing like starting off a trip tied up like a pretzel! If it sounds like I'm complaining about riding my fabulous new horse before going on our fabulous big trip... well. I guess I am.
But I don't mean it (the whining that is). I just always dread any sort of pretzel-related feelings.
In actuality I'm totally and completely thrilled with my life's itinerary for the next month.
Tomorrow: Go see P and ride in the SUNSHINE
Thursday/Friday: work a little
Saturday Sunday: RIDE A LOT (yay big mare)
Monday/Tuesday: work a little
Wednesday until March..... lions and tigers bears oh my! Okay. No actual tigers or bears.. but hopefully some rhino and elephants!!
I will be pretty absent for a while, but in theory our safari itinerary includes some rides (both in jungle and on beach) so I'm hoping to have some mildly relevant stories to share.
P has already made me promise to bring her back something, and P2? well, she doesn't understand why people would ever fly for pleasure (and pointed out that her passport has more stamps than The Boy's ((rude)) ).
Full report to come from P's visit!
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Friday, February 3, 2012
I'd like to Thank....
My mares for being so adorable/frustrating/ridiculous/entertaining.... and I'd like to thank my boss, for letting blog for hours (and hours, and hours) at the office. Without you, this blog just wouldn't have happened. Seriously. (teehee)
Actually, I'd really like to thank DS over at Adventures in Colt (Filly) Starting, Jessica at Hopeful Jumpers and Sprinkler Bandit over at... well, Sprinkler Bandit.
Means the world that you guys (and everyone else!) enjoy my ramblings about the mares, especially enough to say so. I've had so much fun chronicling our adventures - and honestly, knowing that there are people out there as amused by the ridiculous details of horse ownership as I am.... well that.. that makes me feel less insane. Also, it probably keeps me from boring The Boy and Non-Horsey-Friends to death with discussion of bits and barns and buckles and BO's.
I've been so late to this awards party that a good portion of the blogs I really enjoy have been recognized (a few times over again), but there are a couple out there that I haven't seen pop up yet.
SO, without further ado, I highly reckoned that you check out Suzie over at On Track for a CC1*. She's got a incredible old jumper who she's learned the ropes of Eventing (and then some) on, and she's just now starting her super cool baby. She's incredibly smart, insightful, and has one of the more detailed training logs out there. I really enjoy learning about her obstacles, successes and especially her methods.
Also, I'm sure that Marissa at Tucker the Wunderkind has been mentioned, it's just that she's so freaking busy she probably hasn't had a chance to thank all of her fans yet...
Marissa is on the H/J side of things so I'm always learning something about that world (like that people buy tail extensions!? whaaaaaa?). I think she has some sort of magical mind meld with her gelding, because her descriptions of his "thoughts" and "words" are just about the most hysterical things ever. Plus, she introduced me to the term "drama-llama," which I find a near daily use for.
As for me, the trailer hunt continues. The boy is OBSESSED with getting a gooseneck now (I won't complain) and we're currently high on the 2+1 configuration that gives a 4'-6' space in front of the two straight-load stalls, but behind the dressing room. I'm not sure I'd ever haul a third horse there, but having the walk-off ramp up front, PLUS extra space for hay/bikes/crap, seems actually like a pretty good idea. I mean, I've never not used extra storage space. Even at home my shoe closet is brimming with too many (adorable) heels, and my coats have nearly exploded the front hall closet.
So the 2+1 just seems... well, prudent.
Happy weekends! I hope everyone is out riding, while I am.... going cross-eyed looking at trailer ads. (too bad I love it so much!).
Actually, I'd really like to thank DS over at Adventures in Colt (Filly) Starting, Jessica at Hopeful Jumpers and Sprinkler Bandit over at... well, Sprinkler Bandit.
Means the world that you guys (and everyone else!) enjoy my ramblings about the mares, especially enough to say so. I've had so much fun chronicling our adventures - and honestly, knowing that there are people out there as amused by the ridiculous details of horse ownership as I am.... well that.. that makes me feel less insane. Also, it probably keeps me from boring The Boy and Non-Horsey-Friends to death with discussion of bits and barns and buckles and BO's.
I've been so late to this awards party that a good portion of the blogs I really enjoy have been recognized (a few times over again), but there are a couple out there that I haven't seen pop up yet.
SO, without further ado, I highly reckoned that you check out Suzie over at On Track for a CC1*. She's got a incredible old jumper who she's learned the ropes of Eventing (and then some) on, and she's just now starting her super cool baby. She's incredibly smart, insightful, and has one of the more detailed training logs out there. I really enjoy learning about her obstacles, successes and especially her methods.
Also, I'm sure that Marissa at Tucker the Wunderkind has been mentioned, it's just that she's so freaking busy she probably hasn't had a chance to thank all of her fans yet...
Marissa is on the H/J side of things so I'm always learning something about that world (like that people buy tail extensions!? whaaaaaa?). I think she has some sort of magical mind meld with her gelding, because her descriptions of his "thoughts" and "words" are just about the most hysterical things ever. Plus, she introduced me to the term "drama-llama," which I find a near daily use for.
As for me, the trailer hunt continues. The boy is OBSESSED with getting a gooseneck now (I won't complain) and we're currently high on the 2+1 configuration that gives a 4'-6' space in front of the two straight-load stalls, but behind the dressing room. I'm not sure I'd ever haul a third horse there, but having the walk-off ramp up front, PLUS extra space for hay/bikes/crap, seems actually like a pretty good idea. I mean, I've never not used extra storage space. Even at home my shoe closet is brimming with too many (adorable) heels, and my coats have nearly exploded the front hall closet.
So the 2+1 just seems... well, prudent.
Happy weekends! I hope everyone is out riding, while I am.... going cross-eyed looking at trailer ads. (too bad I love it so much!).
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Trailers... (cont'd)
First of all, I want to thank everyone for their comments. Trailers seem to be one of those things that Horse people secretly (and not so secretly) obsess about, covet and totally just geek out over. I know I've said it before, but my middles school self used to call out the stats on passing trailers like I was oogling a rare classic car... To each their own, right?
Supermom managed to scrounge up another fantastic option (pretty darn close to that elusive 2005 Sundowner I'm chasing..). It's certainly not conveniently located, but it does absolutely tick all the boxes for what I want. Plus its a... gooseneck? No LQ on this one, but it does have an A/C unit and a big 'ol awning which I won't lie... can't come in might handy for the hot (or rainy!) days at clinics and schooling shows and whatnot. Here in the great Pacific Northwest, our awnings are just as good at sheltering us from drizzle and mud as they are at providing shade from the "sun."
2002 Sundowner, 2 horse straight load with the mangers and walk through. Looks to be in good condition... the only downside is that it's.... In Southern California. BUT the price is right. It's (clearly) cheaper than the new bumper pulls we've been considering and might just be perfect? Plus, I always love a road trip!
Here's the Full Listing thoughts?
In related news The Boy just emailed that he's ordered a new truck box (his side box would interfere with a 5th wheel hookup) and has already obtained a few quotes for installing the 5th wheel hitch.. I'm getting the vibe that he'd rather get a gooseneck...
The gently used straight load gooseneck is also an elusive creature in the Seattle area... but I'm recasting my search net...
Supermom managed to scrounge up another fantastic option (pretty darn close to that elusive 2005 Sundowner I'm chasing..). It's certainly not conveniently located, but it does absolutely tick all the boxes for what I want. Plus its a... gooseneck? No LQ on this one, but it does have an A/C unit and a big 'ol awning which I won't lie... can't come in might handy for the hot (or rainy!) days at clinics and schooling shows and whatnot. Here in the great Pacific Northwest, our awnings are just as good at sheltering us from drizzle and mud as they are at providing shade from the "sun."
2002 Sundowner, 2 horse straight load with the mangers and walk through. Looks to be in good condition... the only downside is that it's.... In Southern California. BUT the price is right. It's (clearly) cheaper than the new bumper pulls we've been considering and might just be perfect? Plus, I always love a road trip!
Here's the Full Listing thoughts?
In related news The Boy just emailed that he's ordered a new truck box (his side box would interfere with a 5th wheel hookup) and has already obtained a few quotes for installing the 5th wheel hitch.. I'm getting the vibe that he'd rather get a gooseneck...
The gently used straight load gooseneck is also an elusive creature in the Seattle area... but I'm recasting my search net...
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Trailers! (Round 2) (and more video)
As I continue to stretch my (still) sore muscles (seriously), it's time to move on to more entertaining topics, such as TRAILERS.
As you may (or may not) remember, I had a rather impulsive purchase of our current trailer a couple years ago which ended up serving us well.
It's a great little Silver-Lite Freedom, 3 horse slant, all aluminum, 7' high, 7' wide, blah blah blah. P is a bit squished in (ergo she earned the right to take up two of the slots), but she could squish if necessary, and it was easy to haul a second horse.
Enter Prairie - while not "stocky" she is rather "long lined" (read: MASSIVE). She fills out an 84" blanket without trying and her giraffe/llama/loch ness monster neck means that there's no way I'm shoving her into a 7' wide slant unless she also gets two spots.
This is where good 'ol arithmetic never fails:
2 spots + 2 spots = 4 spots needed for mares and only 3 available.
Frankly, this is more of an excuse to go trailer shopping than I've ever had, so I'm TAKING IT. I'm taking it all the way to the dealerships and I'm bringing my checkbook with me!
While the boy is ooh-ing and aaah-ing over having a big fancy gooseneck with living quarters, I think it might be prudent to find a good bumperpull that's our little daily driver if you will, while we keep an eye out for the perfect used option for the "big beast."
The Boy has found his "dream rig" and let me assure you, it is - in fact just that. a total dream. Unless he wins the lotto, I don't think he'll ever have the pleasure of hauling my mares down the road in this much style. But it is drool worthy (until I consider the diesel bill to haul such a thing..).
Meet Featherlite's "Country Estate Villa." It's a 53' three horse slant. Yes, you read that correctly, this thing only hauls 3 horses. BUT it does it with a full basement, several tack compartments, and potentially more square footage of living quarters than my house.
The horse had everything you'd expect, drop downs, pads, good matting...
But more importantly, the living quarters have more than everything I would expect...
Hello living room... with fireplace. Naturally
And the Bedroom
Complete with home office?
and the bathroom... (because I really like lovely bathrooms)
This thing also has a full "storage basement" under the horses, and just about every other actual feature that would be useful (not that a fireplace isn't...)
If you feel like oogling the rest of the pics and specs, I highly suggest that you do at Featherlite's full page. There is also a "ranch" version that hauls more horses and has a "simple" bunk room up front that makes more sense to me from a sales perspective. However, the notion of the Country Estate Villa is just dreamy.
We thought about the CEV, but ultimately I think a two horse straight load is more our style..
And right now we're considering two primary models.
Sundowner's Charter SE and The Exiss 720 ST
Both have nearly identical stats in terms of size (and a 7'6" height), both have two escape doors in the manger area, and a full sized dressing room up front. The differences are really in the styling and details.
The Sundowner:
And the Exiss
The boy likes the simplicity of the Exiss (and their additional LED running lights on the fenders) and I tend toward the Sundowner. Just cause I really like Sundowners.
Thoughts? There are some really good deals on 2012 models of both of these near me right now, although I would LOVE to find a used 2005 version somewhere. Realistically, selling my current trailer means I have a bit of cash to play with for our upgrade, but I'd still like to find the best deal possible.
I was thinking I'd have more time to expound on my current musings back and forth between the two, but now I'm late to a meeting, so I'll leave that for another day.
What say you readers? thoughts? opinions? love? hate? Think I should just sell the house and go for the Country Estate Villa? (I kinda do..)
Also, For those who never saw the sale video.. this is how Prairie is supposed to move when I'm not clenching/clamping/shutting her down completely. (oops). You'll notice her withers are elevated and she's much, much more fluid. Even though this is a 3 month old video now and she's much, much stronger now, she still looks much more balanced and relaxed in this clip. (the biggest change has been that her canter has strengthened and she jumps 'through' more these days...). Enjoy!
As you may (or may not) remember, I had a rather impulsive purchase of our current trailer a couple years ago which ended up serving us well.
Enter Prairie - while not "stocky" she is rather "long lined" (read: MASSIVE). She fills out an 84" blanket without trying and her giraffe/llama/loch ness monster neck means that there's no way I'm shoving her into a 7' wide slant unless she also gets two spots.
This is where good 'ol arithmetic never fails:
2 spots + 2 spots = 4 spots needed for mares and only 3 available.
Frankly, this is more of an excuse to go trailer shopping than I've ever had, so I'm TAKING IT. I'm taking it all the way to the dealerships and I'm bringing my checkbook with me!
While the boy is ooh-ing and aaah-ing over having a big fancy gooseneck with living quarters, I think it might be prudent to find a good bumperpull that's our little daily driver if you will, while we keep an eye out for the perfect used option for the "big beast."
The Boy has found his "dream rig" and let me assure you, it is - in fact just that. a total dream. Unless he wins the lotto, I don't think he'll ever have the pleasure of hauling my mares down the road in this much style. But it is drool worthy (until I consider the diesel bill to haul such a thing..).
The horse had everything you'd expect, drop downs, pads, good matting...
This thing also has a full "storage basement" under the horses, and just about every other actual feature that would be useful (not that a fireplace isn't...)
If you feel like oogling the rest of the pics and specs, I highly suggest that you do at Featherlite's full page. There is also a "ranch" version that hauls more horses and has a "simple" bunk room up front that makes more sense to me from a sales perspective. However, the notion of the Country Estate Villa is just dreamy.
We thought about the CEV, but ultimately I think a two horse straight load is more our style..
And right now we're considering two primary models.
Sundowner's Charter SE and The Exiss 720 ST
Both have nearly identical stats in terms of size (and a 7'6" height), both have two escape doors in the manger area, and a full sized dressing room up front. The differences are really in the styling and details.
The Sundowner:
And the Exiss
Thoughts? There are some really good deals on 2012 models of both of these near me right now, although I would LOVE to find a used 2005 version somewhere. Realistically, selling my current trailer means I have a bit of cash to play with for our upgrade, but I'd still like to find the best deal possible.
I was thinking I'd have more time to expound on my current musings back and forth between the two, but now I'm late to a meeting, so I'll leave that for another day.
What say you readers? thoughts? opinions? love? hate? Think I should just sell the house and go for the Country Estate Villa? (I kinda do..)
Also, For those who never saw the sale video.. this is how Prairie is supposed to move when I'm not clenching/clamping/shutting her down completely. (oops). You'll notice her withers are elevated and she's much, much more fluid. Even though this is a 3 month old video now and she's much, much stronger now, she still looks much more balanced and relaxed in this clip. (the biggest change has been that her canter has strengthened and she jumps 'through' more these days...). Enjoy!
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