Flash Back Friday: Nyls’ first Preliminary in 2006! (Also, flashback to when hunt caps were allowed in SJ)
On Wednesday, I decided that I was going to give Nyls a teensy little jump school over baby jumps after his two month fake vacation, and I would just have a little fun and pop over maybe like ten little jumps. Nyls was delighted, as you can imagine, and thought he would help me understand that he will never grow out of acting like an unbroke three-year-old after a break. He is thirteen this year….le sigh.
Life according to Nyls: Yes, it is necessary to spook at the pile of poles on the side of the arena! Make sure you spook more violently when you change direction, and when you go up a gait. After passing the spooky poles ten times at the walk, it’s all new at the trot! Lurch violently to the side and refuse to inside bend. Cross rails: DON’T jump them, they are terrifying and small and that’s weird! Slam to a stop two stride out, spook, spin, and bolt in the other direction. Those new brush boxes? You have never seen those before, so you should skid to a halt on approach, spook, spin and bolt away. Refuse to approach them at a reasonable walk, then suddenly poke your nose violently at them, and scare yourself when you touch them.
News From Around The Globe:
Fair Hill International is looking for a new Executive Director following the Charlie Colgan’s retirement. Are you organized, dependable, detail-oriented, a self-starter, able to raise funds, to attract and develop corporate sponsorships, and also to recruit, retain and motivate volunteers? Would you enjoy working with a team of hard working volunteers who share a love of the outdoors with a desire to participate in one of the most prestigious Three-Day-Events in the United States? Apply now! [FHI Seeks New Executive Director]
If you’re going to make it as a professional rider, you’ll have to be a working student at some point. In fact, being a working student is a rite of passage for almost anybody who is looking to seriously improve their riding, and something that I highly recommend. However, how do you find the right gig? We’ve all heard horror stories about terrible situations, but there are definitely some great programs out there just waiting for you. Lauren Sprieser shares her tips to finding the best place to go. [Finding The Fair Gig]
Dear literally everyone in Hollywood: horses don’t whinny/nicker/squeal all the time. As anybody who has ever been around a horse for more than a day could tell you, they really are more interested in visual communication rather than audio. They nicker more than anything else, and it doesn’t mean anything specific, but it does indicate a general welcoming social interaction. [Why Do Horses Nicker?]
Hate the feeling of bulky winter gloves slowing you down while you ride or work in the barn? You and me both, sister. My fingers are always freezing off because I absolutely abhor the lack of dexterity that comes with wearing bulky, blundering gloves that actually keep me warm. Thank goodness for these gloves from SmartPak, they are somehow super thin AND super warm, which basically means you’ll wear them out and beg for more next season. [Ariat Insulated Tek Grip Gloves]
Dear Santa……
