Balancing Riding with College?

The title sounds like it is hard to do but really, it's not. I don't remember this one riders name but I found out that she was a Harvard student and she was competing in the Washington International Horse Show. This rider must have a good college work ethic to be able to go and show at a horse show. If she can do it, I can too. If she can do it, we can do it, too. Don't think you can't do it if you haven't tried. 

Dedicate an hour or two to just reading one textbook for a class. Do that everyday. I am going to start to this so that I can soak up more of my textbooks. All the way to and fro the Washington International Horses Show, I was reading my History book and I got through three chapters. I have a test tomorrow, and when I got home from the show, I looked over the power points my teacher had posted on our blackboard along with some reading for College Success Skills. Yesterday, I did more history review and I reviewed for my quiz that is today for my Survey of the 20th Century. Today, I read through three chapters in my psychology book and found a journal article that I needed for class. My work ethic is improving, but I want it to get better and better. I want to be an A+ student.

How do you guys handle college/high school and riding?

Todays Lesson and future Ryan Minor Clinic

Hey guys! I had a lesson today after the two week break when I had family visiting. Hercules was bad/good/bad today. I went early so that I could practice a bit of braiding on Hercules tail, sadly I didn't get a picture of his tail. I had to take the braid out because he was very fidgety with the braid in; I don't think he liked it. I think it was because I braided it a bit tightly. So before Kitchie got there, I hopped off and took the braid out. It came out really good though, I only did it halfway instead of a full french braid on the tail. 

As I was riding today, Kitchie was complimenting me a bit on how graceful and elegant I look when I am riding. I love when I get compliments like that from my instructors. It makes me feel proud of all the hard work I have been doing throughout my lessons. And it encourages me to work even harder.

We focused the majority of my lesson on my posture, poise (same meaning, but whatever), transitions and flatwork. We are definitely improving. Our transition from the walk to the canter has improved, I just need to prep him for it by taking up on the reins, half halt with the inside rein and gently kick and squeeze with the outside leg. And it worked, he picked it up a minute or two after I signaled him what I wanted. The sitting trot has become more fluid and graceful, my hips now move with his gait. Our jumping was great today! We had no refusals, but he was a bit too quick when coming home over the jumps. He took the jumps like a super star! He did jump it mainly at a trot at the end so that he knew I was in control. My arms hurt so much from half halting but it's a good pain. 

Just to clear up on my jumping, I jump up to 2'6", I know it's small, but I like to start small in order to gain more confidence on my jumping. I hope to jump 3' with Kitchie one day. 

Next weekend, I am going to be attending a Ryan Minor clinic at the barn. Ryan Minor was the clinic demo rider for George Morris and has also ridden for Beezie Madden. I am so excited for this weekend! The clinic is this Saturday and Sunday! I think I might be riding Hercules but Ryan might put me on someone else. I don't know, but I am so happy I have the opportunity to ride in a clinic where the clinician has worked with George Morris and Beezie Madden. Like that is truly an honor.

Kitchie said that Ryan would be pretty impressed with my riding, so we shall see what he thinks. She actually asked if I danced but I told her no and she was really surprised. I did take a dance class when I was little. I took ballet for one year I believe. I just told her it's my German genes coming out to play in the ring. I think it is because when I look at the Germans work with their horses. They have such passion and love for horses and the sport. I really do think my love and passion for horses come from my moms side of the family, which is German/English. 

I shall bid you all a good night!

Truly says it all...

I love watching videos that show the drastic difference between equestrian and other sports. It shows how dangerous and life risking it is. It shows we equestrians are fearless.

Watch this video you guys. You'll see the difference.

P.S. IT IS MY 100TH POST!!! AHH YAY ME! I have stayed determined and dedicated to this blog! I hope you enjoy my blog. Please ask me questions and follow my twitter, instagram and pinterest!

Washington International Horse Show

HM the Queen of England (Elizabeth II) wears what I am wearing. It's called Barbour

Holy smokes you guys! I had a blast over the two days that I spent at the Washington International Horse Show. I finally know that I want to truly spend the rest of my life riding and showing. I know what my goal is now. It is to show in as many shows in jumping and to try to one get to the Maclay and the Washington International Horse Show. I want to fall for a guy who is an equestrian (I have one dream guy! I saw him show yesterday!). I picked up so many brochures and booklets that it felt like being at Equine Affaire again. I bought my Barbour jacket as an early Christmas present. I love it! I love it! I love it! It is my winter jacket, but not for riding. I might use it for when I do the Christmas photo shoot with Hercules. It is sort of my everyday jacket for school, outings and such. 

You have no idea who I got to watch show! I saw Beezie Madden, McClain Ward, Laura Kraut, Kent Farrington, Darragh Kenny, Olivier and Nicola Phillippaerts! It was so amazing to be so close yet far from Beezie Madden! She is my inspiration to work on my jumping! I swear, they were jumping at least 5 ft fences! I think I am jumping 2'-2' 1/2" ft with Hercules. I want to go higher. I just need to work on my two-point (jumping position) and strengthen my legs and core in order to succeed. And lastly, I need to practice a lot. 

Darragh Kenny

McClain Ward

Nicola Phillippaerts

Him again <3

Beezie Madden

I can't wait for tomorrow, because I get to get on Hercules and jump again since I had a two week break due to family coming over. I am taking two or three carrots to make up for my absence. He will be so happy. I am going to work on my transitions, my two-point, and my posture tomorrow in my lesson. 

I have taken quite a fancy to Nicola Phillippaerts... 

A. He is an equestrian

and

B. He is very handsome.

and 

C. He is around my age.

When I was watching him jump his horse, he made it look so flawless. Because his work is flawless. He has been doing this since he was a mere child, whereas I have been doing this since I was 10. So I have maybe a 5 year age difference in the riding. He is so cute though... It's really hard to ignore. I never knew he and his brother Olivier were twins. They do look like twins, but their facial structure is a bit different. 

One day, I won't be on the sidelines watching these talented riders compete. One day, after extensive show seasons, I will go to Maclay and then one day I will go on to Washington International Horse Show, and then finally to the Olympics. They're my dreams and goals, and I will reach them, somehow and someday when the time is right. 

Another Mind Blown Moment

My dog is classified as a Beagle Mix. 

This is her...

I think I found her twin brother..... or some relation...

His name is Ace!

He is so cute! They both are! I swear he is almost a similar version of her, but I am pretty sure he is smaller, and a lot more younger than MudLynn. I really want him! 

Just Move!

AHH! Little Mix's new music video for their newest single just came out! It's amazing! It's filled with jamming music! Perfect song for a party and such! I love them all, I like Jessy and Perrie. I like Jessy because she's not afraid of expressing herself, like she is perfectly happy with her body and that she doesn't change her image due to entertainments criticizing eye. She is a true role model. And I like Perrie because she is beautiful and has an amazing voice like Christina Aguilera. She is like a miniature version of her! It's adorable! I'm actually thinking of getting my nose pierced... She wears a nose ring so perfectly, like it's flawless. She is my singing inspiration. 

Go watch the video! Go Mixers!

Might have some ideas for posts during Winter Break..

While I was in the car coming home from class today, I got to thinking about doing a post or two on how to survive college during the first semester. And since, I am doing thus, I am going to do a post or two over winter break on how to survive college during your first semester. Trust me, I have learned a lot of pointers over the two weeks I've been in class so far. It's a lot of hard work, but enough of that. I don't want to say anything until winter break.

Also, during the winter, I may be having a Christmas photo session with an equine photographer done with Hercules. And then also doing one with my mom (photographer) and my dog, MudLynn, so you'll be getting pictures around Christmas. :)

I really want to know what kinds of other posts you want to see. I want to answer any questions, try things you recommend, read books you recommend. I would love to know about the things you want to share with me that I can also share on my blog. If there's anything horse, beauty or fashion related that you want to see, let me know! I will put them into action for you!

Please, pleaseeeee comment down below. I would love to hear your suggestions!

Somewhat Reflective.... Somewhat Random Ramblings... FRIDAY

I feel like this will be more of a whiny post since I had a bad mood last night. Fact; never take a night class that ends at 9:45pm when you have to get up at 6:30 tomorrow morning. Plus, don't take an 8 week class if you cannot handle it. I am somehow handling my classes. Like I am getting the hang of my history class, I just need to get cracking on my book for my book review. I'm still on the first chapter. Also, I think I shall knock out a daily schedule for myself on Excel to help organize my time. That is kind of my big problem here.

I have also developed the want for Starbucks coffee since I have been in college. I sorta chose the one closest to chocolate so I have been drinking the White Chocolate Mocha. It is so good, I am actually drinking one right now. I want Starbucks to come out with a k cup version of White Chocolate Mocha for the Keurig. I would be so happy because then I could take a mug of coffee with my to my night classes.

My Friday afternoons at the library

*hint hint* to the people of Starbucks! :D

What's your usual Starbucks order?

I am also starting to become a bit more independent. Example; usually I am always with my mom (we have a strong mother-daughter bond when I am not in a mood), but now that I am in college, I am starting to adventure more. Adventure Time! Haha, no. But I am starting to come out of my shell a lot more, I don't necessarily have friends on campus right now but I do talk to a few people out of my classes. Which is quite nice since I am not a quiet little turtle in its shell. It is very helpful to come out of your shell. So I am advising you to try it sometime when you feel shy around a group of others.

How do you overcome the shy bug?

Is there anyone out there that is also in love with Peacock feathers? I am really going off on different topics haha! No but I am so in love with Peacock feathers! The colors in each feather are so vibrant and are very arabian. It would be so cool to own a Peacock. I know the Queen of England owns the Swans but is there a queen that owns Peacocks?

So beautiful!

Show Me Love

I just watched The Wanted's new music video for one of their new songs and I gotta say... It is bloody amazing! I had goose bumps all over me because of how amazing the song is. It is so moving and beautiful. Like I can't even describe it. Have you ever gotten that feeling inside which you want to describe but cannot put it in words? I am having that feeling right now. I mean, the boys are so talented and amazing. I so want to go to their next concert and see them perform live. It would be life changing for me. I mean, I have been to other concerts but they were mainly Sarah Brightman, a Katy Perry one, and a Taylor Swift concert. I have never seen a boy band perform and I would love to see them perform. 

I promise you, you will be blown away.

Who have you seen in concert? 

Classical Dressage vs. Competitive Dressage....

I am so happy right now! I get to write a paper on dressage. Its for my Survey of the 20th Century class! I have to discuss how dressage has evolved to this day! It's quite easy for me because I read a lot of stuff on Dressage and I saw the Famous Lipizzaner Stallions perform where they talked about each of the "Airs Above the Ground" and how they were used during the wars to help a rider get away when in a dangerous situation. My two page easy is going pretty well. Just working on the rough draft while reading my Developmental Psychology book... Oi, the reading I get from my teacher is crazy! Plus the class is a two day 8 week class. I got step up my game like seriously.

How do you guys stay focused on college work?

I'm so sorry!!!

I'm so sorry I haven't posted in a few days. My aunt from California was here visiting and then we went to Monticello and the Natural Bridge and also visited my aunt's daughter's family for a night and then we drove home. So as you can see, I had zero time to blog! But I did have a great weekend. Other than going to the ER thinking my eye was hurt when it was really just irritated from my contacts. At Monticello, I actually got to see what the barns looked like! And I can say, it was dark because they had no light; but they may have had a lamp in the barn for some light. But the inside of Monticello, was gorgeous! The way the dining room was laid out was so pretty! It was like in a room off set the real section of the dining room. It looked like a conservatory but an eating conservatory. It was amazing to see Thomas Jeffersons home. Well, I have to go work on some homework! I'll post tomorrow loves!

Love you all!

Does anyone have a favorite gentle giant?

I'm in love with Drafts off and on. Right now, I'm in love with Clydesdales. They are so gorgeous with their bay coats, white feathers and gentle giant personalities. I'd love to have one when I have a barn of my own. Even though they're huge, I still think they are amazing. I actually saw the whole Budweiser team at the Big E pulling the wagon with the Dalmatian. 

Aren't they beautiful?!
Credit to GoogleImages

Big Bang Theory Binge is back!

I just did a happy dance on my couch because I looked on the tv guide to see what channels Big Bang Theory was on and I literally jumped for joy! MLB Season is over! At least, I think it is... But yeah! I get to go from one channel to the second channel again! I am so happy! I'm a happy camper again! I love my Sheldon Cooper! I'm Team Meemaw! I can see myself as Sheldon's nerdy sister, but not as nerdy as him though. It would be a dream come true if I could be on the show! I love it! I sing Soft Kitty in public when I think my mom is tired. She says it's embarrassing but I think it's funny. I can relate to Kaley Cuoco because she's an equestrian like me, but has had more time in the saddle as me. She is my role model for riding and pursuing my dreams.

"I'm not insane, my mom had me tested." -Sheldon Cooper
Credit to Google Images

What's your favorite comedy show? 

Who's your role model and why?

FAQ's?

Do you guys have any questions you would like me to answer? I'd like to add them along with my answers to my FAQ's tabs on my blog. Please comment some questions!

Once a week themed blog posts?

I have been thinking of doing a "Reflective Friday" post every Friday. To sort of reflect what I've done each week, what I have learned, what I have improved on and what I can do in order to improve things. How do you guys think about that? I think it's bloody brilliant. I hope you guys do too! I am also thinking of doing some equestrian/chic style, make up looks (like the one I wear nearly every day when I am in the mood to put makeup on) just something basic yet chic, some home styling tips, and such. So please, if you want to see me do something, please comment it down below; I am going to make a list of things I will blog about each day. Should I do tutorials on YouTube for things like easy braiding 1-2-3 for shows, french braiding a tail, steps to bathing your horse effectively and environmentally, um... how to tack up a horse, and things like that. I really would love to hear your input! I can do reviews on products (makeup or horsey). I am willing as long as you ask me darlings!

Love you!

Comment down below!

I have a really good question...

My question is "how do you get sponsors for your blog or your horse back riding?" I see saddle pads with Boston University on them with ARIAT's name underneath. Are they a sponsor for the school's team? I don't know. I see bloggers who have their email listed for business inquiries. I see this one girl who blogs and she is sponsored or something by a company that makes clothes for equestrians and she does photo shoots and videos on YouTube. How does she do it? 

Should I start a YouTube account when I post videos? Thing is, what would I post? I have no idea what I would record or have someone record for me in order to put in on YouTube.

I am already trying to advertise my blog. I put it in my Twitter website link module and in my Instagram website link module.

Does anyone have any input on how to get sponsors or how to advertise my blog a bit more to the public? I would love to hear your suggestions.

Love you all!

November Clinic!

Due to the inclement weather here, the Cooler Show has been pushed to the end of October, which also means that clinic I want to and will attend in the beginning of November.  Happy Dance!!! If the show was pushed and the clinic was still going for the normal date, I would have missed it due to the Washington International Horse Show. I am so happy it has been pushed because now I can attend it with Hercules. I am so excited! This is I believe my second or third clinic. I attended one at my old barn on horsemanship and one for braiding and clipping for shows. So I am very excited to ride in this clinic.

The #1 Item on my Wish list...

My number 1 item on my wishlist would be a pair of Dubarry boots. They are so chic but country chic. I always giggle when I see the Dubarry man standing in a bucket of water to prove to customers how water proof they really are! These have always been on my wish list, but now they are my #1. 

Photo Credit to Dubarry US

I am just so in love with the Galaway Dubarry boot. They are so gorgeous and look amazing!

Anyone out there that love Dubarry too?!

Noticed...

I was at the Navy Exchange today with my mom and we were in line to get my Dad's clothes from alterations and I was talking to mom about some pictures I found on Pinterest and a guy goes "Nice 4-H jacket!" and I was like "Thanks!" Guys, 4-H was noticed at the Navy Exchange! That's like bloody amazing! I mean, how often does 4-H get noticed in public other than at shows, parades and conventions? Like never... But this was amazing for me.

I've linked my Pinterest down below!

http://www.pinterest.com/model101/boards/

Browbands in England vs. Browbands in America

I have friends and family in two countries, England and America. Lately, a friend of mine who owns a horse in England has been posting pictures from the horse shows she attends. And lately I have ben admiring the browbands they use for shows. 

This is my friend Maggie's horse, Kazan. Credit to Maggie.

Just look at that browband! It's gorgeous! It's pre-made so you can choose which brow band you want. They come in so many gorgeous colors! I definitely will invest in one of them one day. I found a website where they are for sale, so I will definitely look in to it one day. I wonder if you can customize it to your color preference?

So ignore the date on the left of the photo but this is Rose, I leased her  once and fell in love with her. Her browband is the silver clincher browband from Dover Saddlery. It's the closest fancy browband I could find at Dover for me to use in the 4-H Shows.

I do love this browband, I still have it because I still have my dressage bridle and my Wintec 2000 from when I showed in 4-H. I do like American browbands but then it's a tie for when it comes to browbands from England. They are both equally beautiful in their different ways.

I am willing to...

Hello to my lovely readers! I just wanted to say that I am willing to try any products you have, read books and write a review, answer questions, due a video tutorial, or anything that comes to your mind! I would love to know what you guys would like to know as well as tell you what is going on in the equestrian part of my life. Please comment, follow and ask or recommend things for me!

Love you!!

Expenses and More Expenses

Why does it have to be so expensive to ride and show and such with horses. I mean, I love it I really do, but it really injures my wallet tremendously. Why can't it be free or why can't I be rich? So many questions, so little answers. 

This is MIND BLOWING!

I was roaming around on a equine classified sight and I found this OTTB (Off Track Thoroughbred) and he is gorgeous! BUT! His name is Sheldon's Big Bang Theory... My mind exploded because A. his name is Sheldon and B. there's Big Bang Theory in his name! I am in love you guys! Can someone buy him for me?! I'll show him in show jumping and everything if you sponsor me! Haha, just kidding. No but seriously, can someone buy him for me?

Todays lesson!

So todays lesson was a long lesson than the normal half an hour, it was a full hour today. My instructor had a "brain lapse" which is what she said but I didn't mind. It gave me more time to work with Hercules. He was such a good boy today. He had two carrots; one before and one after. He gets really pushy when he sees a carrot in my hand but we are working on him to not be pushy. But when the lesson started, he became an amazing flat horse. He was arching his neck and stretching it, he was looking sharp. I can't wait for next year hen we show! We will knock the socks of many! Our jumping has improved also. We are actually starting to pick our feet up now. And we also jumped at least 2' and a few inches. So it's new to me but totally natural for him. But it was a lot of fun jumping higher than what I am used to. We jumped the 2' fence at least 3 or 4 times. And then we did the full course. Then when we finished, I swear; he was dripping dirt sweat. Like it was black in some places, so I ended the day by watering him down so he was whitish again, haha. I need to get the white shampoo so I can give him a bath. Then he was all nice and clean. When we got to his stall, he was so happy to get his dinner. My thighs hurt so much you guys from doing two point for about two laps around the area. I can assure you, my legs are much stronger than they used to be.

Christmas Photo Shoot with Hercules!

Every Christmas, my family and I do a Christmas card photo collage to send to all of our friends and relatives. This year, I was talking to my mom because we have this beautiful Christmasy halter and lead rope that we bought at Equine Affair! So I asked her if we could add Hercules to the Christmas card because I will most likely be leasing him next year. Plus, he is such a sweet boy and his grey/white coat would look so beautiful in the halter and lead rope. I am so glad we bought it when we were at Equine Affair! I'll keep you guys posted on this, this just sparked today because she posted on my Facebook wall a photographer if I did want to do it and frankly I really do!

Woohoo!

I got a new babysitting job! YAY!

Horse Show Goers!

Are there any other Hunter Jumpers out there? If so, Hiya! I am going to be showing next year in the VBHSA shows in the equitation and in the jumping. I think it's hunter jumper, but if not it's just jumping. I love jumping, it's so much fun to be flying over cross rails and brick walls with your horse. Except when they refuse and you go flying ahah, not always that fun. But I don't mind if I fall, as long as I don't break anything. I have fallen off and few times, but I just get back into the saddle. How many times have you fallen off? I am a horse show girl. I've done IEA Riding Team and 4-H shows! They are so much fun and are great for the mind because you can watch others and evaluate them and try to fix your riding if they are an upper level rider. Yeah, that's about it.

What shows do you do?

What discipline is it? 

Show or No Show?

So for this topic, I have been thinking long and hard about. I decided that I won't be showing this fall, but I will show in the spring. This way, I don't need to worry about how much money I'll need all the time since college is just starting and I am getting my book stipend. Also, once I get more money from my college books, babysitting and/or pet sitting, I may invest in a Bates saddle as well as a bridle and martingale if I decide to lease Hercules. Also, by not showing this fall, I can get more familiar with his gates and such and become more balanced. It's better to become more prepared rather than to rush into it.