Friday, March 18, 2011
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Photos from the Bernolakovo Horse Show yesterday
(Above) With Ifka and Andrea. Andrea's horses Largo (chestnut) and Taktika, and the other chestnut mare is Savannah (far left)
(below) Dolany Club riders! from left: Silvia, Andrea, Ifka and Simona. Two of these horses, the chestnuts (Savannah (far left) and Largo) come from the same breeder as Sementa. The bay with the white marking is the mare Taktika and the other is a stallion, Jefferson
Ifka on Jefferson looking so elegant : )
Riders walking the course for the second competition
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Spooky girl!
Semi was a little spooky today for some reason.
The day started out great when I went to a horse show where some girls from the barn were showing. It was a gorgeous warm and sunny day and the horses were all so relaxed and happy, with the sun glinting off their hair. Largo looked like a golden bronze horse, the colors that came off in the sunlight!
There were alot of falls at the competition, with many horses refusing in particular the first jump and riders coming off into the poles. Another girl had to be carried off the course when her horse fell on a turn and she hurt her leg somehow. All horses were fine though.
Silvia was glowing as usual, she is so happy at these shows, bring great energy to alll herfriends, human and equine !
Then I drove back to the stables to meet Mishka and ride. We mucked over to the turnouts through the mud and the horses were all relaxed looking. Semi came right over when I called her and I had treats to give out to all. She waited patiently while Mishka undid the difficult fastenings on the boys' paddock. She was trying to get Leo out without freeing Emil, who is a known escape artist. Last time he got out he was found 2 villages away!
All was fine, I was leading Semi behind Leo and she was walking nicely, even though I was carrying a bright yellow plastic bag with boots in it. She didn't even notice it. However, she became quite alarmed at something over by the farm equipment and hay stack. I mean, she passes by it every day so I don't know what it was. It WAS pretty windy out though. But its been like that for the last couple of days, and I was riding her out in the field yesterday in windy conditions and she had zero problems then. ANyway, she somehow transported herself in an 180 degree arc, coupled with a rear, and ended up on my other side, very upset and at the literal end of her lead rope. I was pretty glad I had tied a knot in the end when I picked her up so it wouldn't slip through my hands in just such a case.
She was high-headed and nervous now and I struggled a bit to calm her. Then we had to walk by the cows which I think she is not thrilled about generally. But when we tried to go in the back door of the barn she surged forward to get in, pinning me against the wall there. It is very narrow and there is a stupid tractor right there inside so is a tight passage. Well, I had to drop the rope as there was no room for me AND a giant panicking horse. She rushed up and bumped into Leo and Mishka, who kindly didn't get angry with me and caught her.
So after that, an uneventful tack up. On the way out of the barn to the arena though she got scared of something and rushed forward, even stepping into the back of my leg which bloody well hurt! No injuries though : )
Semi was fine inside for the most part, although she spooked several times, which I have to say is unusual for her. What's funny is that yesterday she was scared to go by the door of the arena and of one corner. Today she rode by both spots as if they didn't exist! no idea.
I LOVE MY HORSE!
The day started out great when I went to a horse show where some girls from the barn were showing. It was a gorgeous warm and sunny day and the horses were all so relaxed and happy, with the sun glinting off their hair. Largo looked like a golden bronze horse, the colors that came off in the sunlight!
There were alot of falls at the competition, with many horses refusing in particular the first jump and riders coming off into the poles. Another girl had to be carried off the course when her horse fell on a turn and she hurt her leg somehow. All horses were fine though.
Silvia was glowing as usual, she is so happy at these shows, bring great energy to alll herfriends, human and equine !
Then I drove back to the stables to meet Mishka and ride. We mucked over to the turnouts through the mud and the horses were all relaxed looking. Semi came right over when I called her and I had treats to give out to all. She waited patiently while Mishka undid the difficult fastenings on the boys' paddock. She was trying to get Leo out without freeing Emil, who is a known escape artist. Last time he got out he was found 2 villages away!
All was fine, I was leading Semi behind Leo and she was walking nicely, even though I was carrying a bright yellow plastic bag with boots in it. She didn't even notice it. However, she became quite alarmed at something over by the farm equipment and hay stack. I mean, she passes by it every day so I don't know what it was. It WAS pretty windy out though. But its been like that for the last couple of days, and I was riding her out in the field yesterday in windy conditions and she had zero problems then. ANyway, she somehow transported herself in an 180 degree arc, coupled with a rear, and ended up on my other side, very upset and at the literal end of her lead rope. I was pretty glad I had tied a knot in the end when I picked her up so it wouldn't slip through my hands in just such a case.
She was high-headed and nervous now and I struggled a bit to calm her. Then we had to walk by the cows which I think she is not thrilled about generally. But when we tried to go in the back door of the barn she surged forward to get in, pinning me against the wall there. It is very narrow and there is a stupid tractor right there inside so is a tight passage. Well, I had to drop the rope as there was no room for me AND a giant panicking horse. She rushed up and bumped into Leo and Mishka, who kindly didn't get angry with me and caught her.
So after that, an uneventful tack up. On the way out of the barn to the arena though she got scared of something and rushed forward, even stepping into the back of my leg which bloody well hurt! No injuries though : )
Semi was fine inside for the most part, although she spooked several times, which I have to say is unusual for her. What's funny is that yesterday she was scared to go by the door of the arena and of one corner. Today she rode by both spots as if they didn't exist! no idea.
I LOVE MY HORSE!
Thursday, March 10, 2011
First ride-out with Sementa!
Yesterday was a gorgeous, sunny day around 6 C, after some work in the indoor arena, Monica suggested we go outside to walk in the fields! I was nervous about it but have been dying to go out with Semi so happily agreed. My friend Martina had come by to visit us so she opened the door for us and we ducked down and rode out through the door. I was a little surprised as I have not done this on Semi before, she was a little excited, with her head up and ears perked. She tends to be pretty looky so I was nervous about that too but all went well!!
We walked through the yard, which is more or less a construction site, with tarp covered machinery, hoses and equipment everywhere. No problem for Sementa or for Taktika (Monica was riding her). We went out through the gates to the property and into the field, a road runs right by it and of course a huge tractor-trailer came barreling down the road just as we were walking by. no problem at all!! Semi didn't even glance at the truck but was instead staring at various bushes and toward the turn-outs where her friends were standing.
We rode for about 20 minutes through a field, Monica was happy and telling me about where in the fields they like to ride in the summer and fall....there are apparently some big circles that one can ride exercises on a little further back. Lots of birds were singing, the sky was a beautiful blue, our horses were sighing happily.....heaven : ) We even saw three lovely deer burst out from a hedgerow and skitter down the field. I turned Semi's head away just in case, but it didn't seem like she was remotely interested in running along with them. luckily. Monica said one of the horses there (can't remember who) loves to run with deer and if he sees them will take off to join them.....an instance I'd def like to skip. or? maybe it would be fun?
We were going to trot but Semi picked her head up so high and was so excited that I felt sure she would run off so I stopped and stayed walking. next time I guess.
She even walked over iced mud and through a little puddle or two! She seems to have no problem with obstacles, just likes to look and stare around....I imagine that if she were working she would start to concentrate pretty well.
We passed by a big hay stack that someone had spraypainted advertising a pig roast party, Sementa was pretty interested in that hay : )
The walk went really well. Actually the only time Semi sidestepped at all was when we were re-entering the gates to the property, not sure why even. Once inside, she stepped over hoses, walked by blowing tarps and machinery without a moment's attention.
We walked through the yard, which is more or less a construction site, with tarp covered machinery, hoses and equipment everywhere. No problem for Sementa or for Taktika (Monica was riding her). We went out through the gates to the property and into the field, a road runs right by it and of course a huge tractor-trailer came barreling down the road just as we were walking by. no problem at all!! Semi didn't even glance at the truck but was instead staring at various bushes and toward the turn-outs where her friends were standing.
We rode for about 20 minutes through a field, Monica was happy and telling me about where in the fields they like to ride in the summer and fall....there are apparently some big circles that one can ride exercises on a little further back. Lots of birds were singing, the sky was a beautiful blue, our horses were sighing happily.....heaven : ) We even saw three lovely deer burst out from a hedgerow and skitter down the field. I turned Semi's head away just in case, but it didn't seem like she was remotely interested in running along with them. luckily. Monica said one of the horses there (can't remember who) loves to run with deer and if he sees them will take off to join them.....an instance I'd def like to skip. or? maybe it would be fun?
We were going to trot but Semi picked her head up so high and was so excited that I felt sure she would run off so I stopped and stayed walking. next time I guess.
She even walked over iced mud and through a little puddle or two! She seems to have no problem with obstacles, just likes to look and stare around....I imagine that if she were working she would start to concentrate pretty well.
We passed by a big hay stack that someone had spraypainted advertising a pig roast party, Sementa was pretty interested in that hay : )
The walk went really well. Actually the only time Semi sidestepped at all was when we were re-entering the gates to the property, not sure why even. Once inside, she stepped over hoses, walked by blowing tarps and machinery without a moment's attention.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Horse Fair Chaos!!
Rival Traveller gangs shooting homemade shotguns and swing meat hooks at a horse fair in the CENTER OF DUBLIN!! insane. This is like Guy Ritchie movie waiting to happen....(as seen in the Irish Independent today) Here's a link and I've just gone ahead and cut and pasted the article below....apparently no horses were injured so feel free to laugh at the sheer insanity of this, if you like dark humour that is : )
http://www.independent.ie/national-news/bareknuckle-fight-sparked-bitter-feud-that-ended-in-chaos-2569470.html
http://www.independent.ie/national-news/bareknuckle-fight-sparked-bitter-feud-that-ended-in-chaos-2569470.html
Bare-knuckle fight sparked bitter feud that ended in chaos
Chaos in Smithfield square, Dublin, on Sunday, after shots were fired at the horse fair
MORE PHOTOS:Tuesday March 08 2011
Street clashes broke out as rival gangs fought with sticks and iron bars
THE violence that erupted at a horse fair in Dublin city centre was the result of a bitter feud between two Traveller families that began over a bare-knuckle fight.
The garda investigation into the chaotic scenes at Smithfield Horse Fair has now been extended outside the capital.
Officers were carrying out inquiries in the south-east and the midlands last night following the incidents that were linked to a bitter feud that had been ongoing between the families since the summer of 2008.
In Dublin, a man in his early 40s from the south inner city was questioned by gardai about disposing of a handgun, which was fired twice during the row at the fair.
The man is suspected of hiding the handgun on behalf of one of the gangs at the centre of the conflict.
It was found by gardai during a search of the Oliver Bond flats complex in Rialto and shortly afterwards detectives detained the suspect at Bridgefoot Street.
Last night, he was still being held for questioning at the Bridewell garda station. Gardai can hold him without charge for three days.
Gardai have also been in contact with the PSNI as part of the search for suspects involved in Sunday's violence. Some of those involved in the feud have links with groups in the North.
Nobody was hurt when the gun was fired on Sunday. But seconds earlier, one member of the warring factions had opened fire with an improvised homemade shotgun.
Two men from the other side of the feud were hit by pellets in the hip and leg and taken to the Mater Hospital.
Street clashes then broke out as rival gangs fought with sticks and iron bars. One man produced a slash hook and almost severed another's arm.
The injured man was rushed to the Mater, where he underwent emergency surgery.
Gardai recovered the homemade shotgun at the scene of the shooting. It consisted of two cylinders, bound with tape and filled with pellets, and a firing mechanism.
The two men who were shot were both from Co Offaly and were linked to one of the groups involved in the row.
The man injured with the slash hook belonged to the opposing group.
Gardai last night appealed to witnesses to contact them and said they were particularly interested in hearing from anybody who might have photographs or video footage of the incidents.
Meanwhile, Dublin's Lord Mayor Gerry Breen said yesterday he would write to the new Justice Minister about the need for legislation to abolish the Smithfield Horse Fair.
Attendance
And he will ask the Agriculture Minister to adopt an EU regulation into law, which could curtail attendance. The regulation requires all horses to have an ID microchip inserted and a valid passport issued from an approved studbook or agency.
"God forbid if the horses panicked because of the gun shots. We've a Luas line running through there," Mr Breen said.
Two Independent Dublin councillors, Nial Ring and Cieran Perry last night submitted an emergency motion to Dublin City Council's monthly meeting, calling on the city manager to close the horse fair on health and safety grounds.
But the council insisted it was blocked from doing anything as those who attended the fair had a right under the Casual Trading Act 1995 to congregate there.
- Tom Brady and Patricia McDonagh
Irish Independent
Bitless Bridle packing mix-up
Finally the Dr. Cook's Bitless Bridle arrived! It had been held up in customs for over 3 weeks because the packers had mistakenly put someone else's order into the box and so the packing slip didn't match the contents.
I ordered the nice brown leather bridle and reins and what came was the Beta (man-made material) Bridle and no reins. I wrote the company and they kindly told me to just keep the Beta bridle!! This is great news as I can donate it to the barn in Bukovec, where there are many novice riders and school horses. I am so happy about this!!
Dr. Cook's emailed me to say that they are shipping my original order express and so I should have it within the week!
The delays are actually fine as Semi has a sharp tooth and I am waiting for the dentist to come before trying out the bitless bridle, as recommended.
I ordered the nice brown leather bridle and reins and what came was the Beta (man-made material) Bridle and no reins. I wrote the company and they kindly told me to just keep the Beta bridle!! This is great news as I can donate it to the barn in Bukovec, where there are many novice riders and school horses. I am so happy about this!!
Dr. Cook's emailed me to say that they are shipping my original order express and so I should have it within the week!
The delays are actually fine as Semi has a sharp tooth and I am waiting for the dentist to come before trying out the bitless bridle, as recommended.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Unbelievable ride!
Wow! Sementa gave me the sweetest ride last night! I was a little down due to my weird panic and general inability but Sementa gave me her all! While I was putting her boots on she even nuzzled my head and blew gently in my hair! She is so cute during grooming, always spending time sniffing the brushes, boots, saddle pad etc before I start using them.
Like two days ago, she didn't want to stand still for mounting and circled around the little ladder I used. But I whispered to her to stop it and looked in her eye that this was not going to work. And the next time I tried, she stayed still and I got on!
There was no spooking or dragging gaits today either, she even went by the door to the arena with no problem, bending into the corner like it wasn't even there : )
I was so amazed. You should have seen how she dropped her head, rounded her back and was doing the sweetest possible bends in the turns, it was beautiful! She was like that the whole ride; just so generous and giving! She responded to the slightest pressure of my lower leg!
I had a little trouble on the left hand canter though, she would break it fairly quickly while on the right she can go for as long as you like. not sure what that's about but hope to understand it better soon.
so happy!
Like two days ago, she didn't want to stand still for mounting and circled around the little ladder I used. But I whispered to her to stop it and looked in her eye that this was not going to work. And the next time I tried, she stayed still and I got on!
There was no spooking or dragging gaits today either, she even went by the door to the arena with no problem, bending into the corner like it wasn't even there : )
I was so amazed. You should have seen how she dropped her head, rounded her back and was doing the sweetest possible bends in the turns, it was beautiful! She was like that the whole ride; just so generous and giving! She responded to the slightest pressure of my lower leg!
I had a little trouble on the left hand canter though, she would break it fairly quickly while on the right she can go for as long as you like. not sure what that's about but hope to understand it better soon.
so happy!
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