Catcha the hunter pony

Today after working with 2 nice Morgans in Evansville, I visited my mentor Pat Fitzgerald and rode Catcha. Catcha is has a very sweet personality, and has beautiful movement to go along with her flashy color. It took a bit for me to adjust to her trot - she's got the oomph of a big warmblood, even in that slightly deep sand! A young girl (age 9 maybe?) has been riding her with the hunter group as well, and Catcha is learning to jump, does flying lead changes, and has a great attitude.


Catcha LOVES her new job as a hunter pony. She's lots of fun to ride, very responsive.

The View from Don

Here are some video snippets of yesterday's trail ride with Don the Andalusian. I'm riding one handed as I film these, and they are "uncut", simply because I don't know how to edit them. Please forgive me for the occasional repetition.

You can hear Don's fabulous walking stride. He was relaxed and steady for most of our ride, and brave in the "scary" parts.







This one shows the beautiful pasture where Rainy lives with her friends. I love walking up that enormous hill to get Rainy for our session - breathtaking views and good exercise! The horses at Saddle Ridge are well cared for and the herds are friendly.

Colleen's Birthday party on the Solstice

Here Melissa (Ignite Your Voice) and I are dancing to the wonderful drumming and singing at Colleen's party. It was a beautiful gathering, and at the end the mosquitoes came on full force. My "Safe for Human Use" natural bug and mosquito repellent (for horses) proved completely ineffective, so we headed for the Union Terrace later that night.


Colleen is the one standing behind the lovely flower-petal cupcakes :) Happy Birthday, Colleen!


click the "play" arrow to see video

Riding lesson with Don the Andalusian

I'm pleased to be taking some riding lessons from Bobbie McDonald out at Saddle Ridge. And I'm using Don as my trusty steed (Thank you, Don.) He is physically gifted and a bit green at some of these things, although not as green as I am. We shot video of it, which was also helpful because I could blatantly see why I need these riding lessons! Bobbie was clear and encouraging, and I felt and saw results. I'll see her next week, same time.

Whoo Ha... I went to a great show the other night!

TCLB

Thanks to good friends, I recently found out about this talented band and wanted to let y'all know about them. Original songs, and if you've never seen a violinist plug it in and use the "wah-wah" pedal.... it's amazing.

From their press page: "Contradictory (their first album) is a collaboration of lively and talented musicians....if your attention isn't caught by the soothing vocals, great acoustics, or funny lyrics, then you, my friend, should check to see if you're still breathing."
-Veronica Ramos Space City Rock Houston, TX

The Lucas Cates Band is based in Madison, and gaining recognition across the nation quickly. See their website (click here) for Madison shows, tour dates and locations.

Tonight they are at the Cardinal Bar. If you missed it, they'll be back in Madison in July, after their Kentucky, South Carolina, and Georgia tour.

Riding Diesel

Okay, if you haven't had a good laugh yet today, watch these videos. Diesel does a pretty good job, and after seeing these videos, I can see why he complains. I look ENORMOUS on him! I'm a light 5'8", honestly. It's so funny with the helmet, boots, gloves, and this professional trainer, towering over this cute little mule, in a western saddle, no less. I think he will be great (and look great too) with younger and smaller riders. Thank you, Diesel, for putting up with me while in training.

Today I rode and videotaped myself on 3 different horses. I am giving myself lessons by reviewing the footage. It's excruciating. I FEEL as if I'm riding with beautiful posture, but the video reveals otherwise. I can stay on almost anything, but it is my intention to learn to ride correctly with elegance. Send a prayer. Oops, I meant to say, "I'm getting better every day, I'm getting better every day....."

Sparkly Fun Art Gallery

Have you been in Absolutely Art yet? It's wonderful! And it's next door to Cafe Zoma, so you can get a sandwich or coffee and see their rotating art exhibit as well. Here's a little clip of Jeanne Ross, an amazing artist in her own right, hanging my prints on the wall for display. Absolutely Art is located at 2322 Atwood Ave. Madison, WI 53704. Click here to see their website.

Diesel and Rowdy hanging out

Diesel has made lots of progress since he arrived. He drives outside nicely and he has been riding walk, trot, and canter indoors. He prefers driving to riding, but he is a good sport under saddle anyways.
I've got to get some footage of us riding, because we are quite a sight!

Diesel will go home early July. I'd like to find someone to board their mini with Rowdy for company or find a mini to take in for training when Diesel goes home.

Meeting Don the Andalusian

I am so honored to be working with this horse for a couple of weeks. We will do some riding and driving, and I'll spend time with him on the trails to build his confidence and improve his fitness. Mentor Pat Fitzgerald will give me some lessons on him, and among other things, I will learn to ride with my shoulders BACK. Wouldn't that make it a prettier picture?

This is the first time I've ridden Don. In the first video (above), after about a minute it gets a little more exciting as he spooks by the large back door. He is so smooth, even his spooks are comfortable!

This video shows me trying out his canter. He hasn't had much practice at the canter, and he sort of falls in, races at times, and suggests stopping each time we pass the mounting block. I am not complaining, however. He has the DREAMIEST canter I've ever ridden. Thanks, Don. I'm looking forward to our time together.

I hope to post another video of Don after I've worked more with him and hopefully we will see some improvement in my own riding as well.

Happy Birthday, Melissa!

A very special gathering occurred thanks to Melissa bringing wonderful friends together for a birthday party. There was music, drumming, and dancing, and at the end of the night almost everyone was making hilarious impromptu skits with sock puppets. (My personal dream come true!) Melissa is a talented life coach and you can visit her beautiful site by clicking here.

Masks

During the Spring Art tour, I was blessed to have two delightful friends with me for the day. We rode Rainy, made paintings, played with sock puppets, and brought up these paper mache masks from my basement. The curtain partition served as a great stage.

Wooden Coat Pegs

During the art tour, my mom photographed each painted coat peg, as some people were not able to see the video of them I had posted earlier. Thanks, mom! Each one is hand painted, and the paintings are my own design. Acrylic on wood, $25 each.








The froggy one has been sold.

Playing with Rainy outside

In late May a friend filmed Rainy and I playing outside. It's her first time going over a jump on a lead line. Neither of us know much about jumping yet. In the videos below, you can see us playing in the round pen, Rainy's first small jump, and our progress on the Spanish Walk.

Spring Art Tour This Weekend

Sock Puppet Production line



This weekend is the Spring Art Tour. You can still catch it tomorrow, Sunday June 8 from 11-5. Artists open up their homes and studios to the public to show their working method. Matt at the Vernon Creek Gallery of Art has his place brimming with gorgeous ceramic work of his own and features other talented artists as well. Find us through Vernon Creek Gallery of Art website (click here.)
This video will take you through my house. Notice the effects of sleep deprivation - makes me look sort of relaxed and strained at the same time! It feels great to invite people in to see my art and the effort was worth it. Thanks to Mom for her generous help with this event.