My Favorite Cowboy! Being Sponsored by Twisted X Boots

This video is a bit oversized and I couldn't figure out how to make it smaller.   It is filmed in Montana, I believe and

Twisted X Boots is sponsoring James Cooler in his journey to "Road to the Horse Wild Card Competition" taking place on March 13, 2014.  HERE is more information about the RAM Wild Card Competition 2014 which is FREE to the public in Lexington, KY.

HERE is an Event Schedule for Thursday (Wild Card Competion where one individual will be selected to move on to Road to the Horse) and Friday-Sunday (Road to the Horse International 2014)

"A Moment, Realized". A Poem

A Moment, Realized

Life is a series of moments, flickering quickly,
soon forgotten as I hurtle myself
toward each new sensory and you, often
with me, eagerly round each bend,

traverse each hill, two souls adventuring
into seconds, minutes, hours.  My youth
beats to the rhythm of your hooves,
your name caresses my lips each night

as I pray our connection lasts,
hope we learn to pause more often,
like this morning when you honored me

with your trust, your gentleness -
the moment I realized it is not I who offers up
the greater sacrifice, the greatest gift.

by Margaret Bednar, July 7, 2013

Summer is rapidly flying by and we are often too hot to ride these past couple of weeks.  Lots of hosing down, lots of early morning and evening visits to the barn.  I think I have always preferred fall as the bugs start going away and the heat recedes -- perfect riding weather.

My Totem, a poem by Margaret Bednar

My Totem

We are riders
on the storm of life,

paths crossing, pausing

to bask in china blue sky's
gentle breath.

For but a moment
you lean into me, content,
heartbeats shared.

Submissiveness
is often considered
weakness,

but your spirit,
gentled, is truly
a powerful guardian.

by Margaret Bednar, June 23, 2013

For a poetry challenge I was to use a title of one of Jim Morrison's songs to use in a poem.  I selected "Riders on the Storm".

I don't own Sebastian anymore, I only have one horse, Oberon.  But I get to see Sebastian all the time as we are at the same barn.

"Cantering" a video with Kenny Harlow, an update on Sebastian

Here is a photo of Sebastian - do you remember the Friesian/Paint I owned a while back?  Well, we still get to watch him in training with James Cooler (Click HERE for Facebook link) and handle him a bit while he is away doing clinics and such this summer.  He is doing well and is a sweet boy.

This is a video of Sebastian when he was a baby (his original name was Falcon).  I posted this for a few of my poetry blogging friends who like horses (especially Fireblossom):



And for those of you with a few minutes to spare, below is a video of James Cooler explaining how Sebastian played an important role into James being selected as a Wild Card for 2014's Road to the Horse!  Notice: he rides him with no bridle.




A gentlemen I just found and find interesting is Kenny Harlow.  This video is a series and I think it is the third of a three part segment:  (This isn't new to me as we have worked with something similar to this with James Cooler)

...and we can't forget Oberon.   (FYI:  my daughter always wears a helmet riding except for a few photoshoots - so don't give me grief.)  We've been working on "perfect" transitions and beginning collection.

Oberon & my daughter "The Greatest Gift" a poem

The Greatest Gift

Gentleness is
a gift far greater
than strength,

like filtered sun,
seeps bone deep,
settles the heart

and peace is born.

by Margaret Bednar, June 3, 2013

"Teamwork"

Teamwork

Seventh place, dead last,
sixth, fourth, two thirds,
smile upon her face, unforced;

perseverance, a beautiful canter,
a winning smile,
and their first blue ribbon.

Matches the one
she carries in her heart.

Margaret Bednar, May 6, 2013

Linked with Imaginary Garden with Real Toad's "Open Link Monday".

Haven't posted for a while, but that doesn't mean we haven't been busy at the barn.  My daughter's have been working hard preparing for a few open shows.   Oberon has been "adjusting" to a tighter rein.  He's not as thrilled as the girls are, but he's been a good boy.   I will share some lessons with you in the next few posts...

Julie Goodnight YouTube Video on Transitions

Transitions with Julie Goodnight.  I really like this.  My daughter was in her first show recently and we realize Oberon's transitions need to be worked on as we have spoiled him a bit.  James & Kate Cooler will be working with us on this, and I think this is what they have been talking to us about... it's all in the seat.  We will see next week as we have lessons scheduled.

What do you think of this video?

My daughter showed Oberon for the first time at an Open Show which was held at our "home" barn.  I am not sure if I have mentioned it, but I moved to a place called "Flintrock Farm".   They have a number of fun events planned on their calendar HERE and we are looking forward to May's "Horsefriend's" Open Fun Show Horse... specifically the games "Egg & Spoon" and "Ride a Buck" to name a few.

She entered in a walk/trot class and she did very well.  Two fifths and a sixth.  Not bad for JUST LEARNING what a diagonal was and holding leather reins in her hands for the first time (she likes her rope reins).  Oberon has been a tad bit spoiled and his transitions have gotten sloppy.  Believe me, my daughter is already on it!!  He could also be a bit more collected in his head carriage, but we will work on the issue of smooth, quick transitions first.  And Emma is just learning how to ride two handed.

Doesn't he look handsome in his English garb?