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And the winner is… January 21, 2008

Posted by kimayars Uncategorized Digg! this story! Digg! this story. , add a comment

Tiago!

I’ve decided to re-name my horse Tiago.  Yes, he’s been through one name already, but it never really stuck.  In the looong list of names, this is the one I kept coming back to.  His personality is also very Tigger-like, and calling him Tigger or Tigs as his barn name suits him well.

And I made it official when I sent in my registration form for the February Donida schooling show.  I registered for Intro A and Training Level Test 1.  These are very basic tests that are fairly easy to execute so I can focus more on just getting through the show.

The only drawback is that the weather and my schedule has made it really hard to ride.  To be honest, I’m not that worried as our goal is not to do well at the show, but instead to “get the hang of it”. After all, we’ve never done one of these before.  If we can stay in the ring for both tests, I’ll be extremely happy.

So step one, until the ground thaws, is to memorize the tests…  Fun, fun, fun.

I had a fabulous little tummy bug this weekend. So, no running for me. I do feel much better now and should be able to get to the gym tomorrow no problem.  And we begin again…

Why yes, I am funny. January 19, 2008

Posted by kimayars Uncategorized Digg! this story! Digg! this story. , 2comments

When Rasyn looks at me, he kind of peeks out from his fluffy forelock. Sometimes I say “Peek” when he does it.  So how’s this for a new name for him:

Pico de Caballo

Get it?

Wait, don’t I own a horse?… January 18, 2008

Posted by kimayars Ramblings Digg! this story! Digg! this story. , 1 comment so far

I had a huge brain fart today.  I went to work this morning, finished at a reasonable time, and then had this odd feeling of lightness when I realized I had 3 hours of free time. What should I do?  Literally, I was frozen.  Then I was consumed by a rush of adreneline — I could go to the grocery store! ALONE!  I could actually SHOP for the right price, right brand, etc… It was too good to be true. 

 But surely that couldn’t take all 3 hours. So what else should I do?  I had promised Veronica’s teacher I would stop in and make copies for her once a week.  Perfect.  I would fill my 3 hours with productive things but not be rushed. I like it.  Yet I had this nagging feeling that I was forgetting to do something…

And I was forgetting something: my horse.  I had somehow completely forgotten that the *plan* was for me to put in 2 hours of work and then go ride before having to pick up Veronica at school. At that moment I gave myself the I-could-have-had-a-V8 forehead slap.

 Realistically it was nice to slow down today, but the guilt is weighing heavy.  I haven’t seen him since Monday, and I miss him (but obviously not enough to be drawn in by the neon lights of Safeway). And there is that show thing that’s coming up…

Well, tomorrow is another day, and we move on. But for now, I’m going to go take a nap.

Sun Worshipper January 13, 2008

Posted by kimayars Arena Work (Horse) Digg! this story! Digg! this story. , 2comments

Today was SO nice. The sun was out for the entire day and made my ride with Rasyn just fabulous. I felt like there was something missing after we were done. Then I realized what it was: I wasn’t shivering! Sherene and I would walk across the arena and then pause in a sunbeam. I think the description “Sun Sluts” would have been pretty accurate.

I have decided to do the Februray 10th schooling show at Donida Farms. I haven’t decided which tests yet, probably an Intro test and a Training Level test. I’ve always been partial to Training Level Test 1 and Training Level Test 4, so I’ll probably pick one of those. Ray probably won’t be ready, meaning he won’t be able to perform the tests well, but at this point it’s all about exposure (getting him used to traveling) and getting me used to handling him situations away from home. Entries open January 20th so I have some time to figure out exactly what I’m going to do.

Today I focused on my body position (evil right leg likes to creep up into my armpit) and “inviting” him into the outside rein by giving small releases when he fills the contact. By jove, it works! He did some lovely lateral stretching today that he really put some effort behind. As a result, we kept the ride short and sweet, especially since I was ready for my coffee…

Sundays are “my” days. I usually go for a run with Beth, ride Ray, and then have coffee with Sherene. It’s my day to reset myself, and this is the first one I’ve had since Thanksgiving. AND everyone stayed dry. What a plus! I feel SOOO much better and am ready to tackle the week!

Monday morning I’m going to hit the gym early and start my strength training again. We’ll see how that goes… I wonder if my workout card is still at the gym?

Oh Forerunner, I have missed thee… January 13, 2008

Posted by kimayars Run Digg! this story! Digg! this story. , 2comments

Beth and I went out for our first run of the year together and guess what? It wasn’t raining! We had a really nice easy run, and it was so nice to catch up with her. I had forgotten one of the major reasons for running with her was social.

It was also cool to “gear up” (I got this amazing jacket from my parents for Christmas). But it really hit home that I was ready to get back into running regularly when I strapped on the Forerunner. Oh, how I love the Forerunner. It’s metrics and motivation wrapped up into one small yet chunky electronic device.

Our goal was to do 4 miles, but I hit “noodle legs” at about 3 miles, so we called it good just inside the development and walked the hill. I’m sure next week we’ll probably start running that sucker again. (*groan*)

The weather is absolutely beautiful today, and I can’t wait to go riding in a few hours. Definitely a day to be outside before the rain comes back!

Logbook Activity

Good Advice… January 12, 2008

Posted by kimayars Ramblings Digg! this story! Digg! this story. , 1 comment so far

Don’t you love it when a friend gives you advice and it turns out to be AWESOME advice? Such is the case with Sherene and Muck Boots. In the Pacific Northwest, rain is our staple for winter. And with rain, comes mud. Add three horses to the equation and you get muck. I’ve been picking my way around the deep muck, wearing my semi-waterproof paddock boots (the same ones I ride in). Inevitably, my feet would get wet, and then they would get cold. “Get some Muck Boots,” she said. “Naw, I’m fine,” I replied. Finally, after a particularly cold and wet day, I decided to give it a try.

They are AMAZING. I can’t believe I went so long without them. They are my new favorite thing.

I’m going on a run with Beth tomorrow. Part of me is excited, part of me is a little worried. It’s been a long time.

And Shrene is *seriously* considering the Kirkland Half-Marathon. I’m pretty excited!