finusequestrian.com Blog

Riding in the Jersey Shore

Administrator — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 17:49:40 +0000

Wow, I did know that the summers in New Jersey can be this humid. It is not as hot as in Texas but the humidity is at the same level. I am sweaty before I ever even start work the horses, and so are the horses. I think they just take a look at the saddle and bridle and sweat. They will get a nice rinse with a cool water afterwards though. They enjoy that

I will have to remember to stay hydrated, have a lots of water with me when I go to the barn. Yesterday I took only one water bottle and by the time I was done working the horses, I was dehydrated. I was glad that there is a deli shop right around the corner from the barn, on my way home. That quart size Snapple drink was gone in ten minutes, boy I felt better after that.

Stay cool and hydrated, have a pleasant rides where ever you are at.

We are in New Jersey

Administrator — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 14:57:26 +0000

We are finally in New Jersey and not going away. I have for so long waited for this move and now that we made it, there is pretty much nothing that can move me away from here. It is once again a chance to meet new people in the horse world. It will take some work to establish myself to this new surrounding, but I have done it before, I will do it again.

I am still looking for a place for our operation, there are couple of possibles, but nothing concrete yet. I will surely up-date my page when I know more.

This is the first autumn I am experiencing in a colder climate after 12 years. My body has been living in a warmer climate for so long that it may take a little getting used to it. You may see me wearing a more layers than you, but I rather stay warm than freeze myself. I think by next winter my body has accepted the facts of colder climate.

Now I just need to buy those long warm sport underwear to wear under my riding breeches so my lower body stays warm.

Enjoy the weather and it’s beauty. And if you have a chance to go trail riding in the woods, take a look those beautiful colors that are changing.

Mia

Another change is coming

Administrator — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 02:48:56 +0000

This is a big change. We will be re-locating to New Jersey in July.

We are still looking for a stable where to set up our training business. It has to have an outdoor and indoor arenas, adequate turn-outs, top notch care and beautiful setting.

We are hoping to stay many years at the new locations once we find it.

Will keep you up-dated about the moving progress, and will post the new address ASAP when we know it.

Purrrr, it is cold, at least for a Texas standard.

Administrator — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 00:31:00 +0000

When the temperature drops close to thirty degrees, we who live in Texas think it is a real winter weather. I do remember what the real winter weather is; much, much colder, lots of snow and/ or ice, and wind. And I am happy that we only get few of these “winter weather” days.
Horses, when the cold comes gradually and lasts for months, get used to it. But here in Texas they do not have a change to get used to it; one day it is upper 60′s and the next low 30′s. The drop is too much for them to keep their sanity. So, when it gets this cold, I stay my feet on the ground and let the training horses do the work on the lunge line or long line. Those young horses sure can “lift themselves” off the ground in a ways that I am happy I am not on the saddle in those moments.

It should be upper sixties by the end of the week, so waiting for that. Till then I’ll have to put some extra layer of clothes.

If you have any weather related stories, I would love to hear about them.

A beautiful fall

Administrator — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 21:12:04 +0000

I love this autumn weather. Most of the days it is perfect riding weather. Not too hot, not too cold, and sun is shining. I think horses like it too.

Yesterday when it was raining cats and dogs in the morning while I was long lining Fritz in the indoor arena; I thought he would freak out how loud the rain hit the metal roof, but he could care a less. It was a good training session, so was the session with Lilly next. The rain let up so it was more quiet one:) After initial excitement bucks, she did very well. Then the rain returned and I let Ruby have a day off.

On monday we will put saddle on Ruby for the first time, I think she will be fine. She has been doing so well with her ground work. She is a good girl, she is the barn princess.

Fritz is doing so much better, he is like a little kid who needs to know that his limits are there and will not change.
Lilly and me are learning to know each other, and creating a bond between us. She has gotten more trusting, she comes right at me when I’ll go get her.

Dreamy’s work has been upped. Little more collection and self carriage is required. We will have to be careful though because of the previous injuries in her hind legs. But she has built up muscles strength to take off the load from the tendons. It is fun to ride her. She can get little excited sometimes during trail riding, but she contains it well.

I really need to start working with Bentley, he is growing so fast. Soon enough he will be weaned from his mother. He is a handsome colt.

This year has gone by so fast, and new year is approaching; it is time to think about next year’s goals. But still keep in back of my mind that with horses things can change fast. It is better to have goals and try to reach them than keep going aimlessly.

Heat

Administrator — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 17:34:39 +0000

Wau, it is so humid. You just have to step out of the house and you are sweating. Not even talking about the sweat during and after your ride. Luckily no body at the barn cares about your sweaty look, because they look and smell the same. Sweating is actually good for you, it is a natural way to detox. Riding in the hot weather is not for primadonnas, the make up would run down during the warm up. For horses it is a matter of getting them used to work in the heat, taking breaks and good cool down. They love the shower afterwards as much we people do. Talking about the shower, I better hit mine, they do care about the smell at the grocery store.

Let’s start blogging

Administrator — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 16:50:02 +0000

This is to share our experiences with horses and specially about dressage. Can’t help but Dressage is the coolest discipline of all. That is just my opinion, you don’t have to like it, just respect it.