On the loose

One in the saddle, one on the ground

horseback riding

  • Winter again

    This winter, more than ever, I’m determined not to loose momentum. Yes this is more a season of rest and being a home body, though there is plenty of learning to pack in for us; horse, human, child and dog all around. With my husband and I planning on a European trip next year, my… Read more

  • Mental Work

    I had the opportunity recently to take Tarma to a riding clinic with a new to me trainer, Carol McArdle. I’ve been chewing on what I learned for a bit, and practicing a few things. With our endurance season over, it’s time to downshift and focus on the mental and more precise physical work that… Read more

  • Drops of summer

    With the overdue fall rains coming home this weekend in force, I ducked out of work early to soak up the last drops of summer. I was supposed to have a dressage lesson but scheduling conflicts got in the way, though Tarma and I ended up have a stellar time together. I hauled the trailer… Read more

  • Mount Adams, Vacation Mode

    This weekend I had the choice between a new to me endurance ride in Eastern Oregon, Lava Crest, or returning to Mount Adams Horse Camp to relax and explore a bit more. I wanted more time to prep Tarma (and myself) for our last endurance ride of the season, and I wanted to camp with… Read more

  • Stay Up Late

    With two solid 50’s under our belts, I’ve decided to keep stretching our relationship a bit. Next week instead of waking up at 5am for a 6am start, I’ll sleep in awhile. We’re going to the Midnight Rider 50 up at Mt. Adams, heading out for the first loop at 3pm…which means we’ll finish up… Read more

  • There’s a wall

    I cantered Tarma into a wall during our last dressage lesson, but it was still considered improvement. Or, as my dressage trainer said, “Pleasently surprising”, which I’m totally putting on my resume now. I’m not entirely sure where I picked up my “I can’t canter in the arena” anxiety but man does it being up… Read more

  • Where Did June Go?

    Whoopsie, our (probable, possible) next 50 mile ride is (panic checks calendar) only 10 days away and boy are we…not 100% certain. I had always planned June off from endurance rides as part of my overall “I only have one noble steed” strategy. Most endurance riders end up with multiple mounts for various reasons, chief… Read more

  • M&A Recap: Success with a side of hail

    I always like to wait a few days to do my official ride write up. This gives me time to stop groaning every time I get up, clean out the rig, and really see how Tarma is doing after we’re back home. Today she had a chiropractic appointment with the ever lovely Dr. Sammons of… Read more

  • Middle ground

    Last weekend’s ride was not without its bobbles, for both my friend and I. Unfortunately her horse, Cody, found a tunnel under the trail and stumbled to his knees and she had to bail. Both are fine, though she did bust a rib, she is otherwise upright (just don’t make her laugh for awhile!) Of… Read more

  • Tarma’s view

    Endurance is such a tough sport in multiple ways, but also utterly fulfilling…as long as your equine partner is willing. Limited distance rides are fun, a good training ground, and can be hard in their own ways…but you don’t quite know the answer until you hit 50 miles or more. Does your horse like endurance?… Read more