Flyball!

My other hobby, much newer than the dressage pursuits, is Flyball! I needed to find some healthy outlet for my retrieving-obsessed AussieX, named Abbey. My "old" friend, Debbie, (she is always saying she is my *oldest* friend--plus, we've been friends a long time) and I decided to enroll our dogs this past Winter in a beginner Flyball class.

Debbie's Curly Coated Retriever, Patty, is lively and obedient. Abbey is also lively, but perhaps not as obedient. Major understatement, there, We are all having a great time in this new sport and I hope to get some pictures soon of the girls in action.

In the meantime, here is a picture of Abbey. My mom calls her "DearAbbey" as she loves to cuddle.

Speaking of Mom, she is the most talented artist! She painted this portrait (below) of Abbey on my grandmother's china plate from the picture above.

Missing Sonja

I just concluded the most wonderful visit with my friend, Sonja, who lives in Oldenburg, Germany. We met almost 10 years ago when Sonja was in Maryland through an agricultural exchange program. Sonja and her parents came to Maryland the first week of July. Sonja's parents left the 4th of July for a fabulous U.S. tour which they are still enjoying as I write.

Sonja, her family and I have managed to keep in contact pretty well via email and in-person visits. I love my trips to Germany, where Sonja graciously navigates and translates. I get totally spoiled when Sonja comes to visit me in Maryland, as she is such good company and a tremendous help around the farm.

Sonja is an accomplished and dedicated equestrienne, in spite of only riding once a week, now that she is out of school and working full time. She loves Baronessa (who doesn't??) and took her for a gallop in the track I mowed into one of the unfenced fields. (Yes, there really is a track in between all that tall grass!!)

My Dad always says to me that he misses he even more after a visit then before he had seen me, even if it had been a long time since we were together in person. I know exactly what he means! I can't wait to see you again, Sonja! Don't worry! I will have the chocolate chip cookies, corn bread and peanut butter ready!

Sweat and Tears

My first post and I already have writer’s block! I decided a blog would be an easier way to share some pictures and thoughts with friends and family, near and far-flung. I enjoy taking pictures, especially of the horses, and enjoy sharing said pictures, even more!

I’m also embarking on a fabulous journey with my heart-horse, Baronessa (aka Ness aka Nessie aka Nester the Molester aka the Loch Nessie Monster). After being out of the saddle for many months related to back surgery and then a car accident which injured the same general area, I am finally recovered enough to resume my dressage endeavors. While I was recuperating, Baronessa has been learning even more then I could’ve imagined. My job is to catch up with her a little!! I have lofty riding goals to match Baronessa's lofty gaits. Fortunately, with wonderful instruction for me and training for Baronessa, the sky’s the limit!

We just started competing in the Para Equestrian (disabled rider) classes. I'm classified as a Grade IV, Profile 19b rider. Grade IV riders are the highest functioning and usually only have one limb that is impaired. For me, that's my left leg. Baronessa and I have a lot of folks supporting our efforts to compete in the Para Eq and able-bodied competitions. I hope to use this blog to document some of the great instruction I'm receiving. And if anyone can get me doing better half-passes, I am all ears!! My poor instructors--I get it one day and lose it the next. That is dressage--whether all your body parts are working or not!

Here are two recent pictures of me riding in my outdoor arena, taken a few weeks ago. A few “before” pictures to document where I begin my journey. Siobhan Byrne, snapped these. "Shiv" is such a talented dressage rider/trainer--she makes sure Ness doesn't forget any of her old training and is teaching her lots of new stuff, too.

Dressage is hard work for the human-half of the team, too, despite some non-riders' opinions that the horse is the one doing all the work.

Merrily we canter along.

Our attempt at "half-steps," which are the first steps to piaffe..