Our First Stock Horse Show!

We did it! We ventured outside our norm and entered our first Stock Horse Show. My husband has been training for this since last Fall. I haven't, but that's ok. I didn't really plan on entering due to my horse just getting shoes on for the first time the night before the event and because of my lack of training when it comes to working cows. This was something my husband needed to mix things up for him and have something else to strive towards. Patrick is very competitive and thrives when challenged with something new. This was to be his "new". I'm just fine competing in Mounted Shooting and just kicking around on Kitt. I'm not near as competitive as my "other half". However, after he crushed me at our last mounted shooting competition I just had to enter the pleasure class in the stock horse show. It was here I could redeem myself, I knew I could take him, easily. And I did. Whew, chalk one up to the wife. When it comes to pleasure or equitation classes, I can take it, hands down. With my riding experience compared to his I would expect nothing less. This isn't to take away from Patrick's riding accomplishments, he does quite well. He's just not always as polished. In mounted shooting that's ok. In the pleasure class on Saturday, it wasn't.
For fun I also entered the trail class and didn't fair as well but made a good showing having not practiced for trail at all!!! I believe I'm getting the stock horse bug, but my work will keep me out of the running for any more competitions this year. I work every other weekend at the store and my other Saturday employee I rotate with likes the stock horse competitions (and is competitive in them), so I'll be sure to work the schedule so she can compete there. I'll stick to mounted shooting and just kicking around.
It was good to get the horses out to another event aside from mounted shooting. It's always a good idea to mix things up for them as well as us. In the past it's been difficult for Patrick & I to do much other than train for the shoots. With two little kids our riding time has always been limited, therefore we have focused on our sport only. This year has been a bit different. Liberty & Lexington have reached an age where they don't need us constantly. Patrick & I can actually ride together in the arena, which has doubled our riding time! Before, we would alternate nights to ride because of the kids. Now, the kids can play themselves, where we can keep an eye on them. Our arena is in the backyard, so Liberty & Lex can play in the backyard or in the house and not get into trouble. I'm proud to say we have good kids. They know what they can and can't do and respect the limits. Not that there isn't the occasional squabble we need to help work our from atop our horse, but all in all it works well. The kids have even started riding more this year, so that also helps. We're actually becoming more of a "riding family".
So after taking the pleasure class at the Stock Horse Show and trying the trail class, I watched everyone else and let Kitt just nibble on hay and take it all in. It was great to see all different levels of riders and horses run through the reining patterns and work the cows. The show was at Riverfare Farm in Webster, right down the road from where we live (bonus!). They have a great series for those looking to get into stock horse shows. They use the rules of the S.H.O.T. program, which is now an affiliate of the American Stock Horse Association. The shows are laid back and a perfect place to start out. Everyone is quite helpful and cheers everyone else on. You can ask anyone anything. It really is a good crowd of people. There are competitors from Novice (us) to experienced. It really is a good mix.
Ok, so it's also here that I did my stupid move of the year (we're each allowed one per year, right?). I'll tell you about it because I'm blogging, therefore I don't have to see your "yeah, that was pretty stupid" facial reaction. There became a time that I wanted to jump on Kitt, bareback, and just kick around a little. She had been nibbling on hay for a while and I wanted to move around a little. I put on her headstall and tried to figure out how to get on her. There was a mounting block out on the trail course but that would be too easy. I wanted to be more creative (and was feeling a bit too lazy to venture out that far). That's when I spotted the cooler. A little blue cooler I had won at a shooting event that would work perfectly. I pulled up the cooler and got on top. Kitt stood still as usual. I felt I was high enough to swing a leg over her and pull myself up instead of throwing my body over her and having to right myself. As I threw my right leg up the cooler tipped over and down I went, under Kitt. She backed out from over me and pulled back, obviously nervous about what had just happened. I had good hold of the reins and was determined not to let her go but she was just as determined to get away from whatever had just happened. I made a few loud "whoa" sounds to get the attention of others who could help me catch her if she chose to run and let go of the reins. Just as most horses would do, she put down her head and began to graze on the nice green grass. I picked up myself and my pride and slowly walked up to Kitt who quickly grabbed a few final bites of grass before I again had her reins. Glancing over my shoulder I saw my loud "whoa's" worked as there were a few people, including Riverfare Farm owner Kim, there and ready to help if needed. I assured them I was fine. Kim came over and offered a leg up which I gladly accepted. After a few minutes of walking Kitt around the area, I dismounted in a much less eventful way than I had mounted. I put Kitt back at her haybag on the trailer and returned to my folding chair beside the arena to watch the event and take pictures. Stupid move of the year complete.
What I think we'll get the most out of trying something new like stock horse shows is the adventure of trying something new. While our love continues to be mounted shooting, it's good for both horse and rider to mix things up a bit and continue to challenge ourselves and our horses.

No family braggin rights here!

I know my husband's been checking this blog, waiting for me to admit defeat at the first shoot of the year. So admit I will, however, all in all, I didn't do too shabby. I did win my division, have some great runs and am now officially an L3. Not bad for a first time out for the year. I did, however, lose to my greatest and most favorite opponent, my husband. Patrick ripped through the stages, even beating out some of New England's known best. I am quite proud, which in reality also gives me bragging rights as his wife to tell everyone how well my husband is doing.
So things went well for the Pages, but not for everyone. There were 32 riders total, many competing for the first time. Before the shoot starts any new riders or riders on new horses must complete a new rider/horse stage. It basically is to show the Rangemaster and Match Director that they can ride safely through a course and that their horse accepts the gunfire. Many times people will attend a clinic, not practice at home then come to their first shoot without a trained horse. This can be very dangerous. A few years ago a new horse almost went through a fence during a shoot at a fair packed with spectators. This horse had no business being in the arena and by the look on the horses face I'm sure he'd agree. It was not only dangerous but gives the sport a bad name. We now require riders who are new or have new horses to complete a run successfully before being allowed to enter the competition. The problem is different people have different definitions of what "successfully" means. ......... On Sunday we had quite a few "young guns" as I call them. Young guns are new shooters who are experienced riders but not experienced mounted shooters. They try to tear through the new rider/horse stage to prove that they know what they're doing. One of these young guns did a face plant in the sand at the end of the rundown and another almost went through the fence before also meeting with the sand. Things are a bit different when you're alone out in the arena with people watching. The horses know the difference, experience or not, people need to take it a bit easy at their first shoot. I've seen horses rear before each shot, I've seen people go out and lead a horse and rider through part of the course until they were at the back end of the arena and only had the rundown to complete, so of course the horse completed the rundown to get the heck out of the arena!!! In most cases, these horses and riders were allowed to compete. We had a few of these situations on Sunday which made for an entertaining yet scary shoot at times.
We also had a slippery spot right around a barrel turn on stage 2. There were 3 horses that went down around the barrel, feet slipping out beneath them. This was the same spot someone went down during warm-ups yet neither the rangemaster or match director made an effort to correct the problem. As a CMSA Certified Rangemaster, I said something to the match director that I had been told it was clay underneath the sand in that spot. He replied that it couldn't be as the area was an old river bed and is gravel. I would have shifted the course so the barrel wasn't over clay and in a dangerous place but nothing was done. The horses continued going down. Many riders decided to take the turn extra wide and slow down. I decided to trot going into, around and away from the barrel as I tend to be overly cautious being responsible for two young souls. It killed my time on that stage but at least I was safe as was my horse. Stage 2 was tense, luckily no one was hurt other than a few bruises.
So other than a few issues things went great. The weather was good except a bit windy which added some challenge to shooting the targets. It was wonderful to see all my friends I hadn't seen all winter. I'm looking forward to the next shoot we'll attend in 3 weeks. Until then, I have some things to work on to improve my times. I'm also going to try and mix things up a bit and get out on trail more. Both Kitt & I get bored just riding in the arena. It's always fun to trail ride with 2 .45's on my waist and see the reaction from people we meet along the way. It opens the door to talk about my sport, which I love doing.
So at the end of the day at my first shoot of the year, I had respectable times and felt good about my performance and Kitt's. I have yet to get the smug look off Patrick's face.

Let the Games Begin !!

Well, it's time. Time to see just how far we've come (or not) this spring with getting ourselves and our horses ready for the first shoot of the year. Yes, it's time for the annual Mothers Day shoot. I alway find it difficult to have a shoot on Mothers Day. Not that I mind not being able to be waited on hand and foot for the entire day(yeah, right) because I'm too busy dressing, grooming and competing. My issue is alway finding a babysitter. Yup, that's my issue. A babysitter. No youth who appreciates mom's good cooking would dare to bug out on dear old mom on her day of pampering. Fortunately, due to the economy (there is a good side to everything!), after exhaughsting my long list of babysitters, I found Brooke. She is the best friend of one of my regular sitters (one who dares to not bug out!) and Brooke's Mom felt it best she take the opportunity to make some money while an opportunity presents itself. Now that's my kind of Mom!!
So Kitt and I are ready. At least as ready as we ever are for the first shoot of the season. Actually, I feel more ready than I have in the past at first shoots. I'm not too sure about how ready Kitt is though. She's been a bit off on her canter to the left. I started giving her some Vitamin E thinking it may be a bit of hind end weakness due to the lack of lush, green grass available. Ok, give credit to the vet for that suggestion. She's also still coming off of a few months winter rest and I find it does take a while to get back into the swing of things. I have a feeling as soon as she hears the gunfire she'll get a bit more kick in her step.
My husband, on the other hand, is more than ready. He's been consumed with bettering himself and the connection he has with his horse, Tucker. Last summer it took until mid July for Patrick to get in the mood. My how things change. This past fall he took a stock horse clinic at River Fare Farms in Webster with a clinician named Tom Neel. Well, my husband hasn't been the same rider since. There is more cowboy than I ever thought I'd see in my cyclist husband. He gets Tucker moving out, rolling back, changing leads like nothing I've ever seen him do with that horse. To say Patrick is ready for this first shoot is an understatement. He's not just ready, he's looking forward to whipping my butt! I can see it in his eyes. The Page family contest is much more important and competitive than any state, regional or even national competition we could ever compete in. It's a matter of family bragging rights. And we take every opportunity we get to brag to other family members and friends about who is on top at the moment. It's fun, especially when you get to be the bragger!
So this Mothers Day I'll get out and enjoy my horse and husband. That evening I'll enjoy my children and thank God for allowing me to be a Mother for there is nothing more important and special than that. I'll enjoy the day with a smile on my face, thinking about my Mother, Marie Woody, who watches me from heaven every day.
So let the games begin........

Spring has Sprung!

There comes a time up here in New Hampshire when most horsepeople people sort of retreat and start the waiting game. We wait for Spring. This waiting game usually starts sometime mid January, when Winter starts feeling real long, and ends when we actually know Spring is here to stay. You see, the weather likes to play games with us in the early months of the year by tempting us with warm weather for a few days or even a week, then it quickly changes back to very cold, rainy weather. I can't tell you how many times I tell Kitt that Social Security is over and it's time to get back to work, only to get in one, maybe two good workouts before she's back to rest again for a week or so. It's real hard to get both myself and my horses in shape for the upcoming shooting season when the weather plays games like this. However, I'm happy to announce that Spring has sprung around here, the spring is back in my step and I'm truly able to start getting ready for the upcoming season. Not that there aren't other obstacles to overcome, such as painting the house (this weekend), mending fence posts, planting the garden (my children WILL know how to grow food for themselves)and other such spring tasks. It is obvious that spring is here. Even the horses realize it. Last night we had a beautiful rainbow off in the distance and a Tom Turkey with his harem gallivanting around. The horses were quite interested in the turkeys and when the Tom started strutting Kitt kicked up her heels and ran around the pasture to let him know this was HER territory. I don't think it much affected him. With 7 hens he was obviously having a great day.
So tonight I'll leave the store to head home to pick up my paint brush and thank goodness Spring is here. Hopefully, at some point this weekend, I'll actually ride my horse too!

What Defines You?

My view on life is that it is a Journey. My life and the way I live my life changes as I go through my journey. I don't let anything "define" me except the fact that I am married to my husband and I have two children that I am a Mother to. The husband part will never change. I guess I'm from the old school that marriage really means a lifetime commitment and he will be my husband forever. Knowing that my husband feels the same is what made marrying him an extra bonus. I don't think I would have ever been married unless I fell in love with someone of the same mind. As for the kid part, I hear in the early teens they may feel like they don't need a mother anymore, however they can't shake me that easily. I am forever their mother and I will remind them of that throughout their teen years and beyond if necessary! For now, at the ripe old ages of 4 & 6 they tell me they'll live with me forever and that's just fine with me! Other than that, my journey keeps me constantly on my toes and I like that!
Too many times I meet people who hold positions in an organization, club or business and you can tell they'd be lost without being in that position. They let their position define them. I've seen it happen all too many times. Some plan it and want to be defined by their position because they want the power it brings, others have just been involved for so long they don't know how to not be involved. Either way, it's unhealthy. It's unhealthy for both the individual and the business, club or organization.
I'm involved in lots of different positions, committees and jobs. I am 1st Vice-President of the NH Quarter Horse Association, Youth Advisor, By-Law Committee co-chair, Versatile Horse Committee co-chair, Membership Committee co-chair, Nomination Committee co-chair, AQHA Region 6 Director, AQHA Region 6 Versatile Horse Committee Chair a member of the AQHA Leadership 2008 Team and a Daisy Girl Scout Co-Leader ! Whew! Hope I didn't forget anything. I am involved in all of the above for different reasons but it all comes back to this - I'm in the position to work it and make it better so the next person who steps in can work it more and continue to grow the organization, business or club from their accomplishments - and so on. It is the people who enter into a commitment and have no foresight into their future journey except still holding on to that position who let the wrong things define them. When they eventually leave or are "dismissed" from their position, it can be so wrenching because they haven't looked past being "that person". They don't know what to do. It's destructive to them personally and professionally and disrupts many more than just themselves.
Today we saw a President leave office. He held office for 2 terms, 8 years and it was his time to go. Now the Country has a new beginning. If we leave ourselves open to our journey who knows where we'll end up. I'm looking forward to passing along some of my positions to others and feel excited to see what a new view will bring. By leaving myself open to many opportunities my Journey is and has been an exciting one. My job and volunteer positions will never define me, I have too much to do yet in my life. So what defines you?

How it is.....REALLY

This past Christmas season has brought many new faces into my store and many familiar faces too. One of the most popular questions from all of my customers is "how is business". Now you see, the question isn't just asked. There is always a negative sound in the voice of those asking. I guess because these days we're all filled with doom and gloom from the radio and television, so it's easy to pick up on that mantra. I really enjoy my customers and many come here because they enjoy me, I'd hope anyway! So when the question is asked I can tell they're ready to chime in with some cheer even though they ask with a bit of hesitation. Many are rendered speechless when I answer, "It's fine actually. Yes, we've had to make some changes. I'm in more and some employee hours have been cut, but by doing so we're in ok shape and expect to remain in ok shape until things turn around a bit and become fantastic!" Once the customer loosens up and realizes a bit of cheering up isn't necessary we chat and catch up. One of the bonuses about my store is I not only carry western tack but also western clothing and boots. Clothing and boots sell all year long and the winter is no exception. If I had to rely on tack sales alone my customers would have quite a cheering up job to do when they walked in, if there was even a place to still walk into. I'm one of the fortunate ones, or maybe even one of the smart ones (ok hubby, you get credit for this one too!). By having both tack and clothes I'm able to make sales year round. There is no "down time" so even though sales aren't what they were a year ago, they're still there and more than enough for us to weather this storm. I look forward to Spring when tack sales will increase again and we're back in the thick of it.
But for now things are fine.......REALLY!

Yes, I am High Point NH !

In 2008, I won the title of NH High Point Cowgirl in Cowboy Mounted Shooting. This is very exciting for me and quite a nice title to hold. I wasn't even going for a High Point win. With two young children, my husband and I don't travel far to many shoots and therefore aren't as competitive as many other shooters. There are some who will travel to all the shoots in New England and even further "chasing points". For now, the only things we chase are named Lexington and Liberty, age 4 & 6. That's fine with us. This is the family time in our lives and there is absolutely nothing more important than our children. For now we try to make every NH shoot and some in Mass. We love winning the State Championships and Regional's in our levels, which both my husband and I have done numerous times, and proudly wear the buckles we win. So when I realized I was heading toward a High Point Cowgirl win I started to get excited. Unfortunately, there were ladies "chasing points" in NH and my win sort of took them by surprise. There have been no congratulations, no "good job"s, only disappointed riders who are explaining away why they didn't win this year, but should have. There were jammed guns, cancelled matches, bad weather, off days. Actually, people are doing exactly what my husband does after each shoot. He will pick through the results of each stage, his time, how many misses, and quickly point out that his time was better than so and so's and he would have beat him in that stage if he hadn't missed the balloon, which would have put him ahead of him so in REALITY... he would have won!! There! Now he feels better. Until I gently remind him that he DIDN'T ride clean and "what if's" don't count in Mounted Shooting. Once I've lovingly burst his bubble I remind him that the results should show him how he can improve so the next time he will actually beat so and so and not have to "excuse it to happen".
The reason I took High Point this year is simple. I was consistent. Not always the fastest, not always the cleanest shot, but consistent. One of the things I love about Mounted Shooting (aside from the cool clothes) is that it's not always the fastest or the best shot that wins, it's the one who combines all their skills the best. And this year I did just that. There are many that ride faster than I do. There are many that are better shots or have more experience. But this year, in 2008,I had the most overall points of the Cowgirls in NH. It was my year, no excuses.
My theory behind improving is to go at the speed in which you can get all the shots and build your speed from there. In my third year of competing I'm getting faster and I've always been a good shot because I go the speed in which I can shoot, usually clean. Therefore I'm consistent and consistently getting faster. That's why I won. And to all you nay sayers, I deserved it!! It get's tiring hearing why people didn't win and getting the feeling that many believe I didn't deserve it. It takes away from those of us who did win and deserve feeling proud of their title. So for the entire year of 2009, I will proudly bear the title of High Point New Hampshire Cowgirl in 2008 and this year, I'll work on defending my title!!!