We’re going to expose you, we’re going to talk all about you today!
Aug 04 2010
If you’re GREAT!
That’s right, it’s another Let’s Out The Good People Day here on the Fugly Blog. I haven’t done it in a while and I ALWAYS enjoy it. So today is your day to name names – about rescues you’ve had a good experience with, breeders who sold you a great horse, trainers who did an awesome job, farriers who rock, veterinarians who are awesome or just any individual horseperson you know or saw ride who impressed you and restored your faith that not everybody is a freaking idiot.
Since I know we had some young people yesterday who were upset they might be lumped in with Ana Elizabeth Panhandelaria there, I am going to talk about a young lady I was really impressed with last week. We were at the ABRA World Show and, since my lovely and talented horse had gotten his hoofie caught in the stall and made himself lame (Murphy’s Law of Horses, we all know it!) I had a lot of time to just hang out and watch classes.  In the 14-18 hunt seat equitation, the judges were all sitting inside of the arena and the horses had to pass right by them during the pattern. They were all sitting in a cluster full of lawn chairs and shiny stuff and I think the photographer was there too, and one horse came in, started the pattern and said “OMG! WTF???” and attempted to teleport in the opposite direction. He was pretty darn athletic about it, too!
His rider did not get upset. In fact, I do not think her beautiful equitation ever changed during his airs above the ground. Heels down, back straight, hands soft, she gently corrected him and asked him to walk up to the judges. It was a textbook example of putting a horse between your legs and your hands and giving him security and direction. No temper, no frustration, no stiffness. She then continued on with the rest of her pattern. Of course she did not place after that, but I saw her right after her class and she had a big smile on her face and was laughing with what I believe was her trainer. No temper tantrum about blowing an important class, no hissy fit, not angry at the horse. She was a shining example of excellent horsemanship and excellent sportsmanship and I wonder if anyone else noticed it. I looked her up on the class lists and her name is Bree Anna Lancaster. Bree Anna, I’m very impressed – please grow up and become a horse trainer — we need more people who can (a) actually ride and (b) control their emotions when things do not go well. While we’re at it, your parents deserve a pat on the back for raising you because teenagers like you don’t happen by accident. Your trainer also deserves a pat on the back and I hope someone reading this knows who she is.
(Obnoxious Mango-Shirted Dude who was yanking the crap out of his two year old, hauling his little girl around by the arm like a rag doll and yelling at his poor little son in the ring could learn a lesson or two from you. I’m just saying…)
All right, go for it everybody — tell me who you think is awesome in the horse world!
Today’s available horse from Mid-Atlantic Horse Rescue is Silver! Silver was rescued from a kill pen last year and turned out to be a super well broke, wonderful family horse. He is available again due to his original home losing their lease. Silver looks like a sweetie! He is in Maryland.
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My old trainers Glenn and Kelly Ronden (Westlake, TX) were two of the kindest and calmest trainers I have ever known. They always took their time to explain what they were teaching, took the time to demonstrate, and took the time to really discuss my goals. They never yell and are always patient. They also absolutely love the horses. Glenn took my horse to a show a few days before I got there, and because it was just me and one other girl, Glenn took on the care of the horses (usually grooms went along because lots of horses usually went). When I got there a few days later, Glenn told me he thoroughly enjoyed spending quality time with my horse and kept going on and on about his funny personality. For the rest of the show Glenn wouldn’t let me tack or bath my horse because he wanted to spend the time with him haha. He always loves getting to know his clients’ horses and spends the time to do so. He pets them and talks to them when they’re in the wash stalls or when teaching lessons or coaching at shows. Glenn and Kelly also work very well as a team. I often ended a lesson with both of them coaching me. They agree on how to train and work with horses, so there is never conflict. They also work to keep barn drama to a minimum. I don’t ride with them anymore because I left for college a couple of years ago. But whenever I’m home I go back to the barn for a visit, and they are always happy to see me. I’ve never met trainers who care about and love their horses and students (and dogs) as much as Glenn and Kelly do. Not only are they good with horses, but they are extraordinary people as well, and I love them both dearly.
http://www.sunkissedacres.com
If ever you wanted to meet one of the kindest and toughest souls on the planet, then you should meet “Lori.” While other so-called rescues around the United States are “rescuing” horses that are 100% sound, 100% healthy, and are able to be adopted out to loving homes, Lori is the one that steps in and tries to help those horses truly in need: the ones knocking on death’s door but have a light in their eyes. Whether it be “Heart the Hinny” or “Prince” or any of her other fabulous (and permanent) residents, they all have a story to tell, and they all look up to Lori as the one who saved their lives. There’s just not enough space in this tiny box to type all of her accolades. Her heart is bigger than anyone’s I’ve ever met. She also runs a thrift store with proceeds going to her rescue. I would never hestiate donating anything to her rescue.
Wow….I am Bree’s mom, the girl you mentioned in the “We’re going to expose you, we are going to talk about you”. What a very kind thing to say about Bree. Thank you so much. Bree learned to ride and show with The Texas Pony of America’s club and this is where she learned to show with poise. She is a lovely young women and is hoping to ride on a college equestrian team. That was a very tough day for Bree. Beau, her horse, is only 4 and had never been to an indoor show. He is usually so calm and laid back that it really was a shock when he behaved that way…but she knew he wasn’t being bad…just acting his age
Anyways, I am so glad we found this blog and it really made Bree smile to read your words. Thank you again!
I’m glad you found the blog too!
If you have video of that ride, I’d love to post it. I have seen plenty of pro’s not handle a green horse meltdown in the show ring as well as your daughter did.
By the way, I have shown at a few POA shows myself and I think the POA people are SO nice!