July 20, 2007 by Capuce.

I’m increasingly appalled by the behavior of car drivers on my road.  People just don’t seem to know how to pass horses safely.  Flying by at 45-50 mph is NOT safe.  Honking your horn, blearing the radio, or revving an engine isn’t bright either.  A friend of mine a few years back was riding on a wide grass shoulder along a dirt road when her horse spooked at something in the grass.  He ran up into the road and in the path of an oncoming car.  Thankfully, the car was traveling slowly due to road conditions causing only minor bruising to the horse’s hindquarters but really beating up the car.  Luckily the rider was not hurt. This is a prime example of most horse car interactions.  The horse is not afraid of the vehicle but is afraid of the empty beer can tossed on the side of the road.  A vehicle passing too quickly at the wrong time could end up with a spooked horse on their hood instantly and the life of a rider on their hands. 

Thankfully the smartest people I’ve come in contact with on the roads have been bikers.  Yes, those big burly men on Harley’s are the nicest people.  They slow down to a stop, let me pass them and wait until I’m a good distance away before taking off.  THANK YOU BIKERS!  

I was hunting around on YouTube and found this British educational video for drivers on how to act when you approach horses on the road.  Nicely done, and yes, your car will lose if you don’t follow these simple rules.

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July 17, 2007 by Capuce.

The Stuart Horse Trials are in full swing starting this Thursday.  I highly recommend if you’re a horse lover or not to go and watch these Olympic quality athletes do what they do best.  From Dressage, to cross country and finishing with stadium jumping the pressure to perform over a prolonged period is intense.

Saturday is by far my favorite day of the event.  The Cross Country Course.  It may not sound like it but this is a great spectator event.  With stadium seating or bringing your own lawn chair you will have prime viewing of the water obstacles.  If you are feeling a little more adventurous and want to walk around most all jumps are open to viewing and bring your camera.  You can’t take a bad picture.  

For more information check out Stuart Horse Trials.
 

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July 17, 2007 by Capuce.

I think I’m addicted.  After 2 years of the Davidson Knoll Trail Trial I can’t help but look for other ones to go to.  These Trails are so much fun, are always for a good cause and are great opportunities to enjoy your horse without having to go through the pomp and circumstance of showing. 

If you’re interested in getting more information about the next trail trial to support the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Mounted Unit on 8/26/07 go to http://www.wcsmu.com/tt2007.htm

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July 15, 2007 by Capuce.

I’ve just gotten back from a week long trip to the Adirondack Mountains. What a wonderful place. There’s so much more the the area that I want to see on horseback than what I’ve done in the past.

For about 2-3 summers I was a trail guide for Adirondack Saddle Tours in Eagle Bay NY, just out side of Old Forge. Ever since then, I can’t help but stop by, grab 2 horses and go out with my husband while on vacation. My trusty mount this year was my good old girl Babe. Around 30 years old and this girl still has got it. Strong Quarter horse blood has her on the trails and as good as any youngster there. She still does the Wednesday train robberies with the Loomis Gang and has no fear of the gunfire. Darn, the only picture I have of us dressed up to rob a train is a traditional photo and I don’t have a scanner. Oh well.

Anyway, if you ever find yourself in the Old Forge area without your horse and are looking for a good day out, check out my old stomping ground. John Evan’s loves his horses! He takes great care of them and unlike most establishments keeps his horses year round. I can’t begin to tell you how many times I have been asked “Is this horse for sale?” after a long ride. Better get in line, only a sparse few have ever left John’s stable.

As for me, I’m happy to wait patiently until my Babe is ready to retire before she can come live with me. Which may be a few years yet. There have been several horses that refused to retire until their mid 30’s. And I mean refuse to retire, as they would carry on such a fuss if we didn’t take them out.

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July 15, 2007 by Capuce.

9th Place! Yippy! Goliath and I raised $460 for the EquiCenter this year and had a blast doing it. I really missed my old mount Hobbie but as fate had it, an Arabian joined our group and it brought back all the good memories of my lost friend.

The obstacles this year were so inventive! I can’t believe how many new ideas they had compared to last year. I can’t wait for next year already. All the volunteers did an awesome job and kept the mood light and fun. Davidson Knoll Farm had the grounds nicely manicured and the trail ride was beautiful with nice cool sunny weather. Couldn’t have asked for a better day.

My Mother-in-Law got into the spirit and hand crafted our lovely ear bonnets. I told her that Purple and Gold were our colors and she went nuts! Sequins and gold sultan type tassels adorned the opulent fly bonnet. She not only made me one but also my riding partner so we would match! Thank you mom!

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