January in Texas is always interesting. Last week, we had nonstop rain. I thought it would never end. Then, when it finally cleared off by Sunday we had the craziest wind I have ever experienced in this part of Texas! I went out to give Chance a groom, and I literally though we were going …
Tag: horse training
High Horses
With so much talk of recent suspensions of high profile riders and trainers due to their horses testing positive for banned drugs, I felt I needed to put in my two cents. There is no denying that there is a major problem in the hunter ring. It is obvious. Horses cantering along, with floppy ears …
Fitness for Equestrians
It's a new year, thus the perfect time to start working on those health/fitness goals, as well as our riding goals! Do you want 2017 to be the year you become a better YOU?! The year you get stronger, faster, and more athletic?! Do you have big riding goals this year?! I am opening up …
The Down-Side of Texas Winters
Wind. Rain. And so much of it! Sure, we may luck out in the temperature department. It freezes a handful of times each season, and snows every once in a blue moon, but it rains and rains and rains. Then on the days it does not rain, we have crazy wind. With all of the …
Sunshine At last
The sun came out yesterday, the rain stopped (for now), and it was a beautiful morning at the barn! Chance was lazy. But, at least he wasn't wild - which I expected after three days off and less turnout time - with the rain. My trainer said he ran around in the pasture quite a bit …
Letting Go of Perfection
A trainer I had used to say that we never perfect this sport, which is why it is so addictive. That has stuck with me year after year. I can be a bit of perfectionist about things. When I am working I want to do everything absolutely perfectly. When I clean my house, it must …
A Perfect Ride
It has been raining like crazy all day today, so there was no riding. Instead, I am just reminiscing about yesterday's ride. Chance was pretty much perfect, and after the past couple of months, I just want to soak it up. I expected him to be wild, since it was cold out, but he was …
Life Lately
I had an interesting moment on Chance yesterday. So, he is finally getting back to jumping again and, since he is often wild as can be after he has had time off, we have been taking things slow. Trotting and cantering tiny jumps, working over ground rails, that sort of thing. He has been good for the …
The Tastes of Summer
Just because summer is over, it doesn't mean we can't enjoy summery smoothies right?! I have been on a tropical chocolatey smoothie kick! I refuse to let go of summer. It is a great pre-ride meal or snack too! I always like to have something light before I ride. This smoothie is one of my favorite …
Opting Outside
REI started this social media trend of doing outdoor activities the day after Thanksgiving instead of Black Friday shopping, known as #OptOutside! I love it! I have never been interested in Black Friday shopping. I am not a big fan of crowds, unless I am at a concert or Disney World, so the whole ordeal just …
Laurel Ashton Equestrian 