A New Season Begins: It's been awhile since I've last posted. I was complaining about rain in the last post, and guess what, it's been raining for the past few days! haha, we're never happy are we?

Winter has started to blanket us with his white stuff though and even thick enough to start sleigh rides, but now I'm getting a bit ahead of myself here. Since my last post, I have moved my horse to a different boarding facility which is only 10 mins from where I live rather then 45!

Now, don't get me wrong, Crystal Clear Stables was awesome! We had top notch care, and learned sooooo much being there! However, the drive was getting the best of me. I really need my horse time and now being 10 mins away, I'm getting my fill! It's rather exciting knowing I can go out and ride and see my horse anytime and be part of her daily routine. I really am in 7th heaven.

So, the new barn is Power Horse Stables is owned by Tiffany and Dameon. This family is known for many horse related activities from barrel racing, summer camps to Winter Sleigh rides!

Thunder, the big, trusty Belgian, has and will be giving many smiling faces sleigh rides through some winter wonderland this season and I get to experience this first hand! Chelsea and I went for a ride on one of the test rides on the first snow fall. Thunder covers ground mighty quick as he pulls the big red sleigh through the trails surrounded by snow covered trees. What a great way to spend some time with family.

If you'd like to book a time to take your friends, family or staff on a sleigh ride, just phone 705-272-2517 or email: horse-power-stables@hotmail.com

Ride with the wind @ www.equinenorth.net

RAIN RAIN GO AWAY!

If you are from Northern Ontario, you have already started or are contemplating, building an Arc!

This Summer, wait, what summer? This apparent summer has been the most wet, damp, cold and dirty summer that I recall. I'm sure there isn't anyone that will disagree!

I have given up checking the weather each day. I am now the weather forcaster. I call for rain and more rain. Wait, I hear thunder, again. So perhaps a thunderstorm.

When the sun does appear, don't let it fool you. It's a trap to lure you outdoors. Once you start to enjoy the warmth of the sun and hope it will finally dry up the more then soaked ground, guess what, yep, you got it, it RAINS!

I board my horse, so I can get away from this crazy weather. I feel sorry for those of you on farms right now. Nothing dries up. The ground is such a mess everywhere you go! I'm not sure what kind of hay will be available this year, but I can imagine it will be quite costly.

On the weekend, we managed to get a dry session to do some work in the ring. I then thought I'd take advantage of that sun and head out on a trail ride. So, Chelsea Buns, my horse, my dog and myself head out into the wild blue younder.

Not even 10 mins from home, I can feel the air change. I slip on my rain coat thinking it's going to rain any min (surprise surprise). Sure enough, the drizzle started.

I figured I'd rebel against that rain and keep riding, that perhaps, it will drizzle only a bit and then the sun will appear again. NOPE, the further from home we went, the harder it rained. It rained so hard at one point my horse had her head to the ground trying to avoid the pressure of the rain on her face.

So, we had to turn around and we headed home. The ride was not a waste though, soon as we hit the open field, a galloping we went! It really is like riding with the wind when you gallop free, but doing it in the rain is even more of rush!

So, if by chance you see an arc floating by this summer, it's most likely me, so jump aboard and join us.

Ride with the wind @ www.equinenorth.net

THE WORLD IS A SMALLER PLACE

I know, your thinking "what does this have to do with horses?" Well plenty really. Read on.

Facebook has been around for a bit now, but it's only recently that it's become a household name pretty much. If you aren't on facebook, it's kinda like saying "no, I don't have a phone".

Facebook has become the worlds addiction x 10. I refused at the start of this new phase to join something of the such. Like I have time for something else. However, after upteen million requests to join people's facebook, I gave in, and I'm glad I did. Why you say? For many many reasons.

First and utmost important reason: I've found friends I have lots touch with for years and years! Just today, I found my teenage friend that I hung out with throughout public school years. Just before that, I found a childhood friend I hung with in my original home town when I was like eight! Friends from the past town I lived in and people I met on other internet related places and lost touch with.

It also seems to keep people in touch more, remember birthdays and blah blah blah. Mind you, like all new addictions, I'm sure it will fade away. But in the meantime, if you haven't joined, try it. It's free (no I'm not making any side money on this..haha) and it's also fun!

Now for those of you asking why I mention this on a horse blog, well there are a gazillion horse groups you can join and there's a lot of familiar horse folks from the area on there.

So when you join, look me up "Anna Sawicki". Check my groups to find the horse groups (there's still plenty more, I'm only in a few) and check my friends to see if there's any you know and don't forget to add me to your friends list too!

Just a reminder: The next TPHC Western performance show is June 22. Points from the last show have been posted at http://www.tphcon.com/ (their site only works in IE..no, wasn't' created by myself)

So ride with the wind @ http://www.equinenorth.net/

May 26, TPHC Western Performance Show

The first Western Performance show of the season was a great learning experience for Chelsea Buns and I. As well, the hard work we've put in during the last month shined through.

This year traveling to the TPHC shows has increased in the miles. I now travel with Crystal from Crystal Clear Stables. The 3 hour ride up went well and safe.

The show started off great in Showmanship, taking 2nd place, with Crystal in 1st! I was extremely pleased with this placing. With Crystals skills and the time she spent with me as well as time practicing, it paid off come show time.

We placed in 3rd in halter. Even at 18, Chelsea still has an awesome build and holds herself well. This season she is starting off in great shape as well.

Our riding classes, we placed in the same as we normally do, last or 2nd last. However, we prevailed in many areas that we set as our goals and I was quite proud of my mare as she can be quite silly at times.

What was important to us was that we kept a nice slow jog, transitioned more smoothly between gaits and actually stopped within a few steps from canter to walk. I also wanted to keep a better seat. All prevailed!

Our long-term goal is to slow down that canter, hopefully that will come. We still have many miles to go yet.

Crystal placed well with her new prospect, Portia. This young paint mare was also so well behaved for her first show, you'd have thought she was a seasoned show horse. Her Daddy, Aladdin, whom you will see showcased on her new website (available soon), threw his handsome genes into this pretty mare as well as his personality.

Crystal was very pleased with her mare.

Zoey who also boards a horse at Crystal Clear stables joined us at the show. She placed 1st using Portia in the Youth Showmanship..great job Zoey! She also hung out with us and helped us out, thanks again for that!

Another highlight of the show, is seeing my old horse friends again as well. Since I've moved away from the area, I don't see everyone often, so the horse shows allow me to interact with old friends again.

See ya all at the next show..

Ride with the wind @ www.equinenorth.net

Putting on the Miles..
Sunday was yet another planned trail ride. "Thinking we might be considered the three musketeers", Doug, Pascal and myself headed out for a relaxing 3 hour trail ride. This ride was a learning one though.

When planning any kind of trail ride, it's always best to be prepared BEFORE you head out. Be prepared for what, well ANYTHING would be the best answer!

How about losing a Chicago screw off your rein, and not having something to tie it back on with? My boot lace did the trick, but this little moment makes me realize the importance of filling that horn or saddle bag up with things that might be useful.

Here's a great list of things I've learned that is handy to bring along..

Lead rope
halter
extra leather pieces (for tying)
hoof pick
small first aid kit
bug stuff for person and horse
compass
phone
knife
water
snacks
a watch

But remember, anything important, such as cell phones, medications etc, if you leave it on your horse and your horse gets away, it's of no use to you then. Keep things like that in your pockets.

For people who like to show, trail rides are a great chance to introduce your horse to strange places and even work on different things you'd do in the show ring. I generally relax when I trail ride, but I do tend to take advantage of some things when the moment is right.

Riding alone on trail rides isn't always the safest thing. If you do, it's always good to let someone know where your going and how long you think you'll be. BUT one thing that is great to have if you ride alone or even with other riders, is a dog. A trusty dog will keep other animals at bay or warn you of any upcoming danger. They make great company too!

My German Shepherd, Lance wasn't introduced to horses in the first few years of his life, but he's adjusting well and yesterday was his first long trail ride on the road and in the bush with us.

He was FANTASTIC! He stayed to the side with us when traffic passed, he didn't bother the horses and he kept a good pace with us. However, when we returned home, he crashed and I think he moved once to try to get on the couch and his back end didn't seem to want to think the same as his brain. He didn't wake until late this morning haha.. But, you watch, next time I load my saddle in the van, he'll be wagging his tail begging to come for more.

So as relaxing and fun as trail rides can be, it really is good to be better prepared then we were when we headed out, lesson learned.

Do you trial ride too? Do you have stories, or tips you'd like to share? Don't forget that at http://www.equinenorth.net/ you can send your stories, tips, ideas or even equine events and business info to us at NO COST. Our readers can learn from your ideas and enjoy reading your stories.





Ride with the wind @ http://www.equinenorth.net/

Just Another Ride....

Well this one is just about our last trail ride last weekend.

It was a beautiful day so naturally, a good excuse to drop any work and saddleup. This time, it wasn't just Pascal and I. Doug joined us in the infamous Drifter, a mount known for a safe trail ride.

We just planned for a short ride since everyone had a busy day. Not a whole lot to tell about this ride, except, as always, I come back a new person. Refreshed, renewed, whatever you want to call it.

One highlight of the ride though was this little dog that come running out. He was on a mission to kill the horses, ALL three of them! He couldn't of weighed more then 2 pounds. HE came out of his driveway full blast, and ran right up chelsea's leg, nipping. Of course, my good ole mare I'm sure just thought it was a fly. He went after drifter, but then when he headed to Spinner, Pascal got off to pick the dog up as we were sure the dog would meet his death at the legs of Spinner. The owner came and retrieved his bold, brave little dog who's mission had failed.

We also ended up visting a local cottage with some folks from down south. They took pics of their little boy on the horse and chatted awhile with us. Then it was back home.

Looking forward to more of these relaxing rides

Ride with the wind @ www.equinenorth.net

MEETING HORSES ON THE ROAD

The one thing I long for during the winter months, is trail rides that last for hours! This past Sunday broke in the start of what will be a great season for trail riding.

Pascal and myself headed out from Crystal Clear stables for a nice Sunday afternoon trail ride. Pascal riding Spinner and myself on the infamous, Chelsea Buns.

The weather was more then awesome! There was no wind, rain, bugs and all the little things that can spoil a good trail ride. There was just sun and the sound of nature.

Trail rides always offer many expected happenings, but one of the things I run into the most is ignorant drivers. Ignorant as in just plain not understanding how to react when you come upon riders. Horses being the fickle creatures they are, are unpredictable and ANYONE who is driving and comes past a horse and it's rider PLEASEEEEEEEEEEEEE slow down. I can't stress how important that is!

If a vehicle doesn't slow down (this includes, cars, trucks, bikes you name it!), it can not only spoke the horse, it can throw rocks that will cause severe damage to horse and or rider! This just spells out a total diseaster for all! The horse may even kick at your vehicle.

Beeping your horn to warn us your coming is not a very bright idea either. Sure, a lot of horse on the trail are generally quiet and not bothered by a lot but there are still horses that are, so please don't beep the horn or yell and scream etc.

Also, did you know it is the law, if a rider signals you to stop, YOU MUST!

Myself as a rider, I always respect people's property and take care when riding on roads, so it would much appreciated if others who meet us on the roads, took the care as well.

Ride with the wind @

www.equinenorth.net

Saddle Up, Show Season is Soon to Be..

What does the end of May mean to most; camping, may 2-4 weekend, fishing. YEP, but that's to the non-horsie world. To the other half, the horse community, it's show season!

Anyone who is aware that the end of May holds the first show of the season (for us TPHC members), we have already been working our horses and our tired, out of shape, winter riding selves. Preparing our tack, our show gear, horse trailers etc. It's an exciting time of the year.

Myself, I am rather excited about this upcoming season since things are slightly different. I have had my horse Chelsea Buns in some training, along with myself with Crystal from Crystal Clear Stables. It's only been a short while, but I see a HUGE improvement already.

Anyone who knows my mare, knows how cowgirl she is, and how half cock-eyed she moves. Even the trainer said it was like getting on a bat out of hell and was sure she would be sky-rocketed out of the saddle! So, needless to say, Crystal has a challenge and a half, but she will prevail ;)

Well, we aren't professional show material, but we are a team, Chelsea and I. I'm not sure about Chelsea, but I know I sure look forward to trying out everything we've learned so far.

Now if I can just get her on the trailer without a fuss and then even better, not creating some heavy bond with the horse she trailers with that she calls for the horse the entire show, we'll be well on the way.

Don't forget to send your events for this season to www.equinenorth.net . All events are posted free. You can email annae@puc.net to post your events.

Ride with the wind

@ http://www.equinenorth.net/

Time for a change!

Like the old saying goes, "behind every closed door, right in front are new ones" or something like that. You get the drift.

My move to Cochrane Ontario, although not far from home, still feels like a gazillion miles away without my friends and familiar faces just footsteps away. I've had to endure, wait, let me rephrase, we've had to endure (we as in myself, my daughter, my horse and my dog) many changes in the past three months. Something as simple as no MacDonald's, but no worries, replaced by AW..haha. No unlimited tanning, no gyms like I'm use too, no just hoping in the car to visit my parents, no hairdressers that take me the same day I call..no familiar faces and blah blah blah. I know, seems simple and nothing to complain about, but you really don't know what you have until you lose it. Try going from living in a house you don't share, to living in the basement, under which has to be the most disrespectful family I've known, but we won't go there, this site is about horses ;)

Alas, the one thing that still always feels like home is my time spent with my horse. It doesn't matter where we are. As long as we are outside, and next to nature, I feel right at home.

The new place I'm boarding my horse is just as wonderful as where I use to be, thank god I didn't' have to downgrade in at least one area. Crystal, of Crystal Clear Stables, is my lifesaver. I've decided to break down and actually put Chelsea Buns into some real training. Sooooo tired of my slanted mare who wants to race at every chance!

So, in such a short time, I am happy to report, the results I was hoping for are, well the results I was hoping for. It's still early and she's just started in training and I've only taken a few lessons to make sure I do the same as she is being trained to do, but already, I see a world of difference! And boy does it feel good. I'm really excited about the possibilities.

What about trail rides..well THAT will always be my favorite thing to do. Now that the weather has been better, I have taken on a few short rides beyond the property. It's not the same without my old riding buddy Nancy though :( and the gals from Winterwood. But, Crystal is kind enough to lend me her husband now and then who loves to trail ride as much as me I'm sure.

All in all, before this short writ-up turns into my life story, although change can be frightening, change is also good and I look forward to more positive change from my favorite equine friend Chelsea, and myself.

Ride with the wind
Anna


The reason for this story; someone actually commented to write more about my rides (I bet it's my mother) like really, who the heck else really cares! haha.

Spring has Sprung!

For most in Northern Ontario, today brought some amazing spring type weather. I am nearly certain that more then 3/4 of our snow melted away while I was inside at work today. When I left for lunch I was in awe at the warm temps, of course returning back to work with no jacket..yippee! So, where did I go directly after work??....YEP, you guessed, it Directly to go and passed on my 200 dollars as I wanted to get to the barn as quick as possible!

Realllyyyyyyyyyyyyyy hard to drive the speed limit with sunny weather, clear roads and good music you know ;)

Now with this extremely fast melt, I was wondering if I'd need scuba gear to ride ;) We saddled up and hit the fields. I was amazed at how just a few days ago, the snow was much too deep to travel through on horseback, and today was nearly nil.

So now the itch has begun. Show season is around the corner, and I'm sure many of you have the itch. I am rather excited at the new prospects for me this year, between the availability of a great coach/trainer and the very fact, I may be the new proud owner of a 2 yr old paint filly this summer! YIPEEE..show season is going to be fun

So hope ya all enjoyed the sun as I did today..

Ride with the wind @
www.equine.north.net

Equine Events and our Move

Photo the left drawn by the author (Anna Sawicki)

Well, even though it's the dead of winter, the events are coming in on Equine North. So do check it out. There's enough to do with your equine friend from Feb to April to keep you strong in the saddle come show season.

We are just in the process of a move further north and that does include moving my horse to a new boarding facility. Chelsea Buns is recently at Winterwood but will be moving to Crystal Clear Stables sometime this week. I move Feb 1 to Cochrane Ontario. Only a few hours from where I live, but further north and a tad colder..eeeek!

But the move is not to experience colder weather, it is due to a fantastic job offer and this can only mean a better chance of owning more then one horse. Afterall, horses are like M&M's, you can't have just one ;)

Hope everyone is enjoying their winter...

Fly with the wind @ www.equinenorth.net

Equine North Updates

W ell, it' a new year already and we are about 3 months left of winter and before the new show season starts!

So far, this winter has been wonderful, well messy, but hardly cold at all and not a lot of snow until recently. Get no arguements from me.

Equine North has been slow, not a lot happening, but the business section has been growing. Don't forget this section is FREE for all Equine Business owners, big or small!

I've still been getting good riding time in even with the messy weather. Defintely not as much as summer riding, but enough to make me happy.

So help keep Equine North alive while we hibernate from winter and send me in your Equine stories.

Ride with the wind

@ www.equinenorth.net