If I’m good at anything I am good at staying busy…although often it is not in the ways that further my riding goals. I am FANTASTIC at making excuses not to ride or to have a slump, especially when it comes to midsummer. Too hot. Too buggy. I have a lot of woodworking to do. I don’t feel like it. Etc. Etc. Etc.
To be fair 2023 I was broken and 2025 Stanley was broken during these times, and there’s no getting around that.
This year we’ve only just begun!
After a successful trip to cross country school at both Kristal Clear and Larkin Hill (Summertime Schooling) I am focused and motivated to continue my pursuit of my goals. At the same time, I am still very committed to working balance in my life. I am reminding myself regularly that not every ride needs to be structured and that I need to make time for FUN. When I get too focused, I lose the fun and Stanley begins to hate the job.
On Sunday we had an amazing opportunity to trail ride with a friend. We piled Stanley and Buttercup in my trailer and took the drive south to meet up. Seeing Stanley next to the cute little paint pony was a shocker and a good laugh to start the day.
When we arrived, both horses were super and stood happily at the trailer for tacking up. We got on and went out as a group of 4 to see the landscape. Unfortunately, I failed to give Stanley his quiet ride fly mask because the bugs didn’t seem bad. He boisterously told me it was the wrong choice. He tossed his head violently, sometimes nearly rearing. Leaving the woods and moving along the roadside he suddenly stopped headshaking. Was it the tall grass driving him nuts? Was it the close proximity to the other horses making him claustrophobic?
I don’t know the answer to this. Once we got back off the road he began headshaking again…but this time much less violently. He also walked slowly enough that I didn’t constantly have to have rein contact. During the first half of the ride I was constantly telling him to back off the horse in front of him because he wanted to move faster. The ride was useful data and although I felt bad for him I feel like it gave me some information that can help me help him.
The following day I tacked Stanley up and prepared for a new experience. I had won a lesson with Marcia Kulak at the Area 1 Banquet Silent Auction in 2024. Because of Stanley’s eye issues last year Marcia was incredibly kind to allow me to postpone and use the lesson this year. Today was that day!
If you don’t know who Marcia Kulak is, she’s a bit of a bit deal…especially locally. Marcia is a 5* event rider and trainer. She’s competed at the highest levels of our sport including the Kentucky 5* (Rolex), and Burghley. She was shortlisted for the Olympics twice. She’s sat on the eventing Olympic selection committee and sits as chair for Eventing Riders Association of North America (ERAofNA). She has been featured in Eventing Nation countless times (Area I Spotlight: Marcia Kulak | Eventing Nation – Three-Day Eventing News, Results, Videos, and Commentary, Clinic Report: Marcia Kulak’s Mantras of Riding | Eventing Nation – Three-Day Eventing News, Results, Videos, and Commentary, What’s in Your Ring? with Marcia Kulak, Presented by Attwood | Eventing Nation – Three-Day Eventing News, Results, Videos, and Commentary) and recently had an article in Practical Horseman (https://practicalhorseman.com/training/a-3-part-system-to-ride-better-in-any-discipline/).
A year or two ago she gave a course walk and lecture at one of ENYDCTA’s schooling shows, during which I paid close attention to her advice. I’ve listened to podcasts like InStride where Sinead interviewed her. I’ve been to numerous clinics that she participated in (Boyd Martin and Tik Maynard/Sinead Halpin Maynard) I audited a recent clinic with her (Summertime Schooling). At a previous farm job we had crossed paths but never really met (I was just the stall cleaner). The first time she called me out of the blue in regard to my business it took everything to maintain my composure (I was giddy) and I was lucky enough to earn both her business and earn her recommendation to clients. Now I’m getting a chance to learn from her directly!
We hauled into Marcia’s stunning facility, parked, and unloaded. It was expansive and peaceful. I began to warmup and typically I allow Stanley to trot along on a loose rein. I give him time to look around and warm his muscles up before asking for any type of connection. I was promptly corrected. We trotted cavalletti and Stanley really learned how to engage his core and stretch through his body to get controlled impulsion instead of falling and rushing through them. I learned to do less while focusing on my three jobs…rhythm, track, and balance.
Once we did our trotting cavaletti we moved over to another exercise. This time the poles were set up for canter work. I stood up and guided Stanley through the four rails while he learned to control his feet.
We progressively worked through more challenging exercises throughout the lesson. We finished on a gymnastic line. Three crossrails set on a one stride with placement poles in the beginning, middle, and end. Stanley has struggled with gymnastics and if I’m being honest, I am to blame. They are incredible and useful exercises but cumbersome to set up…especially when I often ride alone and have to clean up after myself.
Our first attempt led to a solid first jump and we fell off the tracks…. we stumbled over the second jump and stopped at the third. Once I approached it again, however, Stanley understood the assignment. We had a few excellent passes before cooling him out and giving him a bath.
During the whole lesson I think we walked only 30 seconds at a time. Stanley was exhausted. We got him back home and gave him a well-deserved protein shake.
The following day we took off as the heat index soared. Our actual temperature was high 90s and the heat index put us into the 100s. I took the day to float in the lake with my mom and my best friend.
On Wednesday I didn’t ride, but had a photoshoot scheduled with one of my favorite local photographers. You’ve seen a ton of her work if you’ve followed this blog because I often buy her photos from horse shows and clinics. Last year I had the opportunity to work for her at a big show, and now I have the opportunity for a private session!
We were aiming for a golden hour shoot, but the Canadian Wildfire Smoke had other plans. The entire day felt like an apocalyptic movie scene. We went ahead with the shoot. I was dressed in a ruffley black dress, a cow print belt, Navajo Pearl necklace and matching earrings. I had my cowgirl boots and a leather beaded bracelet. For the mounted shots I also had a massive black tulle skirt.
Suzanne stayed with us and helped hold treats, props, and distract Stanley. The grass was long and bugs were out, so Stanley had he headshaking periodically. In between his moments I think Molly was able to get some shots.
I’m so excited to see the results!
This week was an exciting mix of activities. We trail rode, worked hard, found rest, practiced self-care, socialized. It was a unique but meaningful week and one that left me feeling recharged and inspired.
The Green Horseman 
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