tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71744430629713898682024-03-05T15:33:41.091+01:00Horse Of CourseA neverending journey to become a better riderHorseOfCoursehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907659164579327290noreply@blogger.comBlogger171125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7174443062971389868.post-1866376693305005462012-03-11T22:13:00.000+01:002012-03-13T08:25:24.281+01:00Spring!...and a trip to Berlin<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9G0OJ2zmUVL3jnUHv7SC89Avj25XZ1GxH1YckOn2sEs5xJtJL4qprGnJEQs0DxB1t-bUqNq5AzOGaF54rvU_fbeoX_FGKmLxBaaMU2qgOyGE0fDLFhcLGsog3H5sy9WAE2AH3CV1XNySM/s1600/DSC_0651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9G0OJ2zmUVL3jnUHv7SC89Avj25XZ1GxH1YckOn2sEs5xJtJL4qprGnJEQs0DxB1t-bUqNq5AzOGaF54rvU_fbeoX_FGKmLxBaaMU2qgOyGE0fDLFhcLGsog3H5sy9WAE2AH3CV1XNySM/s400/DSC_0651.jpg" width="400" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>This was a fortnight ago.</i></td></tr>
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Before you ask - yes, we do have snow left.<br />
Still spring.<br />
Wonderful!!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuEx_EZYb2NzPIc3j7WaElAqOgrI_ib6OnPPOOy8rr8L4E3yHSLd0U2w9knX4MZMI-R_i5A39f7jFzxIri3ZRRtioTc2JlUYZua4POrSGAjlgcVk8MxSypOW2XdoOnm_pbGuNOA60_lmF2/s1600/DSC_0724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuEx_EZYb2NzPIc3j7WaElAqOgrI_ib6OnPPOOy8rr8L4E3yHSLd0U2w9knX4MZMI-R_i5A39f7jFzxIri3ZRRtioTc2JlUYZua4POrSGAjlgcVk8MxSypOW2XdoOnm_pbGuNOA60_lmF2/s400/DSC_0724.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>This was yesterday, and higher up in the mountains.<br />The snow is getting wet and slushy.</i></td></tr>
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We have had two wonderful weekends in a row, with sun and two-digit temperatures (speaking Centigrades!)<br />
Unfortunately there was some more snowfall in the week between, otherwise I believe we would have been almost bare now.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Taking a break and looking at the view</i></td></tr>
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I was in Berlin during the week, and as a consequence Fame had had two days off when I saddled her up on Saturday.<br />
I felt we both needed a workout, so we headed up the mountainside for some intervall training.<br />
Fame did not much bother with the intervalls.<br />
She just found that gear marked "Maximum speed" and took off.<br />
I had to pick her up in the curves as I definitely did not want her to lose her footing at that speed, but otherwise I let her go.<br />
It was a wonderful spring day, and we needed to air out the winter both of us.<br />
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I took her down to regain her breath a couple of times, but she did not take much time and was eager to go. I concluded that she is in a good shape, which is nice as we have the winter season behind us.<br />
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Saw some wonderful ice formations on the way down.<br />
Unfortunately the camera does not do the colours justice, they were lovely opaque blue-green-grey in reality.<br />
Made me think of the scene from the Lord of Rings when Frodo, Sam and Gollum is climbing up the mountain stairs to Mordor and the Nine Ringlords leave the ancient castle (which had this kind of colour). <br />
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This week I was in Berlin for a conference with my work.<br />
I will leave you with some pictures:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Morning view from my hotel window</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Checkpoint Charlie. <br />
I am standing at the former East-Berlin side, looking towards West.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC3LEcGSH5XJCqfqQKZ9Gv02lgf-F-ed50IomexSW7q622hGDCPx7zNCZS4VOdie-5NVjZIaX6hyj0wP4EBma2Dz5X8EI26cxIHhkwpeQCKxkA_RMQ56dtEEHEc1b5-lTdVIuicYylh7Q/s1600/DSC_0695-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC3LEcGSH5XJCqfqQKZ9Gv02lgf-F-ed50IomexSW7q622hGDCPx7zNCZS4VOdie-5NVjZIaX6hyj0wP4EBma2Dz5X8EI26cxIHhkwpeQCKxkA_RMQ56dtEEHEc1b5-lTdVIuicYylh7Q/s400/DSC_0695-1.jpg" width="241" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">The American checkpoint is still left as a memory.<br />
I guess no-one wanted a memory of the DDR one...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2uWKUfGd2WjlmgqSYCYAA0CsEYGXkGzE_EA7r5WaL2utaWl5x5pbdhsYxRhF06PjOYvi_TvHYQ_VPIf4u-xyU55TZUjz9rUAFtlb7V3NkQgh1kJxNOJ1kdYDAQMlKgcDfJO7SxPFO7Gw/s1600/DSC_0697.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2uWKUfGd2WjlmgqSYCYAA0CsEYGXkGzE_EA7r5WaL2utaWl5x5pbdhsYxRhF06PjOYvi_TvHYQ_VPIf4u-xyU55TZUjz9rUAFtlb7V3NkQgh1kJxNOJ1kdYDAQMlKgcDfJO7SxPFO7Gw/s400/DSC_0697.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">This picture is taken from the American checkpoint while the wall was in place. <br />
We are looking towards East Berlin.</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK6JdRCnjToUu6OcyDUi0wBBU8ldoAxtimuypdYpOH8bjo053IltD2vs2gRNwdZq528GLc6OmQbtQNPpO__aqEummXBwBQW8qpqxNA0bA8-1heEvANN5yfocoU-jDQSSOHZdh3kDW3Lhw/s1600/DSC_0696.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK6JdRCnjToUu6OcyDUi0wBBU8ldoAxtimuypdYpOH8bjo053IltD2vs2gRNwdZq528GLc6OmQbtQNPpO__aqEummXBwBQW8qpqxNA0bA8-1heEvANN5yfocoU-jDQSSOHZdh3kDW3Lhw/s400/DSC_0696.jpg" width="313" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Picture taken shortly before the wall was built.<br />
Taken from East Berlin side, looking towards West.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Nowadays only a few parts of the wall is left standing.<br />
Where it once stood is marked with street stones so you can follow its earlier placement.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Here is one of three places where it is still left standing.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Brandenburger Tor in the background.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Brandenburger Tor.<br />
What amused me was that straight on the other side, the former East, there was a Kennedy museum alongside a Starbucks coffee shop.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hey, there's horses on the top!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzWr8NTMW6kKIlC_c1Tmmd6pdQPheajbe1xYpLsAJKx-iyO594Aw9ew9b9UcMyoKhiG9OiUOpuXGVHTNgkmD99QJfkyZ2mvd6Db1k5DYVks4heydIg_MDQ7GEMxU5zkS8nFiUdEtY6tFAv/s1600/DSC_0713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzWr8NTMW6kKIlC_c1Tmmd6pdQPheajbe1xYpLsAJKx-iyO594Aw9ew9b9UcMyoKhiG9OiUOpuXGVHTNgkmD99QJfkyZ2mvd6Db1k5DYVks4heydIg_MDQ7GEMxU5zkS8nFiUdEtY6tFAv/s400/DSC_0713.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And below!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsWAdQM2L-mhLo2Kgp_YTY6DBWhNzJcnJywTaUdtkSZQ3ck25hyphenhyphenyMqg1bH4ltYBZSDODKmOgugv5fuP3GOxUAi8I7po6a8LnUB8Eg46yhVDbJDzBftVm5ilUbN09thl4nBGcjYVC0xyWx6/s1600/DSC_0702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsWAdQM2L-mhLo2Kgp_YTY6DBWhNzJcnJywTaUdtkSZQ3ck25hyphenhyphenyMqg1bH4ltYBZSDODKmOgugv5fuP3GOxUAi8I7po6a8LnUB8Eg46yhVDbJDzBftVm5ilUbN09thl4nBGcjYVC0xyWx6/s400/DSC_0702.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My colleagues had to try a bike for seven.<br />
One pilot, sweat and hard work for the others...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQMPvlcULZLp_PvQX5wxlA89e84yOVDenmbWNaLODJSqKj8UUOrwvXDQ0TJy-Iu64ITwnHehtJoWwMUXpaq3-m9I2LZs6gGf7wW2GMtBXsDD6kh3KSI_Vyw13p6FEcVDluR4FtZV-bOgs/s1600/DSC_0715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQMPvlcULZLp_PvQX5wxlA89e84yOVDenmbWNaLODJSqKj8UUOrwvXDQ0TJy-Iu64ITwnHehtJoWwMUXpaq3-m9I2LZs6gGf7wW2GMtBXsDD6kh3KSI_Vyw13p6FEcVDluR4FtZV-bOgs/s320/DSC_0715.jpg" width="311" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">The famous street "Unter den Linden".<br />
Used to be the epitome of style, but ended in East Berlin after WWII.</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-O8Chntz6T6GxmOYC-9j51Ao8unKSwvXCkuXy5fSz3iAjitUtbTKJ8H3_F-X6B2Sq8bctlIwAoAlYF3LrFCgmtZp6RSH5BRTR7ROeRpelSFUVtGVyK_MA-H-4ClGs4rhWrxpni60vHF4/s1600/DSC_0716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-O8Chntz6T6GxmOYC-9j51Ao8unKSwvXCkuXy5fSz3iAjitUtbTKJ8H3_F-X6B2Sq8bctlIwAoAlYF3LrFCgmtZp6RSH5BRTR7ROeRpelSFUVtGVyK_MA-H-4ClGs4rhWrxpni60vHF4/s400/DSC_0716.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">...where you still have some traces left from the East, strategically placed .</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBDRon-dBqK9wuCIbDRzxkY6BMdxMPwI5udJePPdHXHwLh7RRZf3eYamlCy3xq8013UJieQh_J7CeEQVhG8-lVI7C6ty4KBrlPZgC3xyGHtkWS_FdKPszPJCgyx6XNGuWDfbnO-7PamsI/s1600/DSC_0718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBDRon-dBqK9wuCIbDRzxkY6BMdxMPwI5udJePPdHXHwLh7RRZf3eYamlCy3xq8013UJieQh_J7CeEQVhG8-lVI7C6ty4KBrlPZgC3xyGHtkWS_FdKPszPJCgyx6XNGuWDfbnO-7PamsI/s400/DSC_0718.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">The famous car from the DDR-period, the Trabi.<br />
Max speed 112 km/h (70mph), and made of hard plastic.<br />
Two-stroke engine with noxious fumes.<br />
Did not cost more than $200, so everyone should be able to afford it. If you were on the list and allowed to buy that is.<br />
I remember when driving through West Germany in spring 1990, I saw many of them on the motorway behind a dark cloud of exhaust. Inside there were happy people, finally able to travel where they wanted.<br />
Now a cult object.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQUJn2D1ZoB0Oz3o_v13jjgf4B2bHDAETVNaSw_teU1dVTzfkeGuO7T2EURvz9vR3B28Lo_gFrElgo4qug_GWFEat3D80McKVW7ZeJv2IgAVqZ15GWvgTYdEMBwHkTZ_D8Tt0vR-k89t8/s1600/DSC_0722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQUJn2D1ZoB0Oz3o_v13jjgf4B2bHDAETVNaSw_teU1dVTzfkeGuO7T2EURvz9vR3B28Lo_gFrElgo4qug_GWFEat3D80McKVW7ZeJv2IgAVqZ15GWvgTYdEMBwHkTZ_D8Tt0vR-k89t8/s400/DSC_0722.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Potsdamer Platz.<br />
Bombed to pieces at the end of WWII.<br />
The occupied sectors converged here and thus the area became no-mans land during the cold war, <br />
placed in the mid zone of the wall.<br />
Pink Floyd's "The Wall - Live in Berlin" <br />
was played here in 1990, one of the largest rock concerts ever staged.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaLkIPclt84UyFgN5-ZGaT7e7Qo3ngbuzP-xQ1Ckk89SO2yNF4M1ug_WxyTgQKNJKeLo5WxRygdIBVj7NS9jhJMsxxrV46Gd-8wXWe3_Tz3tSzeSd1O2JEFLf0HLzJ3DLSxiID1q88AWo/s1600/Potsdamer_Platz-1982.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaLkIPclt84UyFgN5-ZGaT7e7Qo3ngbuzP-xQ1Ckk89SO2yNF4M1ug_WxyTgQKNJKeLo5WxRygdIBVj7NS9jhJMsxxrV46Gd-8wXWe3_Tz3tSzeSd1O2JEFLf0HLzJ3DLSxiID1q88AWo/s320/Potsdamer_Platz-1982.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Potsdamer Platz in 1982.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS6rIs93bsokgJDmRIeEoILg50pBbd5GHqyOFTXKulsbmhMUmm4PuodnM86PFZoGeAhRF3argM6ef36VMjiMTiR58H961HQU5OLCR15r2Bcelhkj9YAOjGMxCxhcaIbf_f27pi55RSbYc/s1600/DSC_0723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS6rIs93bsokgJDmRIeEoILg50pBbd5GHqyOFTXKulsbmhMUmm4PuodnM86PFZoGeAhRF3argM6ef36VMjiMTiR58H961HQU5OLCR15r2Bcelhkj9YAOjGMxCxhcaIbf_f27pi55RSbYc/s400/DSC_0723.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"> The fomer War Ministry in Benderblock where Stauffenberg was shot after the attempt on Hitler.<br />
It is now suitingly enough museum for the German resistance during WWII.<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUXMYIgHp58Xh0Wh_NhneNAMc87uQlmN6ljUx4ohd1lnAwfGPaS7fjzN7pEq4I9f2cj2zrbcb6WuaEx4AWgzX-y5yvvhiwnj3HPADukSb_Ho0Wu4_g6YXAvV2X7SP7gN7eoTnPEtew9rE/s1600/DSC_0717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUXMYIgHp58Xh0Wh_NhneNAMc87uQlmN6ljUx4ohd1lnAwfGPaS7fjzN7pEq4I9f2cj2zrbcb6WuaEx4AWgzX-y5yvvhiwnj3HPADukSb_Ho0Wu4_g6YXAvV2X7SP7gN7eoTnPEtew9rE/s320/DSC_0717.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Auf Wiedersehen, Berlin!</span></td></tr>
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<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></div>HorseOfCoursehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907659164579327290noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7174443062971389868.post-82553529527896772632012-02-01T01:00:00.000+01:002012-02-01T08:59:42.093+01:00Happy birthday!...to MEEEEEEE, happy birthday to MEEEEE.....<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5-greH3za65AY30UWMyfgR1AooCnnMvE5P77ppTnzoU81iuGI9ItZjrfe80ZkdJE1CWsqjXpNoGFZSfCo7RNMyFoP94rnypl5hGMaxdPv0MnKLKgpt10jdBgXNpGym-q-QkD4pdn8NZH1/s1600/big_smile.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5-greH3za65AY30UWMyfgR1AooCnnMvE5P77ppTnzoU81iuGI9ItZjrfe80ZkdJE1CWsqjXpNoGFZSfCo7RNMyFoP94rnypl5hGMaxdPv0MnKLKgpt10jdBgXNpGym-q-QkD4pdn8NZH1/s320/big_smile.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Awwwww.<br />
Thank you guys, how did you guess??<br />
<br />
<br />
Now, the last years I have only wished for some small things as birthday gifts.<br />
A couple of Grand Prix-horses.<br />
An indoor arena.<br />
Some millions to go with it.<br />
<br />
No luck so far.<br />
Last year I just thought the postman got lost, but as he finds the way with all the bills I have to face up to the bitter truth I guess.<br />
<br />
I have to wish for something smaller.<br />
<br />
A new car.<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />HorseOfCoursehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907659164579327290noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7174443062971389868.post-38664334573096919392012-01-14T22:24:00.001+01:002012-01-16T21:38:06.100+01:00Want to join us on a winter ride?<br />
<br />
I got inspired by Mugwumps "<a href="http://mugwumpchronicles.blogspot.com/2011/09/big-sky.html">BraCam</a>" and thought that I could try and make a video of Fame and me hacking out today.<br />
I decided on the easy option though and just hold the phone in my hand while riding.<br />
So do you wanna come with us?<br />
<br />
Unfortunately hard wind and milder temperatures have made the trees lose all the snow, we don't have much snow and we did not see much of the sunshine today either...but never mind, it was nice weather for a ride!<br />
<br />
You'll just have to take it as is :-) ...no such fancies as music and headings, the post as editor is vacant at the moment.<br />
So please join Fame and me hacking out today!<br />
Here we are heading down towards the creek:<br />
<br />
<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/-ok2Pr6npH4?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
Horses are by nature afraid of ice, just as they are on any insecure footing like bogs etc.<br />
It's logical - a horse in the wild that gets stuck or hurt the legs by all likelihood ends up dead.<br />
Two years ago, a rider from one of the other stables rode out on the ice on a lake at wintertime. <br />
The ice couldn't bear the weight, and the horse tragically ended up dead.<br />
<br />
So you have to build confidence with them over time, and on this day we had weak ice which is the worst.<br />
Fame was a good girl though, and we found a way over.<br />
Had to keep both hands on the reins going down to the water though.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/dY2TrCQ3KIE?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
Looking back on the water, I saw something floating? Oh no, my glove....<br />
Not exactly the right time for a bath. What to do?<br />
I just had to turn Fame, and see if I could get hold of it.<br />
It floated merrily downstream, but luckily ended up on one of the icy part in the middle, and I managed to fish it up with the dressage whip. Yes!<br />
And up on the other side...with a soaking wet glove. Nice.<br />
Couldn't keep it on, and couldn't put it in the pocket either.<br />
I finally decided to hang it as a tree decoration until our return.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://i.ytimg.com/vi/_8QE_HuU_SM/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/_8QE_HuU_SM?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" />
<param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" />
<embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/_8QE_HuU_SM?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div>
<br />
<br />
So my next project was to try and video at canter.<br />
Bear in mind that I was riding bareback, and my horse is an agile spooker.<br />
So, halfway down the video you hear me squeak almost falling off as she spooks over a small darkish pine tree, silly girl.<br />
I apologize for the video quality as the wind made a lot of noise and the camera man did some shaky footing.<br />
Fame was actually a good girl and kept a nice controlled canter apart from the spooking. I believe she was a bit puzzled about what I was doing though.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/1u6ijbFJHi8?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
We continued up, and did some more canter intervals at a higher speed, and this time I decided to be a bit more sensible and keep both hands on the reins and my concentration on the horse.<br />
As usual I jumped off at the top, and walked beside her on the way down.<br />
When I hack out I normally ride her bitless, either on a sidepull or as here on a hackamore. <br />
I have exchanged the chin chain with a leather strap though, it is a softer solution which works fine.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<br />
Finally found a stone and was able to get on Fame again so I did not have to splash through the creek by foot.<br />
Found the glove as well. <br />
It was frozen stiff, but I managed somehow to get it into the pocket of my jacket for the last part of the ride home.<br />
<br />
Thanks for joining us!<br />
<br />
<br />HorseOfCoursehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907659164579327290noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7174443062971389868.post-8781126245773955982012-01-11T22:39:00.000+01:002012-01-11T22:39:27.880+01:00Winter....wonderful!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUmkJ0zg44NFco7HbmUWS6v-pRucTOL3KB_nWSFLLWxYNvXCkKsaF3dfG18lnbFZnqlHSFbvDdifMUDzqQDEW1mePDEvyuHrtDMyDqNZk6Do_dniAwLN3tcjSdbdKdyeieNaf5tkRoNWRS/s1600/DSC_0632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUmkJ0zg44NFco7HbmUWS6v-pRucTOL3KB_nWSFLLWxYNvXCkKsaF3dfG18lnbFZnqlHSFbvDdifMUDzqQDEW1mePDEvyuHrtDMyDqNZk6Do_dniAwLN3tcjSdbdKdyeieNaf5tkRoNWRS/s400/DSC_0632.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Wonderful weather on Sunday, riding home from a training session</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
We are in the middle of January, and the best part of the winter lies ahead.<br />
It took me some years, but I actually do like the winter!<br />
I would be happy to shorten it though, to exchange November (when we often have sleet, rain, fog and darkness) and January (when it often is very cold AND dark) against two more months of summer.<br />
That would be perfect!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK0OxhAhTz08njSUrc0qesfd_k_2uIkThmFNTr4kMcRvT4r0TsKd4GE_kyDE6PUlDeO43vwEbADI8n5kndT9uDz5xmZiitC0OozY1DeaSbThtTfJvYFbuKitcIK5ddUNTWvZC_brylJIEy/s1600/DSC_0634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK0OxhAhTz08njSUrc0qesfd_k_2uIkThmFNTr4kMcRvT4r0TsKd4GE_kyDE6PUlDeO43vwEbADI8n5kndT9uDz5xmZiitC0OozY1DeaSbThtTfJvYFbuKitcIK5ddUNTWvZC_brylJIEy/s400/DSC_0634.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The creek is still open</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
But from now on the temperature normally is stable below freezing point, and we normally have snow.<br />
The days are getting longer, and in February we can get some marvellous days with azur blue skies and glistening snow.<br />I love, love, love a beautiful scenery and we get some amazing winter landscapes if the weather is right.<br />And I love the snow as it brightens everything up, and is super to ride on!<br />
(Yes, it is cold and unpractical too, layers of clothes and a cold and icy car and icy ground and snow shovelling and whatnot, but the winter comes every year so it's better to enjoy it, right?)<br />
<br />
I love the colours of winter too, the subtle hues of blue and grey, the instensity of the sprakling white.<br />
Up here in the north the colour of the sunshine is much more white than further south.<br />
A winter day with full sunshine is sprakling like a gem. It is so light your eyes hurt.<br />
<br />
We had a wonderful day today, with a clear sky and full sunshine.<br />
I had to drive home early, and remembered that I have a video function on my cell phone. So I took a video driving through the valley, and I was hoping to be able to upload it here.<br />
No such luck, unfortunately.<br />(It is in MPEG-4 formate, I thought that would be OK? Suggestions anyone?)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn3gSYJQUCTlvkY_xHury5kz4Hsvsi4ntEiPlgwRS771keC4V7D0IfTW8fx9P8W0xwwkgI0cGngguWRx-scrEQ1ZmVp0ScejvGHZ15EdlSGf0iY8T35CS98QR-7Otdc2CMn-jqdflnzqiR/s1600/DSC_0633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn3gSYJQUCTlvkY_xHury5kz4Hsvsi4ntEiPlgwRS771keC4V7D0IfTW8fx9P8W0xwwkgI0cGngguWRx-scrEQ1ZmVp0ScejvGHZ15EdlSGf0iY8T35CS98QR-7Otdc2CMn-jqdflnzqiR/s400/DSC_0633.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>...but the days are short :-(</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Keep warm, and enjoy your winter everyone!</div>HorseOfCoursehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907659164579327290noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7174443062971389868.post-25633280731891534062011-12-17T20:21:00.004+01:002011-12-23T23:26:12.090+01:00Merry Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKI9UEOMffr5x7y1EoPaQPJZgGFmVV0jrlrMs22NVOY57Hj8KsUIxmyC6fEy9z3GOOcTErAKu650J62NrwUJCU1fJArzCdO3G8NfcsDUQ6iCT-gIHHr3w2bVH0k_cu9VPTkhj5ARswtE_g/s1600/DSC_0617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKI9UEOMffr5x7y1EoPaQPJZgGFmVV0jrlrMs22NVOY57Hj8KsUIxmyC6fEy9z3GOOcTErAKu650J62NrwUJCU1fJArzCdO3G8NfcsDUQ6iCT-gIHHr3w2bVH0k_cu9VPTkhj5ARswtE_g/s400/DSC_0617.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After an unusually mild autumn, we have finally got some snow and the world is much brighter.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(How do you cope, all you guys out there in milder climates with just rain and darkness???)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It has been nice to have some milder temperatures - last winter was tough - but it is so dark without the snow that I feel my energy level gets affected.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp5qYGQuVrbsAY4BiHm9TokKwqgDahKn1wiURx_Ho66rBGggIaiGq40B4-ANN8EJgSexhOFqLyYSGLixchC06lqG6QaVTMAF5DIypKC6y5UjuadtTc9w5t71YTRaalomObOowerwO12h6y/s1600/Elin_Charlie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp5qYGQuVrbsAY4BiHm9TokKwqgDahKn1wiURx_Ho66rBGggIaiGq40B4-ANN8EJgSexhOFqLyYSGLixchC06lqG6QaVTMAF5DIypKC6y5UjuadtTc9w5t71YTRaalomObOowerwO12h6y/s400/Elin_Charlie.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last weekend I had a lovely ride with my daughter.</span><br />
<br />
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<span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">The last one together with our horses.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My daughter is not well, but her health is improving and
she has started school again this autumn after two years absence.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
Unfortunately this drains her for energy, and after contemplating the matter
for a long time we decided to sell her pony.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Charlie left us last weekend to a very nice family
with a 13 yo daughter.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">We will miss him very much, but I believe it was the right decision.<br />
We </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">still </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">have got Fame to share. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">
I just hope it works out because in my daughter's eyes, Fame is my horse - even
though I actually bought Fame for her once upon a time.</span><span lang="EN-US"> </span><span lang="EN-US"><br />
My daughter has had her own pony since she was seven, and that is close to ten
years.<br />
No wonder it feels strange being without. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The autumn has been hectic, and I just haven't had
the energy to keep the blogging up to date.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-US">Fame and me have been training a lot though.</span><span lang="EN-US"> </span><span lang="EN-US"><br />
Those of you that has been following the blog know that I have been struggeling
with tenseness in Fame. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Even if it is less now than it was a year ago, it has
crept up from time to time - as usual (aarrgggh) much caused by me.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is so easy to tense up when your horse also is
tense.<br />
<br />
Anyway, I feel that we have managed to solve much of it lately, and that is so
nice because then you can proceed with everything else. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Duh.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn9Kr1UPwnozKGCplgLrFkk8YYD2y9TiKPnCNhrHhHNHi95hBz9MOFbKO1pZdCwqmeD8i57hlmDc4ZECNm8MRqWoIE5w9d-egcAMwFsp8trxqTDfycZHNXGvb5bLjb2U5FEgxxhZVZyWxc/s1600/DSC_0622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn9Kr1UPwnozKGCplgLrFkk8YYD2y9TiKPnCNhrHhHNHi95hBz9MOFbKO1pZdCwqmeD8i57hlmDc4ZECNm8MRqWoIE5w9d-egcAMwFsp8trxqTDfycZHNXGvb5bLjb2U5FEgxxhZVZyWxc/s400/DSC_0622.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Still some mountains to climb...</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>I wish all of you a marvellous Christmas, and all
the best for the New Year!</b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>HorseOfCoursehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907659164579327290noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7174443062971389868.post-47787585151881772802011-09-13T22:54:00.000+02:002011-09-14T23:34:46.710+02:00Vacation's over!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVvWS4ZmGhcyWfzf7bAYzUwwgZ4nwbmkFoB7dkJg7OxAG1htz2p1cKmh-QUu_nehtnAxMvmU7TDhDoMmKG7bOrQbAtlpQL3fF9x28uYTl6_Bu7uNCtss6FLTRW9fFjtdcq30Fk488Y0be4/s1600/DSC01000.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVvWS4ZmGhcyWfzf7bAYzUwwgZ4nwbmkFoB7dkJg7OxAG1htz2p1cKmh-QUu_nehtnAxMvmU7TDhDoMmKG7bOrQbAtlpQL3fF9x28uYTl6_Bu7uNCtss6FLTRW9fFjtdcq30Fk488Y0be4/s400/DSC01000.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I was about to say that the summer here is too short to spend in front of the computer.<br />
Well, now we are writing September, and the summer never came.<br />
So I can't really blame it on the weather, can I?<br />
<br />
<br />
We have had a very unstable summer and autumn this far. <br />
It seems as if it's been raining every day.<br />
Not quite true, but the fact is that Oslo in the beginning of September reached the average yearly downpour, with three months left to go.<br />
And I was hoping for a nice autumn as the summer weather was wet...<br />
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYZNsMvb2htZpRyi3BMuwOYUxqhZ0URc0Uzrb67vbRO3c5BohhLXP_EsLZOd2f2VjUyQB6_YxTtUTXeYsZvntEc2wvEKtasGx12VLJ31Ap_yeuSqfi-aYwd1ujs3UlxJLbAPgPheD9YW-C/s1600/DSC_0555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYZNsMvb2htZpRyi3BMuwOYUxqhZ0URc0Uzrb67vbRO3c5BohhLXP_EsLZOd2f2VjUyQB6_YxTtUTXeYsZvntEc2wvEKtasGx12VLJ31Ap_yeuSqfi-aYwd1ujs3UlxJLbAPgPheD9YW-C/s320/DSC_0555.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
Have been spending time with the horses though, even if they have been on summer vacation. This year we had them down at a friend's place where they also had a riding arena, about an hour's drive from home.<br />
They had five weeks off, but I rode Fame in average three times a week, so it was not quite the lazy days as we have had earlier.<br />
For which I am thankful. <br />
Having vacation, without riding and a lot of time on your hands to have the Winnie-the-Pooh way of thinking on "time for a smackerel" is not healthy for your body.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsQEsdnlvC8X8oA2eS_caedmjNUQ8rFcp6czN6FUJ6_cJkrHTCVP1km5Jvpsr7t9udj8lyRf13Gp6PhqCl1uB_G6jirV6lwNj6a5RPkarQ7Dg2qpg7nswzPVCeHHNvP1zoBGc9Gn2bPcpg/s1600/DSC00981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsQEsdnlvC8X8oA2eS_caedmjNUQ8rFcp6czN6FUJ6_cJkrHTCVP1km5Jvpsr7t9udj8lyRf13Gp6PhqCl1uB_G6jirV6lwNj6a5RPkarQ7Dg2qpg7nswzPVCeHHNvP1zoBGc9Gn2bPcpg/s400/DSC00981.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the nice days this summer. <br />
Fame can splash around forever.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihNng5dm0hvwKXyIBk86-SjR-0h3mjQFzqTX9VppYvq7cqcK80K3bpW24rULD-euoJ1GOqX-7uoNsDiYKOCo20fGbiQ7CCW92x_qvqqdQS1tnfgo5G-AEcOJOdD4u6uN9StfXKnQY3LZ7i/s1600/DSC00975.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihNng5dm0hvwKXyIBk86-SjR-0h3mjQFzqTX9VppYvq7cqcK80K3bpW24rULD-euoJ1GOqX-7uoNsDiYKOCo20fGbiQ7CCW92x_qvqqdQS1tnfgo5G-AEcOJOdD4u6uN9StfXKnQY3LZ7i/s320/DSC00975.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I just love the way the sun lightens up the bottom of the creek, <br />
it is like rays of gold down there.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhymJ9oF0Smw7PZx_WbnakN8JbV4hQXEaHncp2nXZEStCCmfq64H75tZEP1cUiNBwBZEjO172RMK_kfkkQpOzQdhcVcfhmL3dKtwhFQlnvGvbIoxFpwmXT-ifAykOGU43qGz-NBmSVf0C_P/s1600/DSC00979.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhymJ9oF0Smw7PZx_WbnakN8JbV4hQXEaHncp2nXZEStCCmfq64H75tZEP1cUiNBwBZEjO172RMK_kfkkQpOzQdhcVcfhmL3dKtwhFQlnvGvbIoxFpwmXT-ifAykOGU43qGz-NBmSVf0C_P/s400/DSC00979.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">..and it is grass here too, see?<br />
We can both eat and have a bath! At the same time!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5L_D8fkEeB-grGvpxY4mbC1miQFFMBXVJqrCiN57RgHOv1dXL6NuxLIqamwHfWp7BedxNcOhBsfmyoDYA4Xtx3wVru0olSjhRB0frmpld5JsYc-MOxg_svb9ssxQsNtV25iaPUdooK30x/s1600/DSC00994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5L_D8fkEeB-grGvpxY4mbC1miQFFMBXVJqrCiN57RgHOv1dXL6NuxLIqamwHfWp7BedxNcOhBsfmyoDYA4Xtx3wVru0olSjhRB0frmpld5JsYc-MOxg_svb9ssxQsNtV25iaPUdooK30x/s400/DSC00994.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">End of August. We have more water and <br />
the path on the left hand side is flooded.<br />
Fame still thinks bathing is a super idea. <br />
I get dizzy watching the fast swirl of water around us.<br />
In September the water level has <br />
increased even more and we cannot cross at all.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcWx_VpIqqZpzti1qsZoTrasaH-Miaxl0Il2iAY8mdmDoM7oDSVd_bmP7xnFg-I31k_TW2sg3VRUMDyuKVJfFgerm3MhQrb4VNUf4sQl0CH23XuCNH3qn2HNy4EUrNtUA9bCcDbRXiomX9/s1600/DSC00998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcWx_VpIqqZpzti1qsZoTrasaH-Miaxl0Il2iAY8mdmDoM7oDSVd_bmP7xnFg-I31k_TW2sg3VRUMDyuKVJfFgerm3MhQrb4VNUf4sQl0CH23XuCNH3qn2HNy4EUrNtUA9bCcDbRXiomX9/s400/DSC00998.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where has the grass gone?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
How long time does it take to learn how to ride, I wonder?<br />
I have been trying for the last 42 years, and I am not quite sure weather I have another 42 coming up. <br />
I have to speed up the learning process a bit, I guess.<br />
(Not easy if you are a middle aged, office working person. )<br />
<br />
But - the main thing is to have FUN, right?<br />
And it has been quite fun lately.<br />
<br />
I have had two super training weekends, one with <a href="http://www.ttttrust.com/instructors.asp">Andrew Murphy</a>, international instructor and member of TTT together with Stephen Clark, Arthur Kottas, Charles de Kunffy - all real heavyweighters in classical dressage. <br />
It was two very, very good sessions, and something that I feel really boosted my riding.<br />
<br />
A week later it was time for our monthly training with Jimmi Sørensen, our Danish trainer. <br />
Fame worked very well. I am so happy that Jimmi is coming over once a month as I feel much is happening every time, and he puts us on the right track for the work ahead.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD_5UyjLooztJK620qf50BWytCWhNE1dmJ6Zhb1bvXxqLzu-b_bUpPUhMPPZSs5SQYIx7-Q31CCqO9QmtGDQIYCTi47Nu2B3sZAnnd8hijUS0_S3JspvZUAoWh7EDmJPu5bX8747jEkGxz/s1600/DSC00991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD_5UyjLooztJK620qf50BWytCWhNE1dmJ6Zhb1bvXxqLzu-b_bUpPUhMPPZSs5SQYIx7-Q31CCqO9QmtGDQIYCTi47Nu2B3sZAnnd8hijUS0_S3JspvZUAoWh7EDmJPu5bX8747jEkGxz/s400/DSC00991.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A pause and some pep-talk with Jimmi.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I decided not to put on shoes on Fame after her summer vacation, and see how she does.<br />
She has good hooves, and so far it has been no problem. (I kept her unshod until she was four.)<br />
I have to take more consideration on where and how I ride though, and the plans to start some X-country competitions this autumn had to be abandoned.<br />
That is a small sacrifice if she benefits from it in the long run.<br />
And I love the soft sound of an unshod horse.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho4r7KEsnmzIOoVYte4EDK3eUbYICygXzqQLFg0knPeOhgSAfkIexlX0J5pPLQEoYqnPTO8ZmF2b6HimP-Cz5SfIJJ9t0VCPPfms3y1vddDxfunsu70pVCAMHqJUjoVECzUFcjcQu3rQIL/s1600/DSC01006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho4r7KEsnmzIOoVYte4EDK3eUbYICygXzqQLFg0knPeOhgSAfkIexlX0J5pPLQEoYqnPTO8ZmF2b6HimP-Cz5SfIJJ9t0VCPPfms3y1vddDxfunsu70pVCAMHqJUjoVECzUFcjcQu3rQIL/s320/DSC01006.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We fortunately have some nice paths that also suits an unshod horse, and last weekend we had a very nice hack, Fame and me.<br />
And - wow! it did not rain!<br />
<br />
Hope you all have had a nice summer, and hopefully with some better weather than here.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOUCJjgR75S07lrPjBlSzyt-cioFfLxXMRSlPpo0tf0Ak56PMx3c53uk1tP59sNZpCJzFe7t1GyTSUpyZ_1eUjMYFKOqQHAYfchbyZEuowZESxzeXWGu9x9bA2oGA57-M67YjwpTZ1sIYn/s1600/DSC01009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOUCJjgR75S07lrPjBlSzyt-cioFfLxXMRSlPpo0tf0Ak56PMx3c53uk1tP59sNZpCJzFe7t1GyTSUpyZ_1eUjMYFKOqQHAYfchbyZEuowZESxzeXWGu9x9bA2oGA57-M67YjwpTZ1sIYn/s400/DSC01009.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See? Nice and soft for small hooves...<br />
A canter?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />HorseOfCoursehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907659164579327290noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7174443062971389868.post-58610598879213208702011-07-22T23:45:00.001+02:002011-07-24T13:36:08.895+02:00My thoughts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="282" src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQtNjFhupgF-l7IklvgZpI9Jb2ewImm1xvm_-FG76a4BbcVInghpw" width="320" /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">go to the innocent victims and their families.</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>HorseOfCoursehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907659164579327290noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7174443062971389868.post-855298073707754422011-06-19T22:06:00.003+02:002011-06-19T22:36:01.776+02:00Hilltops and views<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij1kY7ykj6E_DlBhOxIz6iTSHGZOs8XXAAzbHneajcyso6qqKrYTgbWDhnxgD3Z6cz9oJeO1q2OklTt0f_fyWB3ijBZEiwh_upWr2OvkxfNj59UxZMyLSgVWotSs4rPKBO-z2294zF65Pf/s1600/DSC00948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij1kY7ykj6E_DlBhOxIz6iTSHGZOs8XXAAzbHneajcyso6qqKrYTgbWDhnxgD3Z6cz9oJeO1q2OklTt0f_fyWB3ijBZEiwh_upWr2OvkxfNj59UxZMyLSgVWotSs4rPKBO-z2294zF65Pf/s320/DSC00948.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<br />
One of the most wonderful ways to waken up is by the sound of a bumblebee and the curtains softly moving in the summer breeze.<br />
Summer time is lovely.<br />
<br />
Even if there has not been much happening here, I have been working hard on my riding.<br />
I find that riding often feels like climbing stairs, or hilltops.<br />
You work, and you work and not much happens. <br />
Until one day you're reaching the hilltop, and suddenly you can see the view.<br />
<br />
I feel that we are at a shift now, Fame and me.<br />
We're not at the hilltop yet, but I can feel we are approaching.<br />
<br />
I have struggled with my seat and position for so long.<br />
Problem is that when you've used your body in a certain way over time it is really tough to get rid of your bad habits. They are good old friends with your body, and your body moves quite contrary to what you are planning yourself.<br />
Very irritating.<br />
Anyway, as you know we had a training weekend with Wiola and Kari from <a href="http://www.aspire-equestrian.com/">Aspire Equestrian Riding Academy</a>.<br />
I got some very good input, and an extensive written feedback as homework too. I felt it helped a lot both in January and now in May.<br />
<br />
In addition to the weekly training we have the Danish trainer <a href="http://www.stald-jbj.dk/Jimmi.htm">Jimmi T Sørensen</a> coming over once a month.<br />
I am very grateful for this because he both put us on track, as well as pushes us a bit further in the training.<br />
I thought we had a good session last time, but this time it was even better!<br />
- I rode Fame in a double bridle in training for the first time, she was a gem.<br />
- And we managed tempi changes in every third stride on the diagonal. (for those of you that are not into dressage: flying changes in every third stride on a straight line)<br />
I am proud as a peacock!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Woot-woot!<br />
(you have to bear with me here, because I will probably not land on Planet Earth until next week)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWSBuoUv9kxlM17CSwncyQl-zaksZXtyjVpp9AZdqN3dJWyI_GE3Fe93HivjBAxtSnjnBwtjKOQVaV5jwN1pXNi1t5ghy8uD-hn_Ln37zzN2SADsyCa4J2uCk98Vn-NVVyWEALzhJV5XZa/s1600/DSC00660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWSBuoUv9kxlM17CSwncyQl-zaksZXtyjVpp9AZdqN3dJWyI_GE3Fe93HivjBAxtSnjnBwtjKOQVaV5jwN1pXNi1t5ghy8uD-hn_Ln37zzN2SADsyCa4J2uCk98Vn-NVVyWEALzhJV5XZa/s400/DSC00660.JPG" width="230" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best horse there is!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>HorseOfCoursehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907659164579327290noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7174443062971389868.post-2371617520564249602011-06-03T19:55:00.001+02:002011-06-03T20:16:11.792+02:00Summer!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit1jxeOsZUYOtScj1WXJQl6M1RqK2ATYBNS0a02pnc8raSa1VPyT2LOHwTtsRiMYv-MgFBddm2PNhmLg9nHmgETpEUctziXiInjvMJpfhswmfd9bVDD0D6A_5SBiUlhebBbqZ1Pq6A2uQf/s1600/DSC00974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit1jxeOsZUYOtScj1WXJQl6M1RqK2ATYBNS0a02pnc8raSa1VPyT2LOHwTtsRiMYv-MgFBddm2PNhmLg9nHmgETpEUctziXiInjvMJpfhswmfd9bVDD0D6A_5SBiUlhebBbqZ1Pq6A2uQf/s400/DSC00974.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<br />
As some may have noticed there has not been much activity here lately.<br />
Summer came...<br />
And after a looong winter (as I am sure you can understand) staying outside has been much more tempting than sitting in front of the computer!<br />
<br />
Today we had +28C/82F, and what could one do after a day at work?<br />
Go bathing with the horses of course!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTb0ysdjg0FrAlZmBVftOdW8BEx_mzZnfy7mOEw728eK9TH1H8vMd64fg3bHuBZdpFxOp2fnve_Aq0O5jGVGUbzW0g3O17wou-blhfGzGHwD6h_Z4xKtTj-TW7B425djbMIMv37T1L8tfz/s1600/DSC00958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTb0ysdjg0FrAlZmBVftOdW8BEx_mzZnfy7mOEw728eK9TH1H8vMd64fg3bHuBZdpFxOp2fnve_Aq0O5jGVGUbzW0g3O17wou-blhfGzGHwD6h_Z4xKtTj-TW7B425djbMIMv37T1L8tfz/s400/DSC00958.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
My daughter even took on a swim suit.<br />
I kept my riding breeches on, but rode without shoes. No sense in keeping them on, as they get soaking wet anyway!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQtRJgX2FF4ybZApkbp-t4pCZBy-SLA1BV9Hx2hi9NnDXkLscDvXOIGJkyGSyn-RDTj2zToKd_tRfyFvGVPPRMIgFs-O7inY6x7GEpyfVkoR1JLtqSxJrJPJ1zBjILCP5a1nDaxMWucEa4/s1600/DSC00965.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQtRJgX2FF4ybZApkbp-t4pCZBy-SLA1BV9Hx2hi9NnDXkLscDvXOIGJkyGSyn-RDTj2zToKd_tRfyFvGVPPRMIgFs-O7inY6x7GEpyfVkoR1JLtqSxJrJPJ1zBjILCP5a1nDaxMWucEa4/s400/DSC00965.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Fame did not see the point in standing still at all.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRhjsq7wFq85isCqkD0iWpA171kYd6XxrgY-AwS6trOL6fBuYVmyy62LYkrq5cXtCiYJopilNyA3gdNovYWiW1uGI6NWdwk88wYfLFUdvbPm3LD97ZTs5K1hViwOpayK3cURFQ9cCa3uNn/s1600/DSC00154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRhjsq7wFq85isCqkD0iWpA171kYd6XxrgY-AwS6trOL6fBuYVmyy62LYkrq5cXtCiYJopilNyA3gdNovYWiW1uGI6NWdwk88wYfLFUdvbPm3LD97ZTs5K1hViwOpayK3cURFQ9cCa3uNn/s400/DSC00154.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
All the plants have been growing like crazy lately.<br />
Unfortunately, also the nettles....they are reaching toe height!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3hgmO-4_lTSDuSKO0ZCpaA5CqxyuHlEOJCvTN9JehaJb9Z-Oq8YlvTjD1z7JsrttLyPSPd0JZHnSKPMfO_wMDvR11ARbR4Xt4gd9iZJM7pJCQHZwWRZDU4jo8VHLehXkPoel975Mt3_Yw/s1600/DSC00953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3hgmO-4_lTSDuSKO0ZCpaA5CqxyuHlEOJCvTN9JehaJb9Z-Oq8YlvTjD1z7JsrttLyPSPd0JZHnSKPMfO_wMDvR11ARbR4Xt4gd9iZJM7pJCQHZwWRZDU4jo8VHLehXkPoel975Mt3_Yw/s400/DSC00953.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">----------------------------</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A JOURNEY FROM SPRING TO SUMMER</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have some pictures to share from the last month, so here they are.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We <b>start end of April</b>:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwfyyQYlYr8kVqHvB5VB0NyxdUr_5bnQHF3L1h-CGWUwm-lusmCSDl6hoU-WCKoFtfLR9TcQZsB6pVkXtP5_0RvaJocgo9biECCrHcgHiFq3wn1VXN1BPijNjt0SQcCVMrBVKT69QkGZo1/s1600/DSC00887.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwfyyQYlYr8kVqHvB5VB0NyxdUr_5bnQHF3L1h-CGWUwm-lusmCSDl6hoU-WCKoFtfLR9TcQZsB6pVkXtP5_0RvaJocgo9biECCrHcgHiFq3wn1VXN1BPijNjt0SQcCVMrBVKT69QkGZo1/s400/DSC00887.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
The first flowers has come.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRqfXysaZg9TWe5Z59S-z4nkNnCdmv-cug5Nxh4HHdqSHHgqLVW9WyVmyBx36eKHzpJcDkbwq2dsrmmWUCV3zc4lNeG4nWSNMtaP-sV0OCEWIKRO6dVk4CTde48fIBD5h0NQrb3-Bzfevk/s1600/DSC00873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRqfXysaZg9TWe5Z59S-z4nkNnCdmv-cug5Nxh4HHdqSHHgqLVW9WyVmyBx36eKHzpJcDkbwq2dsrmmWUCV3zc4lNeG4nWSNMtaP-sV0OCEWIKRO6dVk4CTde48fIBD5h0NQrb3-Bzfevk/s400/DSC00873.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I just love that intense, blue colour.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgyJ2KXqtdI1vA9hQZ3tnQk4X_rnvy6cKTCRF1mM_7eWXBRlvSQ0xVSLBigqUh4h0bA1HJBBbshnBJJMhh3jVE5YEOzR1cG-ROUEJB1CaCrdQyY066YmNgT9TSmOHh7-H3pVXUHFmMnx7f/s1600/DSC00877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgyJ2KXqtdI1vA9hQZ3tnQk4X_rnvy6cKTCRF1mM_7eWXBRlvSQ0xVSLBigqUh4h0bA1HJBBbshnBJJMhh3jVE5YEOzR1cG-ROUEJB1CaCrdQyY066YmNgT9TSmOHh7-H3pVXUHFmMnx7f/s400/DSC00877.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
The melting snow feeds all the waterways.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbn1FWNOCFXva2vn3HToMY9dzOL39yWF0VIyZuDOac9cisD6WN_xX9yN2zz-zfPrmKaeag9QwzkC3BS_SzbsW0mWob8mbupTMnCKQljOUOoyoGgeQiTGtypm6YCU98EltimfCx-RUsIsGY/s1600/DSC00882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbn1FWNOCFXva2vn3HToMY9dzOL39yWF0VIyZuDOac9cisD6WN_xX9yN2zz-zfPrmKaeag9QwzkC3BS_SzbsW0mWob8mbupTMnCKQljOUOoyoGgeQiTGtypm6YCU98EltimfCx-RUsIsGY/s400/DSC00882.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-----</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Beginning of May:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7tZidBL7CnLuV9FKK9a2wENTIuJEM3VCAvxYNrJxNmcYwDznKhYuk6_p7FShu2PBpq8xaREw8aGs5xfBIQyOSRgxF9Qmfe5km7qJ4F9x_sspAbP5rJWQkC3P0_5V9JPCoMurnTd4_shJP/s1600/DSC00903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7tZidBL7CnLuV9FKK9a2wENTIuJEM3VCAvxYNrJxNmcYwDznKhYuk6_p7FShu2PBpq8xaREw8aGs5xfBIQyOSRgxF9Qmfe5km7qJ4F9x_sspAbP5rJWQkC3P0_5V9JPCoMurnTd4_shJP/s400/DSC00903.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
I had a lovely ride with my daughter.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtPnEfkvn8vBhBRUvz8VFKpMsuvJTC0CQy-WDOE43j0e5xa2iwoxxCxXtQdOVrqNS-kwcqfLbswPfkhyphenhyphenFjoMVJs9BcFfjH4Hz9qHzl8GFuPAZ6LuC-aolEAIso8cT8eJ7PU239meF_zNIx/s1600/DSC00906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtPnEfkvn8vBhBRUvz8VFKpMsuvJTC0CQy-WDOE43j0e5xa2iwoxxCxXtQdOVrqNS-kwcqfLbswPfkhyphenhyphenFjoMVJs9BcFfjH4Hz9qHzl8GFuPAZ6LuC-aolEAIso8cT8eJ7PU239meF_zNIx/s400/DSC00906.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
Riding in a carpet of spring flowers:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT7qhqXKEtpoNbJ_xiTtKqEg9_BhYYr7dFWOIOr6-QcejcmeEA9_MwljTAHC78g5ICRiG737OQ9N4H-rUryJH8E1mkEG2TNX1mksWgdq1OKuQBWN-LoAEfEcR_tWXGDfe3YsRVcOrmMlxj/s1600/DSC00929.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT7qhqXKEtpoNbJ_xiTtKqEg9_BhYYr7dFWOIOr6-QcejcmeEA9_MwljTAHC78g5ICRiG737OQ9N4H-rUryJH8E1mkEG2TNX1mksWgdq1OKuQBWN-LoAEfEcR_tWXGDfe3YsRVcOrmMlxj/s400/DSC00929.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">------</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Mid May</b>:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLhCuPgDmc4CEfHtmQ5mjiF4mFJzj61gUJ5IUpyRqUFbguIQ9rmJvtaPp-Hty2B49FYjPyAGUprIAd2rnQn3U0QN4rJyIMEV7CZG5FbLR2gDVQkkCBUi3UMCJajS0ISc9ttsORQ4u5SCfQ/s1600/DSC00933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLhCuPgDmc4CEfHtmQ5mjiF4mFJzj61gUJ5IUpyRqUFbguIQ9rmJvtaPp-Hty2B49FYjPyAGUprIAd2rnQn3U0QN4rJyIMEV7CZG5FbLR2gDVQkkCBUi3UMCJajS0ISc9ttsORQ4u5SCfQ/s400/DSC00933.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Above: a grey day, but I just love those cloud formations over the mountains.<br />
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Above: Ferns starting to come up. Looks like an alien invasion!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGw8pdHJ8Iw46triwHkn40K4SJO0VPSrY-oOrnCxI-MtTV4vc5WsRis10pxisv8954H8fJOQCikZ6oFev4LQRkYqzfLC9wLx2G1YQWGfa8enij4fD1e_iiQYW3QYNom4F_iqkpJ4n61OMW/s1600/DSC00941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGw8pdHJ8Iw46triwHkn40K4SJO0VPSrY-oOrnCxI-MtTV4vc5WsRis10pxisv8954H8fJOQCikZ6oFev4LQRkYqzfLC9wLx2G1YQWGfa8enij4fD1e_iiQYW3QYNom4F_iqkpJ4n61OMW/s320/DSC00941.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Fame is contemplating the fields turning green. Pasture time soon?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> -----<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We also once again had a visit from Wiola and Kari from <a href="http://www.aspire-equestrian.com/">Aspire Equestrian Riding Academy</a>. </div>Another super training weekend - thanks guys!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My daughter has a friend visiting, and they are making Texmex for tonight, so I had some minutes over.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Can't sit here. I think I will chill with a beer in the sun.</div>HorseOfCoursehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907659164579327290noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7174443062971389868.post-78573616772244749212011-04-18T22:43:00.001+02:002011-04-19T13:20:20.417+02:00It's not only me...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPaTVHdjwwToC3XzLNhyM0rWNUZo_Vzs4a_2o_h6VjnuWWjY6VsVMq8DR6qGkx_-7foQSMb1nlSnKQGdc8Iucgk8cQjDJKNjUUOd7K1FF8X22MfGH8zpZZiirnQ-EGXoj1kkOTXv1D-FuV/s1600/DSC00835.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPaTVHdjwwToC3XzLNhyM0rWNUZo_Vzs4a_2o_h6VjnuWWjY6VsVMq8DR6qGkx_-7foQSMb1nlSnKQGdc8Iucgk8cQjDJKNjUUOd7K1FF8X22MfGH8zpZZiirnQ-EGXoj1kkOTXv1D-FuV/s400/DSC00835.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<br />
....who loves spring!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEies5LAXm7TwcHhCulEufQ0k5fOnv2TuKXXwRkj6xamp-RlKshHXX-ZTmHH16IZsSMeIVNjgY8IY21LfByGtL5LmvusMisiDXmYLzg5UbE_0s8qiCvPbiUoyhmdgD59GOOztWvdPycX7o3R/s1600/DSC00827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEies5LAXm7TwcHhCulEufQ0k5fOnv2TuKXXwRkj6xamp-RlKshHXX-ZTmHH16IZsSMeIVNjgY8IY21LfByGtL5LmvusMisiDXmYLzg5UbE_0s8qiCvPbiUoyhmdgD59GOOztWvdPycX7o3R/s320/DSC00827.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still some snow left in shady places</td></tr>
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These last days Fame has been bursting with energy.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"> I took her out on a bareback hack on Saturday. Not such a good idea.<br />
Starting out, everything was spooky. </span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><br />
</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw66s60BtrwhWY4yg3S6233ZdZN07c0mgebxHXgRGNvJA7bCRP3kySTpQTGs5FuEQ-9Rh5JuuKwhXUJ2cNcskYjf0-X2kZ_gNkdjcz5-C92E9LerC2QnUF1prf0C3q4QvBIVmYNnsyhHp-/s1600/DSC00848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw66s60BtrwhWY4yg3S6233ZdZN07c0mgebxHXgRGNvJA7bCRP3kySTpQTGs5FuEQ-9Rh5JuuKwhXUJ2cNcskYjf0-X2kZ_gNkdjcz5-C92E9LerC2QnUF1prf0C3q4QvBIVmYNnsyhHp-/s400/DSC00848.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Favourite spooky place #1, <br />
no matter how many times we have passed here...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
We zigzagged our way between this and that, didn’t really matter whether it was a stone, some remaining snow heaps or what-not.<br />
<span lang="EN-US">I gave up to get any reason in it and concentrated on my balance training...<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwbntKsypTn7oApsDC3y9nVBpg_4ihAlUnwpLsc5o6wXqFAgkCgdgjMmyHlSlG_IIMMUCtaNy_I6gy579Po8HbmqJcHhA848Te27ENrfjG26lHNdBQGCvfaE82gzKwkaLfKwmI3wJ-7K8e/s1600/DSC00842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwbntKsypTn7oApsDC3y9nVBpg_4ihAlUnwpLsc5o6wXqFAgkCgdgjMmyHlSlG_IIMMUCtaNy_I6gy579Po8HbmqJcHhA848Te27ENrfjG26lHNdBQGCvfaE82gzKwkaLfKwmI3wJ-7K8e/s400/DSC00842.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Favourite spooky place #2, slightly less bad than #1</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">So I decided we needed to get rid of some surplus energy, and put her to work.<br />
We kept a fresh tempo of trot and canter, steadily climbing upwards on the gravel roads.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheMjkosg7o3OudDsXlo_lq62tig0ykxusRIo6oUxfLXQwwL4PCaxIvtb07hrxv93_lkx_DSsvA7gH_tM0pllex34FSCsk2mHAL8csXAmfr4g7eXZkfPDaLhr_Qk21SVfbuq4DOraRlLizw/s1600/DSC00846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheMjkosg7o3OudDsXlo_lq62tig0ykxusRIo6oUxfLXQwwL4PCaxIvtb07hrxv93_lkx_DSsvA7gH_tM0pllex34FSCsk2mHAL8csXAmfr4g7eXZkfPDaLhr_Qk21SVfbuq4DOraRlLizw/s400/DSC00846.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><span lang="EN-US"><br />
</span><br />
<span lang="EN-US">We got to a long straight part, still with a steady climb.<br />
I thought she was sufficiently tired and let her go some.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Oops. Bad idea.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">She grabbed the opportunity and took off, throwing in some happy bucks too.<br />
Speed was high and the gravel road looked hard.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRu5qLSxu3ngBbRqswtNSZUxYMIG1X7hk8DpSBGWxeB0k03UGpUu_9mme9rY3-Vqn1Eim56PAR_zNcXUdYuBp2izMrAyNZkB-FQiJS8b0lhZD0l4fsP6qYPyaxn8_FFEaiPdNhronNTIc1/s1600/DSC00839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRu5qLSxu3ngBbRqswtNSZUxYMIG1X7hk8DpSBGWxeB0k03UGpUu_9mme9rY3-Vqn1Eim56PAR_zNcXUdYuBp2izMrAyNZkB-FQiJS8b0lhZD0l4fsP6qYPyaxn8_FFEaiPdNhronNTIc1/s400/DSC00839.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><span lang="EN-US"><br />
</span><br />
<span lang="EN-US">With a sidepull and riding bareback, this was not a good idea…<br />
I growled NO, tried to get her head up, kicked her forward and managed to hang on. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Phiew.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHC1DNXW1-NPDOabe0Vg9z-gfORV_JBUY4Sd6BMhbTSDFuE-nacV2B0vl2DwOkx2CMntihm8DXResyjFy1ZuGIJ01tJt5frPAaeOnbIi7eSBH0hdpGMyUmqWXOpDmd3UmgCpCEKR5WWQVo/s1600/DSC00836.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHC1DNXW1-NPDOabe0Vg9z-gfORV_JBUY4Sd6BMhbTSDFuE-nacV2B0vl2DwOkx2CMntihm8DXResyjFy1ZuGIJ01tJt5frPAaeOnbIi7eSBH0hdpGMyUmqWXOpDmd3UmgCpCEKR5WWQVo/s400/DSC00836.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking back, it is allowed to eat some. <br />
After searching for grass in vain, the only option left was pine needles...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJsO7EjqDrf9NW8AihqqZuMt2DPAfTN92ujK2N0hPvwnHwn5fT0q1vGTBkpWPMYB1RObvXqeOvtaeD5sIoYTYP4OpvId9JW4WsMgl3W1fmNvWHpHfDajGDRyE35bHkVjWB3io-v_22aI1g/s1600/DSC00837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJsO7EjqDrf9NW8AihqqZuMt2DPAfTN92ujK2N0hPvwnHwn5fT0q1vGTBkpWPMYB1RObvXqeOvtaeD5sIoYTYP4OpvId9JW4WsMgl3W1fmNvWHpHfDajGDRyE35bHkVjWB3io-v_22aI1g/s400/DSC00837.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...yum, yum. Maybe?</td></tr>
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><br />
</span><br />
<span lang="EN-US">Sunday, we started at a training show jumping arrangement.<br />
Having had a serious workout the day before, I thought perhaps that she would be a bit more sensible. (At least I had a saddle and a bridle on, haha.)</span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><br />
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_TKlnK524Iw3UP9AQQoL8r65Fhs5i_kCmog2jxl4DPM_pQnH9CVi9Ll6nRLhETsmw81rZRxbzk1TiZYX8hD-rUgRxcY8fA-Artlru9lkRv1Fg0LVM0lhu4rfM4EsEIBP2TK3N8u563ZaB/s1600/DSC00829.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_TKlnK524Iw3UP9AQQoL8r65Fhs5i_kCmog2jxl4DPM_pQnH9CVi9Ll6nRLhETsmw81rZRxbzk1TiZYX8hD-rUgRxcY8fA-Artlru9lkRv1Fg0LVM0lhu4rfM4EsEIBP2TK3N8u563ZaB/s400/DSC00829.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Have to cross the creek first, belly high today</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span lang="EN-US"><br />
</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvA-8vBSJspQDuI9toPiiav2pQDR6XxjOSlNWj94VnIO8kZkcDKNpv7cFS7m_52VkbIrHkI9LFHHhbOfgBwJsHJOCjMJkXg3F7xrv4MVi7QE_6_thU1N-xe4G-StX-I7FQfGFy3_eKK4ey/s1600/DSC00849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvA-8vBSJspQDuI9toPiiav2pQDR6XxjOSlNWj94VnIO8kZkcDKNpv7cFS7m_52VkbIrHkI9LFHHhbOfgBwJsHJOCjMJkXg3F7xrv4MVi7QE_6_thU1N-xe4G-StX-I7FQfGFy3_eKK4ey/s400/DSC00849.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time to canter now?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span lang="EN-US"><br />
It was about half an hour’s ride to the arena, and I could feel I had the same energy bomb as the day before. <br />
Starting the warm-up, she was spooking at everything. After some work she was concentrating a bit more, but still a lot of energy.<br />
When our time came to ride the course, she enthusiastically threw herself at everything in our way. In turbo speed. </span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjEhbJIB4NBkuKqcsFtDAGjyoP15qngxph5kvfbGp0sq1Vb2yOyAp0QvFEPcwUwMO9TEG_39iba3W0JuScQy30Xkz6XktRvNzqnoYElZy0mVvyewtbuxJQ0D7QclDLsr2FNjYxduqXv7dp/s1600/FameSprang2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjEhbJIB4NBkuKqcsFtDAGjyoP15qngxph5kvfbGp0sq1Vb2yOyAp0QvFEPcwUwMO9TEG_39iba3W0JuScQy30Xkz6XktRvNzqnoYElZy0mVvyewtbuxJQ0D7QclDLsr2FNjYxduqXv7dp/s400/FameSprang2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span lang="EN-US"></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><br />
As it was a training arrangement, we could take the course once again. <br />
Did not improve much.</span><br />
Fame was enjoying herself though.<br />
I was somewhere in between laughing and pulling my hair.<br />
<span lang="EN-US"> Then we rode home, zigzagging again.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">*sigh*<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">I will take her on a 4-5 hrs trail ride during Easter. <br />
Maybe I manage to get her tired?<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWMK3wyDSrym0FnxNTGdHdB5FtPDox7O6tayjmOJqsnRztaZC-z_Vqa1qGaupsmKs9rlC2zA_HfjWkCeycZsjxFXUbpZBh1K98B47GkyQSTf3NF3_hLbLyO-ZLWAYF-xVvI5R70EGoZeSZ/s1600/IMG_6237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWMK3wyDSrym0FnxNTGdHdB5FtPDox7O6tayjmOJqsnRztaZC-z_Vqa1qGaupsmKs9rlC2zA_HfjWkCeycZsjxFXUbpZBh1K98B47GkyQSTf3NF3_hLbLyO-ZLWAYF-xVvI5R70EGoZeSZ/s400/IMG_6237.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">King of Hunt LOVES spring</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuXk55k8VpCptv0SikpZ9xJfuPiE40vfSdt5oB2ZuvMA61IzgHpFuqBBHccmZym8UjEOxNH9KphSNzVTgqffvfAxt7-mB5Kbl_XK-1OuichiorJC0dVEV3H0Y8vVvI8ds9Zy4lsw1pBk50/s1600/IMG_6282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuXk55k8VpCptv0SikpZ9xJfuPiE40vfSdt5oB2ZuvMA61IzgHpFuqBBHccmZym8UjEOxNH9KphSNzVTgqffvfAxt7-mB5Kbl_XK-1OuichiorJC0dVEV3H0Y8vVvI8ds9Zy4lsw1pBk50/s400/IMG_6282.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the watch</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbi3qkeY80lwk6de5lDAe_oSwNaspfm-MXUdvpDi4QUK44kW3O_is3ak5LwBpaL3RyxEob0vvG5Vt2yfEUNQUYDRPhTZeFrgis5R5jr9MN-6McKYx5WQ8ESGHES-Y88ZJipq9hOqzUhvG9/s1600/IMG_6252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbi3qkeY80lwk6de5lDAe_oSwNaspfm-MXUdvpDi4QUK44kW3O_is3ak5LwBpaL3RyxEob0vvG5Vt2yfEUNQUYDRPhTZeFrgis5R5jr9MN-6McKYx5WQ8ESGHES-Y88ZJipq9hOqzUhvG9/s400/IMG_6252.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Up all night takes its toll</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hunting season has started, and the going is good.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We get new presents on our doorstep every day...</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>HorseOfCoursehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907659164579327290noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7174443062971389868.post-80954147016529847412011-04-14T21:08:00.000+02:002011-04-14T21:08:36.350+02:00I just love spring<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfjot1f-E-IQN4pBZ-v2l9gdaephY7FkL4tQoOqjiIiLDPvucnFEQNRqzhqwDzfiAa-0cteu36trae_rXj39BMqRMJeh1ApZKiouNpAolotjV5VnuXzxruDy4AGxl_xCKdGFI4wvxP2RoR/s1600/IMG_3584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfjot1f-E-IQN4pBZ-v2l9gdaephY7FkL4tQoOqjiIiLDPvucnFEQNRqzhqwDzfiAa-0cteu36trae_rXj39BMqRMJeh1ApZKiouNpAolotjV5VnuXzxruDy4AGxl_xCKdGFI4wvxP2RoR/s400/IMG_3584.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Before riding Fame, I had a coffe with newly baked apple pie that my daughter had made on the entrance stairs, basking in the sun.<br />
Afterwards I feel asleep in the sun for half an hour.<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">For the first time since the autumn, I rode without my long johns.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The outdoor arena has dried up.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">It is light until 8 pm.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">We can keep the entrance door open, and the sun shines into our living room too.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">King of Hunt brings a Mouse Present. Luckily he loudly calls out a successful hunt, so we can close the door in time...</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I just love spring.</div>HorseOfCoursehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907659164579327290noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7174443062971389868.post-39016651943094045712011-04-11T22:06:00.001+02:002011-04-12T06:38:17.161+02:00Stockholm - once again<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFxHrjni7AGiex7ujW7SM43wEftabUR_K790KFGo75r42Wa2YEdEbSKgQ162LSPhRfVOwyGKl4u8zVZJqlG-XBw0gUxzJY50vB1g5A2z4ax0KCXqf1180YqniqLnScsa6EkJWMFVqxRpey/s1600/DSC_0448-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFxHrjni7AGiex7ujW7SM43wEftabUR_K790KFGo75r42Wa2YEdEbSKgQ162LSPhRfVOwyGKl4u8zVZJqlG-XBw0gUxzJY50vB1g5A2z4ax0KCXqf1180YqniqLnScsa6EkJWMFVqxRpey/s400/DSC_0448-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old Town</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Fortunately this time it was lovely spring weather, and no snow storm!<br />
<br />
Stockholm is a beautiful town in spring and summer. <br />
The city is built on several islands and the water combined with the old buildings create many scenic views.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrMdoobtmiwRNTNFXiyVCPJg7XLMhhOQr1LsLUS64GPrqc3NaE0IyjR1vVm2A9pV0PBtyfor4CZmUqegg4qwUkPuoQo3ZQBGiMCMgkeHG3e4iFM-D-20fAUKyNs7Sp06PFUtDXs5ZQIk6A/s1600/DSC_0410-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrMdoobtmiwRNTNFXiyVCPJg7XLMhhOQr1LsLUS64GPrqc3NaE0IyjR1vVm2A9pV0PBtyfor4CZmUqegg4qwUkPuoQo3ZQBGiMCMgkeHG3e4iFM-D-20fAUKyNs7Sp06PFUtDXs5ZQIk6A/s400/DSC_0410-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAtjhO9O1W9v0jlY14blMzMIJC0EBYt1yGj3bSZoKappgK-ZIKK80lkyVOIsXIeml0uKvR35quIbiw4X_z2ltOzJzZsWelWy7vwe3oVQ0wlRb7ntVq7MdNelMc6uGI_yQGEUU53BaIn5-b/s1600/DSC_0411-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAtjhO9O1W9v0jlY14blMzMIJC0EBYt1yGj3bSZoKappgK-ZIKK80lkyVOIsXIeml0uKvR35quIbiw4X_z2ltOzJzZsWelWy7vwe3oVQ0wlRb7ntVq7MdNelMc6uGI_yQGEUU53BaIn5-b/s400/DSC_0411-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-4FsRhYhoDIWfNgASyDozSVdQDuWaMV1ryipuS-j0AmP-BkKAL9aywt4Xr3cQFjDB4O2cADyOTwII2FZdHQFPRnGdacI0mTbP5z2KDQdNdjPKLaJhVoyl4qRIrKQ0z7mOFG7eKKNEgs6D/s1600/DSC_0416-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-4FsRhYhoDIWfNgASyDozSVdQDuWaMV1ryipuS-j0AmP-BkKAL9aywt4Xr3cQFjDB4O2cADyOTwII2FZdHQFPRnGdacI0mTbP5z2KDQdNdjPKLaJhVoyl4qRIrKQ0z7mOFG7eKKNEgs6D/s400/DSC_0416-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK1fZ77PRLy9AAbl7FhMoOaztO-edaZnnRW24x-kt0rqWkmNfZYkLOwwh_IHT6LAMgoOHME0TC8dVUYHe5iMxaFi5QKz3_ePb5fQljykMSCT1p0ko0_1KaYEGiUDbdIA0fluErr7YieL9g/s1600/DSC_0417-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK1fZ77PRLy9AAbl7FhMoOaztO-edaZnnRW24x-kt0rqWkmNfZYkLOwwh_IHT6LAMgoOHME0TC8dVUYHe5iMxaFi5QKz3_ePb5fQljykMSCT1p0ko0_1KaYEGiUDbdIA0fluErr7YieL9g/s400/DSC_0417-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fishing with the Royal Castle in the background</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbGD86ijMtuhGacConULcJ_6zvGLZE7xBK7e-WI38KZpQqgOglaB77Gx4LqrPQ6yym2f9JxD45Tmy2xlXIu5U9raBLPABJsOcPNobaKx6w26L42YhbvBdHAOlG949eonbt1UV2LWRk9DL1/s1600/DSC_0467-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbGD86ijMtuhGacConULcJ_6zvGLZE7xBK7e-WI38KZpQqgOglaB77Gx4LqrPQ6yym2f9JxD45Tmy2xlXIu5U9raBLPABJsOcPNobaKx6w26L42YhbvBdHAOlG949eonbt1UV2LWRk9DL1/s400/DSC_0467-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Royal Castle</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ1nANWac-xvBa-BwE88BdqZCCwKOUGqucHi8bx-fxazvZ1kuHRp8I_URfqzbhUFEKAJy4rFR5YNabvxaGCf5MXNIQlevnBy61pGl8C6i-2x8pSdC8KPE-T65dZvAVGMTKzfu9xlR37XV8/s1600/DSC_0469-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ1nANWac-xvBa-BwE88BdqZCCwKOUGqucHi8bx-fxazvZ1kuHRp8I_URfqzbhUFEKAJy4rFR5YNabvxaGCf5MXNIQlevnBy61pGl8C6i-2x8pSdC8KPE-T65dZvAVGMTKzfu9xlR37XV8/s400/DSC_0469-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Royal Opera</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkWTtehHlb60Uqi1rUfhr80h5ZPtMqbGJFRbt9AefXcPgF7TNHhrc6h7oNOvQEox6VScaMm0Djd7RgXhAEyhaFDPKXd0oIfJEP6IwPfM2aV4-1O7vCGtYDQHwj0Nm75jzRZF23Kht45Vdr/s1600/DSC_0446-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkWTtehHlb60Uqi1rUfhr80h5ZPtMqbGJFRbt9AefXcPgF7TNHhrc6h7oNOvQEox6VScaMm0Djd7RgXhAEyhaFDPKXd0oIfJEP6IwPfM2aV4-1O7vCGtYDQHwj0Nm75jzRZF23Kht45Vdr/s400/DSC_0446-1.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old Town</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPl4DLiI78BVhQMB-KajHWmg31ei-NGHYrnh8hUZPJPHhZCk5PgGnYcDbZj3iiZV52RdC7r54GePoBj7lrC7cpt5ka8_tCehaS3URIdNH4P1Xvn0tF-Zwi7wcxGMSB73nXFc2yenfmIv0e/s1600/DSC_0447-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPl4DLiI78BVhQMB-KajHWmg31ei-NGHYrnh8hUZPJPHhZCk5PgGnYcDbZj3iiZV52RdC7r54GePoBj7lrC7cpt5ka8_tCehaS3URIdNH4P1Xvn0tF-Zwi7wcxGMSB73nXFc2yenfmIv0e/s320/DSC_0447-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Gamla Stan, the Old Town, is the oldest part of Stockholm, and it is so nice just to stroll around there.<br />
To sit down and relax over a cup of coffee when you need to rest your feet.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip3CDCxS1SIALOZsq7_5-cvKhiyj8dXJ1A9A3rfdlxaStHai8bW1Pk9CUBN42nPypouYqrCv_WEb25AcPtn65UwGyULMWivqbxpa9DwhLT28262zETo1hSro0luvLF7w1FDJsvD6Mmkvre/s1600/DSC_0454-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip3CDCxS1SIALOZsq7_5-cvKhiyj8dXJ1A9A3rfdlxaStHai8bW1Pk9CUBN42nPypouYqrCv_WEb25AcPtn65UwGyULMWivqbxpa9DwhLT28262zETo1hSro0luvLF7w1FDJsvD6Mmkvre/s320/DSC_0454-1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqjrQyTmXa_eHRVVURolhnjgfHg1Xvl3Myf_AJ8nPqbaq9j8c2IThzrFEz72eWUCkpkqSD-QqeyVPAAePL8-_1aWyFpDONDnYagc4AGIbRVoMvl9IwmE4dX7UBB6wkQzjRzToo1M_v3xVd/s1600/DSC_0456-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqjrQyTmXa_eHRVVURolhnjgfHg1Xvl3Myf_AJ8nPqbaq9j8c2IThzrFEz72eWUCkpkqSD-QqeyVPAAePL8-_1aWyFpDONDnYagc4AGIbRVoMvl9IwmE4dX7UBB6wkQzjRzToo1M_v3xVd/s400/DSC_0456-1.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not even wide enough for a horse!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPO3e6BACoDXEZ4rt9Xf6_MFfsJfaekWtJISVmA2uyreO3WuZMmK6uN1-12C_0hjbor4eCbky0R8Pbe3DiQY1qABiCz9vSoURdGREdKSr3gvf56eC2vIPLJD2Lg4xiYzuNUNfEngmFZt0S/s1600/DSC_0433-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPO3e6BACoDXEZ4rt9Xf6_MFfsJfaekWtJISVmA2uyreO3WuZMmK6uN1-12C_0hjbor4eCbky0R8Pbe3DiQY1qABiCz9vSoURdGREdKSr3gvf56eC2vIPLJD2Lg4xiYzuNUNfEngmFZt0S/s400/DSC_0433-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lovely spring weather makes people crowd <br />
on all outdoor cafees with a place in the sun</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFFJxBYBM5Fy3Zfc9SF_aU2ZVuY62SAgCPi0_Q9mVnGXxzLolToEU_NWvh99nL7n9ZlFQ6nkj_7-arlgm90wGaZTMK3gZq20xh_NEwVRXohecdML7a9Bxp7MAh70DCfGBx3SZH414y_c93/s1600/DSC_0435-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFFJxBYBM5Fy3Zfc9SF_aU2ZVuY62SAgCPi0_Q9mVnGXxzLolToEU_NWvh99nL7n9ZlFQ6nkj_7-arlgm90wGaZTMK3gZq20xh_NEwVRXohecdML7a9Bxp7MAh70DCfGBx3SZH414y_c93/s400/DSC_0435-1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLXyQOrmOeq92N1Q3oyHDwfvNlj9DAwseBAVu1K3fx-DgW9wEpU-UXOHFYyvYSSLzLmm2szKtjK7dq5_qICJcEssw8SiIZ4uq0NH5WvKMFAZIdB_8BHTSMUuEq8d7SoTWtkulC6xYFp1BD/s1600/DSC_0436-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLXyQOrmOeq92N1Q3oyHDwfvNlj9DAwseBAVu1K3fx-DgW9wEpU-UXOHFYyvYSSLzLmm2szKtjK7dq5_qICJcEssw8SiIZ4uq0NH5WvKMFAZIdB_8BHTSMUuEq8d7SoTWtkulC6xYFp1BD/s400/DSC_0436-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An old telephone booth</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Y8NBVNYRz_jD3qlA1E0hEq-bznQ2zsYwXIb8r2YLlhCD8fcKxyHGcZwv-pynbMK0f8AoEXw417ymgi8DRMuza3TZISRyazhqf_JqWjH_7KvgKSEqBJjGHMRVH2StmdMQ7-eiWUbePz_9/s1600/DSC_0457-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Y8NBVNYRz_jD3qlA1E0hEq-bznQ2zsYwXIb8r2YLlhCD8fcKxyHGcZwv-pynbMK0f8AoEXw417ymgi8DRMuza3TZISRyazhqf_JqWjH_7KvgKSEqBJjGHMRVH2StmdMQ7-eiWUbePz_9/s400/DSC_0457-1.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And horses!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimfSAjI5dvkHvh9xKvz_WK9JKMoG4CYvvPDj629_4P2l5m75FoRyPxBGA0tGJ3-nZKMc3jaOZrm0_UAFSMWD1iPLNnYE137UiuObk3emtLWHiEAZYoNnu2tGl-5fM6hW1sV0T6_flTsRnU/s1600/DSC_0472-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimfSAjI5dvkHvh9xKvz_WK9JKMoG4CYvvPDj629_4P2l5m75FoRyPxBGA0tGJ3-nZKMc3jaOZrm0_UAFSMWD1iPLNnYE137UiuObk3emtLWHiEAZYoNnu2tGl-5fM6hW1sV0T6_flTsRnU/s400/DSC_0472-1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
Bye for now!HorseOfCoursehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907659164579327290noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7174443062971389868.post-55211720576992350992011-04-06T21:49:00.001+02:002011-04-07T06:57:41.901+02:00Spring<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhrpIHhRXggOZUN3w1tQjXqX-K-tc8Aq5GzCJeDiHtCJOg0sop2Ff9sT2EtbdgU__SZiqGThWMUKwkGfheP1Dj9tJp4YiMT2IYMJjqUqBgGURZSdLA2BJbD1dWS5lolXLDsZn917Kke2qq/s1600/DSC_0404-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhrpIHhRXggOZUN3w1tQjXqX-K-tc8Aq5GzCJeDiHtCJOg0sop2Ff9sT2EtbdgU__SZiqGThWMUKwkGfheP1Dj9tJp4YiMT2IYMJjqUqBgGURZSdLA2BJbD1dWS5lolXLDsZn917Kke2qq/s400/DSC_0404-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Today we had lovely spring weather, +15 C/59F, and sun when I came home from work.<br />
Marvellous!<br />
Fame had been worked by Pernille, who rides her twice a week - but I took her out for a spring cleaning.<br />
She is shedding like anything, and I had a long overdue trimming appointment with her mane.<br />
<br />
I attacked the jungle, but had to get the help of a knife on the mane. <br />
We were both too impatient, lol!<br />
So, here she is, with a new spring hair cut. <br />
The angle of the photo is a bit awkward, but I guess you can see and admire this marvellous hair do. We are only lacking some pink bows.<br />
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<br />
Our riding arenas are now not longer having a snow surface, but has changed to a nice mud layer.<br />
I hope for more sunny spring days with high temperatures, so they dry up quickly!<br />
In the meantime, I am very grateful to have access to indoor riding arenas.<br />
<br />
We had a very nice traning weekend with Jimmi, our Danish trainer.<br />
The flying changes are coming along nicely, and he asked us to make two on the diagonal.<br />
We had never tried that before and of course I completely tensed up, making a mess of it all.<br />
So that's our homework until next time.<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">He also said it is time to start to make Fame accustomed to a double bridle.</div>Very exciting!<br />
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A fortnight ago you could barely see the roofs of the trailers.<br />
We are getting there!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLOf4TkxmJQNxzPAf_gGgNipoxpOD8OPy6tx6_pZ9e28qUKOshwGedswuEfeTdbmjrsuqBayvfSN4L7W3bygKjLZZ6a3sD7JmCu2p5lJlCT57I528F5EUN-eRKGSVZJSYOUMd7WKfqEhDD/s1600/DSC00822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLOf4TkxmJQNxzPAf_gGgNipoxpOD8OPy6tx6_pZ9e28qUKOshwGedswuEfeTdbmjrsuqBayvfSN4L7W3bygKjLZZ6a3sD7JmCu2p5lJlCT57I528F5EUN-eRKGSVZJSYOUMd7WKfqEhDD/s400/DSC00822.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Here is my summer vacation 2010. Plus.<br />
Beautiful, don't you think?<br />
I am ridiculously proud as this is my first very own trailer.<br />
So now it is easier to get to trainings and shows.HorseOfCoursehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907659164579327290noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7174443062971389868.post-18823821381867473542011-03-28T22:53:00.001+02:002011-04-02T18:46:40.704+02:00+14 C, and close to a bath<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhitKELGKiedJW2deGbZmBQl5bS_Xj4_lqbo-uHFDqWa3vocQ0mR45Rnq_cBTcTr-nWOJ9V66kmeEg1_lZEgMzkKb-CdHzueX8Zs-lENQfT8jiK0WoKJRYpoW3tEFmTRzT3GzMl9ojXV929/s1600/DSC00815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhitKELGKiedJW2deGbZmBQl5bS_Xj4_lqbo-uHFDqWa3vocQ0mR45Rnq_cBTcTr-nWOJ9V66kmeEg1_lZEgMzkKb-CdHzueX8Zs-lENQfT8jiK0WoKJRYpoW3tEFmTRzT3GzMl9ojXV929/s400/DSC00815.JPG" width="297" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Finally spring has arrived here as well.<br />
Last week we had temperatures well above zero, with a top record on Wednesday of 14 C/57F.<br />
Wonderful!<br />
A week ago I decided it was time for my annual spring project - digging out the terrace:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWUm5A9USx7VbjGRI7V7YupTBn4c6FQvga7u5kh3cU6AyozKRo11Q-oikQbDDBeBxw2j9ZW-gHv-mlhnmbjjce1ZYx5-jOzKv9lDUHiHKJwGPz1e9DU1Aqn6NO6zvYUTn60HjLp3bOX0R0/s1600/DSC00797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWUm5A9USx7VbjGRI7V7YupTBn4c6FQvga7u5kh3cU6AyozKRo11Q-oikQbDDBeBxw2j9ZW-gHv-mlhnmbjjce1ZYx5-jOzKv9lDUHiHKJwGPz1e9DU1Aqn6NO6zvYUTn60HjLp3bOX0R0/s400/DSC00797.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My helper the Sofa Princess, who is in heat and sensually rolls around in the snow, something she never would do normally!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ2i9BH3eGMwOwVsdqscy267Nfn2qbXcl3s6nW2BSzVQiCX6DHU_HJ4g2swt3qxbNdKIx6XOXtUn_XkeEGFw5e8t_3kvTVsqMn2zxodWHcKe6OUNwI9_YHhxgZOBQu9CqfXl7vQ7S5h3C7/s1600/DSC00798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ2i9BH3eGMwOwVsdqscy267Nfn2qbXcl3s6nW2BSzVQiCX6DHU_HJ4g2swt3qxbNdKIx6XOXtUn_XkeEGFw5e8t_3kvTVsqMn2zxodWHcKe6OUNwI9_YHhxgZOBQu9CqfXl7vQ7S5h3C7/s400/DSC00798.JPG" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OK. let's go find the terrace, it should be buried here somewhere</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKTcG8X7Dzri_bxq5FASwGNcmepmlTbX_0LjLCaTKCsyaJ1JikPON0prdTdNGPOkQVN06jb64hSAClU_UCcWDtCQy9lA91Ua51S7ZqHcX_HHajzJRYoNoXofYLdGv5d-3mOh0z_NavcWZG/s1600/DSC_0388.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKTcG8X7Dzri_bxq5FASwGNcmepmlTbX_0LjLCaTKCsyaJ1JikPON0prdTdNGPOkQVN06jb64hSAClU_UCcWDtCQy9lA91Ua51S7ZqHcX_HHajzJRYoNoXofYLdGv5d-3mOh0z_NavcWZG/s400/DSC_0388.jpg" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh yeah, here it is.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1iauYSzvyH7ifAm11kWZWNyqaH-H9UyIlsSBejZvYexwZ_Dw2B7ETVUCXcj1UOi3BDZBnMU9b8JYq4_3nHWbjsZTFQtSZm3ZGkCbNMfjkb2_F5HKORvuko2ioUByHtWzCHcvq5pjSNCjD/s1600/DSC00802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1iauYSzvyH7ifAm11kWZWNyqaH-H9UyIlsSBejZvYexwZ_Dw2B7ETVUCXcj1UOi3BDZBnMU9b8JYq4_3nHWbjsZTFQtSZm3ZGkCbNMfjkb2_F5HKORvuko2ioUByHtWzCHcvq5pjSNCjD/s400/DSC00802.JPG" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Halfway. Very packed snow, so it was hard work!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready - finally!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A week ago, we still had a lot of snow left</td></tr>
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But the lovely temperature during the week has really made some difference.<br />
Like I almost got stuck with my car trying to get home on Monday...<br />
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Anyway, the weekend came, with some lovely weather on Sunday.<br />
I took Fame out on an early bareback ride as I was to attend a clinic later that day.<br />
The nights are still cold, so when we reached the creek there was a layer of ice on both sides - not strong enough to carry the horse, but thick enough to be unpleasant.<br />
Fame was a real star and just walked through it on both sides. Good girl!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow in the forest...</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I was not so lucky further on in the forest.<br />
At one place a brook had changed path and started to flow on the path we were travelling instead.<br />
We almost managed to cross it, but on the last part there was a thick layer of ice which did not carry our weight, and we kind of got stuck. Fame tried to save herself by heaving herself into the snow, but got stuck there too.<br />
She kept calm though, I jumped off her and we somehow managed to turn and get out of it.<br />
<br />
Now, with this fresh in mind, we were to get home over the creek again. <br />
With the ice.<br />
She stands still, thinks a bit, and then takes a LARGE jump straight over the ice into the middle. Got me totally unawares (yes, I know, should have anticipated it!!) and as I had no saddle I ended up sitting on her neck instead of her back.<br />
The water is cold now.<br />
I guess it was the thought of just how cold it was that somehow made me able to cling on and wriggle back in place while Fame was steaming energetically through the water towards home. I kind of got my balance back before the jump up on the other side.<br />
Phiew.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the way back we saw a little Bambi. <br />
I just love how close you get to the animals while on horseback.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI7tEWJgIlNAA65jhdVKHaRHfh7A61ippXjR6pqb66LIMhNcOwT43OWruXv4GQbf-YVzt6EEO4uOgle6xjcNIMvglMts5qypThhsEtvhqT1uw4q-1iF68D3jVcAWWTeLMUHq5wuokbxyC-/s1600/DSC00809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI7tEWJgIlNAA65jhdVKHaRHfh7A61ippXjR6pqb66LIMhNcOwT43OWruXv4GQbf-YVzt6EEO4uOgle6xjcNIMvglMts5qypThhsEtvhqT1uw4q-1iF68D3jVcAWWTeLMUHq5wuokbxyC-/s400/DSC00809.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally Home!<br />
...and as you see she has regained weight after the colic.Hahem.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
I was lucky to get to join my daughter for a ride on Sunday!<br />
Not as much sun as on Saturday, but a lovely spring ride.<br />
<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHsHh-65lSjB6eY82FPkVv-2xhWjSS1L0gy1r5LMxqlL8pddSmW-4q6jcwyKlkJ2HTQkJrBVDjfj1eAl67xAAaKFpt4s44vJ9DjNL9fZmmLrYvdwqwT4xYiZEL6uEyWYe3EcOe9B4a9HUi/s1600/DSC00812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHsHh-65lSjB6eY82FPkVv-2xhWjSS1L0gy1r5LMxqlL8pddSmW-4q6jcwyKlkJ2HTQkJrBVDjfj1eAl67xAAaKFpt4s44vJ9DjNL9fZmmLrYvdwqwT4xYiZEL6uEyWYe3EcOe9B4a9HUi/s400/DSC00812.JPG" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riding out</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHkTZiyqlJGbnWA-Uj33FqGOTZuD0sQbgmqZfFiZAaiIAXH9z8HsQrJqjovCHcXK1TgvLfUTPUsVcj0lgnC-KRIAzwU7_D65MIEIcW8j0oVimPO38gef2Byu7wkuRlZLmlUxrAOQOQrVUf/s1600/DSC00813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHkTZiyqlJGbnWA-Uj33FqGOTZuD0sQbgmqZfFiZAaiIAXH9z8HsQrJqjovCHcXK1TgvLfUTPUsVcj0lgnC-KRIAzwU7_D65MIEIcW8j0oVimPO38gef2Byu7wkuRlZLmlUxrAOQOQrVUf/s400/DSC00813.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feeding place for the moose. I guess they need something to eat too. Perhaps.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The race horses overtook us</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihpc44cXvdWE7fFuZQVxm-fo8tpspSxWgw89x9-3Q3yA8povIn8AAnhmooOvXjssCD7Dd85u5SEPtbwIhchaEMW0jtmF-UHKZCp0j1l7yrY_oSXJcuEyQR5Gcvk5dYoAm6rk1eKK-vOrr0/s1600/DSC00817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihpc44cXvdWE7fFuZQVxm-fo8tpspSxWgw89x9-3Q3yA8povIn8AAnhmooOvXjssCD7Dd85u5SEPtbwIhchaEMW0jtmF-UHKZCp0j1l7yrY_oSXJcuEyQR5Gcvk5dYoAm6rk1eKK-vOrr0/s400/DSC00817.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bye, bye</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely ice formations on the mountain sides</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6P45UopJ7svkS39M_oV6eGsICGDeXwRFVAD6GG7rl3AB8vyriS9YD0vk2AsnylUh29MNRzYVtFO_4kBhHoHkqgX9IChGW_hUigu8LGH0J57HC9jIw19LlQ6rHqwFaeqsgPiL0XksvB4P-/s1600/DSC00821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6P45UopJ7svkS39M_oV6eGsICGDeXwRFVAD6GG7rl3AB8vyriS9YD0vk2AsnylUh29MNRzYVtFO_4kBhHoHkqgX9IChGW_hUigu8LGH0J57HC9jIw19LlQ6rHqwFaeqsgPiL0XksvB4P-/s400/DSC00821.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On our way home</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
This weekend Jimmi is returning for a weekend training, I am looking forward to that.<br />
Siri took some pics from the jumping last time - so here you see, the overaged geriatric dressage rider and her eager mount.<br />
Yeah, yeah - small jumps, but now we are getting back on track:<br />
From next week we will have weekly training!<br />
<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjRvClfAFB0rLt-9kh-Ax4drWw-vKjwzi8cr1VIonOgsIONrOq1xevPp9kjyMhqhj8g8ema82arokb1rlhOjihH0hNYzb2aKMwdCgnpgZ8-awj_XHK4Ad2qMKLN75K_Z-VxpmZIEtmV2_-/s1600/SprangFame.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjRvClfAFB0rLt-9kh-Ax4drWw-vKjwzi8cr1VIonOgsIONrOq1xevPp9kjyMhqhj8g8ema82arokb1rlhOjihH0hNYzb2aKMwdCgnpgZ8-awj_XHK4Ad2qMKLN75K_Z-VxpmZIEtmV2_-/s400/SprangFame.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>HorseOfCoursehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907659164579327290noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7174443062971389868.post-38003369302654647112011-03-12T22:50:00.001+01:002011-03-13T12:34:31.473+01:00Thoughts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxD0P7vkzVV2KtvRYV-yV5_HIlKADQRtXxUNkU09z-8DDg0enulx9YNjUjP6bBhdNP4e2q9Ip7ox4bF1MtzwQ31IFoPga5O-ZwA1TZngrrKuOMVTQuyA6VpgNyCv2QBeg2C67_gxAPOPq5/s1600/IMG_3565.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxD0P7vkzVV2KtvRYV-yV5_HIlKADQRtXxUNkU09z-8DDg0enulx9YNjUjP6bBhdNP4e2q9Ip7ox4bF1MtzwQ31IFoPga5O-ZwA1TZngrrKuOMVTQuyA6VpgNyCv2QBeg2C67_gxAPOPq5/s400/IMG_3565.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
There has been an interesting discussion going on, starting with Laura's post <a href="http://equestrianink.blogspot.com/2011/03/trust.html">Trust </a>over at Equestrian Ink, and followed by Kates post <a href="http://ayearwithhorses.blogspot.com/2011/03/sometimes-you-feel-like-nut.html">Sometimes you feel like a nut </a>at A year with horses.<br />
It's about how we interact with our horses.<br />
<br />
In a way the discussion itself makes me smile, because communication is not easy - whether it is between humans or horses. There are many similarities, are there not? It is much about interpretation, and trying to understand.<br />
<br />
It also made me think about how much the horseworld has changed.<br />
In the old days, as nowadays in some parts of the world, your income might have been depending on your horse. <br />
Or even your life.<br />
<br />
Since the de-horsing of the farms in the 50'ies, we now mainly use horses for pleasure.<br />
That arises some other thoughts about the horses we have around us.<br />
What is fair? <br />
What can I ask from my horse?<br />
<br />
All herd-bound animals - be it humans, antelopes or horses, must have a set of rules to interact safely with each other.<br />
I guess we all can agree that we need a set of basic rules for our horses, to be able to handle them safely.<br />
But after that, the use and our opinions of how to handle the horse might differ.<br />
<br />
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<br />
Us horse people can be very conservative. <br />
Most of us live by old traditions, and when we do things, we do them in a specific way because that is what we learnt once upon a time.<br />
As an example, look at how we build and work our barns.<br />
Compare it to how cows are kept. During the last 20 years a large degree of automation has taken place. Now cows even have robots to milk them. Fully automised feeding, based on chip marking. Each cow gets the amount it should. <br />
One can ask if this is all good, but at least the farmer is not as bound to be home for milking or feeding as in the old days.<br />
But when it comes to horses? <br />
We still muck out in wheel-barrows.<br />
<br />
Now I am going to reveal something very controversial.<br />
<i>I use treats when training.</i><br />
Shhhh.<br />
Never mind that dog trainers, dolphin trainers and I guess every animal trainer in the world now uses it, in the horse world it is still a bad word.<br />
And I wonder why?<br />
<br />
Please allow me to ponder a bit more on this.<br />
We are much coloured from old traditions.<br />
These traditions were mainly made by men, where (sorry guys) the macho-factor sometimes comes into handling of horses. <br />
Be firm. And if the horse doesn't want to, make him. By force, if necessary.<br />
So, it is more accepted to hit the horse than to give him a treat.<br />
Isn't that strange?<br />
<br />
Now, on the other hand, I believe most horses (like children) test you out from time to time. Some in a subtle way, some more flagrant.<br />
The more experienced you are with horses, the more you are able to read them.<br />
And you can by reading the horse often avoid that tricky situations arise. Both you and the horse can relax more.<br />
You can allow to give and take a bit more, and listen to each other. But keep the borders firm.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
I do not have a bad conscience to make my horses work. <br />
It's their job.<br />
The horses that don't have a job don't live here anymore, most of them.<br />
Where are the farm horses?<br />
Where are the army horses?<br />
I also have to work, to keep my horses and to get food on the table.<br />
So my horses have to work too.<br />
<br />
I keep horses for pleasure. I am not in a hurry, because I don't base my income on them.<br />
I work with the horses I have chosen myself, and I chose them much on a sound mind and body.<br />
So I guess my horselife is pretty much uncomplicated.<br />
But I also see that it limits my experience, even if I have been around horses for a long time.<br />
<br />
On the other hand, I know that there are other people out there that have their income based on horses.<br />
The trainers often get the horses other people can't train.<br />
I can see that their situation, and their experiences, might differ from mine.<br />
If your safety is on the line, how do you react? <br />
Does an unsafe horse have much of a future?<br />
<br />
What is abuse?<br />
I suppose we all can agree on beating up the horse is abuse.<br />
But what about the more subtle things?<br />
Keeping a horse stabled 24/7?<br />
Putting on three rugs?<br />
Only doing indoor arena work?<br />
Is that OK?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs0Qnb4UgwYHUWsiz0nx8s_aoIxjQf_vvMTx1_Q9mH_2sx1Uv2EymNyv_0kzPjWEIcD9gdFkWS3_8BwEAkTRbbjvstKvQy9TUcDtilY0RRIgwnOI3L6kEgAzjTJH7npNQ-AAbTkXOJBR8R/s1600/DSC00288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs0Qnb4UgwYHUWsiz0nx8s_aoIxjQf_vvMTx1_Q9mH_2sx1Uv2EymNyv_0kzPjWEIcD9gdFkWS3_8BwEAkTRbbjvstKvQy9TUcDtilY0RRIgwnOI3L6kEgAzjTJH7npNQ-AAbTkXOJBR8R/s400/DSC00288.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif;"><i></i></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif;"><i><span class="apple-style-span"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #eeece1; font-family: Georgia, serif;">Many people have sighed for the 'good old days' and regretted the 'passing of the horse,' but today, when only those who like horses own them, it is a far better time for horses. </span></i></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #eeece1; font-family: Georgia, serif;"> </span></i></span><i><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #eeece1; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br />
</span></i><span class="apple-style-span"><i><span style="color: #eeece1; font-family: Georgia, serif;">~C.W. Anderson</span></i></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #eeece1;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #330000; font-family: georgia, 'bookman old style', 'palatino linotype', 'book antiqua', palatino, 'trebuchet ms', helvetica, garamond, sans-serif, arial, verdana, 'avante garde', 'century gothic', 'comic sans ms', times, 'times new roman', serif;"><i><span class="apple-style-span"><i><span style="color: #eeece1; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br />
</span></i></span></i></span></div>HorseOfCoursehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907659164579327290noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7174443062971389868.post-43214535856996885612011-03-06T00:17:00.003+01:002011-03-06T09:23:59.165+01:00Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg7_DpR_WWGJ-iw3CQnf0qw_Wqr-pbe0wx4nWMdxrNUrEPf2v5fyXMja_8PD1KUWvRC86kEs72_P9aEpkx9FaLzhP-ck-C3siCiQKhtGbT_NRBPNSMD72sd4flkOZWAPUWvM4Qf-v8Xtj0/s1600/DSC00064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg7_DpR_WWGJ-iw3CQnf0qw_Wqr-pbe0wx4nWMdxrNUrEPf2v5fyXMja_8PD1KUWvRC86kEs72_P9aEpkx9FaLzhP-ck-C3siCiQKhtGbT_NRBPNSMD72sd4flkOZWAPUWvM4Qf-v8Xtj0/s400/DSC00064.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Life has been quite busy lately, so not much activity on the blog for a while.<br />
<br />
I have been to Gothenburg Horse Show with my daughter.<br />
We had a lovely trip, and I also had the possibility to meet two childhood friends. One of them I had not seen or had contact with for 40 years. A funny feeling, meeting now and I still see the little girl in the woman sitting opposite me.<br />
<br />
I was not happy watching the dressage.<br />
Too many short necks, unsettled mouths and trailing hindlegs.<br />
How Adelinde Cornelissen could get 82% when her horse was working behind the vertical large parts of the program beats me.<br />
<br />
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The best part was actually Angelica Augustsson, the Swedish 23 yo girl who <a href="http://www.jumper-news.com/?p=653">won the World Cup qualifier</a> in jumping. <br />
She was in tears at the prize ceremony, and I believe everyone who was there saw the birth of a new star in the jumping circuit. She was very close to win the Gothenburg Trophy (1.50 class) the previous day, finishing second, so it was not just a lucky ride.<br />
The roof almost lifted off the building when she won. <br />
It was very popular with a Swedish victory, as you can imagine!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYCWDAmasdXaReiGsVW324BhzJEPyWzlnsKE-z7LiB282LmIJuUUueYpveFVNyoBjJzfl6bQphOwCJT4VF6s6OSdyIXIsdrnTMx2xHNHlV2Y67RQlhfOMRIGekklLKGaKJ5zBQKVEWZ0yv/s1600/DSC00077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYCWDAmasdXaReiGsVW324BhzJEPyWzlnsKE-z7LiB282LmIJuUUueYpveFVNyoBjJzfl6bQphOwCJT4VF6s6OSdyIXIsdrnTMx2xHNHlV2Y67RQlhfOMRIGekklLKGaKJ5zBQKVEWZ0yv/s400/DSC00077.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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At home we had some lovely weather today!<br />
Lots of snow still, but wonderful sunshine.<br />
In a way it is the best part of the year - we have the plum part of winter left, and all of spring and summer.<br />
It is a bit like a Friday afternoon, when you get home from work and have the whole weekend in front of you, but on a larger scale!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHXOatLt8APTokwRmbN6QoE_uoffYmPDUjM8LqkCYUfcCxiSFDJ43-NFz3L47aKI6MrqSOM8pfVLxdocYzhKdz4lj3lL8se2fJCByyka3XQQokpT2DxSXCheY9C0xtRegxAsX5tXKqGgVj/s1600/DSC00794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHXOatLt8APTokwRmbN6QoE_uoffYmPDUjM8LqkCYUfcCxiSFDJ43-NFz3L47aKI6MrqSOM8pfVLxdocYzhKdz4lj3lL8se2fJCByyka3XQQokpT2DxSXCheY9C0xtRegxAsX5tXKqGgVj/s400/DSC00794.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
What is really irritating is the moose.<br />
My friend <a href="http://anneihannover.blogspot.com/">Anne </a> is back in Norway for a short visit, and we took the horses out for a ride on Wednesday evening. <br />
It turned out to be more of a moose safari than a quite hack, and as the moose was standing on every path (and refusing to move, two even moving towards us) we planned to take. <br />
Even on the path leading home.<br />
We ended up going over the creek at a different site than we normally do, which included <u>very </u>high ice edges down to the water, a drop down and a jump up in the dark.<br />
My brave girl took it without problems, with me hanging on, frantically grabbing the mane as I once again rode bareback. <br />
My daughter's pony thought it all too scary, so we ended on separate sides...<br />
I could not go back, because the drop on my side was too high and the bottom of the creek was made of large stones, which made it an uneven surface to land on.<br />
So we had to split, meeting again at the proper bridge a bit further down.<br />
I really want the snow to melt away now, so the moose can get lost somewhere up in the mountains again.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL5sgtPFkrNm8OSJZYJjhFaaX6XQKMUbbn9yDnpRmwW9XN4-5fLP_LQFCzUH3AGnmrmX2lvJnF1d03MkMckxjwNv0eWdzub8vJLOPdHZ0JHX9YbU4vjiBeUHBILqOR8gLWAAaTuNzG9oYI/s1600/DSC00791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL5sgtPFkrNm8OSJZYJjhFaaX6XQKMUbbn9yDnpRmwW9XN4-5fLP_LQFCzUH3AGnmrmX2lvJnF1d03MkMckxjwNv0eWdzub8vJLOPdHZ0JHX9YbU4vjiBeUHBILqOR8gLWAAaTuNzG9oYI/s400/DSC00791.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The blue colour of the sky is incredible!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Jimmi is here for the weekend, and we had dressage training yesterday, and jumping today and tomorrow.<br />
Fame really loves to jump, and was very "enthusiastic" today. If you get my meaning.<br />
Poor thing, we have to jump more often!<br />
Our normal trainer has been away for a while as she has had a baby, and I am far too lazy to get the jumps out just for me.<br />
Hopefully that will change as our trainer now is back in action from next week on.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqgyz1WTfi2J1KAB0FJo9t1ieCTnP1XzRtWonipGIfPi9VwQjqzal2XwCpa3UOfVSBjPv_kDimP9tSFFZrVfdM2zVOrUXEuwsxFvtX6ImtZ1wM-_evoXuvC_TiI0QoHrUG2gSR2cPXUuru/s1600/DSC_0385.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqgyz1WTfi2J1KAB0FJo9t1ieCTnP1XzRtWonipGIfPi9VwQjqzal2XwCpa3UOfVSBjPv_kDimP9tSFFZrVfdM2zVOrUXEuwsxFvtX6ImtZ1wM-_evoXuvC_TiI0QoHrUG2gSR2cPXUuru/s400/DSC_0385.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Passing the creek on our way to the jumping - on the normal place this time!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>HorseOfCoursehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907659164579327290noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7174443062971389868.post-65485371764962941382011-02-12T21:16:00.000+01:002011-02-12T21:16:37.344+01:00Stuck in Stockholm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaB9rVilRMJsUin5F7sXLTE4nwhd7ntlI9BsCLZMkSmLVpTTe2B2TLI0TGSXY8bUrTYSetRzvQtEshqZGzR9G0JRngO-CzYJXAyrQf9EkEbfrNZcV3kZw39pyPLBbNmOqyNx8xJiw7dG8/s400/DSC_0354.jpg" width="300" /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
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</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">This week I was travelling to Stockholm to attend a seminar, and decided to take a day off and bring my daughter with me.<br />
We had a lovely trip and enjoyed a bit of spring feeling as there was not much snow left, and lovely weather with sun as well.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Just strolling around, enjoying a coffee and some good food, and some shopping as well.</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMIZi_IP9mJ0AMMdJ2iVbPY4fCAaQpvAQWYFVLllVRraUOoZgqxTOh8U6hrlCnMX2aLT-1807pI6NGwo4BrCRBQodTo34iXz40ZkhYVUeUcKaQNeNh-varBQKT1UxxT0aaC8SDbpxrzAw/s400/DSC_0352.jpg" width="300" /></div><br />
<br />
Until Thursday, the day to travel home again.<br />
Heavy snowing, and wind.<br />
Our flight was to leave at 6.30 pm. We had to wait an hour at the gate, and after boarding another 1.5 hour in the plane. It was total chaos, and it ended with that we couldn't take off at all but had to stay in Stockholm over night.<br />
SAS servicedesk just gave up, and couldn't help at all - not with hotell room (Stockholm was at this time completely booked full) nor with a return flight.<br />
Luckily my company uses American Express travel agency - and they arranged both (you rock, guys!)<br />
<br />
Trying to return the next day, the situation was not better.<br />
Still heavy snowing and wind. No busses is in operation at all in Stockholm.<br />
The express train to the airport was running but delayed.<br />
We were wondering if our plane would leave, but the gate opened on time.<br />
It was a bus transfer to the aircraft, but on arrival the stairs were not there to board the plane. Just a rickety one that the crew had used to get onboard.<br />
<br />
After waiting for a while in the bus, the captain comes jogging over to the bus and says we were waiting for a normal set of stairs as well as a truck to move the plain as he was afraid it would not be possible after the passengers were onboard.<br />
We got the same captain as the day before - and he was the best.<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">He kept us informed the day before, and did a wonderful job on Friday too.</div><br />
The stairs never showed up, so in the end the captain (again jogging over to the bus) said the he had taken the decision that we could board so we wouldn't have to wait in the bus any longer, but asked us please to walk up one by one as it was on his responsibility.<br />
We all entered.<br />
De-iceing of the plane.<br />
And then the truck was to move it.<br />
Nothing happens.<br />
Another truck.<br />
Nothing happens. The plane doesn't move.<br />
In the end, we start to wonder if we all have to get off the plane again.<br />
Or if we will get back to Oslo at all?<br />
After an hour, they get hold of a 4wheel drive truck, and finally something happens.<br />
So, close to 24 hours after when we should have been at home, we finally get there.<br />
Finally.<br />
<br />
<br />
At home it had been snowing heavily too, but I woke up today to a wonderful morning with a clear blue sky and a winter wonderland again.<br />
Letting the horses out in the morning, they all found a sunny spot to enjoy the morning.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoa3-h-pdUTTLkT9zUUXLM8LuZ3_AK03B_FODa99SFBamJQf8sxz8GgplIP9ECaKbDbeJ4woRCAJErh55evLQe8xUAKDF2RfbTrdMv1KsK-JjbeueYSb09HAeWoCXpynW4GrwE0dymHrg2/s1600/DSC00767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoa3-h-pdUTTLkT9zUUXLM8LuZ3_AK03B_FODa99SFBamJQf8sxz8GgplIP9ECaKbDbeJ4woRCAJErh55evLQe8xUAKDF2RfbTrdMv1KsK-JjbeueYSb09HAeWoCXpynW4GrwE0dymHrg2/s320/DSC00767.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I took Fame out on a hack.<br />
For the first part there were just two horses that had walked the path before us, so it was still a bit of heavy work as the snow was deep.<br />
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Such a beautiful day!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3WNqs3m_J4tcu-tVB5F_Uc17o1Mgs-Hs7KNSbzYwTkGUV3P-jsRMzOfuIdx8ATqlzt9necMTzRL7RE7KdkxRi-YdsR9oFsiE-JabNmupbgC0psi0vCKpYCPLe-Qxgjb0qzBJW9nRaT861/s1600/DSC00774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3WNqs3m_J4tcu-tVB5F_Uc17o1Mgs-Hs7KNSbzYwTkGUV3P-jsRMzOfuIdx8ATqlzt9necMTzRL7RE7KdkxRi-YdsR9oFsiE-JabNmupbgC0psi0vCKpYCPLe-Qxgjb0qzBJW9nRaT861/s400/DSC00774.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
It was cold today, I guess around -10C/14F, but the funny thing is that after the very cold spell we have had, it doesn't feel that cold anymore.<br />
Later in the evening I took the car to get some groceries, and then it was -18C/0F. <br />
Guess it isn't spring just yet.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKBvQhOGM-GWLUWcFsBMM2tv8gDvrozZ9fEwbhai-LLlP4ZqfECburFY1ogD8DZ72IRnEK9ZaJs1W9MM8Xc1ryWZULhNw8g4lrx-8uXgT5Itpn-fAxz96lYHm1gqeIzaudAxA0hB2psPec/s1600/DSC00779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKBvQhOGM-GWLUWcFsBMM2tv8gDvrozZ9fEwbhai-LLlP4ZqfECburFY1ogD8DZ72IRnEK9ZaJs1W9MM8Xc1ryWZULhNw8g4lrx-8uXgT5Itpn-fAxz96lYHm1gqeIzaudAxA0hB2psPec/s400/DSC00779.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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We had a wonderful canter in the snow up here (pic below):<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9lOn6oalXCa9C7py9bmRP3oDoXrSbpt9UdH-20SXngUR20xBVS35lZEnbh7l7-3u8bU2z5ehyphenhyphenUUJdegy66Nchk6OAKq7MHZ6jOAlPtQJjeebxKRivJtyM0rjQdbwz81ufvR2Zsa4l0_Ob/s1600/DSC00782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9lOn6oalXCa9C7py9bmRP3oDoXrSbpt9UdH-20SXngUR20xBVS35lZEnbh7l7-3u8bU2z5ehyphenhyphenUUJdegy66Nchk6OAKq7MHZ6jOAlPtQJjeebxKRivJtyM0rjQdbwz81ufvR2Zsa4l0_Ob/s400/DSC00782.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
And finally, returning home.<br />
Fame was happy, albeit a bit too happy as I ended up hanging by a knee trying to pass a wood cutter.<br />
A 180 degree turn in the air when riding bareback can be a bit tough to handle, even if she gives me good training, lol!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijZ1e3FkcxhfMvooExXOQ-9cKe4h99ECSUATlnFdytLlmq60FDwR5F4Ampjh8RuUyW2YlEi0tiOzael_dSn06Oh6C3035ER67ufRFUjM3tsIkh0ImjIT1HTuruD1yevZE2xksnDUPZ-UN_/s1600/DSC00785.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijZ1e3FkcxhfMvooExXOQ-9cKe4h99ECSUATlnFdytLlmq60FDwR5F4Ampjh8RuUyW2YlEi0tiOzael_dSn06Oh6C3035ER67ufRFUjM3tsIkh0ImjIT1HTuruD1yevZE2xksnDUPZ-UN_/s320/DSC00785.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>HorseOfCoursehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907659164579327290noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7174443062971389868.post-30784178754646024252011-02-01T22:45:00.000+01:002011-02-01T22:45:57.333+01:00Happy birthday to me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcP6Fnar286Zf3P8gaSsAlb62y85GTwkeBUmr6Xh6LifX_kprgkZuZTvMwPjoHSNLgDmJdRCcOVpuZyAsUoIwu06UsJu_rJQYC0wwSPweUB_t99Jx38KUVM2osY8gsBSsQwVN3HXd1G_E9/s1600/wulffmorgenthaler16.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcP6Fnar286Zf3P8gaSsAlb62y85GTwkeBUmr6Xh6LifX_kprgkZuZTvMwPjoHSNLgDmJdRCcOVpuZyAsUoIwu06UsJu_rJQYC0wwSPweUB_t99Jx38KUVM2osY8gsBSsQwVN3HXd1G_E9/s400/wulffmorgenthaler16.gif" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Wrinkles should merely indicate where smiles have been. <br />
- Mark Twain</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">(Thank you, thank you! How did you guess?</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's getting late now, and I am still waiting for the delivery of the indoor arena, the two GP-horses and the cottage in Provence.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Did the postman get lost on his way, do you think? This year too???)</span></span></span>HorseOfCoursehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907659164579327290noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7174443062971389868.post-57063982740252039162011-01-30T22:40:00.006+01:002011-02-02T18:50:25.382+01:00Training weekend<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJcsROiqI_B6sNH9rW_qO8AaIyIJPxmj16NZ_H_qYEGpgdQNLfixzn2PGQv5NbRbmTCkYgSi-FplnCzteIwocUk3p8qdVw3rN4FkbKj8cB-AXgIp9WfynTdC3TSw5tgSPgxaWf-aD6jFF/s1600/IMG_5882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJcsROiqI_B6sNH9rW_qO8AaIyIJPxmj16NZ_H_qYEGpgdQNLfixzn2PGQv5NbRbmTCkYgSi-FplnCzteIwocUk3p8qdVw3rN4FkbKj8cB-AXgIp9WfynTdC3TSw5tgSPgxaWf-aD6jFF/s400/IMG_5882.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wiola with Fame and me</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
We have had a lovely training weekend with Wiola and Kari from <a href="http://www.aspire-equestrian.com/">Aspire Equestrian Riding Academy.</a><br />
Wiola is a BHS Intermediate teacher, I suppose many of you know her already from her blog, <a href="http://freelanceinstructorsdiary.blogspot.com/">Riding Instructor's Diary.</a><br />
Kari is a human chiropractor, and together they had set up a very interesting schedule for the weekend.<br />
<br />
In advance each rider sent in a form about themselves and their horse, what their plans were, and what they wanted help with.<br />
We started out with filmed assessment sessions on Friday evening, followed by some pizza and going through the videos, planning the training ahead.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVn7tXuwxlVlsDG9cJ4v9ZIHW5JK-Clj_9zjZZP47tsSp7rlhrhWB5DRWag9kk9YIfh764tEK_8N_UgPkzIE5A2CHGFilhafjzRIk6c4Kn08P3c03O3_QDr8DEqwIwcauLd8o0PFVqoVrA/s1600/IMG_5865.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVn7tXuwxlVlsDG9cJ4v9ZIHW5JK-Clj_9zjZZP47tsSp7rlhrhWB5DRWag9kk9YIfh764tEK_8N_UgPkzIE5A2CHGFilhafjzRIk6c4Kn08P3c03O3_QDr8DEqwIwcauLd8o0PFVqoVrA/s320/IMG_5865.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<br />
On Saturday the riders had a filmed riding session with Wiola and also a session with Kari where each rider's specific problems were addressed. <br />
Again, a round-up in the afternoon, watching the videos and commenting.<br />
Another short session with Kari on Sunday morning, followed by a private riding session with Wiola.<br />
<br />
<br />
I have always been struggling with my seat and position, and been very envious of all those riders that just "sit there".<br />
Some of my problems I have managed to solve, and some of them I still struggle with, after 40 years. <br />
Very irritating. <br />
Your bad habits kind of become good friends with your body over time. (Can't really remember inviting them?) Or rather like house occupants. <br />
I needed some help to evict them.<br />
In my form I had asked for help with my shoulders, as I round them. <br />
I also feel that I lack strength in my core muscles.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Berit on Charlie, who found a new friend in Wiola </td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I got some very good help from Kari with some exercises both to correct my shoulders (NOT by pushing my breast forward as that creates tension, did you hear that all riding teachers out there?) and to strengthen my abdominal muscles. Kari told me I had rather strong abdominal muscles, which really made my day, wohooo!...but of course they can get stronger. And the stronger they get, the better I will ride.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wiola in action</td></tr>
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</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So with all those new tips, I set out for my riding lesson.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was very interesting, and I had several aha-moments in the interaction between me and Fame.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was hard to keep my new body posture all the time, but now I felt I had the correct tools to adjust my body properly.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And we discovered a hole in the flexing of Fame which was a highlight for me, and something I believe will be a great help in my riding. Thanks Wiola!</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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The perception of a riding instructor might vary from rider to rider, but the ultimate proof lies with the horse. Horses don't lie.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was so good to see the response of the horses during this weekend, as everyone was working better.</div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barbara and Mazda</td></tr>
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</div>Barbara bought her horse Mazda this autumn.<br />
Mazda is a former riding school horse imported from one of the Baltic countries, with unknown history. <br />
She has some issues, and has an inverted shape of her body with a large belly and a weak back.<br />
<br />
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She either likes to work with a too high head position, or ducking behind the vertical.<br />
Wiola did some very nice work with her on Saturday, and on Sunday Barbara did the best work ever on her horse. Mazda was relaxed, and much of the time she worked with a correct contact and position.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wiola is working on flexion with Hjalmar and Tarzan</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
My favourite rascal Tarzan was also participating, with his owner Hjalmar.<br />
I should not say "rascal" anymore, because Tarzan has produced some very nice dressage work together with Hjalmar the last year. After getting some extra help with a softer contact and improving the balance, the work was better than ever. <br />
Hjalmar had the best comment of the day when Tarzan started to work those hindlegs: "Hey, there's something back there"...we all cracked with laughter!<br />
<br />
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Apart from the training, we had a very good time with interesting discussions and a lot of laughs.<br />
We rounded up on Sunday in the club house with some food and discussions, and there was a strong wish for a repeat session end of May/beginning of June.<br />
When I drove Kari and Wiola back to the airport, I believe they were happy but quite exhausted both of them!<br />
<br />
<br />
I have made two new friends for real, not just blog friends, for which I am very happy!<br />
Thanks once again Kari and Wiola for a wonderful weekend training!HorseOfCoursehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907659164579327290noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7174443062971389868.post-18767522355390604502011-01-24T22:39:00.000+01:002011-01-24T22:39:17.134+01:00Too much entertainment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunshine!</td></tr>
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Fame is recovering well, even if she is a slimmer version of her old self.<br />
<br />
I have been walking my large dog the last week, not without extra entertainment.<br />
<br />
The first walk of the day has been in the morning before I drive to work, around 6.30 am.<br />
At that time the horses still have not had their morning meal, so I have to move around quitely and lead my horse out from the stable in the dark.<br />
Outside it is also completetly dark.<br />
Coming out of the stable door on Wednesday morning, I walk out first, then my horse. <br />
When I turn around to close the door after us Fame goes bananas at my side, stepping into the steel wheelbarrows standing at the side and turning them all over.<br />
I can assure you all of the horses in the stable were now wide awake.<br />
Turns out we had stepped into a party of two moose, standing right outside the door, munching away on the hay. <br />
Party-party!<br />
Scared by the noise from the wheelbarrows they fled by jumping in and out of the outdoors arenas, only to stop a bit further away and look at us.<br />
*sigh*<br />
I checked Fame over, but it seemed as if it had been more noise than anything that had hurt her, so we started our walk. In the opposite direction from the uninvited guests.<br />
Suddenly she freezes again.<br />
Turns out that there is a third moose, perched up on the snow heap at the short side of the arena, eating on the hedge there.<br />
Ok, not that direction either...<br />
<br />
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On Thursday, I was to ride Charlie, my daughter's pony, and I had this super idea.<br />
I could warm up Charlie on a short hack while ponying Fame. <br />
They are good friends, so it should be ok, even if we had not tried it before.<br />
I decided that maybe it was a good idea to put a saddle on, something I have scarcely done the last couple of months.<br />
The halter rope would be too short, so I had to take the longe line - a nuisance really as it was far too long and I had to have several extra loops that I needed to keep un-entangled from the reins.<br />
Anyway, after some initial confusion we straighten everybody out of the tangle and off we went.<br />
Everything went just fine the first 10 minutes.<br />
It was nice outside, not too cold and a beautiful full moon.<br />
But.<br />
I suppose you can guess what happened?<br />
Suddenly a large, dark shadow materialised from the trees at the side of the path.<br />
A moose, turning and walking towards us. Quite close too.<br />
Oops.<br />
Charlie has a slightly more sceptic view on mooses than Fame. He believes it is a good idea to walk home if one meets a moose. One cannot be too sure what happens.<br />
So I just had to keep him under control, because if he turned I would entangle myself and Fame on the small path as the snow was quite deep beside it.<br />
I steadied Charlie and started to tell the moose off in my deepest voice. Didn't mince my words either.<br />
At least he stopped.<br />
I tried to bark like a dog.<br />
No reaction.<br />
Barked like a larger dog.<br />
The moose started to eat from the bushes, apparently enjoying the situation....<i>hmm, wonder what she will try next???</i><br />
Aaargh.<br />
I could not turn, because then Charlie would have his suspisions confirmed, and also probably stress when turning. We just had to stand our ground.<br />
I worked my mind hard to come up with some new interesting, scary sound to try out when the moose tires and turns around, leisurely walking off along the path. Not far though.<br />
Time for a <u>organised </u>retreat.<br />
Not much space to turn around, and neither of the horses <i>really </i>wanted to leave the path as the snow beside it was deep, but after some pushing we manage to start on the way back - even with the right horse in the lead - hooray!<br />
Charlie behaved well, some jogging to start with but he calmed down pretty quickly.<br />
<br />
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My parents were here this weekend, and they told a story about a 10 yo in Sweden, when walking home from school suddenly met a pack of wolves.<br />
They did not walk away, and he was very brave. He did not run, but picked up his cell phone and played some heavy rock, which did the trick!<br />
I believe I have to download some music that creates an impact...any ideas?<br />
<br />
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On Sunday we had a lovely day, and I almost felt a tast of spring.<br />
Lovely, lovely sunshine - and you could actually feel some warmth.<br />
I rode Fame on a short and calm hack for the first time since she was sick, and we just had to stop to take a sun bath.<br />
For the first time since autumn I rode without a jacket, only two pullovers.<br />
Large improvements to -20C.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">King of hunt is spending most of his time outdoors again</td></tr>
</tbody></table>HorseOfCoursehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907659164579327290noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7174443062971389868.post-89255645984366106012011-01-18T23:09:00.001+01:002011-01-21T23:12:27.157+01:00Colic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6IPpSEatlunDRc3HebNuiu2QcXm5mUgVGK7qUwjmk3e5msO5DG7fJNdxcFuLUyV9mtLE3zcR923F3OyC33ml0G0QPTrKkSfgDFopRvDZPiFqJ7lRx8j9K_U2HuERhllygoijMiyDMm-HK/s1600/IMG_5635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6IPpSEatlunDRc3HebNuiu2QcXm5mUgVGK7qUwjmk3e5msO5DG7fJNdxcFuLUyV9mtLE3zcR923F3OyC33ml0G0QPTrKkSfgDFopRvDZPiFqJ7lRx8j9K_U2HuERhllygoijMiyDMm-HK/s400/IMG_5635.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
My horse is very dear to me, so the last days I have been in agony.<br />
<br />
When I came home on Tuesday afternoon, Fame did not finish her hay. Instead she lied down.<br />
Oh no.<br />
I phoned my vet, and said that we might have a colic on our hands, and asked him to be prepared.<br />
I walked her but she was not well and had a slight temperature, so I asked the vet to come.<br />
He diagnosed a constipation (blockage? what is it called in English?).<br />
After treatment she recovered well during the night, and as I was working from home the next day I could keep her under observation. <br />
Everything was fine until 7 pm. When I came out to check on her she was lying down again.<br />
Another visit by the vet.<br />
Again she responed well on the treatment.<br />
Loose manure, no temperature.<br />
When I walked her on Thursday evening she was alert and hungry.<br />
Went to work on Friday (of course a yearly large conference for the entire company), and got a call from the stable. She was lying down again.<br />
Phone call to my vet - he told us to drive her down to the veterinary hospital.<br />
The blockage/constipation was tough, and they said that the situation was depending on how she responded on the treatment, and asked me if they should phone me if it was necessary to do a surgical operation during the night.<br />
I did not sleep much.<br />
When I finally got a call the next morning with the reassuring message that the constipation had dissolved during the night, I could finally breathe again. She is a fit and healthy horse, and I have been very grateful for that because I believe it has helped her in the situation.<br />
We could drive her home again Monday evening.<br />
My well muscled 8 yo now looks like a gangly 3 yo instead, poor thing.<br />
She was so happy to come home, and I was just as happy to get her back.<br />
She is on a strict feeding regime for another fortnight, and I have to walk her three times a day, so it's early mornings for a period.<br />
<br />
It has been more colics than usual this year, and they have had busy times at both of the veterinarian hopitals in Oslo.<br />
It is probably due to the severe cold, as the horses drink less. At the same time more and more feed with haylage instead of hay, and it freezes in low temperature which also probably adds to the problem.<br />
Here (as in most places) the horses has to do with snow instead of water while they are out during daytime as the water freezes.<br />
That situation is of course not optimal, but not new - and has earlier not caused more problems with colic during winter time than during summer time.<br />
Living up north for sure doesn't make things easier.HorseOfCoursehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907659164579327290noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7174443062971389868.post-42467595352916208002011-01-08T13:05:00.003+01:002011-01-08T16:22:38.744+01:00Moose safari<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW1rMrJFcC6U-f15h6S-CJWMhcOhO757lQqbRL5Bvhb7uuA5p-U0mQb94qi3sYZDCs2Tfu8MqXvmX8VNfXjgLGEH-pZV1CVMqKoq0W2h0n4AMp8vqlTsZBQI1unNQns6F41jBKaqUYBjvR/s1600/DSC00048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW1rMrJFcC6U-f15h6S-CJWMhcOhO757lQqbRL5Bvhb7uuA5p-U0mQb94qi3sYZDCs2Tfu8MqXvmX8VNfXjgLGEH-pZV1CVMqKoq0W2h0n4AMp8vqlTsZBQI1unNQns6F41jBKaqUYBjvR/s400/DSC00048.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
After two months with very low temperatures and not much snow, the situation has changed and we have been getting much snow but higher temperatures.<br />
And when we get much snow, the animals get problems to move higher up in the mountains, so they move down to the bottom of the valley where we ride.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEY8N9pd4SXQXm6LPSCFi4S-pup9TJcPMVdyRPDAccHDybC6-MQVbY2cNHWfRqYbt2jRV3EvM_A8ySYE4pMsNGO9_ekZcp7TXmaCvpLVB5usWoM1oAibKfIBmlCbngQgLZhj3wbFn9zWlu/s1600/DSC00019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEY8N9pd4SXQXm6LPSCFi4S-pup9TJcPMVdyRPDAccHDybC6-MQVbY2cNHWfRqYbt2jRV3EvM_A8ySYE4pMsNGO9_ekZcp7TXmaCvpLVB5usWoM1oAibKfIBmlCbngQgLZhj3wbFn9zWlu/s400/DSC00019.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
It was a lovely day yesterday with trees heavily laden with the new snow, and both sun and some fog which made a wonderful scenery. <br />
As I got home from work a bit early, I decided to take Fame out for a hack.<br />
<br />
I took her out from her food, so a bit on our way she tried to grab some branches sticking out from the snow.<br />
When I told her "no" we suddenly had some commotion from the forest just in front of us.<br />
Turned out to be three moose that had been standing watching us, without us noticing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe882OeIii4bUTg6BizLpuzn-m9eWABs5RH0z3WKGUTgqaQrMT1NnEZHGXVVztw-y1SS5LvXG4FeiJjPsyLwGn2BaP5_-f0irKx5dqMvhk5a7fLl6h1qD0CR3ynP9NW-RaluDrcYAJFBUn/s1600/Elg_vinter3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe882OeIii4bUTg6BizLpuzn-m9eWABs5RH0z3WKGUTgqaQrMT1NnEZHGXVVztw-y1SS5LvXG4FeiJjPsyLwGn2BaP5_-f0irKx5dqMvhk5a7fLl6h1qD0CR3ynP9NW-RaluDrcYAJFBUn/s320/Elg_vinter3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Luckily they turned around and ran off away from us.<br />
Problem is that when we get much snow, the moose too wants to follow the paths or the roads as the going is easier, and then it can be a bit tricky sometimes.<br />
<br />
Fame luckily doesn't worry much about moose, she is quite used to them. <br />
She is curious though, and often sniffs the ground in their tracks, sometimes also wanting to follow their tracks.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-IQNJfjW6fvrkBCvDaiSBEQSS9L1u6CJq_m209QHngC2DaH413X-J9K_diicoCuKKlonXKfX-JM-3Y0HQkcYaOl4-5e_KlETVdU_8AYGW1ZxcsJJ5nQhIxfMGAsvRh4i6tnR-qRoFtlsi/s1600/DSC00028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-IQNJfjW6fvrkBCvDaiSBEQSS9L1u6CJq_m209QHngC2DaH413X-J9K_diicoCuKKlonXKfX-JM-3Y0HQkcYaOl4-5e_KlETVdU_8AYGW1ZxcsJJ5nQhIxfMGAsvRh4i6tnR-qRoFtlsi/s400/DSC00028.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
She had a lot of excess energy after two days off, one of them unplanned - so we aired the system with some fresh canter for quite a while, uphill. <br />
She has had some extra forage due to the cold, and it makes her more on her toes.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir05a23_hrrdxlbRA4nPAn9ZKpctjEsyD6MU37KQySCGii2kktEho59iFbvZqFFgQog_a56XJcDnA1LjY6i147VTJn2nlx-WAfVzDT4kh8y-rBJsmRcWUaxsMcP1Vhaxn746-EHHOweElq/s1600/DSC00029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir05a23_hrrdxlbRA4nPAn9ZKpctjEsyD6MU37KQySCGii2kktEho59iFbvZqFFgQog_a56XJcDnA1LjY6i147VTJn2nlx-WAfVzDT4kh8y-rBJsmRcWUaxsMcP1Vhaxn746-EHHOweElq/s400/DSC00029.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
Even if she had had a real good workout, she was still full of energy on the way back with tendencies to some jogging which I don't like. <br />
I had to turn her energy into some work instead, and that was why I did not see the fourth moose until we were just beside him. <br />
He was lying down in the snow just beside our path - I would say only some 5-7 m off.<br />
Anyway, we pranced on, he just moved some ears and past him we were.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf7oZ6JrcurpKeE3Tqwb3fKl4SExfgtlpKvJ8WLw1PqAJs3zH52Ll0mMeNIbJTkPnzQqdHVZH2NzLgXs7czVWHh3db28kWP07Xk4YY1ZLTm0X1KmVRe2wDqL4pUM8TX2NpeqttSRci_rSE/s1600/DSC00010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf7oZ6JrcurpKeE3Tqwb3fKl4SExfgtlpKvJ8WLw1PqAJs3zH52Ll0mMeNIbJTkPnzQqdHVZH2NzLgXs7czVWHh3db28kWP07Xk4YY1ZLTm0X1KmVRe2wDqL4pUM8TX2NpeqttSRci_rSE/s400/DSC00010.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Horses, not moose!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Moose are large animals, but I am not very worried about the moose when we ride out.<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I have had many close encounters over the years, and no bad experiences so far. (But I do know of incidents where my fellow riders have been chased.)</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">When I do worry though is when I am out driving.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I see them by the road almost every day driving through the valley. If you get them in front of the car, the car hits the legs and you get the body straight up on your wind screen.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">People here are killed in moose accidents every year.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUNAqyTn3zKVxRvl-_hvdOl61VmqEULaVQGs2BdVe5d4sTciovGMwSv5fKOTQAj6CkY90lAsVYDTDben8xBnI9IcDrj3m6y0tp3XeyvHQhXFzDTWohFRRjcT4mmXkwVeRv_9sbOTC2yZlm/s1600/elgskilt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUNAqyTn3zKVxRvl-_hvdOl61VmqEULaVQGs2BdVe5d4sTciovGMwSv5fKOTQAj6CkY90lAsVYDTDben8xBnI9IcDrj3m6y0tp3XeyvHQhXFzDTWohFRRjcT4mmXkwVeRv_9sbOTC2yZlm/s320/elgskilt.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My friend Anne, who is studying in Germany has gone English.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">She bought a new horse a couple of months ago.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://anneihannover.blogspot.com/">Check out her blog!</a></div>HorseOfCoursehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907659164579327290noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7174443062971389868.post-52899414073632616902011-01-04T21:39:00.005+01:002011-01-07T21:31:03.454+01:00An exciting start of the new year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2-5a33VFYJTamQkn4RlrRpxC-JVQX9NxSl_aiwMd8sM-w8QkHheUCqgcVreTOB7CC5GiAf6LFWXo3Ezi4dmZ4o3suduCMEIG3F3-aaL1TWxJp7H7juvePcUvuUVB5UwfBpOA0u87e6w0Z/s1600/2010-12-31+14.16.28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2-5a33VFYJTamQkn4RlrRpxC-JVQX9NxSl_aiwMd8sM-w8QkHheUCqgcVreTOB7CC5GiAf6LFWXo3Ezi4dmZ4o3suduCMEIG3F3-aaL1TWxJp7H7juvePcUvuUVB5UwfBpOA0u87e6w0Z/s400/2010-12-31+14.16.28.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="300" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>If one munches on branches, one might get a surprise....</i></span></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
My friend <a href="http://anneihannover.blogspot.com/">Anne who lives in Germany</a> was home for the holidays, and we had a very nice trail ride together on Saturday with the horses.<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The horses enjoyed themselves, and we too.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The weather was lovely, finally the cold has lost some of its grip.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Just a few degrees below zero, and sun in addition - lovely!</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcxf-fcVFy2M0ym6eAyC5vM6lEOIp0sdeBXR1NUJU2A2JT6Fmzqn6PxSK4oPD8iX5gvP1P-sUpFLwTesI8lKGi88I7uhDmyFsgiYEzddQq-H6ejAyn_AqZI7TRWUyf2heAozmVhvc1kE14/s1600/image-upload-363-743861.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTn3srvWScaGdd2zxDYXxjBoZw3Un4E1OMthNLE3VPt-MyE1bOVPM6NDAxKHVKTKVLy64OytMikSteI6nmnKkmhmDIyd-b6pXzYl_mhR6zxPyzeGoJnJoDJj6bLfafmVxWNnxBdCxWSQZB/s400/image-upload-363-743861.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><br />
<br />
The very nice thing about the blogosphere is the possibility to make new friends.<br />
I love to read about all my equestrian blogfriend's experiences and stories, but now I am very excited because we are taking this one step further:<br />
<br />
Wiola from <a href="http://freelanceinstructorsdiary.blogspot.com/">Riding Instructor's Diary</a> is coming over to us to throw a weekend training together with her collegue Kari, who is a chiropractor.<br />
They have set up a very interesting training schedule where Wiola and Kari will work close together to assess each rider's problems:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: 21.6pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8kbirjJRWlr7a_JUrLeZ2x7Co494YWDC2MknlrgVLLujCBwtH59oqQF1cBXI3YaOvbYvfqclCijSH3NUPSyFTUFtEmTFPZMXGNIyZf7RmAqRqrl6_y4uta6TdyFiX7-S8xPa1diaY7OKG/s1600/aspire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8kbirjJRWlr7a_JUrLeZ2x7Co494YWDC2MknlrgVLLujCBwtH59oqQF1cBXI3YaOvbYvfqclCijSH3NUPSyFTUFtEmTFPZMXGNIyZf7RmAqRqrl6_y4uta6TdyFiX7-S8xPa1diaY7OKG/s320/aspire.jpg" width="131" /></a><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #424242; font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small; line-height: 24px;"></span>Nordmarka RSK invites to a training weekend with<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Impact, sans-serif; font-size: 28pt; line-height: 115%;">ASPIRE EQUESTRIAN RIDING ACADEMY<br />
</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">28-30 January, Sørkedalen<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 8pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">”The horse mirrors the rider’s movements”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></b></div><div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #424242; font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 150%;">Most horse riders know what their own personal difficulties are, but many do not understand why - and therefore feel like they are constantly struggling to correct it.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #424242; font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 150%;">Biomechanical restrictions can easily cause some of the problems encountered by horse riders daily, such as a weak seat, inconsistent rein contact, locked hips, tilting the upper body and/or legs forwards, and collapsing through the waist.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #424242; font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 150%;">If your horse is crooked, lacks impulsion, is tense or is going against the aids, the cause might lie with you as the rider.<br />
Would you like to improve yourself?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #424242; font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 150%;">The training will be a great help to get more insight in your own riding, where you will get help to address the problem that really affects your further development – how your own body influences your horse’s movements.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #424242; font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 150%;"><br />
</span></div><div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 150%;">Schedule:</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Friday evening Jan 28:</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 115%;"> <br />
Presentation and planning.<br />
Riding in groups of 4, lenght 30 min, assessing riders.<br />
We sit together afterwards and share some </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 115%;">pizza and look into each rider’s goals, issues and problems. Discuss what comes up, and plan the training for the rest of the weekend so each rider gets a tailor made program to address his/her issues. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;"><br />
</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Saturday Jan 29:</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 115%;"> <br />
<b>AM:</b> Riding 45 min session, two riders pr session. </span><span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Part of the session will be filmed.<br />
</span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Lunch:</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 115%;"> Looking at the videos, and discuss what each rider needs to work with.<br />
<b>PM:</b> Each rider gets ca 30 min session with chiro Kari, with exercises that will address what needs to be worked on based on the riding sessions and the discussions during lunch.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;"><br />
</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Sunday Jan 30:</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 115%;"> <br />
Each rider gets ca 30 min session with chiro Kari before the riding sessions start.<br />
Riding sessions 30 min, alone. <br />
We meet and sum up the training. Feedback and help to plan further training.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 21.6pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 150%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Instructors:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div><div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 150%;">Wiola Grabowska</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 150%;"> BHS Intermediate Teacher, founder of av Aspire Equestrian Riding Academy <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 150%;">Kari Duglebby</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 150%;"> DC BSc Hons Chiro, Chiropractor and rider<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 150%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Both come from UK, and are a part of the team in Aspire Equestrian Riding Academy, who work with a holistic approach to horse and rider.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 150%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Wiola and Kari will work close together to tailor the instruction and treatment to each participant’s needs. <br />
Read more about them on: </span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 150%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">www.aspire-equestrian.com</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #424242;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br />
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</div><div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8kbirjJRWlr7a_JUrLeZ2x7Co494YWDC2MknlrgVLLujCBwtH59oqQF1cBXI3YaOvbYvfqclCijSH3NUPSyFTUFtEmTFPZMXGNIyZf7RmAqRqrl6_y4uta6TdyFiX7-S8xPa1diaY7OKG/s1600/aspire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a><span style="color: #424242; font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 150%;"></span></div><div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: #424242; font-family: 'Century Gothic', sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 150%;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;">I am really excited about this!</div><div style="text-align: left;">We had maximised the number of participants to eight, and it took half an hour after I annonced the training until it was fully booked! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Let's just hope that the temperature keeps a bit over what we have seen here lately; we have had the coldest November and December here in the last 100 years!<br />
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And here, Wiola and Kari, is the venue.<br />
Not very grand, and looks quite deep frozen, right?<br />
Don't dispair. <br />
You'll get a warm welcome even if the temperature is low!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP6DS6qsMgVUcKX62G98x3Oc0Ej5wvPEqUVWXn9JqvNCzcPlxUcLXilUc6ffmb7U-lMPoFcO6Hb2uX-IpWSI9olkBrK6-g3WSJ8gxlM6c94ADeRxZCH0VZJPAP06w4b46lTbXWwFt_Z_H2/s1600/IMG_3390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP6DS6qsMgVUcKX62G98x3Oc0Ej5wvPEqUVWXn9JqvNCzcPlxUcLXilUc6ffmb7U-lMPoFcO6Hb2uX-IpWSI9olkBrK6-g3WSJ8gxlM6c94ADeRxZCH0VZJPAP06w4b46lTbXWwFt_Z_H2/s400/IMG_3390.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a>HorseOfCoursehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907659164579327290noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7174443062971389868.post-35998164660880974532010-12-31T19:01:00.000+01:002010-12-31T19:01:57.070+01:00Happy New Year<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVrZpTGzEPRHikb9NKYVl3o5PdiTrf84FOLK9TYPzi5ME5K2i3NajUO6MjPTgYTDJfyydora_5l_SE5ivVw_f1iSK1H8VoHIp_-of4uLwmNh9_pZswxdf8-e7K1Z8do2__XkAFfbvxhNfL/s1600/IMG_5768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="451" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVrZpTGzEPRHikb9NKYVl3o5PdiTrf84FOLK9TYPzi5ME5K2i3NajUO6MjPTgYTDJfyydora_5l_SE5ivVw_f1iSK1H8VoHIp_-of4uLwmNh9_pZswxdf8-e7K1Z8do2__XkAFfbvxhNfL/s640/IMG_5768.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">My parent's house<br />
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On December 22 we left for Sweden to visit my parents, and to celebrate Christmas together with them and my brother and sister's families.<br />
Lots of people in a small house with children everywhere and a lot of laughter and good food...we had a wonderful Christmas! <br />
Thanks Mum and Dad!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ0P-kljVxy2Lc78rS2JVFvw7EZ74OLDpsSrYs5PCAIHmh4mrdolSjr8LEvWTpdg1xQm0oqopxssjL_G9xd5J0LclPSzvVesXMDU9Ed2jnUZf27MT0xKS4hx1gpHtI__g6lvrnGhfCkLMg/s1600/IMG_5770.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ0P-kljVxy2Lc78rS2JVFvw7EZ74OLDpsSrYs5PCAIHmh4mrdolSjr8LEvWTpdg1xQm0oqopxssjL_G9xd5J0LclPSzvVesXMDU9Ed2jnUZf27MT0xKS4hx1gpHtI__g6lvrnGhfCkLMg/s400/IMG_5770.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br />
This winter has broken all low temperature records, but it is so very beautiful outside - like a winter fairy tale.<br />
So in spite of the cold, we enjoy being outdoors.<br />
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We took out two cats with us to Sweden.<br />
King of Hunt is not affected by low temperatures, even if he spends more time in the sofa corner than normal.<br />
But our little Sofa Princess is...well, a sofa princess. She does not get much coat to isolate from low temperatures, so we decided to take her for a short walk:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-68XhuFzEP4zWFXVMPV9JxP7Dn4g5awcGZSmblqpQFELQkiWDfUdd-MLp6oCuRQbLWqw4RYI58P_6UcNlgOo0AhP26Rz0MpW48GKVVh-JH1YbMldlCw96jjTvbkStKU82Ir4WcYAVmoIO/s1600/IMG_5760-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-68XhuFzEP4zWFXVMPV9JxP7Dn4g5awcGZSmblqpQFELQkiWDfUdd-MLp6oCuRQbLWqw4RYI58P_6UcNlgOo0AhP26Rz0MpW48GKVVh-JH1YbMldlCw96jjTvbkStKU82Ir4WcYAVmoIO/s400/IMG_5760-1.JPG" width="276" /></a></div><br />
...inside my daughter's jacket.<br />
At least she got to see something different!<br />
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A new year is on our doorstep.<br />
It will bring new possibilities for us all.<br />
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<div style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">May the new year come with many happy horse-y moments, wonderful rides and may it keep you safe and sound.</div><div style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">All the best!</div><div style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">As one who grew up in Sweden during the 70's I cannot help myself from adding a New Year's greeting from ABBA - Happy New Year!</div><div style="color: #cccccc; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/3Uo0JAUWijM?fs=1" width="425"></iframe>HorseOfCoursehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907659164579327290noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7174443062971389868.post-83388963640386938952010-12-23T17:08:00.003+01:002010-12-23T17:15:52.351+01:00A Merry Christmas<div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #eeeeee; font-size: large;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">To all my friends around the world -</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I wish you a peaceful Christmas, with time to relax together with family, friends and horses.</span>HorseOfCoursehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15907659164579327290noreply@blogger.com11