Life after competition

My favorite view in the world

  The transition from active driving to retirement driving can be a difficult one to make.  After actively competing in combined driving from 1994 through 2006 on a full time basis, it became time to adjust to the effects of RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis) on my health and activities. 

If one lives long enough, works and plays hard enough, most will experience OA (Osteoarthritis).   I have that variety also.  Horse folk know how to power through the pain and get on with their horse activities.  RA is different as it is an autoimmune disease that not only targets joints but internal organs as well.  Treatment can involve chemo therapy drugs to curtail erosion and deformity that can be crippling in many cases.    I am one of the lucky ones that respond well to treatment and can function pretty well.  I do require a few life altering changes that are necessary for a good life.  Plenty of rest, no stress and quality food is important.   The unfortunate part is I can no longer ignore my body and power through body pain.  The saying “no pain, no gain” does not apply to me anymore.

After a few years of non-competition, I have finally come to contentment that combined driving is a past achievement for me.   There are indeed other ways to drive one’s horse and still achieve some necessary goals if one is so oriented.  I have just completed an open end goal that has taken me nearly 2 years to achieve.  The American Driving Society’s Hours to Drive program is a great way to achieve personal goals as well as having a log to reflect on a horse’s conditioning progress.    Having a goal, or purpose is so important to me and the Hours to Drive program is a great way to have fun, see progress, and be rewarded for achieving a milestone.

cruising with LH Winfield Scott

Thank you ADS (American Driving Society)  for instituting such a program and giving recognition to the recreational drivers out there.  I think we must be in large numbers and it is nice to know that we are an important part of the driving community.    I’ll be mailing in my log sheet this week and can’t wait to receive my achievement pin for 100 hours on the box seat.  I have lots of pins from competitions over the years that I enjoy looking at and remembering the great fun and adventure of the event.  I think I will enjoy the Hours to Drive pin with more enjoyment because of the times I didn’t feel like getting out there with my horse.  I’d remember the program and goal and it would give me the needed inspiration to get outside on the good days, climb on the box seat, and experience all the joy that driving a good horse brings…such good medicine.    Onto my next milestone…250 hours!

What does this have to do with horses?

I watched a video this morning of a lecture from a professor, Randy Pausch, that was the best advice I have ever heard.  You can see it yourself at:
Dying 47-year-old professor gives exuberant 'Last Lecture'. [VIDEO]

It moved me to send to my 20 year old new to college grandson with the stipulation he watch it.  I also sent the link to a good friend who loves to live and learn, and to another good friend who has a young daughter that will benefit from the advice.

It is about how to fulfil one's childhood dreams.  We all have them....or should.  Randy said some things that I have already discovered in my life about fulfilling one's dreams.  My dreams were not earth shattering, or will make mankind or the earth a better place; but then...maybe just passing on what I have learned is enough.

My parents and my mentors did their job well.  They cared about me; and I, in turn, care about you.   Here are a few of the quotes that came out of Randy's lecture that had particular impact.

"Brick walls are there for a reason: they let us prove how badly we want things."

"The best gift an educator can give is to be self-reflective."

"It is pretty easy to appear smart if you are parroting smart people."

"It is about leading your life...if you lead your life the right way...the Karma will take care of itself."

"When you are pissed off and angry with people, you just haven't given them enough time to surprise and impress you."

"When it comes to men: ignore everything they say and only pay attention to what they do."

"Brick walls let us show our dedication.  They are there to separate us from those who really don't want to achieve their childhood dreams." 


So...what has this got to do with horses?  It is a "head-fake".....see the video for an explanation

Never judge a book by its cover...

 I am a bit proud of myself for having a moment of "openness" and allowing a different protocol to take place regarding my horse's dental care.  In past, I have been a strong proponent of using only veterinarians with specialty in equine dentistry to take care of my horses.  I was suspect of "lay" folk having enough training, experience and knowledge of the horse to do an adequate evaluation and work.  

Yesterday, I was introduced to a man whose passion is teeth.  He came recommended by my farrier, whom I trust,  so I decided to have the man come visit and work on my horses since I missed my annual spring dental work this year.  

So here comes this big teddy bear of a cowboy from Idaho who travels the western states working on any kind of large animal but mostly horses.  Quiet and unassuming, looking you square in the eye, and as relaxed as if he had all the time in the world to be right where he was.  

Here is what impressed me...his horsemanship.  Now granted, my horses are well-trained thanks to Tom Simmons...but; one can still distinguish good horsemanship by how the horse responds to the handler.  I stood back and watched how he caught, introduced himself to the horse, put on the full mouth speculum, and began an investigation of the mouth with all the cooperation of the horse one would want.  I was told by my farrier that this happens with all the horses he works.  Then, I realized that my original thinking may have been flawed because my veterinarian equine dentists insist the horse be given sedation.  That is well and fine in some cases but I see now, it is not necessary in every case.  The reason for sedation is for the horse to endure a procedure without a reaction that could cause injury to the vet or technician in the process.  Ok...we all want to be safe but it got me to thinking about veterinarians in general.  All of the vets I have used have been excellent in helping me with problems, but could I classify them horsemen or horsewomen?  No...I don't think they have many courses in school about horse handling...without restraint or the use of drugs.  The vets I have known are great scientists, diagnosticians, and they practice with medications.  

Do they know the horse like the horse is in nature?  Not many.  I watched this cowboy with his passion for teeth take each horse and perform a thorough exam with full cooperation and trust from the horse.  

Since my horses have had annual work for most of their lives, there was nothing for the cowboy to do except give me a good report that they are fine to eat their way through winter.  Good!  I asked to be put on the list for spring.  

Now I know that yesterday's exam did not require any work, but I don't doubt that if anything were needed, it could be achieved without sedation.  I was reminded of a story Tom Simmons told me of being at a kurring where approved horses were branded.  He was handling a Dutch Harness Horse; who, when it came time for branding with a hot iron, stood perfectly still and allowed the obviously painful procedure simply by having trust in the handler.  So I deduce that a horse, if conveyed by a leader that "all is well" will endure pain or discomfort simply on trust. 

I call this equine dentist a "cowboy" because that's what he looks like.  He is so much more.  The horses see him as a leader and a friend; and, go along with him and he with them.  Horsemanship...so easy yet so hard for most of us.  

So I guess the moral of my story is not to judge a person by how he may look.  Anyone can dress the part and even talk the part.  But the horse isn't fooled and doesn't lie.  The horse knows who to follow willingly. 

 

learning Horsemanship

Another Tom Simmons clinic is on the horizon for me to put together at Noble Beasts Ranch in Grass Valley.  You won't find a fancy website full of illusion, and you won't get any tools for illusion at one of Tom's clinics either.  All you can get is the truth as a horseman of almost 60 years can give from his lifetime experience of horses.  What a deal!  Here is a person who does not have the illusion of being anything more than someone who loves working with a horse's mind to facilitate our goals with our horses. 

Personally, I have taken clinic from many big names in my competitive sport, so I have a fair idea of what is being presented out there; and, I have met a few good horsemen and women.  What is lacking though, for the beginner as well as the more advanced participant, is a real understanding of what makes a horse tick and how to get on the horse's side of how things should be asked for and given.  Technique and formula is not where it is at.  It is only when one can focus on the horse first, that amazing things can happen.  Then, you can begin the other stuff.  Nothing comes before it is time.

So, here I sit, with a different attitude than the beginning of my journey.  I give the opportunity to listen and learn from Tom, but know now that the individuals who come to these clinics are at different stages of learning and will receive only what they are capable of retaining at this particular time.  The mind will take it in and put it in the subconscious, and it may or may not come out again until something in their work with their horse jogs the memory to bring it out to try and use.  We may not ever remember who gave us the thought, and may even take it as our own.....but does that really matter who from, or how it came? 

To all the great horsemen and women who have affected better horse communication through their passion....Thanks  

Tom Simmons clinic review

The Tom Simmons clinic at Woodland Stallion Station this past weekend was a big success. I am still digesting what I saw and heard, but I want to tell you that it was a wonderful clinic and well attended.

Tom worked with 10 different horses and ponies in various stages of training. One of the 10 was a three year old Morgan gelding owned by Ann Taylor who had no training except for halter and lead. Tom gave an hour long round pen session that was a great illustration of how easy a horse can learn the basics. These are the same basics that one needs at the high levels of any horse discipline. Tom's work with Rampart involved "herding up", gaining leadership and respect from the horse using a lunge line with a chain to prepare him for what would come next. Auditors were able to watch the horse being prepared to willingly accept wearing a bridle with a simple snaffle bit, a surcingle complete with crupper, side rein use to teach the horse to follow his head to the left and right. Tom then progressed to long lining and in hardly any time, Rampart showed the fundamentals of traveling on the correct bend and opening up his circle while on that bend. Tom taught Rampart to discern the difference between a halt and backing. This horse has a wonderful disposition and took to each step with no resistance and an openness to learn what was expected. Tom showed us that it is much easier to teach a horse that has had no incorrect handling than to have to undo previous bad habits. If anyone is looking for a nice minded Morgan gelding, with good body, to make their next driving horse, Rampart is for sale.

There were many illustrations throughout the weekend of where issues or advanced problems can be resolved simply by returning to working on the basics. This results in the resolution of problems such as counter bending, anxiety, and restriction of the horse's free movement. For the human, Tom worked in simplifying rein handling, creating expectation and intention. He showed how to drive your horse at home to train and refine communication working towards finish.

Tom stressed that horses do not want a "buddy" in our handling of them, they want a leader who will direct them and give the horse a sense of security and confidence.

Thanks to Ann Taylor for the wonderful facility that was perfect for winter even though the weekend was rain free. A few drivers went out on the roads to drive and practice what they learned. Shelley Chavoor was a great organizer and we had great food for lunches and dinner. It was so great to see old friends, hear stories from the past and meet new folk interested in driving. Tom had a wonderful time and we look forward to bringing him back to Woodland as well as Grass Valley to learn more from his over 50 years of horse knowledge. One last thing... Tom talked of wanting to write a book about training a horse "the old man's way". His thoughts are that age and experience makes for simplicity. He has become efficient and does what counts and is easy for the horse and himself. I hope he writes the book so we can have a view of his experience to help our own.

"Working from the bottom up vs. from the top down"

My friend and trainer says we are an "instant" generation. We expect fast results, love to shortcut long process in our quest to gain more time...for what? We talk fast, get our news in sound bites to pass on to others without involving the thought process necessary to test the truth. Cut to the chase! That's our motto! I am guilty as the next guy, but am learning that with horses, one has to slow down and think.

I was impressed, while doing some research on Albert Einstein, about something he said. He humbly said that he wasn't that much smarter about solving problems, he just spent more time thinking about them. It is a lengthy process to train a horse and it really never ends as we continue to improve or deteriorate our relationship with them every time we have any contact with them. It is the little things that matter to a horse. It is not how good we are to them ( in human terms ), but rather how good we are with them, by understanding what they need and providing their need for leadership, security and peace of mind.

This is why I maintain a view from the horse's perspective rather than from what is expected, by humans in the upper levels of playing a sport that involves horses. One does have to know all the rules and follow them to play the best game, but one should never forget where the horse is coming from in this quest to be the best in sport.

A Mother's Explanation of Why She Had Horses for Her Daughter

This is worth a read for anyone with a horse crazy child. I was one of these and can honestly say that horses gave me much of what I am today.

A Mother's Explanation of Why She Had Horses for Her Daughter …… Tracy Meisenbach

My daughter turned sixteen years old today; which is a milestone for most people. Besides looking at baby photos and childhood trinkets with her, I took time to reflect on the young woman my daughter had become and the choices she would face in the future.

As I looked at her I could see the athlete she was, and determined woman she would soon be. I started thinking about some of the girls we knew in our town who were already pregnant, pierced in several places, hair every color under the sun, drop- outs, drug addicts and on the fast track to no-where, seeking surface identities because they had no inner self-esteem. The parents of these same girls have asked me why I "waste" the money on horses so my daughter can ride. I'm told she will grow out of it, lose interest, discover boys and all kinds of things that try to pin the current generation's "slacker" label on my child. I don't think it will happen, I think she will love and have horses all her life.

Because my daughter grew up with horses she has compassion. She knows that we must take special care of the very young and the very old. We must make sure those without voices to speak of their pain are still cared for.

Because my daughter grew up with horses she learned responsibility for others than herself. She learned that regardless of the weather you must still care for those you have the stewardship of. There are no "days off" just because you don't feel like being a horse owner that day. She learned that for every hour of fun you have there are days of hard slogging work you must do first.

Because my daughter grew up with horses she learned not to be afraid of getting dirty and that appearances don't matter to most of the breathing things in the world we live in. Horses do not care about designer clothes, jewelry, pretty hairdos or anything else we put on our bodies to try to impress others. What a horse cares about are your abilities to work within his natural world, he doesn't care if you're wearing $80.00 jeans while you do it. -

Because my daughter grew up with horses she learned about sex and how it can both enrich and complicate lives. She learned that it only takes one time to produce a baby, and the only way to ensure babies aren't produced is not to breed. She learned how babies are planned, made, born and, sadly, sometimes die before reaching their potential. She learned how sleepless nights and trying to out-smart a crafty old broodmare could result in getting to see, as non-horse owning people rarely do, the birth of a true miracle.

Because my daughter grew up with horses she understands the value of money. Every dollar can be translated into bales of hay, bags of feed or farrier visits. Purchasing non-necessities during lean times can mean the difference between feed and good care, or neglect and starvation. She has learned to judge the level of her care against the care she sees provided by others and to make sure her standards never lower, and only increase as her knowledge grows.

Because my daughter grew up with horses she has learned to learn on her own. She has had teachers that cannot speak, nor write, nor communicate beyond body language and reactions. She has had to learn to "read" her surroundings for both safe and unsafe objects, to look for hazards where others might only see a pretty meadow. She has learned to judge people as she judges horses. She looks beyond appearances and trappings to see what is within.

Because my daughter grew up with horses she has learned sportsmanship to a high degree. Everyone that competes fairly is a winner. Trophies and ribbons may prove someone a winner, but they do not prove someone is a horseman. She has also learned that some people will do anything to win, regard-less of who it hurts. She knows that those who will cheat in the show ring will also cheat in every other aspect of their life and are not to be trusted.

Because my daughter grew up with horses she has self-esteem and an engaging personality. She can talk to anyone she meets with confidence, because she has to express herself to her horse with more than words. She knows the satisfaction of controlling and teaching a 1000 pound animal that will yield willingly to her gentle touch and ignore the more forceful and inept handling of those stronger than she is. She holds herself with poise and professionalism in the company of those far older than herself.

Because my daughter grew up with horses she has learned to plan ahead. She knows that choices made today can effect what happens five years down the road. She knows that you cannot care for and protect your investments without savings to fall back on. She knows the value of land and buildings. And that caring for your vehicle can mean the difference between easy travel or being stranded on the side of the road with a four horse trailer on a hot day.

When I look at what she has learned and what it will help her become, I can honestly say that I haven't "wasted" a penny on providing her with horses. I only wish that all children had the same opportunities to learn these lessons from horses before setting out on the road to adulthood. 
Tracy Meisenbach