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2010 A year of learning and growth for a novice rider

2010-12-12T19:09:00Z

The journey of learning horsemanship has been an ongoing lesson. Just when you think you have something down you realize it really was just a door opening to show you that there are many more doors behind that one. Have any of you ever felt this way too?

Sometimes I wish I could be like some who in their minds know it all and for a brief moment feel like I accomplished something and am done. You all know someone like this I'm sure. However, I know it is better to always be open minded and continually learning its just that sometimes it would be nice to feel like okay I mastered that now lets move on. Oh well, not in my cards on this one I know.

This year is the year I finally made the commitment to take formal lessons with a very good instructor who is kind, patient, and knows when to push. She knows exactly how to describe how to correct what I'm doing and no matter how many times I do it incorrectly she corrects me. There are moments when I wish I had been in a financial situation to take the lessons at the beginning because for me a lot of my lessons are covering basics in riding and correcting my bad habits. The good news is that by working hard I've corrected some of the really bad ones. The bad news is that I have a lot more to correct. I just hope my pocket book can continue to afford these lessons because man-oh-man I don't want them to end.

I mentioned previously that I wish I had been able to take these kind of lessons from the beginning... then I wonder what if I did? Would I understand what I'm supposed to do and why? Or would I just be a puppet doing what I'm told with no understanding. It is almost like a catch 22. Yes, it would have been easier to take lessons first and get it right but all with no understanding as to why. OR understand why, feel the difference when you ask correctly, and fight to get the muscles to un learn the bad way to do it and learn the correct way.

I'm really looking forward next year and what it will bring. Happy Holidays ya'll!!!

How the year has flown by...

2010-07-07T06:45:00Z

I hate to say it but a year has gone by and I've totally neglected the site and blogging... I guess I was somewhat burnt out by my experience with an event and good intentions being misunderstood. However, I'm back and ready to go. Learned a lot about people and horses... what can I say I'm a walking sponge.

This has to be the best year so far with Ellie and Shiloh. I feel like we are all in a really good place. There is still lots to work on but thanks to the patience, wisdom, and those willing to share what they know I'm a better person and rider. Which directly benefits Shiloh and Ellie.

For some of you the journey has been a long painful process to watch. After a couple of broken bones, set backs, and moments of almost giving up Shiloh has completed two parades and is working unbelievably well. Xavier rode her in the Kamehameha Day Parade on June 11, 2010 in my unit representing the Island of Maui. She was so calm and relaxed throughout the whole event. Samoan drums and all... she proudly walked down the 4.5 mile route.

Ellie is the old pro and and will pretty much to where ever I ask. Shiloh on the other hand well lets just say some tried to convince me that some horses just won't lead. Guess what, Shiloh now not only leads but will leave the ranch leading. This horse would back up, rear up, do any crazy thing she could to deter her rider from leaving. Hard to imagine but true.

Ellie on the other hand is so willing to do but don't get me wrong... she will test you and if you don't have your que right not do it correctly or give a half a** attempt. Then a rider with experience and know how gets on and WALLAH she not only does it but does it well.. UGH is what I think... more work ahead for me.. the horse got it down.. the rider still needs to work.

All I can say is if you are challenged by your horses and you succeed and reach your little goals you set for yourself suddenly you look back and there you are...right where you wanted to be. Be patient, work towards little goals, be consistent, and one day you will be exactly where you want to be.

Keep an open mind, never think you know it all, strive to improve and help your horse and in return you will amazed at how much you are capable of when you set your mind to something.

Kamehameha Day Parade 2009

2009-07-10T17:29:00Z

How many of us actually know what it is we want to do in our lives and do it? I hope the answer to this question is we all do. In reality though, I think most of us get so caught up in our daily lives that we forget to ask ourselves what it is we want and go for it.

Having lost my mom to ovarian cancer at a young age warped me somewhat. I have always lived with the idea that I need to live like there is no tomorrow because there might not be one. Some of my friends felt that I was pre destined to become ill because of this way of thinking and I always felt the same so I prepared myself, my family, and my friends for what may be inevitable. You can’t fight genetics and after looking at our family history regarding breast and ovarian cancer I didn’t think I would beat the odds. However, I could be prepared increasing my chances for survival and if I didn’t I’d know that I lived my life with no regrets.

One of the items on my “bucket list” was to ride in a parade in a Pa’u Unit. My goal after chemo was once my hair was long enough to put up with no extensions was to ride. I made inquires about finding a unit to ride with but there just didn’t seem to be anyone who wanted me. I spoke with BJ Allen who runs the Kamehameha Floral Parade and she basically told me the only way would be for me to organize my own unit. My older brother Reid, lovingly teased me while we were making lei the week before the parade, “I guess you weren’t wanted on any of the teams “units” so you made your own.” My response was “Pretty much.” LOL

Once the decision was made that I would organize the Island of Kauai’s Pa’u Unit I needed lots of help. Thank goodness for Kip and Melissa Kaopua. Kip and I went to elementary school together and lost track of each other until I bought Shiloh. Kip became my Ferrier. When I discussed this desire with him he told me he would help me but wouldn’t ride. This seemed to be a very common response. He also mentioned that I would be thankful to have him on the ground the day of the parade because I needed someone who knew what was going on and could take care of things. He was right. His wife Melissa was amazing too and we’ll get to that later.

Finding the riders was a challenge. Anyone who had ridden before knew the amount of work involved and choose not to participate. This is sad. Understandable, but sad. I was fortunate though, I found the best riders out there: Catherine “Cathy” Gilbert, Brendon Kanakaole, Kamaka Faborito, Terri Dinubilo, and Aawa Kamai.

For the first three weeks after making the decision to ride I drove around suddenly aware of all the different colors of flowers and foliage surrounding me, trying to remember where everything was. I felt like a child in a candy store for the first time. I wanted to pick as much as we could and buy as little as we needed. I wanted to embody the spirit of the parade from the beginning to the end.

Well, lets just say I was freaked out on the third week and realized I was in way over my head. I couldn’t remember where I saw what… didn’t know how long things would survive once picked, and couldn’t grasp the concept of “bundles”.

Aawa to the rescue. One day I was talking with Kip and mentioned that I was really beginning to freak out and didn’t know how to proceed. Kip mentioned that Aawa was an amazing lei maker and very creative and could do what I needed. BUT I had to ask him. I’m sorry but I hate asking for help. I’m a doer and will try hard to not bother others. I guess this journey was going to teach me to ask for help when needed. I sucked it up and made the call. Aawa was so gracious and agreed with no hesitation. He rattled off things I needed to order that we couldn’t pick and then asked the question, “Do you want the full experience?” I nodded like the kid in the candy store again and said, “yes”. He said, “Okay, book the flight to the Big Island for those in the unit that want to go a week out from the Parade and we go.”

I was told to start putting the word out to friends and family with contacts on Kauai because we needed MOKIHANA, unique to the island of Kauai. Mokihana only grows in the deep forests of Kauai and usually hunters and serious hikers will come across it. I put the word out.

In the meanwhile, I found something on our ranch that surprisingly resembled the Mokihana on a weed type plant that had lots of thorns that pierced leather gloves, had tiny hairs on the branches that once in contact with your skin made it itch, and least but not last while picking it some of us started coughing because the back of our throats felt like pepper or something was back there. Roberta Rita, owner of Ham’s Flats, kindly agreed not to cut down the weed until we had picked what we needed for the parade. We started picking Faux Kihana for lack of the official name about two weeks out.

After the Queen and Princess meeting and hearing about all the practicing the other units were doing we decided to do one. Personally, I didn’t think it was that important because we are all riders and were riding our own horses. However, I was glad we did. Aawa, Terri, and Kamaka were all seasoned parade riders and they were able to explain what we needed to do and how. We did this for maybe 45 minutes and then off for a 4 hour trail ride. Now the trail ride was amazing but … that is another story.

The Sunday before the parade Kip, Melissa, Brendon, Fawn “wife of Brendon”, Aawa, and I met at the airport at 4:30 AM and flew into Kona on the Big Island. Let the fun begin. We rented a 7 passenger van and comfortably drove to Waikaloa Shopping Center for water, food, and stuff. We proceeded to Saddle Road. While driving I saw cattle grazing, horses in pasture, wild turkeys, and squirrels. OKAY, no squirrels.

Never having been on Saddle Road before I had no clue what to expect. We were suddenly in an area that was referred to as the “Whoops” road. Everyone in the back seats were yelling faster, we went as fast as our little van could take us up a an incline, and as we crested you couldn’t see the road ahead and it appeared like we were going to fall of the face of the earth, then I would let off the gas and our tummies all flipped flopped and down we would go. We did this several times until I noticed Aawa’s white knuckled grip on the dash board and I heard him say under the noise from the back seat…”sista no need go so fast.” At this point we slowed down and enjoyed the rest of the ride relatively quietly.

We arrived at the mile marker we were looking for and were given a quick lesson as to what we were looking for and how to stay safe and not get lost. Kip showed us the Waiwaiole, Liko, Pukiawe, and Uke Grass. Melissa shared with us that we should stay on the path or if we wander off then make sure you always look before you step. There are caverns that you can fall into and some are full of water. Aawa, shared a secret about not getting lost, always keep the power lines in view so you can always find your way back. I was a little concerned but thought what the heck this is an adventure lets enjoy it.

In the beginning I was anxious about picking the right plants and then was I picking the right parts of the plant. After about ten minutes I got it and again I felt like a kid in a candy store, running from plant to plant, forgetting the rule about watching where you step and down I’d go. No water or cavern but a nice reminder to remember where I was and the rules.

Often times I would find myself completely alone in an area, I couldn’t hear the cars on Saddle Road or any conversations or see anyone else picking and I would just loose myself in the moment. We were picking flowers/plants on lava fields on the Island of Hawaii. Light misty showers would bless us, fog would role in briefly then move on, the sun would come out and occasionally you would hear the birds singing in the distance. This would all occur in a short time span and then repeat itself. Then you would hear, “Whoo’i”. Kip was checking on us. I would respond, “here.” Aawa would respond. Brendon and Fawn had wandered down the road so no response.

We picked for about three hours, took a break for lunch and for the DLNR officers (don’t forget to get your permit for picking, go on line to do so.) and then off we went back towards Kona on Saddle Road. We were in haunt of the A’alii. Beware of the Wolf Spiders.

Unfortunately, the A’alii wasn’t ready to be picked at this location so we ventured on to Waimea to stop in and see a friend of Aawa’s named Michelle. She and her husband graciously welcomed us into their home on the spur of the moment and sat with us while the mists of Waimea rolled in and out. Michelle is a lei maker, I think lei genius, she sat with Aawa and shared ideas of what we could do. She also had made an AkuliKuli lei for Aawa to wear in the parade and then kindly Fed Ex’d another for me to wear in the parade. Michelle was so fascinating and beautiful. I couldn’t help but stare at her when she spoke because her beauty was not only on the outside but glowed from within.

We were pretty chilled to the bones by the time we headed back down towards Kona in search of where Michelle said we would find the A’alii and find it we did, along with a herd of Kona Nightingales-ten of them to be exact. For those of you who don’t know what Kona Nightingales are they are wild donkeys. I was so excited. I’ve always seen the signs along the road to watch for them but had never seen them. On this trip we saw lots. YEAH.

We headed back to the airport after this last stop to pick from the a’ina and barely made it on to the plane. We landed on Oahu at 10:30PM.

The rest of the week we all worked, picked, and met to make lei in the evenings- often not finishing until the wee hours of the morning. On Wednesday, we finished five of the six horse lei and most of the lei we would be wearing. We were on schedule and a little ahead. This was accomplished by all my family members coming up and helping, along with neighbors, and friends of friends and riders, and the unit. Without everyone working together we would never have been able to accomplish what we did so graciously.

Midnight on Friday the day before the parade Hair and Make up Call. You gotta be kidding me! Midnight? Tania DeJesus did our makeup and Aawa Kamai did our hair. With the help of Kala, Melissa, and Lei Naala we were able to get our Kipola on and lei attached by 5:00 AM to head to Central Intermediate to be wrapped in our Pa’u and mounted by 7:30 AM. Whew, almost there.

By 8:00 AM we were moving down the rode to Iolani Palace to wait until the parade would begin at 9:30.

As I sat on Ellie I thought to myself, “Darn it is hot, what was a I thinking when I got myself into this.”

Then I remembered the countless hours of picking flowers, making lei, talking story, the laughter, the learning, the sharing, the friendships that were created, and most of all how much love we had all shared in our own way to make it this far so we could represent the Island of Kauai. It came to mind at this point how lucky we all were because we would get the glory and the compliments as we rode the parade route. There were so many who would not be recognized for their efforts to get us to this point. We needed to do them proud.

A wise person once said, “The journey is so much more important than the destination” and in this case it was so true. Riding down the parade route was the destination but the journey to get there was so much more valuable and if everyone could somehow be a part of this journey they would be richer for it.

Special thanks to the family members on Kauai who hiked two weekends in a row in search of Mokihana. We did our best to represent your island with Aloha and graciousness to make you proud.

Also, thanks to the ER Department at Pali Momi for the seven stitiches and careful bandaging on Friday Morning of my foot. I hardly felt it for the last leg of my journey.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this dream a reality.

If I misspelled any names of flowers or people I humbly beg your forgiveness. Remember to live your dreams, love one another, and most of all take care of yourselves.

Until the next wild adventure… A Hui Hou!

Why do people worry about what others think....

2009-07-10T17:13:00Z

Why is it that some people worry more about what others are doing instead of focusing on themselves? This has been a question through out my life time that I have come across and I still don't have the answer.

Most of us strive to be better riders with good communication with our mounts so that what we do together seems effortless. Some of us improve quickly and others need to work at it. I'm one of those that needs to work at it but when I get it it feels amazing. The sad thing is that others around instead of rejoicing in the fact that another rider is coming along instead feel the need to criticize and compare and knock down.

This bothers me not because it hurts my feelings but because it is all so negative. Again, why can't we all rejoice in others accomplishments and work harder on our own to become better riders and horse people.

There have been situations where I just want to walk up to these people and tell them to get over themselves, hang up their insecurities and come have fun, instead of sitting on the side line spewing negativity. I don't because to be honest I don't think they would have a clue about what I'm talking about.

We all have life lessons to learn about ourselves and others and if we are not ready to move forward or beyond the barrier holding us back we stagnate.

Call me crazy but I think life is too short for all this and we all should just get along and have fun with our horses... Like Sandra Bullocks character in Miss Congeniality... I want World Peace.

The loss of a friend...

2009-04-13T18:17:00Z

Saturday, April 11, 2009 we gathered at Nuuanu Mortuary to say good bye to Harry Mau. Harry had touched many lives and within half an hour the parking lot was full and over flow parking was added across the street. It was a beautiful sunny day with gentle breezes touching the flowers in the cemetery surrounding the hall. People were lined up to pay their respects to the family left behind and within no time the line was out the door and down the drive.

A picture of Harry, recently taken, must have been his last birthday bash in Waimanalo, with lei and the infectious smile and twinkle in his eye was used for the program as well as placed at the front . When I saw this photo I had to pause and gather myself. It suddenly hit me, Harry was gone. I won't see him driving his big white pick up truck around Waimanalo with his arm in the window. I won't run into him at a horse event. He is gone. How can that be? I just spent the day with him in Waimanalo talking about goats... I was looking to find a milking goat because my doctor told me to get off cow milk and I thought if anyone knows where to get a milking goat, Harry will.

How many of us, when needing something, had turned to Harry for his wisdom and knowledge about animals and plants. I can't imagine the number because anyone who knew Harry knew that he loved to share what he knew. The numbers must be mind boggling.

During the service, Harry's son in law provided an eulogy that I personally felt summed Harry up well. There was history, humor, and love. Harry was Dr. Doolittle, Ben Cartwright from Bonanza, and Fred Sanford of Sandford and Sons...

Harry was a special person and will be missed by many. If you have story about Harry that you wouldn't mind sharing I would love to hear it. Keep his memory alive and tell his story through your eyes. While sitting at the funeral I would have loved to go around and ask, "How did Harry touch your life?" and then listen to the story... tell me now... I want to listen.

Amazing ride with Shiloh

2009-04-02T18:42:00Z

Shiloh my first love has come so far since I first had her join our family. We don’t know how old she is but we estimate her age to be about 16 or 17 and when we first got her we knew she had about 8 owners before me. This isn’t a good thing.

We knew she had issues but when you looked into her eyes she spoke volumes. She just wanted to be loved and she wanted to trust again… she just had hurdles to get over and we needed to help her.

I have been riding her again and trying to make it a point to do so at least two if not three times a week. This last ride was amazing… I was able to get her to walk, trot, and cantor nicely around the arena. No hibbie jibbies.

I really wanted to ride more but because she is so out of shape I had to quit her and walk to cool her down. Unfortunately, I’ve been sick since that ride and haven’t been able to get out to ride her again. My goal today, is to ride and I’m crossing my fingers we might of crossed a threshold and we are on the right track again.

2nd HWRA Race...

2009-04-02T18:25:00Z

Attended my second HWRA Event this past weekend at Wheeler Stables and competed in Barrel Racing and Pole Bending. Well, if you can call it competing. I’m always amazed when I watch the seasoned riders go in and do the patterns. They are all so aggressive and show no fear at the speed they travel at.

We arrived a little later than we had planned because we tried to get to the stables the way you would have years ago. Apparently, one of our last big rain falls had washed out the road and after traveling for about 15 minutes on winding dirt pot holed roads we realized the road was closed and we needed to turn around and find another way in.

I have to say. I was pretty impressed with myself when I realized I had to do a U-turn in a relatively small space and actually did it without much difficulty. Of course, the butterflies in my tummy were a flying but I had to make the turn there was no other choice. Well, there was I could’ve asked Berta to switch places with me. I’m sure for her it would have been no problem.

When we finally did get to the arena I had about 30 minutes to tack up and warm up before the event started. Not recommended. I like to arrive early, warm up and get comfortable with the surroundings and take my time. Good exercise though. I learned I can adapt and Ellie is just fine if she has to do it all so quickly. No bad behavior being rushed and warmed up so quickly. Thank goodness she is so easy going. How I lucked out I don’t know.

I do know that because I didn’t have a lot of time to visualize what was about to happen and what I would need to do that I did not do the barrel pattern as well as I know we could of. We participated in the practice run, the novice, and the amateur races. The first really sucked, the second was alright, and the third I can’t even remember. I tried to focus on what needed to happen and to go faster. That is the funny thing. I thought I was going faster but according to Berta I wasn’t.

Something that amazed me was how the seasoned girls started running into the arena through the gate. This sort of freaked me out. First off, there was a bar above the gate and a bar at the base. I could see the horse jumping forward and the rider hitting her head or worse the horse miss stepping and tripping on the bottom bar. Either way, I thought scary not for me.

I proceeded as Berta said to circle wide in the arena and then go. I felt like a grandma doing it this way but I thought what the heck better safe than sorry. Listen to your instincts. Thank goodness no issues arose with the way the other riders approached the races.

It also surprised me at the times the girls were able to get. They were pretty good for horses that had room for improvement in how they approached the turns and their bends. If they could get their horses correct they would shave time off their runs. It’s ironic… I have a horse that is getting the pattern correct with bending and entering the turns but no speed because the rider is chicken and then there are these other riders who have the speed but not the correctness… If there were a way to blend the two we would all be so much better at what we are doing. Of course, that would make it even harder for me to compete and possibly place but who cares. I’d sure like to see what they are capable of.

Pole bending was a crack up. We went in on the first run and I went fast (again I thought I was going fast) got to the end pole and blanked and thought “where’s the barrel”. OOPS this is pole bending sorry Ellie. I could feel her hesitate and say “what the heck are you doing?… let me go I know the pattern.” I realized at that point how important it is to have your head in the game and focus. I thought I was focused but obviously I wasn’t.

The next run was a little better and I tried hard not to hold her back and let her go but again I failed. The good news was she was correct. The last run I guess I got more speed on the run in and run out but I still held her back going through the poles. I need to let her go and not worry about being correct… or am I? That is the question.

I’m at the point where I’m still schooling her. The goal is to go to these events and do everything correctly this season and slowly add speed so in September at the all girls rodeo hopefully I can let her go and trust her and maybe get the best times of the year. I’m not so worried about placing or winning although that would be nice but lets face reality… there are girls who have been doing this for years with horses that were bred to do this. I’m just along to improve my riding and give Ellie something to do.

Bert Miranda was here 3/21/09

2009-04-02T17:33:00Z

Bert Miranda was here! I don’t know how to thank him for making the time to work with me and my horse this past weekend. I’ve been keeping you all updated on Bert Miranda and my journey with Ellie at HorseSynergy.Org and through Malama Lio. Anyone who has a horse that needs help would benefit from learning more about him. Instead of writing about the past I would rather give you an update of where we are and what we are doing and how Bert helps us.

My journey has me now as a member of the HWRA which means that Ellie needs to run barrels and do pole bending and the rider needs to be able to ride at a much quicker pace. I’m thankful that Roberta Rita, State Champion in her hay day of barrel racing, kindly shares with me the “how to’s” to help my horse and me ride better and she is the person who turned me onto Bert Miranda almost two years ago and I’m forever grateful.

I’ve also been very active in sorting events. Last year was my first to compete and we attended all of Greg Smith’s Sortings and Bud Gibson’s Ranch Sortings. Bert would come over and work with me and Ellie on cows last year because that was my passion.

When Bert arrived this weekend and he walked into the arena after I had warmed Ellie up he asked me what I wanted to work on. I grinned from ear to ear and told him well…. We have a schooling with Bud on Saturday and next week I have a barrel race and pole bending. We need help preparing for both.

I don’t’ know if trainers would all take that in stride or if they would say focus on one but I loved Bert’s response. He just did the awe shucks head shake, grinned, and said OK. I got off, we adjusted the stirrups, checked the cinch, and off he went with Ellie. I sat at the end of the arena and watched.

Normally, I ask to be the rider and have Bert work with me and my riding and how to get Ellie correct. Lately, I’ve enjoyed having Bert get on, school Ellie in what we need her to do and when I cool her off I try to get the same results. I know this is in a way cheating but I never said I wanted to be a trainer. I just want to be able to ride my horse and get the same results I see him get when he rides.

It was amazing to watch. Ellie wasn’t as supple in her movements when Bert first started and as I watched them move around the arena I could see her melting right before my eyes. When he started her on the barrels she was unsure of herself at a cantor and by the end he had her going pretty darn fast and she was moving under herself and well. We do have to work on keeping the bend when moving at a faster pace but Bert assured me as her confidence level increases she will give me the bend… or maybe not… we’ll have to see.

Toward the end of the lesson he started roll backs and movements used in sortings. She really started getting her hind in under her and moving more freely. This was Friday. Saturday morning while he worked with us you could see her gaining confidence and freedom in her movement that she didn’t have the day before.

Saturday, ended with us at the Schooling for the Ranch Sorting coming up on April 4^th at Town and Country with Bud Gibson. To be honest, I often have trouble keeping Ellie framed which then will cause all kinds of things to happen, usually with the end result being that the cow gets away. It is key to keep your horse framed. We fell out a couple of times but I believe that because Bert worked with Ellie and me for two days prior we were better off. I was amazed at our success of cutting cows out and being able to get where we needed to be with less fuss then in the past.

We still have a way to go and I’m enjoying the journey. I’m thankful that I found Bert Miranda and encourage anyone who has a horse they love but aren’t able to do what they want with it to reach out and try Bert. He listens, he shares, and he works.

Bert will be coming again in April but has limited time to work with horses and people. He will be here on the 9^th and if you are interested please call me at 388-1485 to book your slot now. He will be back during Memorial Day Weekend from May 22^nd through May 25^th. Go to HorseSynergy.ORG for more details or call me. Bert works one on one in a private session format: You and your horse are what he focuses on no one else.

The loss of a good friend....

2009-03-09T19:20:00Z

Loss is never easy. If anything, those left behind are the ones that suffer, especially if you believe in an after life. We feel the loss when we remember something funny to share with the person or when we suddenly need advice.

For the most part, we live our lives without realizing how precious and short our time together is. We get caught up in the dramas of our lives and those involved and forget to appreciate what we all bring to the table.

As we mature, we carry the experience and wisdom that we have earned throughout our journey of what we call our lives. We carry the memories of others that have impacted our decisions we have made. We are the ones who are trusted with ensuring that no one is forgotten and that memories will live on.

The realization that Harry has moved on is a difficult one to grasp. He has been a pillar in the horse community for so long that only the newbies might ask "Harry Who?" I consider myself a newbie in relation to those who have been around forever and even I knew who Harry was.

Although short in stature and often soft spoken Harry often told stories that would lead one to believe he was a much larger man. His personality personified adventure and kolohe'ism. (that is if there is such a word) Many a day would end in laughter and disbelief at the stories he would share.

With this passing I feel remiss even more so than others. The sudden realization that there will be no more Harry Stories from Harry. We are loosing this generation of Horse People and with it their memories.

If you have a memory of Harry or anyone we have lost recently in the horse world please share it with us here. If you have photos that you would like to post either email it to me and I can upload it or if you can figure it out knock yourself out. We need to keep the memories alive.

My first horse...

2009-03-03T19:38:00Z

It all seems so long ago when I first shared with my husband Mike my childhood dream of having my own horse. I don't know when I fell in love with horses but I suspect it was when I was first placed on my Uncle Don's mare Rosie. I must of been 3. I don't remember much other then the wind in my face, the rhythm of their movement, and the love in her eyes.

The reason owning a horse was a childhood dream was that it could never be in reality. You see, my mom was highly allergic to any type of animal. Which, of course, included horses. Horse hair and dander as we all know will get into everything. There would be no way that I could possibly pursue this dream.

However, my mom sacrificed a lot for me because when I was in girl scouts she would encourage me to ride at the day camps or when the troop would schedule a trail ride she would be right there telling me to do it. This often meant that I had to strip down outside of the car and change into clean clothing before riding home with her.

When I shared my dream with Mike he asked why I had never tried to pursue this dream as an adult. Well, I had a list of whys. It started something like this, 1. it cost money to buy a horse, 2. it cost money to maintain a horse, 3. it cost money to board a horse, 4. it cost money! He followed up with, "How much money?" Of course, I had no clue. At this point he encouraged me to start looking into owning a horse and how much it would cost. In the end, he made my dream come true. We bought a horse. That was 5 years and four months ago. Not that long in retrospect but in how much I've learned since that day seems like a lifetime.

The Search
We started looking in the classifieds because we didn't know where else to start. The first ad we responded to said that the horse was 17 hands and gentle ready for a good home. We checked it out. Now, I knew enough that 4 inches equals a hand and that the measurement is taken from the highest point of the withers. According to the ad this horse should of been 68 inches or 5 feet 8 inches at the withers. I'm 5'7" which meant I should not of been able to look over her withers. Well, lets just say the horse was more like 14.2 hands and maybe gentle but in terrible shape. NEXT.

A few weeks later we found another ad that might work out. We drove to Waimanalo and met with the owner of the horse. I wanted to make sure that I could ride this horse so being the green person I was. I took my Parelli halter and lead rope and walked the mare to the round pen with husband and current owner. She explained to me that this horse needed a good home. She had been mistreated int he past by previous owners and that she had some issues.

Of course I heard it but it didn't register. I was walking a horse that had the most loving eyes to a round pen where I was going to see if she would accept me on her back and respond to my requests. I tied the halter so that they were now reins. My husband give me a leg up and I sat on her bareback for bit to make sure she was willing. She seemed very happy to have me there. We started walking, I asked her to move over in both directions. I asked her to stop. I said SOLD. I had bought my first horse. Her name was Shiloh.

For all you experienced riders I bet you were cringing.. or maybe laughing.. or both. I look back and I think how lucky I was. She could of bucked me off. She could of really hurt me. But she didn't and this is why I say horses are smart. They know a sucker when they see one.

Over the next year I felt like the biggest sucker out there and I was. I own up to it today. However, sucker I may have been but better learned today because of it too. A couple of broken bones later... I have learned so much about myself, about horses, and most of all about Shiloh....

Bert Miranda Coming Again March 20, 21, 22

2009-03-03T11:42:00Z

It was a pleasant surprise when Bert Miranda arrived in Honolulu this weekend and a fortunate few were able to work with him.

At the end of last year I made the decision to try barrel racing and pole bending. After watching the All Girls Rodeo at Kualoa I thought that maybe by doing these two events my riding skills would improve. Having to learn how to coordinate hand and leg movements at a quick pace have been somewhat of a challenge for me. Well, actually using my legs have been an ongoing challenge.

Fortunately, Roberta Rita of Hams Flats, has been there to guide me in what I needed to do. First off, it is important to pattern your horse with the barrels and poles. Getting the correct bend and guiding your horse through the turn is very important; learning when to use your legs, which one in correlation with your hands is highly important. Secondly, speed is important but only when horse and rider are ready for it. Thirdly, do it correctly worry about speed later.

Thank goodness that Berta has the time and is willing to work with me. I have been very lucky to have her guidance. Because of her, I am also very lucky to have the opportunity to work with Bert. This leads me to my update of what I have been doing with Ellie.

Ellie is almost eight but only started her training at four; most think this is a little late. However, she has the amazing personality of “can do” and “will try”. Granted we occasionally hit bumps in the road when I try to go too fast and she doesn’t understand. Then we have a little discussion. Thank goodness for Bert. He understands and has taught me the importance of patience. Pushing a horse too hard and fast will lead to problems down the road.

This weekend he worked with Ellie on the barrels and poles. She has been working well for me at a walk and trot. When I would try to cantor her we would fall apart. I thought this was because things were going too fast for me because I wasn’t able to move my hands and legs quick enough which would lead to her falling apart. However, after Bert had been riding her a bit he was kind enough to tell me that she really just wasn’t ready to go at a cantor.

He worked with her on Saturday and Sunday and gave me things to work on with her. These exercises would result in both of our confidence levels increasing so we can move to the next step. By the end of his session with her she was really light in the mouth, getting on to her hind quarters where needed, and happily chewing and licking throughout the process.

Bert will be coming back for the weekend of March 20^th- 22^nd. If you have a horse that you need help with or if you would like to work with Bert and your horse contact me for scheduling. Bert is easy to work with. Time with him is one on one. He will ride, he will watch you ride and help, or he will do both. It truly depends on what you need to work on with you and your horse. There is no ego where Bert is concerned and he shares with you his ideas and thoughts in regards to what to do on your own.

Having someone tune up your horse is great, learning how to do it your self is even better. Bert flies into Oahu from the Big Island often enough that you and your horse benefit from having him as your trainer. His area of knowledge covers a wide range, reining, cattle work, roping, barrels, and pole bending to name a few. His rate per session is $60.00 and his sessions are approximately 1 hour but he makes sure he ends where the horse understands what is being worked on. Just because the hour is up he doesn’t just end the session. He leaves you and your horse in a good place.

Contact me at 808-388-1484 or gfujita@hawaii.rr.com. Or Roberta Rita at ritar001@hawaii.rr.com or 808-551-4935. Check out HorseSynergy.ORG for previous sessions with Bert and video.

Finding a trainer who is as capable and down to earth as Bert isn’t easy. He understands the horse and is able to communicate with the owner as to what needs to happen and how.

Welcome

2009-03-02T01:39:05Z

Welcome to my HorseSynergy blog. Never done this before but thought if I had been fortunate enough to have found information about horses, riding, and trainers earlier maybe just maybe I would not have made as many mistakes as I have made with my girls.

I have two mares. The first horse I ever bought was a horse with many issues. However, it just didn't matter. When I laid my eyes on her I fell in love with her and all her "hidden" issues. Of course, the person selling her to me warned me that she had been abused and could be difficult but it went in one ear and out the other. This mares name was Shilo when I bought her. I didn't want to change her name but I did want to name her so I added an "h" to her name, Shiloh. I was her eighth or ninth owner. What a journey we have had. Now that I have this blog site I'm going to share it and relieve my last five years. I'll bet you anything I'll relearning what I might have forgotten I learned.

My second horse really was the horse my husband and son fell in love with in a pasture above Waikele at Koa Ridge. Ellie or LL Precious as her paper work states was a four year old with maybe two hours of ground work with Dave Carswell when she was two. We had to basically teach her ground manners because she was lucky enough to be one of those babies left alone for the most of her life living in a herd or horses where her partner in crime was her half sister Twinkles that is either a month older or younger. The alpha mare was Roanie who was lame most the time so they weren't not disciplined as much as they should have been as youngsters. But that is okay, I'm sure it makes her who she is today and we love her.

Well, my husband and son sort of left Ellie to me and now I can say she is pretty much my horse too. When we bought her she was not even green broke. Thank goodness she was so ready to do something that she was willing and ready to learn anything. Of course, she had a bit of an attitude when she decided she had had enough and that in itself is a long story to be told through this blog.

If you ever have questions or comments I look forward to your stories and insight. Please share, for that is what Horse Synergy was created for. We can all learn from each other and if I can possibly save someone from making the same mistakes as I have man that would mean a lot.