“As riders, trainers, and caretakers, our job isn’t to enforce our preferred style of management…We’re taught certain methods or we form habits that work well for one horse, and then we assume that same approach will work for every horse that comes into our barn. But horses will prove you wrong quickly.”
We’ve all heard the saying: “Hustle beats talent when talent doesn’t hustle.”… It makes us want to slide on our boots, tighten our cinch, and get out there. But, if I’m being 100% transparent, sometimes it feels like talent still just beats you.
“How do you know when you have one of the great horses? It’s not when the trophies stack up, or when people stop you at shows to compliment their beauty. You know you have a next-level horse when…they cover for you instead of exposing you. When they steady your ride on the days you can’t steady yourself.”
“Buns shaped who I am as a rider. His old injury shaped the name Triple Trouble because we knew we were living on limited time, and every second was a blessing. I didn’t need it to be this real. I didn’t want the series to become this honest.”
“…just like a roller coaster, the first few rides are wild and disorienting. Your heart races, your hands grip a little too tightly, and you’re not sure if you’re exhilarated or terrified. But over time … your brain adjusts … And slowly, you can think in the middle of the speed. “
“As a nurse, I see this all the time with families caring for elderly or chronically ill relatives. They start out full of love and hope, but over time, the daily demands wear them down. The burnout builds.”
“…growth isn’t always flashy. That real growth rarely looks like a grand finale. It’s not always shiny or Instagram-worthy. Sometimes, it doesn’t come with applause or dramatic breakthroughs.”
“That’s what desensitization is: it’s not pretending you’re not scared, it’s choosing to stand your ground anyway. Choosing to face it, again and again, until your instincts rewire and your fear becomes focus. You still mutter curse words, but the breakdowns become breathers. The sobs become sighs.”
“And maybe that’s the real magic here. Maybe it’s not in the wounds that missed the tendon or the graft that took, but in the horse who chooses to keep going. Who chooses to stay soft. Who still relaxes when he sees me…We’re not out of the woods yet. But we’re still walking.”
When Payco decided he’d had enough of his confinement, chaos erupted. From knocking over Kamille to charging at my puppy and taking off down the road, the morning quickly turned into an all-out chase. Read on to find how this wild escape finally earned Payco a daily dose of sedation. (more…)
“I want to extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who trusted Kamille with their horses this year. Each horse taught her something unique and played a role in her growth as a rider. Your generosity and kindness have meant the world to us.”
“My focus this year isn’t going to be on major events but rather exploring my horses and getting together with them on a deeper level. Sometimes stepping away from a highly competitive atmosphere is the exact thing that is needed to excel further in the sport.”
We all know horses always are trying their hardest to injure, maim, and permanently disable themselves. But Payco has outdone himself this time. He has a long road to recovery, and the journey is just getting started. (more…)
The catch phrase of the week was, “Well that one wasn’t on my bingo card…” But then we literally had enough to make one. Enjoy this article where you get the inside view of a true $h!t show of a week!
For those in the mounted shooting world, it’s time for one of the most anticipated events of the year — the Eastern Championships and CMSA Futurity and Derby. Marcella and her crew are headed down and gearing up.
Moving up through the levels in a sport comes with a lot of moments of joy — but it also comes with a lot of hard work, dedication, and set backs. Marcella Gruchalak takes a look back as she achieves her penultimate move-up in Cowboy Mounted Shooting.
“How you treat your horse, if you smile and say hello, and how you react to a bad showing are all being observed by a child who idolizes you. Be the change you want to see in the sport because you’re teaching and influencing the youth riders more than you may know.”
“Do I know the work it takes to bring along a young horse to be my new partner? Yes. Am I ready to put in that work? Yes. Do I feel I have all the tools I need to be a successful partner for Hot Sauce? Yes. Will there be less crying than with Payco? Probably not.”
“While being injured has been a real mood killer, I will continue to find the bright side of things. I have people helping me that care, I’m assured my ankle is fixable, my seat is getting quite centered with all the stirrup-less riding and my right shoes all look brand new.”
No matter what happens in 2024, I don’t think I could be disappointed in the horses I ride or my journey with them — unless of course I break another bone.
“I’m not sure how much more motivation I need than my nine-year-old niece beating me on my own horse — and making sure I know it. Do I want to whoop on a nine-year-old? Yes. Am I anywhere close to being able to do it? No, I don’t think so. But, it’s fun trying…”
“No matter which horse I’ll be riding, I’m counting down the days until this cowgirl can get back on her horse. It just doesn’t feel right that the main ride is a knee scooter.”
“A good horse trainer develops a quality horse. One that has all the bells and whistles.” A great horse trainer creates that horse and develops the rider… They put as much passion and hard work into the owner as they do the horse.
