Friday, January 22, 2010

Taking Chances



{First off, let me start by saying that I know I haven't answered all of your questions yet, I am still working on the last batch.
}


Many of you who read my sister's blog have heard about her opportunity to travel to a large Arabian horse show with the barn she works at.

I recently spent 3 hours hanging out at Paint Girl's barn.



I am very sensitive to spending time at her workplace. I don't want to be a distraction to her, or be in the way of anyone else working there. I always have checked with her first, asking about the activity for the day. If there are a lot of clients or potential buyers scheduled, I won't stop by.

This time, if possible, I wanted to stop by and watch some horse's being ridden. In the two brief times I've stopped in previously, I've just watched horses turned out and no trainers were riding.
This particular day, my sister told me a trainer would be riding, it was going to be mellow, and that it was fine by him for me to stop by.

Of course, when I arrived (after my exciting felon-on-the-loose-farrier-adventure) things had changed and the barn was hopping. Someone had come by to try out a horse for sale. The halter trainer was there working with the halter babies. Speaking of the halter trainer, he kindly introduced himself to me and sang Paint Girl's praises, telling me he'd steal her away to his barn in a heart beat if he could.





I was asked to hold a halter. And then to hold a bridle. And then to hold a horse, because the new groom had accidentally put another horse in his stall and had to switch him out. If you stand around in a busy barn long enough, you get put to work.


Later, after the prospective buyer left, I was able to watch one of the head trainers at the barn work horses. Paint Girl had told him I wanted to watch English (saddle seat) horses. Some of them are working in full bridles (two bits) and some still in snaffles. I also watched a western pleasure horse work. Paint Girl came into the arena to watch, too.


What I really liked about this trainer is that because he sensed my interest, he took the time to talk to me and show us things. He explained what he was doing, and answered my questions. He didn't act like I was wasting his time. I could tell he was excited to share a bit of this Arabian world with me. I could tell it's his passion.




Paint Girl has talked about this trainer as being the kind who is willing to take an amateur or youth under his wing. To help them learn and grow. I think this is a wonderful opportunity for her. An opportunity that most horse crazy girls can only dream of. Who knows if Paint Girl will become an Arabian horse trainer down the line or not. Regardless, the experience she gains will benefit her greatly. She can apply it elsewhere, maybe starting her own training business, giving instructions to youth, or working with Mustangs.



This trainer even told me that once I got a few saddle seat lessons under my belt, to come back and he'd put me on a horse. Yikes! How many trainers from a big barn would say that to one of their groom's sisters? Not very many, I think.


And saddle seat lessons? What exactly did he mean by that?

Hmmm...... To be continued.

39 comments:

  1. I could just look at your pictures all day. They are so beautiful.
    ~Amy

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  2. Absolutely wonderful pictures.
    How exciting to get to spend a day like the one you described

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  3. WAY COOL! Sounds like a great day at the barn. I'm so glad for how everything has worked out for your sis. Definitely staying tuned for more Arabian stories! :)

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  4. Oh I think this is the start to a much longer story... maybe one that is still in the making?I think we might both end up with some new experiences under our belt soon:) Do you feel the itch?:)

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  5. I'm sorry, all I read was 'Working with Mustangs'.

    Sounds good.

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  6. Oh...great pics as usual! And just to let you know, we got sponsors for the gray mare, so she'll be coming home! (Maybe need to put you and Paint to work, eh?)

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  7. Sounds like a great facility ,just the kind of place I like to hear about. Welcoming and helpful , and the joy that Paint Girl expresses even when she is so tired is wonderful. Good luck with the saddle seat goal!

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  8. Sounds like a wonderful barn! and you are right not many trianers act like they have time for anyone, even clients. It was nice of him to stop and talk to you! And how exciting!! Lessons!!!

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  9. Hmmmm...sounds wonderful. Great picture! Perfect day. What a great place to hang out and get great pictures, techniques, possible lessons and even a possible cowboy?

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  10. What beautiful pictures! Sounds like you had a great adventure! Keep us posted.

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  11. I love having you stop by to see me at work! And it was finally nice that you could see some horses being ridden!
    I got to ride my first english (saddle seat) horse yesterday, and will be riding him for the next couple weeks. It was so different, my legs are tired from posting. I am used to those slow western horses, ya know!

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  12. What a wonderful place to work- Arabian horses, good and kind trainers...
    You got some nice photos.
    I'm jealous of your sister!!

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  13. Nice trainer - hmmm... what nice man wouldnt want to talk to a pretty gal like you! I am excited for you and Paint Girl to take advantage of the opportunities that this fine facility has to offer!

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  14. Of course the pictures are great... very artistic!
    What a perfect Job for your sister, and this sounds like a good facility. A trainer with the heart of a teacher, excellent!

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  15. Wow, Love the pictures!! Is he married?? I'm really proud of Paint Girl!!

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  16. What a great opportunity for Paint Girl and maybe some new paths in your future too!!! I can't wait to hear more. Beautiful post!

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  17. What an amazing opportunity for you both. Great pix, as always.

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  18. Amazing opportunity for you both. If the Arabian Horse show is the one here in AZ in Feb, it is such an incredible experience to be there as a spectator, I can't imagine working there.

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  19. What a GREAT opportunity! Good for you, getting some one on one time with a trainer like that. There is nothing better than people who love their jobs and are willing to share their experience without expectations.

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  20. wow - what a great visit! I'm glad the trainers were(are) so friendly and supportive...that probably doesn't happen too often.

    don't keep us in suspense for too long about your lessons!!!

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  21. Thank you for your comments PG - I've read your blog and just love it. I think Your Boy somewhat resembles a Morgan (if Morgans could be appys)...he's so handsome.

    It sounds like Paint Girl has a very cool opportunity working with such a great trainer. I can't wait to read more about it. If you do get a chance to take saddle seat lessons, go for it! It's so much fun, but quite a work out too :).

    Anyway, thanks again for your wonderful comments, they were very nice and I truly appreciate them.

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  22. Go for those saddleseat lessons!! My daughter just had her first one yesterday on a saddlebred and is ready to trade in all her western pleasure gear tomorrow. She loved it! I'll probably have a video clip up on my blog of it later today if you want to stop by for a peak.

    And definitely take advantage of that trainer's generosity! You can learn so much from people like that.

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  23. {Jan}~ "A trainer with the heart of a teacher, excellent!" That is almost exactly how the trainer described himself after I told him I was a teacher! :) I think a true trainer is a teacher, not only of horses, but of people, too. That is really how I see Buck Branaman.

    {Cowgirljlynn}~ Yes, he's married, LOL!

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  24. That sounds like a really great training facility with great people. I used to spend a lot of time at an Arabian horse training facility, so I know how busy everyone is, especially at shows. I'm lucky if I can get in a quick hello when I see the trainers and grooms. Hopefully, I can get in a quick hello to Paint Girl if I see her in Scottsdale, but I promise to stay out of her hair.

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  25. What I want to know...is he married??? How would he look in a cowboy hat??? Does he have all his teeth??? Pony Girl...you really must post the important information too! LOL
    So glad you got to fianally see some action there. I am so proud of Paint Girl and her new adventure will take her to wonderful new heights in her horse world!!!

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  26. What beautiful photos from you, as always! Sounds like Paint Girl's new job is even way more awesome than she has told us on her blog. I'm so happy she's where she wants to be.

    And Desert Rose, you are cracking me up.... LMAO....

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  27. That was FABULOUS PG... the photos and the opportunity!
    :-)
    BB

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  28. Photos are great, you have a good eye. I am with the ladies....you must provide some more info on this gentleman!

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  29. I don't know if you want to venture into saddle seat lessons, but you should become their private photographer. What awesome pics! Love them so much. You should print some out and give them to them.........who knows where it would lead to! You could follow your sis around once she becomes head assistant and be her paparazzi!
    As far as saddle seat on a saddle seat horse, be prepared to sweat and feel like you are bouncing all over the place. Oh and take a handful of Ibuprofen before you climb in the saddle.....I much prefer western myself! LOL!

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  30. {Farmchick}~ I think the gentleman you are referring to is the trainer? He is not single, he is very married with children! :)

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  31. {DVM's Wife}~ I actually would love to do some photography at the barn for fun....then just give them some pictures, like you suggested. They do use a photographer for their sale flyers and videos, and he/she appears to be quite good. I'm sure if PG hears they needed someone, she would recommend me in a heartbeat.

    And I am terrified of that first lesson - I am SO out of riding shape right now, you bet I will be hittin' the Advil! ;)

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  32. Arabians are beautiful, graceful animals! There was a man who rented one of our barns that raised them when I was a child. I LOVE the first photo. You have an amazing eye!
    Now about this man...sounds like he is as interested in you as you are in horses!
    Staying tuned for updates as the barn turns.

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  33. It is so nice that Paint Girl has landed herself in a friendly barn! Not everyone in the horse business is so nice. I'm glad her joy and commitment is not wasted there!

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  34. Trainers like that are hard to find :) Ohhh Arabs, my weakness ;)

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  35. sounds like a great time and an excellent barn! such a kind person to work with newbies! paint girl is lucky to be at her new job and they are lucky to have her! have fun in your new lesson and enjoy yourself.

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  36. Fun and exciting times are afoot!
    I worked for an Arabian ranch for a year or so and they had me riding Saddle Seat. It wrecked my leg for a long time and after I found out more about it..I really dislike it now. Behind the motion and inverted. Sorry..very opinionated- I am! I rather like balanced riding in horse and rider.
    KK

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  37. And I thought this post was going to be about Chance! hehe!
    Lots of wonderful opportunities in Paint Girl's future. It must make you proud of and happy for your sister.

    I love the photo of her riding Fritzy. :)


    ~Lisa

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  38. {Allhorsestuff}~ Behind the motion and inverted?! See, I have so much to learn! :)

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  39. Wow, wow, WOW! Love those photos. What a neat experience.

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I love hearing from my readers!! I truly enjoy all of your feedback, advice, helpful tips, and stories. You all make me laugh and I learn so much from you, too. I will try to post replies to your comments as often as I can.

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