Strangles!

For the last few days I have been thinking about how to do this blog. This Farm was a huge part of my life, it taught me more then should ever be allotted into four years! When I think back over those four and half years, my head spins. The things I saw from a medical stand point. Well I have seen and done things that some Vet haven't had to handle!
The first thing to understand is this was a riding school that housed between 70 to 100 horses. And taught up to 700 students a week, with up to seven instructors. When I started there where three barn Managers. One head Manager and two Assistants, but with in one year there was only me!
During this time I  had the chance to work very closely with a amazing Vet, Dr Roger Scullin who is like a grandfather to me. He was a great influence on my life. He helped me develpoe my love of all things medical and a deep love for Fox hunting and hounds. He did more for me then words can say, including helping to give John and I an amazing Wedding! But that is a story for another day.
While working at this Stable I had to learn how to deal with a lot of illness and lameness problems on my own, with the help of Dr. Scullin on the phone. We where on a  very tight budget and part of my job was to stay with in our means.
At one point we had a out-break of strangles. We had this little chestnut TB mare, she was as bright as brass and could run! But she had blown out a tendon, so my boss had picked her up cheaply, to see if she could make a lesson horse. My top guy in the barn brought her to me one day and was pointing to her jaw, with out thinking I stuck my hand under her cheeck, and pulled away and hand covered in horrible puss. I stared in shock, my first thought was "No S*&t!!". I called Dr Scullin and said with out even saying hello "Her glands blew, we have strangles!!". The barn was shut down and about 30 horses come down with it. During that time I was moving horses left and right, trying to get the sick away from the healthy while giving shots in the flank. I only got kicked twice! After about two months every thing cleared up and all was well.
 It turned out that little mare was a carrier, when blood titters are pulled on her she would always show positive. As will many other horses that have been exposed to strangles.
I did not go into a real medical details in this post but if you have any questions about  Strangles and what I mean by a carrier, feel free to contact us or your vet.
Stay tuned for stories of maggots coming out of hooves! And what its like to deal with a full blown case of Potomac Fever, and the lose of a healthy horse with in 24 hours!
Sincerely,
Petra

My own Vet school! Coming soon.

Since I spent four and half years at one very large stable. A stable that i was very involved in, I am going to break a very long story into four different posts. I started as a Assistant, then became a Jr. Instructor as well as the Assistant barn Manager. After a very trying time I became the Barn Manager along with teaching 20 hours a week. Later on a become the head instructor, along with me being the barn Manager. During that time I was working seven days a week from 8:00am to 9:00 pm! Talk about burn out!
One thing I do have to say is a learned so much at this Barn. More then most people will ever learn in a life time. From training to Medical care. (ever run a IV Line, or tube a horse your self? I have!)
Tune back on Thrusday for my account of being the Barn Manager for what I like to call my very own hands on Vet school.
Good Night All!
Petra

A intro to a big part of my life!

  After collage I moved to Maryland in order to become a working student. I spent a wonderful year at Bascule Farm, where I started my career in jumping. After deciding that Eventing was not for me I took a Job as a Assistant Barn Manager at a very large Lesson barn, were I went on to serve as Barn Manager and Head Instructor, sometimes at the same time lol.This lesson barn had up to 100 horses at a time and well over five hundred students per week. I learned more about the medical care of horses then most people will learn in a life time. Ranging from out breaks of Strangles, Flue/Rhino and herpes, and diagnosing every lameness known to man!. I also developed teaching skills that included starting a five year old child on there first pony and up to 4ft hunter/jumpers and 3rd level Dressage. Think of about ten years being shoved into four! This was a very important time in my life, a place of many tears and frustration but also joy. Its where I met John! Please stay tuned for my next story!
Sincerely,
Petra

A topical days menu

  Hi, we are having a busy day, and I was hoping Petra was going to make a post about what she calls her science experiment! No not me, even though sometimes I wonder? It has to do with managing 70+ horses for 4 years. I think she will get to it tomorrow, so look forward to it! It will be marvelous! I promise.
  Ok, so back to today. I thought since it is bussy and I don't have something 100% prepared, I would give you a topical days menu for me, and it might inspire you in some way or not lol, but its better than nothing right? Please consult a doctor or nutritionist before making any changes to your diet. I am neither and just sharing what works for me, what you do is your choice.
  I get up and have a vanilla organic yogurt and two glass's of water. feed the dog and put him out, start the laundry,bring leo back in, exercise, facebook. By then Emma Grace is ready to get up, so I get her some milk and give her a few minutes to stretch. I put on some water to boil and when it has begun boiling I add two eggs.Then get Emma Grace and put her in her chair. We share a banana and each have a small glass of apple juice.When the eggs are ready I peal them and we share the whites. I have a very small drink- 3 ounces of coffee and 3 ounces of milk with one spoon of sugar and a glass of water.After breakfast we do the dishes, and then  we might go for a walk or play for a bit.We mix in laundry , necessary phone calls, and other chores throughout the day as best we can.
  Mid mourning snack is usually an apple or orange and some all natural cheese. There is usually roughly 3 hours between when we eat. Lunch varies of course, but a typical one would be a salad, with a small amount of chicken 3-5 ounces,.with balsamic vinaigrette.In the middle of the afternoon I might have some hummus and  carrots or fresh broccoli.I usually give Emma Grace some of everything I am having chopped well enough she can eat it, but I do also give her some servings of healthy age appropriate Gerber foods,.as needed.
  Diner is usually a portion the size of your palm of a protein ( fish, chicken ,beef,lamb ex. local and organic when possible) a vegetable as much as you want, but at-least a palm size portion, and fresh when possible, and a starch the palm size only! Petra and I split yams or have small serving of new potato's or corn ex.
  In the evening we do not always have a desert, but we do have some sweet fruit and maybe some all natural cheese or nuts or a little serving of *potato chips*You have to be careful here! and get the ones that are cooked in Sunflower oil or something similar that is not too bad for you. (read the label) also not too many.
  Well that's about it, for now. I hope this has helped you in some small way.
                                            Sincerely,
                                                              John
***P.S. I usually exercise  a second time in the PM and we do a variety of other things throughout the day. This is life at the moment, it changes, and I hope it will include more riding , teaching and other things- I can do to support my family again soon. Hopefully better than I have in the past.

Geesteren The Netherlands!!!

   Many years ago I was afforded an amazing opportunity to work in Holland. I want to take a moment to share this story briefly.I apologize for bouncing back and fourth through time, but I am a bit eccentric to say the least, so please bear with me. We have some ideas for interesting topics that are from our more resent past, the present, and hopes for the future, they are just still cooking and not quite ready to be offered for you to taste yet!
   Holland is a beautiful yet small county.  But big in intellectual minds, ingenuity, and heart !!! The people are very warm, generous and kind.They have Fantastic beaches. They grow stunning flowers. They have an amazing night life and cultural extravaganza.They have marvelous restaurants with everything very fresh and delicious.They also breed raise and train sport horses of the highest quality! Partly due to necessity and partly due to their immense pride they are incredibly efficient, organized, and clean, in every aspect of their culture.They put families first and have excellent social, educational, and environmental systems in place that are always improving.They apply this to the horses as well. The selection of breeding stock is as strict if not the strictest in the world, and the results from the world young horse classes all the way to Hickstead, and Totilas, and the WBF rankings give proof it is working well.
   I guess you can tell I liked it. I even considered making it my home at one point. The horses are fantastic, and horse sports are on TV all the time. The horse competitions are extremely well run and affordable, with great audiences, prize money and sponsorship.When there is a competition the whole town comes, and there are vendors, music, and great competition.
  I worked at a jumper sales farm that was the most active in the country at the time. I was able to ride some amazing horses, most of whom went very well for me. I was able to attend some incredible shows. Everything was done first class. Why did I leave? you ask, well the owner of the farm and I agreed that I had the riding talent needed to ride at the highest levels, and all I needed was time, the horses, and experience. I was too nice and too soft and did not like the quick fixes sometimes they felt were necessary at that barn. I will just leave it at that, but I will also say, I am very thankful for the time I spent there. I learned a great deal.
   What was the most amazing thing I saw? An international rider from Canada was trying a young potential GP horse and went through a one stride vertical to oxer at the top of the standards, and was still not sure they were ready to pay the incredible top price for the horse. So another fantastic young rider Michael and I were told to pick up the standards- holding up the back  rail of the oxer to our knees! We did which made it well over 2 meters or well over 7 feet!!! The horses jumped it cleanly and the rider shouted SOLD! on they way down.
   What was the biggest realization for me jumping 2 meters on a horse I had never ridden before and realizing how much the sport is about horse power, and there is probably a lot of truth to the saying "a great horse with a good rider- will always beat a great rider on a good horse"
   What did I like best? The people I am only sorry I have not been able to stay in touch with Michael and so many other truly marvelous, fascinating, and kind people I worked with and was fortunate enough to meet!
  I hope this has helped you in some small way.
                                                              Sincerely,
                                                                              John
P.S. Am I Dutch? well yes and no. If you go back in my family tree you will find Dutch, German, English, French, Irish, Scottish, and possibly a few other origins that can't be verified, BUT I was BORN in the USA so in the end I am an American first, but also a citizen of the planet earth who hopes to find a way to get along and live peacefully with everyone! I hope you can respect that even if you don't agree with it!

The Challenge of Trading Places

  Many times in life we need to be willing to trade places with others. I am doing it again, in one of my favorite ways. Petra has started a new position, and I am taking care of Emma and things at home.I have done this before and I want to talk about the challenges it poses for me and the rewards.
  The challenges, the biggest one has to be being apart. Petra and I are extremely close. I value her opinion on everything. I take great joy in sharing life's experiences with her, laughing at the funny stuff, asking her what she thinks about this horse or that ride, or something like- what shall we have for dinner or  holding hands.
 I feel we work best together but this isn't always possible. When I am working it is a little easier,because I am being kept busy by people and tasks. I still miss her input on everything. She has a unique take on things, which I love, even when we don't always agree.I just love doing things with her no, matter what it is. It is hard to put into words, but if I can't be with her, it is easier to be busy.
  When she is working and I am home its harder in many ways, but not the ones you might think. I don't mind the house work, even cleaning the bathroom. This is partly due to the fact that Petra is very appreciative of my efforts and very rarely critical.Also I find it easier and get joy from doing something that I know will make someone else happy, than I do from doing something for my benefit. I am working on that. Examples like making time to study, work out, or get something I truly need to make my work better.
  Taking care of children is both a challenge and a joy. On the one hand you have to keep them fed, clean, happy, and safe! On the other it is fantastic to watch them grow and learn and laugh! I have been fortunate to have had a lot of time with all three of my kids when they were very young. I must admit, that is one of my greatest challenges now is that I am far away from Grant and Joshua.I mis that time. Not being able to be there for their games, other competitions, boy scouts and ever changing activities is very hard. I just try and be thankful for the time I can be with them, and hope they know how badly I wish I was there always. I really try and make the time I do get count. This has also motivated me to be sure and put things aside for Emma Grace, because they grow up so fast. So I just sit and play or read or walk with her whenever I can. I try focus on how lucky I am to have her in my life, and that she is only this age once. Which is true for all of us everyday!!! WE ONLY GET TO LIVE TODAY ONCE, SO HOW DO YOU WANT TO LIVE IT? That is really the big question, don't you think?
  I hope this has helped you in some small way.
                                                        Sincerely,
                                                                          John

My continued search for a balanced life

   I want to tell a story with a few metaphors about how sometimes people can offer us opportunities and knowledge and yet knowing how to take advantage of this can be hard and complicated.
 I once worked for a very wealthy man. He made his fortune in real estate, banking, and hospitality.He is now diseased so I will call him Mr. B since he is not around to put in his words.We were sitting at a bar alone in a restaurant I was helping run for him and discussing the meaning of life so to speak. Things like turning lemons into lemonade ex. He had 10 small business that were separate from his big ones and he wanted to train me to be able to take them over upon his death, which was very faltering. His reasoning was everyone liked me, I was eager, and I looked like his favorite dead uncle! He told me everything that would happen over the next 8 years as far as the economy, and he was 100% right. I feel stupid I did not find a way to use this knowledge to do some good. He told me how everything in life was like a bell cure, and some people made money when things were on the way up, and others when things were down, but a few really smart people knew how to shift and change with the times and make money all the time.I turned him down, because I was working 7 days a week already, and I  hardly saw my family, and everyone who dedicated themselves to him while financially successful, were unhappy from what I could see as people. I also was not making enough to keep my farm, which I did have to sell anyway.
  I feel badly I didn't get to say goodbye to him though. He was a good guy and only wanted to teach people what he thought would work for them. He had four wives, many children, and grand children who I hope benefited from his hard work, and are using what he left them to make a positive impact on the world he so dearly loved. He told me how he loves them all very much and worried about them all them time. He felt badly when ever he couldn't be there for something that was important to them or he disappointed them in some way, but he also fealt very blessed to have had the life he had.
  For me I would like to use a riding metaphor to illustrate this concept I am still trying to apply to my life, to help achieve my goals. When jumping the landing and strides after a jump are just as important as the approach and take off, and technique while airborne, because there may be another fence to jump and if the course is over you want to be sound and in good health to face the next course. The same principle could be applied to dressage just replace the jump with a movement!
  I am still trying to create the life I hope for myself and those I love. I also feel horrible when I can't be there for any of them in any way and any time I disappoint them in any way.I am thankful for the chance to try and the life I have had even though I have failed many times. I have succeeded a few,and its NOT OVER!!!
***THANK YOU MR B!!! YOU ARE MISSED AND REMEMBERED!!!
  I hope this has helped you in some small way.
                                                                 Sincerely,
                                                                                   John
P.S If I can help you in any way, please let me know,and I will try to do what I can.

Continueing My Exercise Journey!!!

I tried some of the things I talked about before and a few new ones that worked well for me. Let me say again you should consult a doctor before starting a new exercise program. I would also like to say I am developing my own program that I hope will not only help me, but others. I am studying personal training concepts put fourth by NASM, but have not completed it yet. (http://www.nasm.com/). The program I am sharing with you is my own design! I have done numerous programs over the years and the best ones for me were Body For Life http://bodyforlife.com and the power half hour, p90, and p90x which can all be found at http://www.beachbody.com,and the www.gaiam.com yoga series I still use BUT none were quite perfect. Especially for riding, I need something that is even better so I am going to make it. All of the ones I have mentioned are good. But I must say there nutrional porgams were good and bad. The good are the portions and regularity and all natural organic menu. The bad for me was the nutritional supplements and bars,  they gave me all kinds of problems with digestion, sleep, and emotions. Remember I said me. I can only speak for myself, but remember this does not mean they won't work for someone else! We are all different.
Onto what I learned today. I want to take as few a breaks as possible, but as many as necessary, because I want to be as cardio fit as possible, and have my workouts take as little of my time as they can while getting the best results.  Its very important to be able to be able to keep going as long as you need with ease.With all that in mind I came up with three things that can be used in an unlimited number of ways. One use one arm or leg at a time and go form a set on the left than the right doing the same exercise and back again without any breaks. Number Two do three or four exercises for the same muscle group-one set doing max reps each-with no breaks. Number Three go back and fourth between two complimentary muscle groups with no breaks-a set of curls for your biceps and Triceps extensions for your triceps . Important Note I am always using fairly light weights doing high reps of every exercise never less then 11, while focus on good form. I want my program to work while keeping it as pain free as possible.
  My workout went FANTASTIC! I hope sharing this journey of mine searching for the best program I can creat helps you in some small way.
                                                         Sincerely,
                                                                         John

Florida!!!

 The Florida circuit is a very important part of our equestrian culture. Riders from not only the entire US, but the world come to compete and buy or sell horses!
  Many years ago I was very fortunate to have worked for two of the worlds top warmblood breeding farms Catherston Stud http://www.catherstonstud.com/history.php, and Irons Spring Farm http://www.ironspringfarm.com/. While at Catherston Stud I bought a wonderful young horse Deep Decision (Ivor) by Dutch Courage Jennies Olympic Bronze Medal horse( one of her 5 olympics representing Great Britain!), and brought him home, to the USA with me. I had him at Iron Spring and wanted to show him. Mary Alice was very nice and allowed me to go to Florida with Tod Flettrich .She was taking lessons from Jessica Ransenhousen  two time Olympian and the USA's Chef d'Equipe at the time,and Tod was her assistant trainer and had his own string of horses in training. It was a tremendous privilege and honor or which I am eternally thankful for- to all of them.
  We had a great time, and I learned so much. Tod and I watched numerous FEI trainers, to learn everything we could. He gave me a great deal of his time helping me with my horse.I learned a great deal from Tod, but I am sure only a small portion of what he has to share.
   Three things I would like to highlight about this trip that became clear to me.
  One the horse business is very hard even for our team riders. I am not just talking about the hard work and long days, but the financial end.Which is a subject that could fill several books, and I wish our top trainers and farms would share appropriate information, so we could all have a more realistic picture of the business and do a better job sustaining our wonderful sport.
  Two we need to find ways to show more people what we are doing, so they can enjoy it too. This will help us gain participants, sponsors, and grow the sport. We have to make what we do understandable and fun to watch, for this to be successful.
  Three Tod was getting help from many time Olympian (6or7) and Canada's current coach Robert Dover who was very gracious and spoke a great deal with me while I stood by the ring and watched. While there where numerous trainers who impressed me, Robert system was very clear and fair. I also believe learn-able! What do I mean by learn-able? Some trainers use styles that are so difficult for the riders and horses, that while it works out for them 98% of the riders make a bigger mess when they try and copy them, than they do good. Robert's way is simple to understand and fair to both horse and rider and by the book! (UDSF instructors manual) This was very inspiring for me!You can get some of this inspiration by going to http://doversworld.com and/or by tuning into his radio program nightly at 6 pm EST .
  I could go on and on about this amazing trip, but I am going to stop for now. I hope this has helped you in some small way.
                                                   Sincerely,
                                                                     John

A Quick Easy Healthy Inexpensive Meal!

Last nights dinner worked out well, so I thought I would share it. I took one large Yam and rubbed some olive oil on it and put it in tin foil, and put in in the oven at 375. Then I put some chicken in some Stub's original BBQ sauce in a baking dish and stuck it in the fridge will I continued to prepare the rest. I took one large head of fresh broccoli and  rinsed it off then chopped it and put it in a pot of cool water. Then I set the table and did a few other little things took out the trash ex. Once 30 min had gone buy I put the chicken in with the Yam. After another 30 minutes I flipped the chicken and added a little BBQ sauce, and put the broccoli on high until it boiled and then turned it back to medium. I checked some things on the computer and 15 minutes later I served dinner! This was enough for Petra Emma Grace and I. I did also use  small amount if organic real butter and sea salt for flavor on the yam and broccoli.
 Later in the evening I served small bowls of Haagen Dazs Vanilla ice cream with fresh strawberries.
 If you try it I hope you enjoy it we did.
                                                      Sincerely,
                                                                    John

OK, A Few Necessary Refinements To The Workout!!!

 I tried the lifting portion of my workout program and decided it needed some tweaks.Here are my notes about what I am changing and also what equipment I currently use.
* 3 sets of each exercise is enough, except the muscle group I am highlighting and ab/core work is its own thing.(I will explain  ab/core later)
* between sets if I don't have an equipment change it is probably a good idea to take a moment to catch my breath, if I nee too.. About 30 seconds should be enough.
* I don't need to change the weight every set, only when it seems to make sense.
* It is a good idea to highlight a different muscle group each workout by doing 3 different exercises just for that group of muscles and or super sets.
*I only use dumb bells and push up bars ( I like the Perfect Push-up by Body Rev because they can swivel) I use dumb bells to stay as ambidextrous as possible!
* For my ab/core work I do a variety of exercises and change it up a lot. Sometimes I only do one set of each with as many reps as I can , one exercise after another for the last 3-5 minutes.
* I start with the biggest muscles and go to the smallest with my exercises- back-shoulder-chest-trice;ts,biceps-for-arms and the same with my legs.
* It may take a little longer some days and in the beginning as I am still getting fit so I need to go a little slower than I will in 3 weeks.
* I do not need to and should not feel much pain for this to work. Fatigue yes a little soar yes real pain no.
* The goals FIT-LEAN-SUPPLE!!!
I hope by sharing this it has helped you in some small way.
                                                    Sincerely,
                                                                  John

My next step!

Ok its been 3 weeks and time to take the next step in my exercise program. Please, remember I am sharing what works for me, and you should consult a Doctor before trying a new exercise program.
So there are going to be three parts now.
 *Part one- walking/running everyday, now that I have added things to the program, I am going with once a day for 18 minutes, keeping a good pace.. I stretch before and after as needed. Most days I walk briskly, and only run once or twice a week at this point.
**Part two - yoga 3 days a week- upper body once, lower body once, and abs once. I will mix up the workouts and do more difficult ones as the program progress's, but for now I am sticking with the same 3 for another 3 weeks.
 ***Part three- lifting light weights actively 3 days a week for 18 minutes..Ok, here's the new part. I am warming up with running in place, jumping jacks, knee raises ex. for 3 minutes then I am stretching for 6 minutes ,  then lifting for 18 minutes, and finally stretching and cooling down for 3 minutes or as much as necessary. Then I lift, I am using a weight I can do 11- 30 rep's on each exercise at least. I am not taking a break between exercises except to take a sip of water as needed. I am keeping a good steady pace and rhythm.I do at least one exercise per muscle group, and 4 sets with the weight increasing a little each set. I never use so much weight that I can't keep good form. Keeping good form is VERY important. I also like to go at a pace were I can count 1-2-3 on the extension then hold for a 1-1,000 and a count of 1-2-3 on the way back, steady smooth and controlled at all times. I do different exercises each workout. I find this style makes me be more well balanced strength and have less soreness, and I mentally more positively aware.
 I am not trying to be BIG, instead I am going for healthy, lean, and fit! This routine will continue to evolve, but this is what I will do for the next 3 weeks.
  Finally a week looks like this yoga Monday-Wednesday-Friday usually in the AM. Lifting on Tuesday-Thursday-Saturday also usually in the AM. Walking everyday usually in the evening.
  I hope by sharing this it helps you in some small way.
                                                    Sincerely,
                                                                    John

The difference the acceptance and friendship we offer can make!!!

  Some times this happens when you least expect it! I would like to tell you a story about how one person's friendship and acceptance impacted my life tremendously! I believe we all are capable of helping others this way. First I would like to say by acceptance I do NOT mean condoning or supporting bad behavior, which leaves a lot of gray area I know! Rather when I made a mistake this friend for example would tell me, but I always knew they still cared and were acting with love and friendship.
  I am not going to bore you with too many details or mention their name, because they now how thankful I am and they don't like to flaunt their good deeds. They, as I do, believe instead that good deeds should be done solely because they are the right thing to do, and not because of what they might gain.At the end I will give you a few hints though.
  I was living in Newport Beach California in 1986 with my brother and I had almost lost hope of keeping horses a part of my life. Someone who heard I liked them told me about a barn that was looking for an assistant trainer so I went and checked it out. The trainer there said I must have been from the East Coast my equitation was so good and said I should see someone at the Orange County Fairgrounds for a position, so off I went. The first trainer I met with didn't even see me ride and only needed stable help, but he referred me to another couple who were also running a lesson business there.They did see me ride and offered to have me teach some beginner lessons in exchange for lessons and possibly a little pay. After a short time the young woman I was supposed to be replacing decided to stay which meant while they wanted me to stay they could not afford to pay me. I understood this happens in the horse business, but I was unable to continue without pay. I was very frustrated. Then my father had his first heart attack and was told he had Cardiomyopathy which is a heart condition that his doctors felt along with other factors only give him a short time to live. Their best guess was 2 years, he lived 4 1/2 and if you have been following our blog you have already read about his last day. Upon hearing this news I decided to move back to Monkton, Maryland, my parents home.
  I was reading The Chronicle of the Horse and there was an ad for a working student position with an FEI Grand Prix Dressage trainer as a working student in Monkton! I thought wow this might be great! I had never ridden a Dressage test, but thought this might be fate telling me something. So I gave it a try. My dad went into a special program at Johns Hopkins where they were doing research on new medications for his disease and he was doing well.
  The horses were amazing and the trainer a very gifted and knowledgeable rider, but the day to day atmosphere was very negative. They were always yelling 24/7 about everything, and with everyone, even family. They must have been very unhappy about something? One day someone was coming to see a horse for sale. I was told they were very important. I had no idea how important they would be to my future as a rider and a person. It was a man who was a vet and a husband of an Olympic Dressage rider and Trainer. A working student of him and his wife's accompanied  him... I was asked to ride the horse a little. It was embarrassing for me, because the trainer put the horse in long side reins. I felt I could have ridden the horse perfectly well without the reins, but no one seemed to care and our esteemed visitors were quite complimentary, and they stayed for lunch.I was quite taken with the positive energy the working student had. I had never met someone who brightened up every thing in this way. After they left I got in touch with the working student I asked her a million questions. We quickly became friends and she helped me decide to go to Westmoreland Davis Equestrian Institute and helped open numerous doors for me, but most of all she offered a rare friendship, acceptance, and emotional support. The mere sound of her voice ignites a warm and wonderful fire in me to this day, and the belief that you never know what each day may bring. What seems impossible just may be possible! She married another great friend of mine who has a quieter more relaxed demeanor, but is also very special in this same way. If you haven't guessed who I am referring I give these 3 hints. She was a young rider national champion, she won the AHSA now USEF Sports person of the year award as a junior! (an award given for good sportsmanship!) and her Birthday was yesterday!!!
   If she reads this I do want to say one million times Thank You for all you have done for me and just being you!!!
  I hope this has brightened your day and helped you in some small way.
                                                                      Sincerely,
                                                                                       John

My thoughts on correctly starting young horses!!!

  A three old horse is sent to me for training. He was well handled as a foal and does not just like people, but looks for them. He wanted our attention, waiting for us to spend time with him. For generations this animal has been bred to be our willing partner. He has also been bred to be a outstanding athlete. His breeder many even have dreams of him being some ones Olympic partner in one of the eight equestrian disciplines. 
  The horses first few years under saddle are a very critical time period. The trainer will help shape for kind of riding horse you will have as the horses career advances. As I trainer I take this very seriously. To be able to mold a talented young horse is a gift and privilege. For me this is the first thing that all trainers need to remember when dealing with a young horse. Keeping the horse first is always a priority, and its intended purpose. For example event horses are taught to go through water were jumpers are taught. to jump even the widest water obstacle.
  Horsemanship  in a form that can be applied today has been around since 400BC. And has evolved as our needs for the horse has changed. We no longer need a War Horse,or a plow horse or one to take us to town but a athletic  partner and a friend. As well has training has evolved so have our horses. A Dressage horse from thirty years ago is a different animal then is being produced today. At the heart of matter remains the simple fact that our civilizations would not be the same with out the horse. They deserve our respect and compassion when concerning any thing we ask of them. 
   The first horse I started was a bay Arabian gelding named Josiah. I started working with him when he not one year old. I was no more then 14, with out any real time under my belt starting horses. That horse and had bond that went beyond words. He would do any thing for me, he was my little War Horse. I could free longe him in a open field, send him off in a canter and then call him back. He laid down on command, bowed and would do Spanish walk. Because of his up bringing and our relationship the first day I sat on his back. He acted liked I had been up there all a long. Its rare but that first day we walked, trotted and cantered with in 25 minute session. A few months later I was riding him briddless and bareback.
   Know that I am a professional in the Horse industry my goals are very different. My main focuss is on FEI Dressage and Foxhunting. Most horses I do not teach such things because I do feel that it can interfere with there progressive training, and is not necessary in the training of a show horse or field hunter. But that relationship I had with that little Arab is always in my mind, and I try to transfer that to all the horses I work with. This thought process has helped me build some amazing bonds with my horses. I have had some amazing times in the Hunt field with a big Irish Sport horse that often gave people a wild ride. Now he is the Huntsmen top horse, and is as steady as a Mountain.
    The moral of the story is take care how you start your horse, or who you send him to. A real trainer does not use force or gadgets, nor do theny considering flipping or tieing a horse or are naive enough to think it can be done in a session or two, Or that it is ok to work a young horse at this stage for longer 45 minutes or turn the process into some sort of competition.

   We have many national associations with which we can look for guidance The USEF, USDF, USHJA, USEA, FN, BHSI, and many more. Great Schools of riding like Hanover, Samuer , The Spainish Riding School of Viena, and many more offer excellent examples.
                                             Sincerely,
                                                               Petra

The darkness and the light!!!

  I want to follow up my previous post about 'peacefully standing up for what you believe in, with some equestrian examples. I am going to start with the dark side of equestrian sports ,when winning and/or money become more important than the horses. WHICH IN MY MIND SHOULD NOT HAPPEN!!! Then I will talk about those who put the horse first and the business second the WAY IT SHOULD BE!!!
  It does happen at every level from local back yard to the Olympic level.. I am not going to name names.   I was either there or was told by the persons in question what they did. We are talking about unethical training and treatment. I will briefly tell  some of the things I have seen, but first I want to mention how I have tried to deal with it so far. I voice my opinion if I think it will be heard and distance myself from the individuals as soon as possible and no longer do business with them or refer business to them.If possible and action could be taken I made the appropriate phone call and made authorities or governing body aware
 One of the worst things I have seen had to be while a horse was tranquilized someone made a torch from a metal hanger and some rags added lighter fluid, and burned the long hairs of the horses winter coat. Then rubbed it to make it shine  so it would bring a bit more at an auction. Later on a international competitor and coach told me how they had a horse on the ground beating and dragging it to try and get it to go in a water complex that it would have to go through the fallowing day at a trials. Barns were horses almost never showed without illegal medications like tranquilizers.A t some of the top barns in the world some of these things happen.  Stallions and competition horses getting so many anabolic steroids. Steroids that can make them become sterile or founder on... Horses that have chemicals applied to their coronet bands so their legs are very sensitive to touch and then polled strongly at a jump and if they stop three young men are waiting with long whips to send them forward. Horses left in stalls with their heads tied down with side reins, in various ways and left for hours. Horses purposely flipped on there backs. Well I think you get the point.Onto the other side.
  There are as many good Examples! Now I will name names  These are trainers I have witnessed or lived with. Jennie Lorinston Clarke is adamant about horses proper treatment.CONRAD SCHUMACHER'S always had the public walking through his families farm with its restaurant and golf course ex.and told me how it was important for evryone to know they may be being watched as he traveled a lot. Robert Dover is a shining example with his ring along the road in Wellington for everyone to see. General Burton, Tad Coffin, Raul de Lion, Barbara Strawson, Scot Hassler, Susanne Hassler, Belinda Nairn Wortman , Fred Weber, Felicitous Von Newman Cousel, Jack le Golfe, Gunnar Osturgaurd. Tod Fletrich, Mary Alice Malone, Frank-John-Bezzie Madden, and last but definetly not least my dear friend Ricardo Villa. Are ALL PEOPLE I WOULD LEAVE MY MOST PRECIOUS HORSE WITH AND NOT WORRY AT ALL !!! There are many more great barns and professionals I only mentioned ones I could give a first hand endorsement
  It us up to each of us to choose everyday to walk in the light even when it may cost us a great deal, we must!
  I try my best to give the best example I possibly can at all times. I hope in the years to come it only gets better and that all the people on my list and many more would give me such an endorsement.
  I hope this has helped you in some small way.
                                                                       Sincerely,
                                                                                       John.

You have to draw a line and peacefully stand for what you belive!!!

 * I believe in peace, good health,animal welfare- treating animals fairly & well, creating a sustainable environmentally friendly future and many other things.
** Today I would like to talk about how I believe it is important to be stand for what you believe in; in a peaceful way. The are many examples of people like Martin Luther King Jr., Mother Teresa ,Mahatma Gandhi, Desmond Tu Tu. Nelson Mandela, The Dali Lama, Dr Zakir Naik, and Deepak Chopra all of whom you can learn about on www.google.com or www.youtube.com or your favorite library. They have done far greater things than I have.
  I learned about this principle from my Grand father on my mom's side and my namesake.3 out of 4 lol, John Thomas Carruthers Sr. I think it might be helpful if I tell you a bit about his varied background that made him such a great teacher and example for me.He was born on August 21, 1907 in Ashburn, Virginia. He grew up in North Fork, Virginia near Purcellville. He served as a Marine in China for four years and then worked at the Navel Research Laboratories on Sonar and moving on to be in charge of the Technical Glass Blowing Department From there he went onto teach at the University of Maryland in the Chemistry Department for 22 years.During his teaching years he also taught at Gallaudet College for the deaf and at the local prisons so the prisoners would have a skill to use to earn an honest living when they got their second chance at life upon their release.He retired in 1969 and stayed in his home in Chevy Chase ( Somerset) Maryland until 1981 when he moved to Middletown, Maryland where he lived until his death in 1996. In my mind he never retired, and he is also with me everyday. I hope someday I am 1/2 the man he was.
*** Now let me tell you why. I never remember him sitting still, he was always on the move and most of the time doing something for others. Whether it be at home "In The Garden" which was also a song he wanted sung at his funeral or taking food or clothing somewhere for those in need. Twice a week he would get his old station wagons and take them to the local grocery store and filled them with everything that was dated that day and distribute it as best he could to those in need. As we rode along in the care he would tell me stories about some of the people he admired, many of whom are on the list above.He wrote a wonderful Book called observations that he had printed 15+ times and distributed himself. He took no financial profit from this, he only wanted to share what he found helpful. I hope someday this book will be available to download online.I have a cousin who may take on this project, if not I will.Grandad and I would drop the books off at numerous locations in Maryland and Virginia. He created homes for those in need around Washington D.C. and Fredrick Maryland. A man who himself never graduated College managed to stay married to the same woman Rachel Nourse Brown and raise 5 children who went on to have 14 grandchildren and  15 great grand children keep with 3 more on the way. He also had. Eight houses to leave to his family, but his good works were so much more important. The wonderful things he did could fill many more books.
  He stood for many things and peacefully went about his life standing up for them through his actions, and his words of wisdom. I will share some related stories of my life, some equine related some not in future post. I have not done such grand things yet but have I have at times stood my ground in different ways for what I believe to be right and only hope I do a better job in the future.
  I hope this has helped you in some small way.
                                                            Sincerely,
                                                                            John
P.S. I must admit my favorite quote was his! "I expect to pass through this life but once. Any good therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it for I shall not pass this way again.


                  

A little of topic...Teachers are so important!!!

  Today I want to go a little off topic and talk about school teachers. They have such an enormous impact on our world.We all have our favorites. I have talked about some of my equestrian teachers, but for a moment I want to pause and mention the effect school teachers have on all of us and there importance to our society on the whole.
   They have so much to do with our lives. They can build us up or tear us down. The great ones can inspire us and give us the tools to get through life.
*I think for the most part they are underpaid. Let's face it they shape our countries future, as much or more than any other group.
  I bet you can name a handful of teachers that you really enjoyed who impacted your life in a positive way.Please! feel free to share a story or a tribute by clicking on the comment icon at the bottom,if you will!
  I can, Mrs.List third and fourth grade always had a way of making me feel okey even though my books were bigger than everyone else's and my desk went up on an angle so my neck didn't get soar trying to see what I was reading or writing.Mr.Paul had a great time teaching us about having a check book , a budget, and a job in Fifth grade.  Mr Caldwell's class in social studies in seventh grade was so much fun I looked forward to it everyday.In High School I had a speech teacher who I asked if I could take speech a third year even though the school only offered  two. Mrs Haloran was her name and she thankfully said yes.My first year of Cross Country my coach was Mr. Heneman and he was amazing!  we had a different coach after that who was very technically correct but not as inspiring for me anyway.In college I had a few good teachers, but there names escape me. I can remember really enjoying some of my Communications class's .as well  as Acting, Physic's, Business,Statistics, Accounting and Economics.
**I want to thank all of them, for they were the bright spots in my days, they gave me hope, and taught me a great deal.
  We all gravitate were we feel some sense of self worth and were we meet with success and acceptance.If I liked a teacher I did well, even if it was a difficult subject. If I did not, I did not do well, even if it was easy for me. The teachers I liked were the ones who genuinely enjoyed teaching and kept the class's focus. The ones I did not generally seemed to not enjoy there work and had trouble keeping the class's focus which can be hard with some students even when you do enjoy teaching. This led to pupils doing things they shouldn't and I was usually thier pinata so to speak .
  When I teach I try and use the great examples these teachers gave me by trying to put my heart and soul into it and bring out the best in my students. I try to help them reach their goals and have a sense of direction. I also do my best to offer them every educational opportunity that may help them. I want them to be well rounded and have a good feeling about what they are learning. I hope my lessons are entertaining and enriching.
 *** I have 3 main goals. 1.. To give them confidence  2..To teach them the theory behind every thing they do " what in means to be a horseman or horsewoman" 3.For it to be fun and entertaining, because lets face it that's why we do it! In today's world, and they could be doing 100 other things!
  I hope this has brought back some memories for you of teachers who touched your hearts and minds and helped you.I hope my great teachers and yours realize the positive impact they have had and do have, on students lives!
  I hope sharing this has helped  you in some small way.
                                                          Sincerely,
                                                                            John

I love cast iron!

   We've all seen examples or heard stories about Grandma's cast iron cookware that's been in regular use since the Eisenhower administration or before. Long before nonstick pans (made with perfluorooctanoic Acid-or PFOA-which is a known carcinogen...yum!) became popular, cast iron provided the original nonstick cooking surface, and we've got news for you: it still works! While new nonstick pans' ability to repel sticky foods fades over time (often just a year or two), a well-seasoned cast iron pan will only get better with age, and will last you for a lifetime.
   This ultimate longevity is what makes cast iron such a great, green addition to any kitchen (or a great, green cooking option, if you've already got one or more). Imagine never having to replace your cookware again. Ever. While they do require a bit more maintenance than their chemically-enhanced counterparts, it's absolutely worth your while to have a pan or set of pans that will perform at a high level, under a multitude of kitchen scenarios, for you, and, eventually, your kids, and even their kids, too.
Follow these step 

1. First, if you find your cast iron needs to be stripped down and re-seasoned do not fear. All you have to do is place the utensil in your Self Cleaning Oven on the shortest cleaning cycle (usually 3 hrs. on most models), and it will come out looking like the day it came out of the mold. Allow it to cool overnight. Wash the residue off with WATER ONLY in the sink using a stiff abrasive pad. Make certain NO DISH SOAP comes in contact with the utensil during this procedure. If it does you will have to start over!!! Dry the cast iron utensil off with a paper towel, and IMMEDIATELY place BACK in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes or so.
2. Next, take the utensil out of the oven after the 10 minute drying time is complete, and lightly brush the utensil with a paper towel coated with Crisco or other solid cooking oil. Liquid vegetable oil will do in a pinch, but it's better to save the liquids until AFTER your initial seasoning. It is important in this step only to lightly coat the cast iron with a light, thin coat of oil until it only glistens. Do not allow any puddles or pools of liquid as this will cause problems at a later time.
3. Then, place the Cast Iron in the oven set to 500 to 550 degrees Fahrenheit with the COOKING SIDE FACING THE BOTTOM OF THE OVEN. This allows for any excess oil to drain off to the sides, and prevents pooling during the seasoning process. The higher heating temps allows for the oil to truly 'cook' as it should as opposed to just 'gumming up' at lower temps. Cook undisturbed for 1 hour.

Please note: During the previous step it will be best to turn off any smoke alarms in the immediate area as it may smoke quite a lot. Ceiling fans also aid in ventilation.

The above process is a one time thing. For the rest of your pans use, unless it gets rusty. All you do is rinse the pan with water when its still hot, then place the pan on a burner to dry. Then coat in a oil.
Sincerely,
Petra

Our wedding....a very happy exprience!

 Our wedding, was fantastic! We had practically no money to use to get married, but through an incredible amount of generosity by others it was amazing!
  The location was the Howard County Iron Bridge Hound's Hunt club, with there breathtaking grounds and welcoming club. Petra had hunted on Dr. Roger Scullan's horses for three years and we enjoyed helping with the puppy walking. We asked if we could hold our wedding and reception there and they very graciously said yes! We owe them the biggest Thank You Ever!
  We had the ceremony outside in the hound showing ring, we were very lucky with the weather.We had our rehearsal the evening before and as I stood looking into Petra's eyes and holding her hands in the very spot we would be the next day I felt a incredible sensation and a outpouring of emotion. I knew I was doing the right thing and was very thankful she chose me! It was sunny and warm that day, and the sun was setting behind a few clouds which caused beautiful streams of light to go across the sky.Words can't express how beautiful Petra looked that day
  We had a wonderful meal that night at The Brick Ridge restaurant. It is a very quaint and picturesque family owned and run restaurant near Mt Airy Maryland.The food is delicious and the service is excellent!We enjoyed visiting and laughing with family and friends in preparation for the big day.
  The wedding day was clear and warm. We had a good turnout and the retired pastor Tom Paris who is also a world class farrier was kind enough to give us his services.We used the Rascal Flats song "Broken Road" for our wedding march, because we both felt it described our journey and feeling for that moment.Grant and Joshua looked so handsome all dressed up to be a part of the wedding party and help us on our special day.
  Tom spoke beautifully as he presided over the ceremony, everything went smoothly.After some pictures we went into the club for the reception. We asked everyone if they would bring a dish as we were unable to afford a caterer.We were worried at first if this would work out and what people might think, but it couldn't have been better! Everyone brought their specialty , and it was the best food I have ever had and so much to choose from. I would like to thank everyone again.We ate and laughed and ate and danced and ate and visited the hounds and ate well you get the picture. Petra loved visiting with her favorite hunt horse in her gown and all the pictures taken with the hounds. My best man Tom works for a Micro Brewery in Westminster Maryland at Pub Dog, and he helped provide some of the refreshments, thanks Tom! A grand Time was had by all!!!
  I hope in sharing this it helped brighten your day.
                                                               Sincerely,
                                                                              John

No Pudge fudge Brownies!

 Last week John and I took his mother is this little grocery store in Marshall VA. On first impression its a bit on the scary side! But it has amazing local beef and vegetables. And is very well priced.
Johns Mothers has been making a great effort in only bringing things to our home that we like to eat. Things without no  artificial ingredients or dyes.In the store she ran up to us with a odd little pink box of brownie mix, fat free brownie mix even. I was a little more then doubtful when I saw you only added yogurt! But she was so proud of her self I couldn't say no.
Turns out they where great! They are called 'No Pudge, Fudge Brownie". All you do is add 1/2 cup yogurt and one egg!  The mix is just Pure cane sugar, unbleached wheat flour, Dutch Cocoa, Egg whites, cornstarch, salt and baking soda. Try them, there great! (just pictured a large Tiger standing on two legs for a minute there!)
Sincerely,
Petra

Clinics....

  Petra and I are both available for clinics, and lectures for equestrians. If you are interested please contact us via e mail. My email is demontfortjohn@yahoo.com and Petra's is mccaffertypetra@yahoo.com
                                             Thank you,
                                                               John

Josiah the wonder Horse

   As most of you know I grew up in Rural Maine. Looking back now its feels like a different place in time, or that could be just the effect of a care free childhood.  When I look back to that time one horse always stands out to me, the horse that gave me my first taste of freedom and independence.
   This horse was not my first or even second horse, but he was by far the most important. Even to this day.  My Trainer  had gone to an Arabian show at the Big E in MA, my family stayed home during this show in order to care for the farm. After a week passed My trainer returned with one more horse then she had left with. She had bought back Josiah for a very low price because the people that had him liked to keep there horses at home. And they shortly found out they did not have a proper facility for a stallion. He had jumped the fence, and instead of finding the mares he wondered up to there front door and pushed his way through the screen door in to there kitchen. Which he promptly destroyed! On returning home from so errands they found a 15.2h stallion standing in their kitchen! Needless to say they decided they could not keep a stallion! When the young colt was unloaded I did not think much of him. His barn named was Josiah and his registered name was Bask in Darkness.  He was two years old  and very awkward. And his mouth was on every thing, your hair, your shoulder the lead rope! At this point he had not be gelding as he be sold as a stallion prospect to cover warmblood mares. 
    My Trainer had bred this colt, he was out of her best mare and by her stallion Hello Darkness PR.  I had been there when he was born, but as he was sold at seven months I had not seen him in a long while.
    The first thing to be done was to get the vet out to geld him. Even after the gelding he was still a little monster (a cute one!). We had to chain the end of the barn off so none of the kids would get near his mouth. He never was nasty about it, he just didn't know better. Mom used to spend hours playing ball with him. He had this giant jolly ball that mom would throw and he would catch and  toss back to her.
     As time went by I started to work with in hand and in the round pen. Most of our time was spent teaching him to keep his mouth to him self. He was a very smart boy and picked up things very fast. By the time he was two and half he was my best friend. He would fallow me around the farm like a dog and go any where with me. Being a child with a young horse, I always was trying new things with him. And he was always a saint about it. I had trained him lay down, sit up like a dog, bow and do Spanish walk. He also would trot next to me as I ran and turn and stop as I did. That winter we also trained him to pull the sleigh. We would all go out on trail rides, using the groomed snowmobile trails. My trainers husband would drive Josiah as every one else rode.
       At this point he was also lounging well in tack and I had leaned over his back many times. So one warm day, well warm for Maine that is! I decided this would be the day I would start him. After about ten min of lounging, and with a leg up from my Trainer I was on him for the first time! I walked around the round pen a few times, then with my voice and a very gentle leg he picked up the trot. He could of cared less, he was perfect! And then with a little kissing noise he picked up the canter, on the correct lead!
      I had no training in any trick training, I was able to do these things because of a good relationship with my horse and common sense when it comes to body language. I was very lucky to have this horse, he was my best friend and will always hold a very special place in my heart. More will come on the adventures of Josiah the Wonder Arab!
Sincerely ,
Petra

     

Leadership by example...de Nemethy

  I am a firm believer in the concept of leadership by example. We are what we eat, drink,  read, listen to, watch, and do! So we each set several examples everyday for those around us in the various roles we play as citizens, parents, spouses, children, students, neighbors, employees or employers ex. Some of our examples are very good, some poor, and some misunderstood.
  I want to share one that I think  was 99% very good and 1% misunderstood. Mr Bertalan de Nemethy! The coach of the United States Show Jumping Team for Twenty Five years, a calvalry officer from Hungary who brought an Italian style of riding that he modified into the American jumping style and changed the sport for ever.Here is one link of many were you can learn more about him.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bertalan_de_N%C3%A9methy
  I got to know him at WDEI he was on the advisory counsel and gave regular clinics. A wish to tell you about two of these one I videoed for the school and the other I came back after I graduated and rode in.
  The first story is when he decided to film his de Nemethy Method videos at the school which went along with his book. A handful of the riders from the school including my roommate the now famous Ricardo Villa, on WDEI horses were used for the videos along with a few of his students from the outside on their horses. I was given the job of videoing the process for the school and helping Burt with anything he needed. It was an honor for me to do these important tasks.
  I was in awe with how easy Bert made everything seem, from explaining theory, to putting that theory into practice! Everyone rode better than I had ever seen them. He was patient, clear, and concise at all times. He stressed being good to the horses from the care in the barn, to planing their training and competition schedule to their best advantage always.His ethical standards for how horses were to be handled was beyond reproach. Just being around him you wanted to raise your standards in every way from how you and your horse were presented , to details like raking the footing in front of and behind the jumps between every trip so they could be adjusted perfectly to achieve the desired result. He was obvious he put an incredible amount of thought and effort into everything. I enjoyed our numerous conversations on a variety of topics immensely! Some tidbits he shared-he was against using gadgets when it came to tack and quick fixes. He also spoke out against training that involved being in cruel to the horse to make it careful at the jumps, instead his focus was on improving the horse physically and mentally through a gymnastic system. That combined good basic Dressage(he refereed to as correct training for all horses regardless of discipline) and gymnastic jumping exercises .He also believed horse should be ridden out and properly conditioned. He thought all riders should understand all facets of riding including but not limited to horse bio-mechanics, proper care of the horses in every way, and equitation. He felt so strongly about them being fit , having good seats and independent aids that he was known to rent horses locally at major competitions so he could lounge the riders in the morning to relax them and get the prepared physically and mentally for the big events they were to compete in that day, even a World Championship or Olympic competition!
  I was fortunate to be able to come back and experience riding with him after graduation. I had a good clinic. Even though at on point we were working over a line oxer four strides to an oxer ( an oxer is a jump that has two elements and is wide) and he kept raising and widening them especaily the second. He got to a point were Tad looked at me and shook his head and wispered say no thank you.( he new I had only had this inexperienced jumping horse for a shoat time and with his best intentions wanted to preserve our confidence.) I decided to trust Burt and go on, but I was nervous sicne Tad had expressed his reservations and rode too conservatively (close and slow) to the first fence. My horse jumped it ok, but I knew I would be long at the second which at this point was arour 4 feet high and 6 feet wide! So I put my legs on and gave one quick tap with my spur ,. When we got to the second fence I let myself get left kept my legs firmly on and let my reigns slide. My horse cleared the fence and Burt said looking at Tad see he even rode it poorly and the horse was still able to do it!
  That was my only big mistake that weekend. I had an experience of a lifetime. We had lunch together it was fantastic a man of his stature and position was so kind and took time out for me.
  I said 1% misunderstood, because while he was against gadgets he did use draw reigns for longing sometimes and riding sometimes, but not often. He was very specific on how they were to be used and when and said they were not to be used on all horses or for long periods. He also said they were like razor blades in a monkeys hands when many riders used them who shouldn't!
He was in many pictures in his book with them on loosely as a precaution, because he was 88 riding outside in an open grass field, with photographers ex. I think this gave people the impression that he advocated there use far more than he did!
  For me Bertalan de Nemethy was a perfect gentleman and horseman and a perfect example for all showjumping enthusiasts to fallow.
  On a side note my parents named me after my mothers father with my fathers last name John Thomas Carruthers Montfort. When I met Bert he asked me if my family name used to be de Montfort. I asked my family and my grandfather James Brown Montfort Sr who served as the manager of our National Press Club for Twenty Five years ( a topic for a future post) had looked at the library of Congress and said to my parents he thought it was several generations beck. So at Mr de Nemethy's urging saying " you should be proud of your European heritage" I started to use it and gave it to my three Children Emma Grace, Joshua, and Grant.
  I hope I can be a better role model for them and everyone in the years to come.I think we can apply this to all the roles we play in life and if we do our society on the whole will benefit enormously!!!
  I hope by sharing this I have helped you in some small way.
                                                     Sincerely,
                                                                       John
    *           * I do offer Jumping and/or Dressage clinics in this style combined with what my other great teachers have taught me and fallowing a very similar format. Interested parties should contact me contact me via e mail demontfortjohn@yahoo.com                            

Independence

  Independence is such an important thing for everyone. I think we are all trying our best to build the skills we need to be more independent all the time. I know I still have a long way to go. Some things are a peace of cake for me like taking care of kids, cooking, barn work, and house work, but there are others I still have a long way to go.
  In riding it is so helpful to have what we equestrians call independent aids, which in simple terms means a rider should be able to use there legs, hand, seat and or weight without it effecting the other aids in an unwanted fashion. The coordination of these aids is of equal importance.The same way we must coordinate our independence with those who depend on us.
  A story comes to mind which may help illustrate how one of my great teachers taught me about independent aids.When I was at WDEI the instructors did everything they could to impart good practices of horsemanship with very high ethical standards in every area.
  One day I was fortunate to get a private lesson with one of the directors, Tad Coffin. Here is a link if you don't know about Tad he won the Olympic  Individual Gold in the 3 day event at age 21!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edmund_Coffin
  I was riding a wonderful little Grey horse who was a fantastic teacher whose name escapes me at the moment.The focus of the lesson was independent aids. The excessive that I remember most was I was on a 20 meter circle at the trot doing shoulder-in ( a three track movement for supplying and strengthening the horse here is a link were you can find further information on all Dressage movements http://www.dressagejudges.com/FEI.htm) with both reigns in my outside hand (it was facing palm down with the inside reign going through the thumb and pointer finger and the outside rein in its normal place) I was to pat the horse just behind the saddle pad with my inside hand in the rhythm of the stride as the inside hind leg of the horse touched the ground. He had me go form sitting to rising the trot and back again during this exercise. Nothing was suposed to change ie: the horses frame, rhythm, energy, angle, balance ex. We did this in both directions, on a circle to the left counter clockwise and to the right clockwise.
  I remember afterwords being frustrated, because it took me a few tries before I could do it. As I was telling this to some fellow students a good friend and excellent rider Karen Voss"laughed and said are you nuts! you should be proud you could do it at all!". I felt better after hearing someone I respected telling me this. I am thankful for this experience, it made me realize what is possible! How you can use creativity as an invaluable tool to check your training of your horse, your students and yourself, by creating unique challenging exercises! I owe Tad many thanks for the example he gave and the high standards he set. He taught me countless valuable lessons everyday about how to be a horseman, a gentleman, and to shoot for perfection!
  I hope you have enjoyed this story and it has helped you in some small way. 
                                                                      Sincerely,
                                                                                    John

Delicious Chocolate chip and or Raisin Oatmeal cookies

   Alright folks today I am going to post about some thing a little scary, well scary when your thinking of it and me at the same time. Baking!
   First let me start by stating that yes I use a lot of Organic ingredients. The top reason for that is that fact that it just plain old taste better. Its also a lot closer to products that my grandmother used in her baking/cooking.
     This recipe is for Chocolate chip or raisin  Oatmeal Cookies. I use mostly ingredients from O organics for this. 


Ingredients

• 2 sticks butter (or margarine), melted (salted butter works best)
• 1 cup white sugar(raw cane sugar is great with this!)
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 eggs, large
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp powdered ginger
• 2-1/2 cups quick rolled oats
• 1 cup chocolate chips or raisins
• 1 cup raisins
• 3/4 cup walnuts (or pecans), coarsely chopped (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375F.
   
2. Grease two baking sheets.
   
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugars until blended.
   
4. Mix in eggs and vanilla.
   
5. Add flour, baking powder, soda, and spices. Mix until combined.
   
6. Add oats, chips, raisins, and nuts (if using), and mix until incorporated.
   
7. Drop batter by rounded tablespoons about 1-1/2 inches apart onto prepared baking sheets.
   
8. Bake for 10-13 minutes or until edges are golden brown and centers are pale and soft. The cookies will look underdone but will firm up considerably as they cool. If baking on two oven racks, rotate their positions halfway through the baking time.
   
9. Immediately remove to racks to cool.
   
10. (The cookies may be stored airtight for several days or frozen.)
    Sincerely,
    Petra
    

 

The General

  I first met the General as a student at W.D.E.I. at  Morven Park. We hosted a USDF judges symposium and the national portion was run by him. I was impressed with his thoughts on Dressage and how he handled the vigorous debates between people like  Axel Steiner and Micheal Poulin  noted professionals in their own rights, over things like accuracy vs. artistry.
  A few years after I graduated the school sadly closed. I decided at one point a few years after that to return and rent some space and try my own business.At that time General Burton would go there two or three days a week and ride one of his close friend, Coronal  Paul Wymert's horses. I asked him if he would be willing to teach me and thankfully he said yes!
  He taught me so much about how to organize my work. How to and when to go from one movement to the next. How to be clear and positive when training horses, and riders!!! Always leg and seat to hand, if the hand was needed at all!I could go on and on. It was incredible! Many of these things were taught to me By Tad Coffin and Raul de Leon when I was a student at W.D.E.I.(which I will talk more about in future posts) but the General was able to take them to another level for me.This was due to his Fantastic system and that we were working one on one.He is also why I was able to ride with his close friend Conrad Schumacher.I owe him a 1,000 Thank You's !
  I want to keep my point today simple, polite, and clear the way the General always is. If you approach things by giving your best, you are on time, you are positive in your outlook and thinking you will ultimately have success.This can be applied to anything in life! Have a great day! and Kudos to you for trying!
  If you don't know who general Burton is here are a few links which will tell you about a few of his countless acomplishments. If you want to know more just google him and there you will be blown away by all he has done and is doing at 90! ttp://useventing.com/hof/ ,http://www.usdf.org/halloffame/inductees/profiles/burton.asp, http://www.shophorsesdaily.com/products/dvd-conversations-with-major-general-jonathan-r-burton, http://www.229thavbn.com/1stcav/History.html, and http://www.dressagedaily.com/index.php?Itemid=437&catid=343:novemb
  I hope this has helped you in some small way.
                                                      Sincerely,
                                                                   John

My Dad's last day

   My post about " the pony years" made me think about all the sacrifices of time and money my parents happily made to allow me to ride,which I am very thankful for!
  My mom is an invaluable help to this day and is actually coming for a visit, but my Dad passed a little more than twenty years ago.I want to take this opportunity to share the story of his last day and mention his funeral, because they were very bitter sweet and unlike no other  I have ever known. If you have suffered a loss of someone close to you I hope this helps you find a way to deal with it in a positive way.For the parents who read this I hope it reminds you how important your approval and support is to your kids.
  I was competing a Holsteiner named Hidden Talent or "Prince". I bought through Scott Hassler the summer I worked for  him and his mother Jill at Hidden Acres, two year prior to the creation of Hilltop.I schooled Jumpers and thaught jumping lessons along with general barn duties, which is a story for another post.  Prince and I were competing in a training level horse trail for the first time, at Waters Gift in Maryland, and mom and dad were late. This was not normal they were usually early for everything. Dad said they had a romantic breakfast in bed, which was also not a typical event, but everybody was in a good mood. I had entered the open training thinking, because I was an instructor that was where I belonged, again it was my first horse trial as I grew up in the hunter/jumper world. Eventers will know why this is funny.
  I got through my Dressage test ok, no major mistakes, but nothing to write about. Then on cross country I went very slow, but clear. The course was very hilly and I had not schooled him over some of the questions we were asked, so I thought better to have time faults than a stop. Needless to say we were way down in the standings, but my parents were so excited that I found my way around without a stop, I couldn't be upset. The stadium course was challenging and had a triple that I new would cause some riders problems. I told my father how I was going to approach this question, and he was intrigued. He was filming everything that day. I pull it out very once in a while when I just want to hear his voice. He got so excited when I went clear and went on and on about how I took the triple!
  We were walking back to the horse trailer and he put his arm around my shoulder as we walked up a steep hill and told me he was proud of me and he believed I had  talent as a rider and I should continue to pirsue it. This memory is very vivid and while I am sure my dad had said he was proud of me many times, it is the one I remember most It meant more to me than any compliment I have ever gotten.
  When we got home we were all very tired and after a big meal we sat down to watch a movie together. Right before the end of the movie dad said "watch this is ....going to happen" sure enough it did! He was so happy with himself for figuring it out he began to laugh. Then the laughter change to a horrible weasing noise and he grabbed his chest.
   He had a heart attack four years earlier and had a congenital heart condition so the doctors thought he would only live two years. I told mom to call 911 and proceeded to give him CPR. While I was trying to to keep him breathing I could see the life quickly flow from him. The paramedics arrived quickly and continued to try and save him, but once they got to the hospital they were able to determine his heart wall had given in completely. It was slightly after midnight so his death certificate reads September 9,1990, but it was September 8, 1990 at 1100 PM for me. If you have to go, and we all eventually do it was about as good as it gets, laughing at the end of a happy day spent with family. I am only sorry my brother and sister weren't there. I feel it was harder for them because they were not.
  I gave his eulogy at his funeral and as I looked out at the small church filled well beyond its capacity people were standing and even out the open door. I realized how much James Brown Montfort JR. had meant to so many people! The service was at his mothers family church in ST Mary's county Maryland Two and a half hours from our home, yet everyone came, even some people I did not know.While I told of some of my dad's great points and my love for him. I think a sentiment a student of mine shared with me is what most people liked and set the tone for the ensuing wake turned celebration of his life!It is a simple concept, if when you loose someone close to you, you do your best to incorporate all the things you loved about them into yourself they live on through you!
  The insuring celebration of his life was everyone sharing all the wonderful memories they had. Tales of him making them laugh or helping them in an unexpected way or at an unexpected moment. I knew it was something different when the funeral director and hearse driver said that he must have been amazing because they had never seen so many happy people celebrating someones life in this way before.If you knew him, you know how special he was.
  I hope this has helped you in some small way.
                                                             Sincerely,
                                                                             John
Ps I realized I would be wrong if I left out three details;
 * One Thank you Oliver North and your daughter for loaning me your helmet that day for part of the competition! as I had a problem with mine.
** Dad gave my brother and sister Christmas presents for their sons early!
*** I finished fifth a pink ribbon, I did have to circle once at the water cross country.Dad's final comment on the video"this is it the end of the day". Did he know?

How I began with my first horse "Buddy!"

   As a young child growing up in Maine, horses were all I ever thought about. I had breyer horses of every breed and made stables for then out cardboard. I would 'canter' through the woods dreaming of riding on trails I spent so much time on. I would race down the street on my bike pretending it was a horse, using a jump rope as reins. My Grandmother shared my passion my horses. Well I should say she 'brain washed' me from a early age. My Grandmother was a amazing women and devoted animal lover. The time I spent at her house are some of my  clearest memories from my childhood. It was a time of horses and malamutes, singing lovebirds and iced tea on the deck and warm muffins in the mornings. Which brings me to my first horse, and he was not what most people would expect.
   Before I had to the chance to own a horse, we lost my Grandmother. It was a hard time for my family. She went to Washington State to see my Uncle Mark, and returned a different person. A few months later she was diagnosed with Alzheimers. It was a accelerated case, within  a year, we lost her. I still find it hard to talk about that year, it was a year of heartbreak, it was hell.
   This was the point in my life when my mother and father let me fully emerge myself in the world of horses. I took a lesson at a school horse barn. That was a few hours away, for a short time. It that had no real impact of my equestrian life. Except what to avoid in a riding instructor.
    I joined the loacl 4-H club closer at home. At this point my mother and I went to a local horse rescue, on the slim chance that we may find a horse that way. The barn at the rescue was dark and had that lingering smell of un-healthy animals. It was depressing and heartbreaking. Standing in one stall was a 17.1h Belgian cross gelding, he was about 100lb under weight. His feet looked horrible and his coat was dull and had a greasy feel to it. He had big liquid eyes and a sad hanging lip. He was dull, as if he had removed himself from his human care takers. We could not say no, so we took him home, and called him Buddy. He gained weight, his coat improved as did his feet. We came to find out that he was much older then we thought, closer to 22, not the 15 we had been told. I spent many hours trail riding Buddy. I got lost so many times, and it was always Buddy that found the way home. I would drop the reins and  he would head back to barn, no matter how far away from home we where. He was huge,and way to big for me. But he was a gift,and  the safest horse you could ask for. He would not canter on the trail unless he felt the footing was good. He never spooked or refused to cross a stream or jump a little log. He was truely my best friend.
Sincerly,
Petra