Road Trip!

In a little more than a week we're off to Massachusetts! I think we are all very excited to be there. However, we are DREADING the drive. First, if you've ever been on a road trip with your whole family in a small sedan, you will understand what the horses are going through back there. There's a lot of 'I'm...

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Living the Dream, part II

Elliot also works hard. Those 6 or 7 hour work weeks are really rough on a guy... But seriously, Elliot is like any other professional athlete: He works hard, gets treated very well, and is completely adored. There are different theories on how to condition an event horse. I buy into Jimmy Wofford's theory...

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Living the Dream, part I

Life with horses is crazy, especially where I am in my horsey career. It's non-stop. There aren't many days off. There are many late nights, early mornings, and just long days. You don't make lots of money, and the money you do make inevitably finds its way back into your horses. You have to LOVE it to want to...

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Where No Smellie Has Gone Before

I entered Stuart Horse Trials in New York this morning. Well, I overnighted my entry this morning. Fingers crossed I get in. It's about a week after the opening date. Betsy and I are headed up to my old stomping grounds for July and part of August. It's going to be so awesome. We are taking six horses; three...

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Show Jump Phobia

Every horse and rider has their weak link. I find mine to be the show jump. I have 'Oxer-itis' Jimmy Wofford told me. It's a fairly irrational fear. I am a capable rider. Elliot is a phenomenal jumper. His front end is tight and his back end is as good if not better. Plus, he wants to play. I don't have to worry...

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