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A Look Back

MY STABLE LIFE December 31, 2011

Happy New Year everybody!

I hope you all enjoyed a safe and wonderful countdown to 2012. And I hope 2011 was as wonderful to you and yours as it was for our family.

At this time of the year, I love taking a look back at my past blogs from the last 365 days and picking out pictures from some of the best days, some of the down days and some of the life changing days. So if you’re with me, here’s 2011 in a nutshell:

Our year started off with a pretty cold January. Even the horses weren’t very impressed. I’m hoping the Farmer’s Almanac is wrong with their predictions of an even colder 2012 winter…

We had so much snow in Regina, SK, that our horses exited their pastures on a regular basis.

Meanwhile, others choose simply to jump out:

Of course as many of you know, I came into 2011 as a very pregnant, first time mother of twins:

However, we had 5 broodmares due to deliver their foals before my due date.

I lasted long enough for one to hit the ground.

Our twin babies came 2 months earlier than expected and were delivered by emergency C-section in March. They spent the first 31 and 44 days of their lives in the Regina, SK, Neonatal Unit. Clay and I were forever changed.

The babies quickly became the center of our world as we adjusted to our new roles as parents.

Spring approached and it was time for Clay to get back into the show ring. The babies and I were not yet ready to begin traveling so for the first little while, we watched Daddy compete through live webcasts:

But as summer came, finally I felt brave enough to go as a family:

We attended the Reinin’ In The Sun in Armstrong, BC.

Sadly, we didn’t realize it would be our last year to do so.

Then of course, it was Hawg-A-Rama time!

Some very special guests from Cavalia came to overnight with us in Regina, SK:

And following summer, it came time for Clay and I to announce that we would be relocating back to Alberta just prior to winter. Our big move required 10 loads of “stuff” to be trucked from Regina to Calgary, AB.

When we finally got all the horses, buffalo, baby cribs, tractors and house contents moved, there was a lot of work at our new place to do:

And just as soon as we had the new cow pen fences built, a crazy rip-roaring wind blew through our new property and blew it down:

Still, we love our new home. And if the winds blow it down, we’ll rebuild.

In 2011, Clay and I once again became barn owners, Albertans and for the first time – parents. This past year was wonderful and life changing in every way.

We wish you all a very happy 2012!

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Are You Ready?

MY STABLE LIFE December 21, 2011

Are you ready for Christmas?

It’s the question we all keep asking each other these days. And the truth is, I’m so far behind the Noel 8-ball, I think I’m first.

But whenever someone asks me if I’m ready for the upcoming December 25, I smile and nod, “Uh huh.”

This year, our families put themselves in my shoes and requested that we not do our typical gift exchanges this Christmas. I could’ve jumped for joy when they suggested it! I mean,  as much as the thought of forcing myself into a mall – dragging my twins along with me – to purchase gifts for some 30 people sounds like fun, this year I’m definitely up for a pass on the gift buying.

I'm not fond of dragging my babes out to a mall this month, but we did make it to see Santa already...

Instead, on both sides of the family, it was suggested that any monies intended to be used for gift buying be put towards charities or causes that are dear to our hearts. The idea saves us from venturing into the Christmas chaos of the malls right now and also helps us put a firm budget on our pocketbooks. Plus, as a result of donating to the charities, we get to experience the true meaning of Christmas.

For all three reasons, I love the idea.

Of course in regards to my sister, it’s really important that we donate to her puppy rescue foundations. (If you’d like more information about these societies, check out A Noble Cause)

And on the Webster side of the family, we have all decided to contribute to the No Crib For a Bed Program this year. This concept recognizes that many human babies born to families in Calgary, AB, go without cribs to sleep in. Consequently, these are babies whose parents must improvise makeshift cribs out of dresser drawers and laundry baskets.

To meet this overwhelming need, the No Crib For A Bed program asks local churches, businesses and other groups to run drives and collect cribs filled with items that babies would need. This includes a mattress and bumper pads, sheets, blankets, formula, diapers, wipes, toiletries and more. The cribs and items collected help infants-in-need and gives their mothers an opportunity not to stress about where some of life’s basic necessities will come from over the holiday season.

Meanwhile, back at the Twin Corazones Ranch, we are doing our very best get ready for Christmas. So far, we have a Christmas tree. With lights.

It doesn’t have any decorations yet. But I’m working on it…

I may have to call my mother…

Take care this holiday season! And Merry wishes to you all!

- Jenn

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Boys Will Be Boys

MY STABLE LIFE December 15, 2011

 

The front pasture on our property houses our yearling stallions and their older, much wiser, babysitter gelding.

The reason the stud colts get the front pasture is because it’s located far away from the mares. Aaaaannnnnnd, it’s easier to keep an eye on the colts, should they get into any trouble.

But I quite enjoy having them in the front pasture because it allows me the opportunity to take in their antics on a daily basis, directly from our dining room.

There’s no doubt, boys will be boys.

The babysitter gelding doesn’t get very involved. But the stud colts sure have a great time. And I just don’t see any of the other nearby pasture horses rough-housing in the same way…

Day after day, these colts play. And they play hard.

Often like zebras…..

If you’ve ever seen a zebra fight on t.v. you may have seen one animal get the other down on its belly by biting at its knees.

And that’s exactly what our young studs do.

It’s quite funny to watch. At least, I get a kick out of it! <grin>

And when one colt tires or has had quite enough…

There’s usually somebody else around who can be enticed into the games.

Just as long as no one loses an eye… Otherwise, I might have to send each of them to the corner!

Happy Thursday!

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Top 10 Ways to Keep Your Sanity as a Horse Owner

MY STABLE LIFE December 9, 2011

Do you need to bring some humor to your barn? Or do you simply need a good laugh? Try one – or all – of the following and your day will be sure to brighten a little!

TOP TEN WAYS TO KEEP YOUR SANITY AS A HORSE OWNER:

#10 – Wear your spurs into the passport office.

#9 – Bring your trainer a decaf coffee every day for a few weeks. Once he or she has gotten over their caffeine addiction, switch to Espresso.

#8 – Hang this sign in your barn…

#7 - When writing out those expensive monthly board cheques, write, “Horses are cheaper than marijuana”- in the memo field.

#6 – Just as one of your competitors is about to enter the show ring, ask them, “Does your horse always move like that…?”

#5 - Buy yourself this T-shirt…

#4 – Watch an episode of “Toddlers & Tiaras“. Compared to horse people, pageant people are freakin’ crazy… Pat yourself on the back for not being one of them.

#3 – When visiting your stable, skip everywhere you go. Including when bringing your horse in from the pasture.

#2 – On a beautiful Saturday, wear sunglasses and sit in your parked car at the front entrance of your barn and point a hair dryer at passing cars. Watch to see if they slow down.

#1 – Talk to the carrots you have brought for your horse, as though they are alive and have personalities. Give them names.

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Living the Dream

MY STABLE LIFE December 5, 2011

BY GUEST BLOGGER DEANNA BECKLEY

The NRHA Futurity is what dreams are made of. As a little girl I dreamed of being apart of such an amazing world-class show. This year was my fourth time attending the futurity and one thing never changes – the feeling I get from being surrounded by incredibly talented horses and horsemen. It’s indescribable. I feel so fortunate to have a life that is filled with horses.

This year was even more special because my husband Jesse made the Intermediate Open finals on a exceptional individual – Ten Reasons (Hang Ten Surprise x Hotrodden Catalyst).

Jesse had Ten tuned and dialed in – he was ready to run through that gate!

I apologize for the lack of photos of Jesse and Ten, but I could not keep the camera still because of the shakes.

The coliseum was packed and ready for action.

I headed up to the stands to cheer. Jesse ran Ten through the gate hard and fast and Ten committed whole heartedly to the stop with a huge slide.

Jesse then turned Ten to the right on a loose rein. When he said whoa for his shutoff his right rein fell to the ground. Everyone gasped. I quit breathing.

I stood in shock, now what! I’m not sure what all crossed my mind and what actually came out of my mouth, but I do remember chanting, “Figure it out.” Apparently I was weaving back and forth because horse trainer Patrick Flarhity came by and asked why I was swaying back and forth.

This is a very difficult position for a competitor to be in, especially when competing in the finals at the NRHA Futurity. Jesse took his time,  scratched his head and thought about how to approach the challenge set before him.

He could not drop the rein in his hand on the horse’s neck or it would result in a zero. He could not touch the horse with his hand or the bit for that matter. So with his remaining rein, Jesse squeezed his legs on his horse and picked up his hand – a signal to Ten to hold still. He then leaned forward and reached for the rein. Because he had to lean right over top of his horse, consequently his spurs were now in Ten’s flanks.

The crowd was silent and I was pale faced. Ten didn’t move a muscle. Jesse managed to grab the dropped rein, even out his reins and was ready for the next maeuver. The crowd went wild.

From there Jesse and Ten laid down an incredible run, with a cheering crowd backing him up all the way. He had a late lead change (this time the other way) and Ten once again stopped huge.

Ten has to be one of the best minded horses I have ever been around. He never left Jesse for a second and he gave everything he had into that run. That’s worth more than you know.

I don’t think I have ever screamed so loud and been so excited. Jesse said that was one of the funnest runs he’s ever had and good freind and horse trainer, Brad Geisbrecht had the quote of the day, “Ten Reasons to hang on to your rein.”

I, however, am not sure I can survive being a horse trainer’s wife – if he has runs like that I’m either going to age very quickly or die of a heart-attack.

Jesse and Ten marked a 217.5 for 13th place in the Intermediate Open and a pay-cheque worth over $8,000.

The Beckley crew quickly unsaddled Ten so he could have a well deserved rest.

And a bath to get cleaned up for the Finals Ceremony.

Assistant Annette Jessiman taking Ten for his bath.

Jesse heading in for the awards ceremony.

“It’s not about the amount of breaths you take, but about the moments that take you breath away.”

Through out the week, several people approached Jesse about buying Ten. In the end trainer Doug Allen and his wife Francesca Sternberg of Sterling Ranch UK, purchased Ten at the end of the show.

Ten’s journey will continue with the couple. Doug plans to show him at the European Futurity in February and then they plan to school him lightly to get him ready to show at the World Equestrian Games in 2014. We look forward to watching Ten continue his success in Europe.

He’s been a very special horse to the entire Beckley Reining crew, especially owner George McIvor who bred and raised the young stallion.

 

The Open Finals were exciting. It was draw number one that took the title of the 2011 NRHA Open Futurity Champion. Andrea Fappani showing Lil Cash Joe (Nue Chex To Cash x RS Lilly Starlight) owned by Russell Giles, set the mark high with a 227.5 – one that couldn’t be beat.

2011 NRHA Open Futurity Champion

Andrea also took the reserve spot with Arcese’s mare Spook Off Sparks (Smart Spook x Setting Off Sparks) with a 225.5, tying associate trainer and valued team member at Fappani Performance Horses, Arno Honstetter and Show Me The Buckles.


Arno Honstetter and Show Me The Buckles.

The Intermediate Champion was determined by a run-off. Jason Vanlandingham riding A Smokin Whiz marked a 223 to lead the Intermediate Open.

Later that evening Eduardo Salgado rode in on Gunner Boy owned by Jefferson Abbud of Brazil. The pair marked a 223 to tie with Vanlandingham.

Gunner Boy & Eduardo Salgado

This was not only Salgado’s first time to make the NRHA Futurity Open finals, it was the young Brazilian’s first time to show at the NRHA Futurity.

Vanlandingham and Salgado dualed it out for the championship. Vanlandingham came out on top by half a point, marking a 226.

Intermediate Open Champion

The award  ceremonies are always memorable for competitors and fans alike.

 

Gunner Boy

Show Me The Buckles

 ”We all have our own life to pursue, our own kind of dream to be weaving. And we all have some power to make wishes come true, as long as we keep believing.” – Louisa May Alcott

 

 

 

 

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Christmas Comes Early

MY STABLE LIFE December 3, 2011

Christmas came early to a very special person staying with us here at Twin Corazones Ranch this week, and I’d thought I’d share because it was an exciting time for my husband and I. (By the way, Twin Corazones is the new name of our new ranch – in case I failed to mention that already… And Corazones means “hearts” in Espagnol. Because I know that’s your next question <smile>)

Anyways, over some waffles and coffee at the breakfast table, our friend, Elli Meinert who is currently visiting from BC sat down to a big surprise. I’m going to let the pictures speak for themselves. Here is her reaction:

You see, Elli sat down to an early Christmas present from her mother. Our whole barn was in on the surprise, except Elli of course. Everyone did their best to distract Elli from a pre-purchase exam that went on at the barn without her knowledge. Then the next morning, Elli went to the breakfast table contemplating only cream cheese or syrup on her waffles – only to discover a set of AQHA transfer papers sitting at her spot.

A 2006 pretty palomino mare with the barn name of “Porsche” will be soon be moving from our barn to her new home with Elli in BC. And considering the joy this special present brought to Elli’s face, we know Porsche has found the perfect home.

Happy December everyone!!

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Bring on the Finals!

MY STABLE LIFE December 2, 2011

BY GUEST BLOGGER DEANNA BECKLEY

The road to the futurity is a long one. It takes determination, and dedication, a good trainer/rider and a great horse to just make it to the futurity.

This horse show is one of the most motivational, inspiring, eye-opening, exciting and frustrating shows to compete at. The hours of work put in out-number the hours of sleep and rest (we have been averaging about 4-5 hours every night if we are lucky) and the emotional side of things can take a toll on your mental state of mind.

Warm-up pen

 For the past two years, trainers and riders have worked to get that special horse through the hard work of everyday training, the difficulties of keeping their horse sound and healthy and preparing it to show. Two years of hard work comes down to just two runs. One bobble could cost everything.

Jesse knows all to well what it takes to get here and what it takes to succeed. If you don’t work hard, there is someone else who is – the harder you work the more likely you will succeed.

Jesse showed Ten Reasons in the second go of the NRHA Open Futurity. I was of course a nervous wreck, but cheered as loud as I could.

This is my designated area.

The pair were having a smoking run when Ten came through for his second lead change. The first lead-change was sweet and effortless so Jesse thought he would show him off a little and threw some rein out, leaving Ten to take the lead. Ten was just a bit behind the cue, dragging a lead and picking up a one point penalty per judge.

Jesse guided him to his stops and the little stallion stopped huge all three times. People are still talking about how big he stopped.

Jesse and Ten marked a 216, securing them a spot in the Intermediate Open Finals. The lead change penalty cost them the Open. Although slightly frustrated about missing the Open finals by a point, Jesse was excited to make it to the Intermediate Open Finals.

That night we headed to the draw party.

It was a packed house. The draw party had dinner and live entertainment for the finalists.

Jesse picking his chip with his draw.

Lucky number 28!

Next Jesse got his picture taken for the prgoram.

Then he got to pick out his finalist vest.

 

 Jesse wasn’t the only Canadian to make the finals at the NRHA Futurity.

Janet Mathies made the Level 1 Non-Pro Finals on her mare A Little Surprise.

Jesse & Janet

 Bailey Kolsun and her gelding Rock Solid Tag made the Level 1 & 2 Non-Pro Finals. The pair placed third in the Youth Futurity division.

Loris Epis put two in the Level 1 & 2 Open Finals - Resting Whiz and GottaMagnum Dream. Amanda Antifaev and Sugarplum Nic made the Level 1 & 2 Open finals. Mathew Hudson and Ima Easy Whiz made the Level 1, 2, & 3 Open Finals.

Way to go Canucks!

The support Jesse has had through the futurity is incredible. We’ve been receiveing emails from friends and horsemen across the world with words of encouragment. Friends from Austraila and Germany getting up at all hours of the night to watch Jesse and his horses show. Thanks for all the support!

Beckley Reining fans.

Needless to say, Saturday will be a day filled with excitement. And though we may not be able to hear the cheers from friends afar, we know they’ll be watching - cheering for Jesse and the little horse that could.

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