horse

Trakehner Troubles

Posted on by Literary Witch

It’s Wednesday but I keep thinking it is Tuesday. My mind is running in about ten different directions. I’m sure you know the feeling. I’m sure you also know how stressful change can be. Yes, change it is our life blood but it is also the thing we dread the most.

A lot has happened in the past few weeks. I got rid of my clunker truck and now have a shiny, almost new car. I feel like a big girl. It’s the perfect car to go with my new job. It’s a big girl job where I work in an office but I’ll still be immersed in the horse world. Sorry, you can’t get rid of me that easily. 

All of these are positive changes, but at this moment in time I am freaking out because I am a perfectionist and things aren’t going as smoothly as they should be. I feel a bit like this horse:

Look at me I’m hot stuff and then, yep, completely knock myself out.

I just don’t know what I am doing. Am I being hard headed by keeping my horses? Would they be better off with someone else? I mean I don’t have the time or energy for them and today is one of those days where I am questioning my dreams (you guessed it- I can’t pay my bills). Such is the life of a horse addicted, college educated woman. Or maybe, I’m just crazy.

Check back because I’ll be posting updated photos of my girls soon.

Here’s an aside- I am stressed because I have no hay for my horses and I can’t pay their board. They need more shavings and I don’t get paid until Friday but that paycheck is already gone because I need to pay the other half of my down payment on my car. So I bought scratch tickets with my last few dollars and well, my luck held and I lost that money. It’s days like today that I wonder why I try. It’s days like today that I wish I had someone walking this path with me. It’s stressful being alone because at the end of the day. All you have is you. 

New Year- New Focus

Posted on by Literary Witch

As 2014 winds down I have to say I am thankful that this year is done. It has been one of change, frustration and growth. I watched my filly grow from a foal into a yearling. I had the opportunity to develop new friendships with other horse people. I moved back home and reestablished stagnant relationships.

I’ve also lost things. I’ve lost pride and the sense that my worth is defined by being famous or recognized or important. I’ve grown more humble and more aware of the struggles of others. I’ve lost the feeling that I have to be perfect. In 2014, I lost a lot but I gain a whole lot more.

In 2014, I learned to reach out. To make crazy leaps and to be who I want to be. I learned that I can’t wait for someone to say “yup, now you are ready to be x,y or z.” I graduated college two years ago and I finally realized that being educated is great but being certain of who you are and of what you want to be is infinitely more important. This year, I ranted, raved and had several emotional break downs. This year I was stretched and pretty certain I was going insane. Growth often hurts (I remember growing pains and how much they hurt) but after that pain is the realization that you’ve changed and become something different and new.

The feeling of New is something we all strive to feel. We want to create new products, new ideas and new innovations. We believe that New will solve all of our problems. That isn’t always the case because New becomes old if we forget what we learned while we were growing. I vow to remember what I learned while growing. I vow to be fiscally responsible, to stay stubborn and to hold onto my dreams even when I’d rather let them go. I also vow to accept that I’m not perfect and that sometimes dreams need to shift in order for you to be the best possible version of yourself.

When I was younger I wanted to be the best; I wanted to compete in the Olympics and I convinced myself if I didn’t make it there then I was worthless. For me, competing in the Olympics isn’t likely; I have Narcolepsy which means that I am unable to compete at international levels. Why? because I don’t have the drive nor the dedication to devote my life to being the best rider. I used to chide myself on that but now, I realize that there are other ways I can contribute to the horse world.

I bred for my first foal in 2012. She was born in 2013 and I have to say she is amazing. She has surpassed all of my expectations and she is beautiful. I didn’t expect her to be what she is but I am so happy that I have to opportunity to own her. Raising her and teaching her to be a good baby has given me so much joy. I know now that I want to be a Trakehner breeder. I want to help the breed grow and I want to promote high quality, sane and good moving horses. I want to help others learn to be responsible horse owners and I want to teach others how important it is to keep the welfare of the horse first when caring for them. Sure, I could be a famous rider but that wouldn’t be as rewarding as seeing the next generation of competitors be horse savvy and focused on the betterment of the horse world.

In 2015 I will be rolling out interviews with horse breeders, competitors and the greats. I already have a couple of interviews set up. My focus isn’t on what I think but on what will be the most beneficial for all to learn. As I work on creating a place where thoughtful, intelligent and innovative horse people can collaborate I hope you join me in building an environment of positive growth.

Stay tuned and see what the new year will bring.

On the State of Things

Posted on by Literary Witch

Well,

Things have definitely moved towards the creation of Connecticut Trakehners.

I have a long ways to go before I am fiscally sound and mentally prepared to start a breeding operation but one hurdle seems to be clearing itself out.  I have a location to start my farm.

Now, I just need to take care of my debt and figure out how my marketing plan is going to work. I also need to acquire some broodmares and I need a stallion. I already have some prospects in mind.

My goal is to create a successful colorful Trakehner breeding program.

http://www.blazingcoloursfarm.com sells colorful warmbloods. She doesn’t focus on one breed but on several different german breeds. My focus is to develop, maintain and promote the American Trakehner horse.

There are several options that I could pursue to gain the capital I need. I could crowdfund or I could apply for loans but those routes are dead ends. I do not want to beg for money because no one has the cash flow to hand out the money I need to get things cooking.

Oh the tag line I’m thinking of is something like: Connecticut Trakehners the place to go for class and color. Conn Trakehners will be a full service facility where we can help horse people find their next Trakehner through breeding, referral or importation. We will also offer young horse training, rehab training and show prep training. My goal is to compete (to make a name for myself) and to breed amazing youngstock. There is a need for young and dedicated horse breeders. Luckily, I am both of those things.

Note: When registering a stallion for Trakehner approval he must pass an inspection and must be considered an asset to the breed. It costs a lot of money to register a horse and stallions are expected to compete and to prove that they have the talent and athleticism that are trademarks of the Trakehner breed.

American Trakehner Brand

American Trakehner Brand

Equestrian Writing

Posted on by Literary Witch

I’ve got some exciting news- I announced it on my personal blog http://dreameralways.blogspot.com but I wanted to officially annouce it here.

I’ve been asked to be on the publications committee for the American Trakehner Association. Huge! Right? It means that I’m doing something right. Writing is often a thankless task. As a writer you get to put your ideas down on paper and then you have to edit them and refine them. Sometimes, you create something great. Other times, you just throw it all out.

I’ve been struggling with writing for a while- I’ve been trying to get a foothold. Originally, I thought that I could just jump in and make money but now, I realize that I want to write on the side (until things get cooking) and work a regular job to make sure I have income that can support my horses and myself.

I have to say that being in the industries that I’m in is tough. It doesn’t give me much free time and the free time I have I end up not wanting to do anything. My mind is constantly on the go. Organizing and planning this and that. Scheming and thinking and revising. It can be hard to slow it down and get it to focus on the here and now. Sometimes, I just want to relax. To enjoy the moment for what it is. Then my mind starts spinning a new idea, story or article.

What draws me to both riding and writing is the aspect of development and the opportunity to learn more and to learn better. As I move forward with my goals I hope you move forward with yours.

Set the Course

Posted on by Literary Witch

As a horse person when I hear the phrase “Set the course” I think of put up a ring full of jumps or planning out the day’s ride or the goal to get to the next level. As I write this I am thinking about where I am setting my course. What is my end goal? What path do I want to take?

I’ve joined several horse professional organizations and it has opened my eyes to new avenues of networking. My major goal right now is to network out. How have I done that?

Well, I contacted my breed association and asked if I can write for them. They said yes. It was unpaid but it is exposure. I have another magazine I am writing an article for. The thing I have to accept is that they may not run everything I write. When they do though, it gives me the opportunity to get my name out there.

My career path needs me to take chances and take risks. I received a compliment the other night “you can write so that’s not the problem.” The problem is exposure. So, my goal right now is to gain exposure. To I expect to make a lot of money writing for the horse industry? No, I don’t but I do it because I need to expand my horse industry experience. I’m so thankful that I’ve had all of the experiences that I have had. I’m climbing out of the “abyss” so to speak.

I don’t want to write much more as I’m exhausted and my thoughts are running from me. I’ve worked over 30 hours in the past four days and I have three more days of work ahead of me. Then I get a “three day” weekend. Which won’t really be a weekend. I’m going to spend a few hours on Friday working on a couple of magazine articles. Friday is also the day of the KD Jumpers Auction (in another life I would be flying to Wisconsin to buy several Trakehners for my breeding program. Unfortunately, I have a few years to go before I start my breeding program (Connecticut Trakehners). Well, if I won the lottery that would change but I don’t have good luck (A topic for a different blog).

In short, the key to turning your life around and accomplishing your goals is to never stop working. Even on your days off do things to promote yourself. Write, blog, network, and talk to people. Tell people your dreams, the more you talk about it the more invested you become and the more likely you are to succeed. Set your course and plan on how you will navigate your course.

The Trakehners in my life

Posted on by Literary Witch

Nothing worth having is easy to get (keep or hold on to) that is certainly the case with keeping my horse dreams alive. I’ve been fighting to stay financially stable (really, trying to get somewhere close to financially stable). I’ve gone through multiple panic attacks and I’ve had multiple moments of I’m going to give up. I can’t do this anymore.

I’ve hit that point so often that I keep looking over my shoulder waiting for the meat truck to roll up the drive and take my horses from me. That is where I’m at. I’m so afraid that the two creatures I’ve fought so hard for are going to be ripped from me. It’d be better if someone ripped my heart out of my chest. I’m getting anxious just imagining someone appearing to take my horses from me.

Here is a picture of Julie and Fae meeting for the first time:

 

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Here is a picture of them (and me) when Fae was about two months old:

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Here is a picture of them now:

 

 

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Don’t look at my horrible expression. The sun was in my eyes and they were both annoyed that they weren’t in their turnout area eating.

Fae is an amazing baby. I don’t know how I ended up with such an amazing foal. This is my first baby and my first experience training a foal. It makes me feel like I’m an amazing horse trainer but really, it’s because I have such an amazing horse (Julie) who is a phenomenal mother. So much has happened this past year. It’s been a long and bumpy ride. Fae will be a year in a little over a month. At this point last year I just bought Lexy and she was in quarantine. Julie was very pregnant and I was worried she was going to go into labor early. If only I knew she’d be a month overdue. You live and you learn. You just have to keep on trying.

I don’t want to lose them. I don’t want to lose the baby I’ve dreamed about for years. Nor do I want to lose the mare who is the most amazing horse I’ve ever met. She blows every other horse out of the water when it comes to temperament, rideability and personality.

I love Trakehners. I love how funny, peculiar and loyal they are. I love my horses with all of my heart. I pray that this love won’t be in vain. I pray my story will be one of triumph and not despair.

The Temperamental Trakehner

Posted on by Literary Witch

Trakehners are high strung and quick to let you know if you’ve done something wrong. They are a unique blend of Arabian, Thoroughbred and native western European blood. They were bred to be hardy and loyal and courageous. They are unlike any other breed. 

Trakehners are used to refine other warmblood breeds. Yet, winning the heart of a Trakehner is a delicate and difficult task. Like any true horse person I love my horses as much as I loathe them. I rejoice in every accomplishment and I grumble about every dollar they “eat”. 

I often wonder why on earth I am a horse person. I must be a Masochist or hell bent on driving myself insane. Who would chose such a difficult life? Who would want to dream of galloping across fields on a beast who flies with hooves that barely touch the ground. 

Who would want to look into the eyes of a kind and gentle soul and know that they sense your every thought and feeling. Who would want to give their heart to such a majestic creature?

Trakehners are noble and brave. They’ve survived multiple wars and mass killings. They’ve survived being the meal for the enemy and they’ve know the triumph of being the world greatest athlete. 

The Trakehner is my breed and I’m proud of it. 

Researching Trakehners

Posted on by Literary Witch

I am working on a story idea about Trakehners. Yesterday, I spent about 2 hours searching through horse records and lineage but I came out empty handed.

I need the name of a Trakehner mare born around 1720. I can find records going back to about 1790 but nothing further in history. I could make up the name of a horse but I don’t want to do that. I want to tie in the history of the Trakehner breed with the story and I feel that using a fictional name would detract from the story line.

The truth is that there isn’t as much information as I’d like to have when it come to the history of the Trakehner breed. As a writer, I don’t want to detract from the history of the noble breed and yet, it’s hard for me to write a story if I don’t have the facts.

I could claim poetic license and just write the story I want to write. I may end up doing that.

 

Why Trakehners

Posted on by Literary Witch

“You have Trakehners? Meaning multiple? Who would want more than one Trakehner?” That was the beginning of a conversation I had with a Dutch Warmblood owner while I was working at Tractor Supply.

When I tell horse people I own Trakehners I get one of two responses “What?” to which I say “it is a breed of warmblood.” or “Why would you own a trakehner, they’re crazy.” to which I respond “It depends on the bloodlines and whether or not they like you.”

Trakehners are a special breed. They are a fine wine only a select few can appreciate. When I was little I dreamed of owning a bay warmblood mare. I never thought I would actually end up achieving that goal. I fell in love with Julie when she was out of shape and injured. Working with her has been an amazing journey. I love the trakehner breed. I love their fire and I love that they are loyal. They pick their person and will go through fire and across ice for those they love. Think I’m joking? Read their history here. The breed is extremely old and those who bred the horses were very selective. Which means that certain traits are prevalent in the breed. They are loyal, big hearted and work horses. The breed has been a huge influence on most other warmblood breeds  the registry is a closed one. Meaning only pureblood trakehners can be registered and only those passing a breeding evaluation are allowed to have registered offspring.

I chose Trakehners because their breed is one with a rich history of struggles and hardship. They endured and I want to see them flourish.

American Trakehner Brand

American Trakehner Brand