Can I keep my Countdown here?

[pintopiaffe]

I had just lined up a new webserver when my home computer died… I plan to keep a journal/blog/diary of my adventures getting ready for, getting TO, and riding at the WEG; Along with ‘behind the scenes’ entries for the duration.

I have been invited to ride the Spanish Norman mare Victoria of Fox Run (currently in residence at the KHP, and has been for a few years) for the IALHA breed demos through the entire run of the Games.

We will be presenting in historically correct medieval dress, Doma Classica, and… drumroll… Western Sidesaddle, which I am really tickeld about because it is a uniquely American style of riding.

I am also the assistant to the coordinator of the IALHA demos. Head Gopher, to be specific. :yes: I am absolutely BLESSED to have been given tickets to opening & closing ceremonies, ALL of the dressage (!) and several other events, including some of the driving.

It’s ok if you hate me. I would have to hate me if I were not me. :lol:

I was planning to start my journal online on Sunday, as that makes it exactly One Month until my Departure date. :eek: :eek: :dead:

There are quite a few challenges to get through between now and then… It’s going to take some minor miracles…

Mods, is it OK to keep it here instead?

[Polydor]

Can’t wait to read it! Good luck with all the organizing!

P.

[pintopiaffe]

T-30 to Departure.

:eek: :eek:

There is a LOT going on between now and then too, beyond trying to get ready for WEG. Like that wasn’t enough to angst over. :uhoh:

I am ordering Western Sidesaddle outfit & accessories this coming week. Doma Clasica jacket & vest need to be found SOON.

Dieting. :dead: :lol: Walking & riding.

[Dressage_Art]

looking forward to reading it!

[pintopiaffe]

t-28. :eek:

There are some days I just don’t believe I can do ANYthing the easy way.

Tonight I feel like I need a Fairy Godmother if I’m going to make it.

I had to cancel lessons today. First time EVER I’ve had to cancel day-of, for anything other than weather. So not only do I have to put $$$ into the truck now (tires) but, I’m out lesson money too, which is my ‘spending money’ for things horsey. :dead:

I did stick very, very nicely to the diet. I did ride two horses, albeit brief rides. I am almost done refinishing/refurbishing the dressage saddle that I’ll hopefully post for sale tomorrow.

The HM EE Stirrup Irons did not sell. The Western has one more day to go, so far, not looking good. I can’t seem to sell ANY of the stuff that was in pretty hot demand when I bought it! lol!

On the bright side, will have a wee bit of OT coming up, that will help. A holiday (Labor Day) and some training here and there. I don’t know if lessons will continue when my students go back to school.

I am working on converting a western bridle to be big enough for Tori’s head. Black with silver, and red rawhide knots. Should be stunning with the outfit. I’m just SO excited about the SS stuff.

OH–I will be wearing a fancy Feria jacket. We decided we are SHOWING OFF for the world, it is far more like a parade. No need to adhere to the (quite somber) rules! So just (just :lol: :uhoh: ) have to get the jacket tailored. BUT, I dont have to BUY it. So that is good.

I still have to find someone to watch Eamon. I am loathe to put him in a kennel. Working on farming out a couple of the horses so it’s easier here.

So much to do… so little time… TONIGHT I feel like having a nice little panic attack (probably because I have no wine.) But I have to have faith that things WILL come together. They have to. The plane ticket is non-refundable. :eek: :winkgrin:

[pintopiaffe]

T-26:

( :eek: :dead: )

I have figured out that if I do not eat between now and departure, not only will I be able to afford WEG, but I will also fit into the outfits. :dead: :winkgrin:

Kidding.

Mostly.

I had lovely, lovely lessons today. One of my students took a second lesson on her other horse, and I think it was a pity lesson, because she knows how broke I am and how much it’s going to take to get to KY. But it was FABULOUS. I rode her Lipp mare in the double, had a BLAST, and then put her on, and she rode in the double for the first time. The mare is an upper level schoolmaster, with the biggest gaits I"ve ever ridden (including full drafts and 17.1h WBs,) so I have said I’d love to hop on her between now and WEG to help me get in shape. Who needs an AbMaster when you’ve got a littleBIGhorse??? She was lovely.

Three lessons in cool, breezy, partly cloudy to mostly sunny… just exactly what Maine in August is meant to be. And both students Got It. By the end of lesson, both of them had just wonderful rides. Nothing pleases me more than a soft, supple, forward horse and a smiling rider.

When I get to work tonight I order the Western outfit. :eek: I will prowl around Ebay for 8 hours or so trying to find other pieces I need.

One of my students offered to take Eamon if he gets along with her dog. I might take her up on it. Of course, then he has to get along with her dog. I am having a heart attack over boarding him. He was always a confident dog–but was never an only dog before. Boarding two, sharing a run, wasn’t going to be THAT big a deal… but he is very needy right now, and I cannot imagine boarding him for the first time for three weeks when he’s never been boarded before. Not where he is emotionally anyway. :sadsmile:

Horse and cat care is almost wrapped up. I’d be happier if one of the saddles sold… (i.e. would PAY for all that hay they’ll be stuffing themselves with!!!) but… :sigh: I need a couple of gate panel$ and 100 gallon trough to complete plan$. Why, oh why, does everything COST???

I have decided I need a Fairy Godmother if I’m going to get there… Challenges pop up daily. I never seem to be able to do ANYTHING the easy way. More like 'what doesn’t kill me makes me stronger… ’

BUT, then I have days like today. I have the most amazing students, with the Most Lovely horses on the planet. And it PLEASES me so much to teach them. I could die happy tonight. You can’t take it with you.

And as long as I manage to GET THERE, I will count this as among the Greatest Adventures of my life.

[dressagetraks]

Oddly, I’ve had a hellacious day, but at one point earlier, I was thinking, “Please let other people somewhere be having a better day than I am.” I’m delighted that part of the world’s Good Things today landed on you.

The money will work out somehow. I realize that isn’t and shouldn’t be a general life philosophy, but for this event, for this once-in-a-lifetime chance for you, I really think it will. And the Lipp mare sounds like a great exercise program.

Loving every minute of the vicarious journey! (And I must admit, I’m looking forward to actually SEEING those costumes.)

[pintopiaffe]

Argh! I did not realize how badly I was wishing for a Fairy Godmother until I saw I posted it twice on two different days… :lol:

T-Minus 25 to departure.

This is enroute: http://www.wwmerc.com/popup/Images/CL70b-top-skirt.jpg

In the black & red.

Planned to meet tailor/seamstress friend on Wednesday to have the fancy Spanish Jacket worked on.

Working on other pieces, here and there.

Have started to lose sleep occasionally over things. Not in a truly panic/anxiety way, more in an excited way… the ‘to do’ checklist rattles around…

I’m also having a major meltdown that thanks to the wonders of modern Rx I’ve gained 20lbs in the last 3 mos despite the same diet, the same excercise as I did to lose 70lbs. It’s very, very frustrating at this particular juncture. I want to look elegant and professional. I guess I’ll be the poster child for why the Spanish Norman is an excellent choice for the Baby Boomers experiencing the middle aged spread…

It’s really bugging me, and I have to figure out how to let it go. This is such a big deal for me, the chance of a lifetime, and I hate that I look my worst. I didn’t think I was that vain, but I am. It does no service to the horse or the riding… It’s just hard. So much of this sport IS about appearance.

[Mao]

Pintopiaffe - it’s okay to lose sleep. I totally understand. Can I share my ‘Countdown’?

Preparing for WEG is a daunting task. I will be there with 5 Nokotas and 1 Spanish Mustang. They will be ridden in the Opening Ceremonies in a Native American presentation which will include riders, dancers and drummers.

In exchange for loaning our Native horses for the Opening Ceremonies, we’ve been given demo spots in the Equine Village. I’ve done numerous breed presentations over the years - so I was quite comfortable about the format.

Until…The Equine Village schedule was posted!

Instead of 10-15 minute breed presentations, we’ve been scheduled for 30 minute slots in the Clinician Corral and Village Arena. Oh my! This is a whole 'nother ball of wax! On Sunday, 9/26, we are in the Clinician Corral (Breeds Barn Arena) immediately preceding John Lyons. Gulp!

It’s been a whirlwind pulling together a program for this entirely different format. But by George, I think I have it!

The 1st block of presentations of Nokota & Spanish Mustang is called “Counting Coup” and will be conducted by Native American models/actors/riders - Joaquin Gonzalez and Megan Jade. It will be a Native Horses/Native People presentation. And for fun, we’ll have 4 of our Nokotas & Riders in Ranch/Cowboy attire doing battle with the Indians.

And during the 2nd block, the presentation is called “Within the Circle” - with professional trainer/clinician Jack Leiser of Texas doing a presentation of Nokota and Spanish Mustang, and the unique challenges of working with Native and range-raised horses. The “Circle” refers to the symbolic Lakota medicine wheel. Jack does primarily Natural Horsemanship, but also has a strong foundation in dressage. His background is uniquely suited for Native horses.

Whew! How’s that for arranging demos by the seat of your pants in the 11th hour? But I’m very excited to get such talent on board for the project. ‘Counting Coup’ and ‘Within the Circle’ are going to be awesome! Much better than just a run of the mill breed presentation!

Sleep, however, remains elusive. lol!

[spotted_mustang]

@pintopiaffe;5043431

It’s ok if you hate me. I would have to hate me if I were not me. :lol:

haha, I don’t hate you. But I’m a bit envious nonetheless. I’d love to read about your adventures and wish you’ll have the time of your life! Will we get pics of said famous mare you’re riding?

[pintopiaffe]

Oh, Mao! I hope that my schedule allows me to go to your stuff!

I am SOOOOO excited to see the opening ceremonies–and most especially the AMERICAN horses in it. I’m so proud of them. Yes, my other loves are Iberian and Arab and Trakehner… but I’m such a fan of the breeds that are truly American.

I’d love, love, love to get to the 2nd block for sure. The Colonial Spanish filly sure is DIFFERENT from my others. My little medicine hat mare is the most similar in personality, but the Colonial Spanish Filly is too damn smart for her own good, and has the most opinion of any horse I’ve ever met! :lol: She will start kindergarten when I return from KY.

I don’t know my schedule yet, and am not sure when I will. That is part of my stress.

On the one hand, I literally get off the plane and from there on am in the hands of the coordinator. OTOH, I am not really all that comfortable with not Knowing The Plan.

I have MUCH to do these coming couple of ‘days off’. (Days off from the real job, but I teach… which is busman’s holiday. )

OH–and YES, there will be plenty o’ pics. My nephew is sending me his 35mm SLR ‘old fashioned’ (film) camera from Japan. That will be for ME to take photos. And one way or another I’ll have a digi cam to hand off to people to take pictures OF me. This is the adventure of a lifetime, and as opposed as I am to being caught on film… ( :dead: ) there are too many friends and family who are helping me get there but cannot go, and they must live vicariously through my journal and photos.

I’m really stressed about my weight. Medication changes have meant a weight gain which depresses me beyond belief. We might be on the track to straightening things out, but it won’t be in time. It’s more than just vanity, though I am the first to admit to that, but it is also a matter of fitness and strength and balance. Just frustrating. To have worked SO hard for so long to lose 70lbs, to KEEP it off for almost five years, only to gain back nearly half in three months.

I have to figure out how to let that go. It’s a HUGE part of my stress. I am doing all I can, but I can’t let it go. It is bothering me. :no:

[Mao]

Pintopiaffe - deep breath.

You were invited for a reason. Because the people who extended the invite knew you’d give this 1000 + ten percent. You will. You are. It will be great!

I look forward to meeting you! And thanks for your excitment and enthusiam. It’s SO contagious!

I hope you’ll pencil in a party with the Crazy Horse Farm group. Native Horse people are a lot of fun, once they have a beer or two in them. lol! It will be so much FUN!

[pintopiaffe]

Thanks for the kind words Mao. It’s just frustrating when it truly is out of your control.

Speaking of deep breath… notfreakingout, notfreakingout, notfreekingout…

YES I AM!!! :eek: :eek: :eek:

The SS blouse is backordered.

They didn’t say how long. They didn’t tell me until TODAY. eek:

I am going to be not happy if I have to wear a froo-froo Dale Evans type outfit. Just Not My Style. :no:

Deeep breath…

Seeing one sewing/costume person t’mow for the medieval tunic. The deepest purple velvet… SO yummy. I think it’ll be lined with gold satin. Trim is silver & gold… Gold Lion’s Head will go on the front.

notfreakingout… notfreakingout… :uhoh:

[pintopiaffe]

Ok.

Ok. Ok.

Maybe.

THREE hours of scouring the web later, I might have the 1880’s western blouse, and the riding skirt ordered from another vendor.

I mean, I ORDERED them, but as with the last place, Lord only knows if they’re actually IN STOCK. :sigh:

Now, if they ARE available, I’ll have saved $40. Not bad. Just not holding my breath that they are available. They seem to be sold out on LOTS of sites. But at least those places TELL YOU THEY ARE BACKORDERED OR NOT IN STOCK. :mad:

We’ll see.

Crossing everything. Fingers, toes, eyeballs…

Had less than 1100 calories and 30g of carbs for the day. Did not ride as it was still 88 degrees at 1730. That is just ASSININE for up here. Instead I went in to town for some AC and WiFi. I hadn’t slept much anyway, as the boys decided to break out and raid the back of the pickup (on the OTHER side of the gate) for beep and haystretcher about 2 hrs into my attempted “sleep.” Will ride a couple of mine t’mow, and the Abmaster Lipp mare again t’mow at lessons.

Will attempt to not freak about the clothes or the freaking lack of ebay sales, and sleep for a bit t’night. :rolleyes: :lol:

[pintopiaffe]

t-23 to departure. :eek: <deep breath>

My wonderful nephew who is in the Navy in Japan sent me his 35mm SLR (film) camera to use. Yay! It’s got a kick @ss lens on it too. Not huge telephoto, but not bad. :yes:

Got one Rx filled via mailorder, which actually is a big relief, and one BIG thing checked off the ‘To Do’ list. First time doing it that way with new Doc, new Insurance etc. Little things coming together help.

Meanwhile went to dig in my closet for clothes to spectate in–and was HORRIFIED to find a huge leak, and TONS of mold and mildew and destroyed clothes! :dead: I wear a uniform, and pretty much either barn clothes or pj’s at home… so I hadn’t looked in there in a long time I guess. I don’t know if I’m going to even be able to salvage any of it. Did NOT need casual wear expenses on top of costume expenses. :no: :uhoh:

Waiting to hear from second vendor if I can get the 1880’s blouse in time… I did find a backup in the new Back in the Saddle catalogue should all else fail. Plans C & D, so to speak. :lol:

Off to teach–one of my students is doing the velvet tunic.

[dressagetraks]

Remember, detachable lenses have to be under 6 inches long for a camera to be allowed in. That’s one of the many rules governing the Do Not Bring In list. :rolleyes:

A cheap suggestion for spectating clothes: Goodwill. Amazingly good selection and quality, at least in my nearest sizable city, and bargain basement cost. Nobody would ever guess by looking at a lot of that stuff that it came from the Goodwill store. :yes:

[pintopiaffe]

Ahh DT–great minds think alike!! I am actually headed to Goodies and Salvie’s t’mow. :yes:

Lens is definitely short enough. I think it’s only 80mm. You get too big and you need a tripod or stick anyway.

A big, huge, enormous, gigantic sigh of relief… Eamon came out with me for lessons today, and not only was he a delightful, polite companion, (since he’s already horse-smart) but he also got along fine with Falcor, my student’s ancient Airedale. So he will have a place to be with another dog, with family–a wonderful 11yo boy who loved on him today, and I plan to do something special for to have him pay particular attention to Eamon while I’m away… I’m SO relieved. I guess it’s just sappy, but Eamon lived with his brother and mother, and then another brother for all 9 of his years. Then starting 2 years ago this coming Veterans’ Day, I lost the special dog, then Mum, and then Malarkey just a few weeks ago. I’ve NEVER left Eamon anywhere. And he’s been pretty needy (understandably!) since he’s been alone, I could not IMAGINE boarding him. :no: Would have been different had it been the two boys… but not now… :no: I think he’ll still be a little confused and worried (everyone else has never come back once they left… ) but I keep telling him I will come back… and I think he’ll be so much better on a farm with a family. :sadsmile:

PHEW. That is a huge, big, weight off my shoulders.

The Medieval Tunic is on it’s way to becoming…

So far, so good, the 1880’s Western blouse, and Doma Clasica skirt are
(supposedly) on their way…

Feel like a lot was accomplished today.

We’ll see… :uhoh: :lol:

[MEP]

PP, loved the blouse/skirt outfit you posted - Did you find one similar in style?

And the deal is, you stress now and have the BEST time while you’re there! :winkgrin:

[pintopiaffe]

MEP–that’s what I’m hoping …

Because… Holy CRAP I leave three weeks from today! :eek: :eek: :dead:

I did manage to get the 1880s blouse ordered in the tan/white/black. (see lower right in the photo HERE

God Bless Sacramento City Dry Goods. Absolutely excellent customer service & communication. I’m SO thrilled with them.

On my way now to get the jacket altered for the Doma Clasica outfit.

Ran all over town today to find lining for the medival tunic. Could NOT find the gold satin I wanted… but ended up with something that might be even better. It’s a champagne sort of very light gold (white gold?) with silver and metallic embroidery. Should look very well with the dark purple velvet & silver & gold trim.

Days seem to be flying by. Making a big run tomorrow all over creation again to drop off lining, pick up a 100gallon water tank, back to town… then eventually back to work at midnight.

I did not sleep at ALL last night, it was so hot. Can’t wait for Earl to hit so it cools down some. :dead:

[system]

I’ve had a hellacious day, but at one point earlier, I was thinking, “Please let other people somewhere be having a better day than I am.” I’m delighted that part of the world’s Good Things today landed on you.

The money will work out somehow. I realize that isn’t and shouldn’t be a general life philosophy, but for this event, for this once-in-a-lifetime chance for you, I really think it will. And the Lipp mare sounds like a great exercise program.