Vintage Riders… for the love of horses!

 Article and photos by Kendra Kowalski

Vintage means of value and precious. Vintage Riders Equestrian Club is fortunate to have members with different interests. The willingness of the sixty plus members to share knowledge and ideas is of great value. The opportunity to try different activities in an inclusive and encouraging group is precious.

The Easter trail ride went well. As you can see by the photos, some healthy laughter helped the group on their way; bringing excited smiles to the faces of people on the trails; and a friendly opportunity to help dog walkers and others to know trail etiquette.

Thinking is hard work - as became evident at our last monthly meeting. It was games night with Marta. She develops quizzes and puzzles involving horse knowledge. At this level of “maturity” accessing the old brain file cabinet for things you used to know, can be tricky. Especially when some of the papers filed there seem to be folded over. Try pantomiming lung worm or coffin bone. No pictures from that event, too busy struggling to help people up off the floor from the hilarity. Certainly flexed brain and body muscles.

A great deal of thought, planning and preparation went in to the two day Samantha B. Progressive Dressage Clinic. Thank you Rita for hosting this on your property. These events allow people to ride boldly. Secure in their correctness and confidence, after time spent with a respected coach.

Sandy L. did a nice job for us with her Working Equitation schooling session. The few photos here show her evident kindness and ability to connect with her students and horses. Her time and attention is appreciated.

Which brings me gleefully to report on Square Dancing on Horseback. This was a sizzling two days. Weather was warm, as well as the gears in people’s heads, as they concentrated on following the caller’s patterns. The horses were wonderful and beautiful as they willingly obliged their riders’ whimsies. Physics tells us this shouldn’t work. But it did. In the most delightful way. Grateful to “caller” Carolyn, and to our member who made her indoor available for this event.

Upcoming activities to wrap your head around are: Liberty work with a renowned trainer - participate or audit; Mountain Trail Clinicalways a challenge; and our fun Canada Day group ride - location TBA.

Spend your time with people who make you smile and laugh and feel valued. Keep a little gas in your personal tank. This is the riding season, focus on the choices of the moment, so as not to exhaust yourself. Keep yourself and your horse safe and sound. Believing that something wonderful is about to happen.

Look after what is within the sphere of your influence, and trust that others will do the same.