We’ll Miss You, Rio, and Sherman Goes to Camp
22 June 2010
Our friend Rio, the handsome bright bay Quarter Horse, went to live with his new people near Portland, Oregon, today. He was at Fish Bowl Farm for about 1-1/2 years, and needed a new home because he wasn’t ridden as much as a happy horse should be. His new riders will enjoy his awesome dressage and jumping training and skills.
Meanwhile, Sherman went to camp today! Olympus Pony Club’s annual camp is this week, and one rider’s horse came up lame yesterday, so Sherman went for the last 2 days of camp. I hope he minds his manners and makes it fun for Anne, his rider. I wonder if he’ll sleep in a tent!? It’s camp, you know! See you Wednesday night, Sherman; in the meantime I’m in charge of the ponies, ok?!
Love,
Biscuit
Helmets? by Emily Wigley
14 June 2010
This is my guest editorial in the Summer, 2010 issue of Riding Instructor magazine, published by the American Riding Instructors Association.
After a photo of a mounted rider without a helmet was posted to our Riding Instructors Forum, e-mails were flying back and forth. The simple question of “Helmets?” in one of the emails prompted me to write the following: “Helmets?” You spoke the thought I was hesitant to ask. Then, I remembered the riders who have come off horses who were calm, predictable and well trained. And then I remembered the tears that I cry whenever I watch the DVD Every Time, Every Ride, and the parents I’ve gently convinced to wear helmets, so that their children won’t have to either bury them or care for them after they’ve suffered
a traumatic brain injury.
I don’t care what the other trainers, instructors and riders are saying. I don’t care that I was a sweaty mess and kept my helmet on yesterday until my clients took theirs off and we all laughed about our creepy hair “styles!” I don’t even care what the law is, because I will wear my helmet every time I longe, long line, or ride a horse. I wear one in solidarity with my young riders, as an example and a role model, because it’s not always comfortable, but it’s always right. My students and I wear them when we groom, tack up and ride. Period.
There are so many things I cannot control in the world: weather, war, and what my daughter wears are just three that come to mind! But the ones that I can control – that have potentially negative ripple effects far beyond the moment, the style, and often the accepted – make me think twice, and I try to make the right choice. Helmets are always the right choice, and they are required at my facility. I do not condemn those who do not wear helmets, but I do try hard to persuade them to do so.
With much thought and good wishes,
Emily
Emily Wigley
ARIA Level II Dressage & Stable Management
Fish Bowl Farm, Vashon Island, Washington
www.FishBowlFarm.com
WigleyEmily@gmail.com