The Savvy Horse

On april 2nd we conquered cantering on the road! I am unbelievably proud of her, as she isn't a fan of the road.

April 2 is a date I'll never forget. It may seem like an irrelevant Kind of day with it following the infamous April Fools Day. To me though, it is my everything day. Two years ago on April 2nd I met Trixie. She was brought in by my coach to act as my school horse. While I was flattered at the prospect of having my own school horse to train, I was also terrified. It wasn't necessarily love at first sight for either one of us. I was the little human who stole her away from he...r pasture where she had done as she pleased for 9 years. I think part of her still resents me for that. She proved to be stubborn. She proved to be a bit of a pest. She also proved to be curious and interested to learn. So our journey began 2 years ago today. A year ago today, My coach's aunt sold Trixie to me and she became my first horse - all to myself. Allow me to brag a little when I say that I earned her : I worked farm hand jobs and saved my pennies, but also worked to show everyone that we'd managed to build a relationship as partners. Seeing that relationship is what gave my coach's aunt faith in me and allowed me to purchase Trixie. I am blessed to have Trixie in my life. It isn't always easy. That's ok. I suppose it isn't meant to be all smooth sailing or I wouldn't be learning anything. This year our intention is to participate in the horsemanship trials, compete in some cross country races and maybe even an official hunt (minus the hunting of any animal). With our official level 3 completed, we will slowly work our way towards achieving level 4 certification. I don't expect to meet that goal for another few years though. Even so I know I'll continue to cherish all the moments in between the milestones. Happy 2nd anniversary Trixie, my savvy horse

The first of three Horsemanship Trials took place today at Drogheda Manor in Lunenberg, ON. Trixie and I were proud to represent Jaxvale Farms in three events: (a) Online Obstacles 22 ft, (b) Riding Command, and (c) Show Jumping 2ft 6inches. While we placed 1st in two disciplines, the highlight of todays experience has to be this: I heard young girls coaching each other, praising each other, working together and playing together. It was the first time Id ever competed at a...n event where everyone was overwhelmingly supportive of one another regardless of which barn they were representing. There was no infighting, no drama, no bad behaviour. It was refreshing and inspiring!! So, the first Horsemanship Trials was a success! My Trixie did all the things I asked of her (after working through some midday anxiety) and we were rewarded for our efforts. Congrats to all the participants! The next Horsemanship Trials is July 14 at the picturesque Black Bay Horse Farm in Luskville, QC. Cant wait to see the participants again!

In all seriousness, this is a joke! I had an idea so i moved with it. Please enjoy this cringyness. Hope it brings you a laugh.

On april 2nd we conquered cantering on the road! I am unbelievably proud of her, as she isnt a fan of the road.

April 2 is a date Ill never forget. It may seem like an irrelevant Kind of day with it following the infamous April Fools Day. To me though, it is my everything day. Two years ago on April 2nd I met Trixie. She was brought in by my coach to act as my school horse. While I was flattered at the prospect of having my own school horse to train, I was also terrified. It wasnt necessarily love at first sight for either one of us. I was the little human who stole her away from he...r pasture where she had done as she pleased for 9 years. I think part of her still resents me for that. She proved to be stubborn. She proved to be a bit of a pest. She also proved to be curious and interested to learn. So our journey began 2 years ago today. A year ago today, My coachs aunt sold Trixie to me and she became my first horse - all to myself. Allow me to brag a little when I say that I earned her : I worked farm hand jobs and saved my pennies, but also worked to show everyone that wed managed to build a relationship as partners. Seeing that relationship is what gave my coachs aunt faith in me and allowed me to purchase Trixie. I am blessed to have Trixie in my life. It isnt always easy. Thats ok. I suppose it isnt meant to be all smooth sailing or I wouldnt be learning anything. This year our intention is to participate in the horsemanship trials, compete in some cross country races and maybe even an official hunt (minus the hunting of any animal). With our official level 3 completed, we will slowly work our way towards achieving level 4 certification. I dont expect to meet that goal for another few years though. Even so I know Ill continue to cherish all the moments in between the milestones. Happy 2nd anniversary Trixie, my savvy horse

Shes the definition of a candy monster.

I swear she loves me! We had an amazing walk on the road, (3hrs) we met up with other ponys and! First time ever going near a bridge and she just walked right over just fine! I was so proud of her, she has been trying really hard lately and i deeply appreciate it. Trixie has also made her first hole in her blanket, thank goodness it is tiny. Anyways prepare for a 3 part video to come out soon celebrating won year!

Trixie was a goof yesterday! She was soaking wet and so i took the time to drive her off cough cough braid;) . She is really starting to get a good feel for the savvy string around her neck when she doesnt respond to my body. Which is good cause we havent touched reins in forever! But maybe its took good of a feel as she is leaning with the pressure she is bringing her whole body up too. In other words rearing, and no its not out of discomfort alright. Anyways it was a big funny suprise for me even tho thats not what i want from her, i appreciate her trying to figure it out. :)

Trixie got very tence on yesterdays ride and wouldnt relax. So yesterday we worked on getting her relaxed and connected. I wasnt mad at her, nor was i angry about the situation. I kept my cool and focused on her. I didn t get tight or emotional about it. And for that was a big learning curve for me. But hey your working with a parterner and its okay for them to have bad days too.

The landscape at Jaxvale is breathtaking! I love this farm so much! Progress report: Trixie was a champion wednesday! Delivering a nice and soft hindquarter yield and slick sideways from 22 feet away and back + note there was no wall. :)

Knee deep snow isnt her friend. But it sure gives her a workout!

The second is a compilation of her learned tricks thus far. (Yesterdayshe did a full bow!)

All these videos! Really starting to get back into the swing of things with Trixie. First video is Trixie online in the snow. I recently signed up for a challenge which aims for riders to spend more time with their horse. We are doing good so far! Ill keep you posted on our progress.

Its that time of the year again, when ponies need blankets! Trixie got hers today -- two actually! She got a red cooler, as well as a black and red 300 gr fill, 1200d plaid winter blanket... a near match to my own fall/winter jacket. #wardrobe goals!... Tell me, do you and your equine partner share similar patterned attire?

Thanksgiving is the time of year when you give thanks for the presence of friends and loved ones in your life; this includes our furr-family. I know some may disagree with me, but I hold firm that animals are family. I am blessed and grateful for my dog, cats, and darling horse. Trixie is beautiful, strong and intelligent. She amazes me everyday with her willingness to learn and play. Just this past Saturday, we attended a cross-country derby; we did more than attend, we co...mpeted in the pre-entry division. We placed 1st in the short course and 3rd in the long. It rained on us all morning and yet she still gave me her all and we came away smiling! Can you imagine what we will be up to by next summer? Special thanks to my beautiful and talented godmother, Genevieve Maurice, for once again making the drive out to Jaxvale Farms for a photoshoot with trixie and I! The pictures are breathtaking. She truly has an eye for style, composition and emotion. Happy thanksgiving everyone

So ive been working with these two lovelys for 3 weeks now and can i just say there progress is outstanding! Meet hailey the 18year old, 17hand thoroughbred mare. 3 weeks ago i couldnt even lead her without her bolting or spooking, and now were doing walk trott stop backup! Circles and everything! And not to me ntioned completly relaxed! Now penny is clearly an appy shes 18 years old and 15+ hands she is a very dominant horse, so she really hated it at the beginning when i was teaching her to move off pressure and when i asked her to back up. She is now not bracy and is calm confident and relaxed and is seeing me as her leader! Im riding penny at a walk trott and hailey and a walk!! Stay tuned for more!

After only a year a half of working with trixie, im proud to say we have filmed are last level 3 audition. Level 3 freestyle! https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=share&v=0jI4pXOT2iI

Heres some more liberty, and even some riding! We also went on the best trail ride today, that lasted 2+hours going through mud, water and grass just as tall as us!

This was one of are best liberty plays yet! Bonus got some of it on video! Super proud she didnt run away once, she stayed super connected and offered a ton of cool things!

My sweet dream my one and only my rainbow after a storm my good luck charm my other half... my everything See more

Heres two short little clips of what weve been playing with. First on is clearly liberty, were working on the touch it game and the boomerang pattern. We are also working on our jumping and both are balance is improving quickly. Also while riding asking for her to put her head down while maintaining the gate. Today we also have a fun show which im very excited for!

Why I show While some people are motivated to show in order to feel the rush competition brings and the thrill winning affords, I prefer to show for fun. Participating in shows (demonstrations) tests my skills, pushes me to step outside my comfort zone and allows me the opportunity to determine what I need to work on later when Im back at the barn.... Showing is also a test for my horse. Together we face our fears, whether these are nerves, crowds, strange places, other horses, and what not. Together Trixie and I have demonstrated three times: during Upper Canada Villages Horse Lovers Weekend in 2016, the 2016 one-on-one Masterclass with Pat Parelli in Markham ON, and the 2017 Ottawa Horse Day. Between these demos, Trixie has made great strides and progress. Im one proud Momma. During our most recent demonstration (at the 2017 Ottawa Horse Day), Trixie calmed quickly and was able to connect and respond to me despite the new venue and endless distractions. She was a different horse than the horse who presented at Upper Canada Village the September before: that horse was skittish, sweaty, and sometimes disruptive. It was all new to her. Now, shes growing in confidence with herself and with me around to guide her. I also show as a matter of pride in / and promotion for natural horsemanship as a foundational discipline for all equine sports. Meeting the spectators and answering their questions gives me an opportunity to pay the knowledge forward onto them. Having practiced in other equestrian disciplines (ex: English), I can honestly say individuals learning and teaching natural horsemanship are happy to share their wisdom and connect with like-minded persons. Theres a tendency towards inclusivity as opposed to die-hard competitiveness and negative human behaviours that often go along with that. So, part of me also shows to expand and strengthen my own circle of natural horsemanship friends. Essentially, I show to share. Share my horse; my joy; my learning journey. Why do you do it? Cheers Aeverie

I will always remember this day: the day I learned I might be purchasing my 4-legged nickering best friend, Trixie. For months now Ive been horse scanning - asking myself what I want in a horse of my own. I never figured on owning Trixie for myself so Ive been busy virtual shopping. As you know, over the last year, Trixie and i have shared many moments (firsts) together and have learned so much! ... Trixie is my best friend: she has listened to me and in my mind answered me too. She has made me smile and cry, stomp my feet and jump for joy. My coach and I had a heartfelt conversation over the past weekend about the experience of buying your own horse, what to look for and what to avoid. She asked me if Id buy Trixie "if ever". Of course I would! And so im grateful beyond words to my coach Sandy Ruiter for approaching her aunt (and Trixies owner) and asking her whether or not shed sell Trixie to me. We expected a negative response and she surprised us both with a resounding "yes" instead. Sandys aunt deserves my deepest thanks for giving me this opportunity, this new venture into horse ownership. I find myself at a loss for words. I feel blessed. I feel overwhelmed. I feel so much! I hoped this day would happen eventually but didnt expect it would be this year. I have to acknowledge my Mom and Dad who drove me to and from work 3x a week so i could earn enough to pay for Trixie myself. I realize this is just the first step and there are contracts and such coming in the next few days. I know there are expenses to come too and Ill have to keep working to afford the gift that is horse ownership. Im determined to make this work! I am truly the happiest girl on earth tonight. Trixie doesnt know it yet but she will be the happiest pony on earth when I tell her. Heehee. Happy dreams tonight, The savvy horse

Heres a short silly video, of Trixie and I having fun at liberty!

Yup this happening already! I couldnt be more proud of Trixie and our progress together. Enjoy!

On January 9, 2017 I earned my first $44 as a paid barn worker and equine caregiver. Since then, Ive saved every penny of my weekly earnings and reached a milestone this past week 4 digits. $1001 saved. Im indulging in a moment of self-pride. Through the years it has been very hard NOT to be jealous of my various friends who own their own horse. I always felt like I wasnt good enough somehow because I didnt own a horse. I felt like everyone else does so why cant I?.... Some days I still struggle with these thoughts of jealousy. Recently, I put what I have been given into perspective, and this includes that Ive been given the ability and drive to WORK towards what I want. Honestly, I have my parents to thank me for inculcating within me a strong work ethic. You learn a lot from your first job. Lessons like: Appreciation for the real cost of things when you are the one paying for them No job is menial: Im building core body strength, Im building relationships, Im building a client base and future references Goal setting is important: for me it is to purchase my own horse Budgeting: my Mom asked me to budget what the annual costs of owning a horse might be, including buying that horse. I worked out the costs based on some internet templates and research, and set that as my goal. Actually my goals are two-fold: Im also helping pay 50% of the lease costs of Trixie. Im proud to be contributing to my passion, and have my parents to thank for supporting and contributing now for over a decade. every job has its own aspect of manure whether literal or figurative hee hee I have a feeling of deep personal satisfaction this morning and thought Id share those feelings with my readers. Enjoy the long Family Day weekend with your equine family

I remember each and every horse Ive had the privilege of working with these past 11 years: Copper, Rocky, Pumpernickel, Coach, Donovan, Tuxedo, Maxx, Snickers, Belle, Bailey, Zephyr, Moe and finally Trixie. Some of these equine partners are, sadly, no longer with us. RIP Copper, Rocky, and Donovan. L Out of these numerous partners, some have left a stronger lasting impression than others because of the firsts Ive lived with them. - With Copper, I learned the basics...Continue reading

With my winter lease in effect, my time with Trixie has been restricted to once or twice a week versus unlimited access. There are positives and negatives to this. For one, I can concentrate on my school work and achieving good grades. For two, I can offer my services as equine caretaker and barn worker to earn money. For three, restricted time means Trixie and I can concentrate on one singular project for the entirety of the winter. That winter project has been Drive and Dra...w (or Boomerang exercise) at Liberty. To non-natural horsemanship people reading this, the exercise is one that sees you drive your horse away from you and willingly be drawn back to you. To really demonstrate success, both the drive and the draw have to be undertaken with joy and exuberance by your equine partner. They want to leave your side, only to want even more to return. To make it more exact, they leave from a fixed point on your body (in my case that was my belly button) and return to that same point. Hence, Boomerang. This week saw the fruits of our labour pay off. The video above captures that moment to perfection (at least in my opinion). I think it also captures Trixie as she really is and always wanted to me. Shes exuberant, joyful, capable and self-assured. I am so very proud of her. Shes come so far from the pasture pony she was when I first met her last April 2016, to the performance pony she is today. Our winter project isnt over yet. Practice makes perfect. The goal is to have her show this much desire at all levels of play. With our Level 3 Liberty already secured and passed, we work towards our Level 4 for the Summer of 2017. Cant wait for the milestones to come. Simply, The Savvy Horse (Aeverie) See more

I have been working on a specific subject for the past few lessons and play sessions: the first is "draw" and the second is "boomerang". They sound like Wild West terms but essentially mean coming to me when called and when sent. Recently, Trixie started getting a "hang of it" and offered me something I didnt expect. While working on our boomerang pattern, she cantered at least two strides towards me. ... Why is this important? It demonstrates our strong connection - she provided the right answer to a non-verbal direction. She is gaining confidence by trying to find the right answer on her own, and offering it to me of her own free will. My heart was full with joy at that moment and remains the same days later. Moments such as these stay with you. Mind you, theres still work to be done: thats the fun part. The learning never ends. Im so pleased with her. In just a few months time we will be celebrating a year of learning together. Both of us are pupils on a journey towards mutual trust and self-confidence. Thanks for allowing me to brag a little. Stay horse-focused my friends. Aeverie www.thesavvyhorse.ca

theSavvyHorse would like to wish everyone a wonderful new year filled with plenty of horsing around (lol)! A new year means new goals and new adventures! I cant wait to see what we all can accomplish together this year! Thesavvyhorse (aka Aeverie)

Need help around the barn? I am a fluently bilingual, confident and self-motivated high school student with recognized ability to work both with others and independently in a variety of settings. I have equine work experience in feeding and watering, saddling / unsaddling, grooming, horse bathing, equipment care, monitoring horse well-being, maintaining clean prep areas, lunging and ground work, etc. Email me at [email protected]

So about me in a nutshell Ive been riding horses since the age of 3: thats 11 years in the saddle already. 2016 was a pivotal year in so many ways. For one, Ive launched my website at www.thesavvyhorse.ca and accompanying Instagram and FB pages.... A more notable moment though came earlier this spring when my equine partner Trixie (a 10 year old Paint/QH mare) arrived at my coachs barn. Trixie was designated my summer project pony and we embarked on our journey of learning with great enthusiasm. Together weve passed our Levels 1-2 of the Parelli Natural Horsemanship (PNH) program, as well as our Level 3 Liberty. By the Spring of 2017, our goal is to earn our official Level 3 Freestyle and Online. In September 2016, I had the pleasure of meeting Pat Parelli during a One-On-One Masterclass offered in Markham, Ontario. At the same time, I was selected to perform in the Savvy Kids Club demonstrations taking place over the noon hour on both days of the event. For the third consecutive year, I performed as part of the Spirits in Unity Team during Horse Lovers Weekend at Upper Canada Village in Morrisburg, ON. Unequivocally, I can say that horses and horsemanship are my passions. There simply is no comparison to days spent at the barn in the company of horses. There simply are no better people than horse-people to grow with and learn from. I hope that I can help and inspire you too in your equine-partnership goals. Thanks for riding alongside me on this journey.

Photos courtesy of www.genevievemaurice.com