Desert Lane

10/16/2023

💯 all of this!!!!

08/19/2023

Switching gears from breed competition to jumping schooling show with this team. Growing and building confidence is absolute key to success.

08/16/2023

When all the hard work, blood, sweat, and tears bring you to championships shared between friends then success was had in every aspect imaginable 🎉💕

07/31/2023

Sage advice for every horseman/woman:

1. Not every horse and/or trainer is a fit for every rider
2. Everyone has different goals and is working toward different things for different reasons... and they’re all good!
3. Your horse can come first, but don’t forget about you. You need sleep, water and food at shows too
4. The price tag on your clothes does not determine the color of your ribbons. Keep the clothes you have ironed and clean and wear them with a smile, it’ll be fine!
5. Be gracious to everyone at shows. Ring stewards, gate keepers, judges, office workers, custodians, concessions stand people, and everyone in between. Everyone loves to be thanked and feel appreciated!
6. JUST SAY HI! Everyone wants to make friends! All you have to do is introduce yourself. (Pro Tip: compliment their horse, we all love to talk about our horse!)
7. Stop thinking of the people around you as the competition. These are your peers. You are going to be around them for a lot of years so cheer them on and think of them as motivation to be your best!
8. Try not to take pleasure in another person’s bad ride/class/day because soon enough it will be your turn for a bad day.
9. In turn, root for other people’s wins. Because one day it will be YOUR TURN and you want them to the same for you!
10. The 2 minute rule. Personally, I usually need more like 5 minutes but that’s okay. Take your few minutes after a bad class and go out somewhere alone and do whatever it is you need to do to express what happened. But after that you get yourself together, pick yourself up, go back to the barn, go practice some things, and leave it behind you. That class does not define you, your horse, or your career.
11. A natural smile is beautiful, not cheesy.
12. If you’re not enjoying your riding then you need to step back, look at everything, and determine what is keeping you from having fun. Then make a change! CHANGES ARE OKAY.
13. Not every ride has to be about working. Horses need brain breaks just like we do so give them a chance to go for a trail ride or a ba****ck ride. It’ll be good for both of you.
14. Remember the older girls you looked up to at shows when you were little? It’s your turn! Step up. That doesn’t mean you have to take home all blues. Just be kind and compassionate toward the younger riders and they will want to be just like you!
15. Take as many pictures as possible
16. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. You will need it
17. Sometimes the ribbon you’re most proud of is not the blue one. Sometimes any ribbon is a win that day!
18. Give every horse a chance. Just because you didn’t click right away doesn’t mean they’re a bad horse, you may just need a new approach.

07/26/2023

Remmie Graff and Elsa De Natalia (Andalusian Mare) working towards their A System debut. This team came on the scene as a green horse green rider team just three years ago. Working on that balance, finesse, and power needed to get all 10 gears required for Show Hack!

07/24/2023

Maddalynn Roll and W***y Nillie (ASB Gelding by Theme Park) doing some early morning practice for their breed show debut. Working on bringing the **POWER** to their gaits to be successful in the Hunter Country Pleasure division.

07/21/2023

This is a well timed message as we prepare two teams to step up to the A system level here in a few weeks from now!

Top 10 List A Successful Showman Understands

10. Win or lose always show class
9. Teamwork is a must, don't be afraid to help others
8. Nobody wants to hear how good you are just show them in the ring
7. When things get tough Stay Positive
6. Practice like you've never won, show like you've never lost
5. Competition is what makes us all better
4. Never get outworked
3. Always show respect for our industry and your competition
2. You don't have to cheat to win
1. Appreciate the "Show Mom/Dad/Grandparents" they make it all happen


And No ”What ifs” do your job, Execute, present, and be patient and you will be successful!

05/30/2023

Be pushable.

If you are an athlete, or heck, even someone with any kind of goal, be pushable.

As a trainer, coachability and humility are two of my favorite traits a student can possess. Pair those with work ethic, and you have an unbeatable mixture for success. But more and more, I’m seeing that those tend to be elusive qualities. There are reasons for this. Entitlement. Helicopter parents. Wanting instant gratification. Or just the classic oldie but goodie: laziness.

I teach riders with all sorts of different goals, and what the goal is does not matter to me. I will do my best to help you win at the horse show, or I will do my best to help you become better with basic horsemanship and equitation so that you can be the safest trail rider on the mountain. However, if you have lofty goals, you better have lofty work ethic.

You need to be pushable.

If a trainer asks for more and is met with resistance, then for what are you even using one? I have witnessed riders flat out ignoring me, not listening until I say it 17 times, “trying” (but not actually), crying, whining, making excuses, blaming the horse… Basically avoiding responsibility for the situation. Growing up taking lessons, I wanted to be pushed. I wanted to grow as a rider. Little did I know then how much that was helping me and my lesson mates grow as a human too.

Riding is scary sometimes. It is hard physically and mentally. It requires discomfort. But being pushable means being comfortable with being uncomfortable. Accepting that growth isn’t comfortable. Stagnation is comfortable.

Coming back from my concussion a couple years ago left me with an almost paralyzing fear. But I have pushed through worry and discomfort to finally have a small sense of security on a horse again. I have done the work until I thought my legs might fall off. I have cried, sweated, cursed, and celebrated. I have erased doubt with tiny accumulations of “oh wait, I didn’t die! I DID IT!” moments.

If you are an athlete, be pushable. Be coachable. Dig deep, find your grit, and rally. Talk less. Listen more. Go into challenges instead of avoiding them. Understand it’s a SPORT, meaning your muscles will be tired. Your lungs will feel empty at times. You will be sore. You will grow.

But not unless you are pushable.

Be Pushable

An EC Blog by Trainer Jessica Strott
http://www.equinechronicle.com/ec-blog-be-pushable/

02/20/2023

February is coming to a close and I have room for one boarding slot and one training spot starting on March 3rd.

Board includes large 30x30 paddock with 3sided shelter, hay provided full care, private tack room, pasture turnout, trailer parking, and large lighted outdoor arena. This is my home and my passion so if you are looking for top notch care, great facility, access to trainer/riding instructor then this is your place. I treat every horse on my property regardless of temporary or permanent residency as my own!

Training slot is available for someone looking to improve their relationship with their horse, needing to solve some issues, teach something new or refine what’s already there. I take a fundamentals approach with my horses, basics are too important to ignore and can often solve many training issues. I am versed in many breeds and disciplines and use a lot of dressage basics in my approach. Preference given to competitor minded owners looking to join or keep in the Open Show world and be and stay competitive.

Come join Team Desert Lane and make 2023 the year you check big goals off your list!

02/03/2023

Show horses aren’t easy.

It’s certainly not for the lazy or faint of heart. Definitely not for those who crave likes, the comments or seeking their 15 seconds of Instagram fame.

What you saw is a victory lap, a smiling rider and cheering family. You saw the pretty tack and the coordinating outfits. You saw that picture perfect moment...
And you want it.
You want to be that person.
You want that horse, you want that photo, you WANT that blue ribbon.

But here’s what you don’t see.

You don’t see the stall cleaning, the feeding, the hay and the upkeep. You don’t see the hours upon hours of riding. You don’t see the failed executions, stumbles, falls, bucks and tantrums. You certainly won’t see the tears and the frustrations as things don’t go just right. You won’t see the vet bills, all nighters with a sick animal and the constant nagging in your mind of what could be next.

If all you want is a victory lap with a pretty pony, a photo opportunity so your Facebook friends can like and comment... get on a carousel.
Show horses, no matter the discipline, are hard work. Constant work. Never ending, ever changing.

That victory pass you watched- you saw roughly 30 seconds that reflects months and years of work.

So don’t ever believe this is easy.

12/25/2022

11/18/2022

Things your riding instructor wants you to know:

1. This sport is hard. You don't get to bypass the hard…..every good rider has gone through it. You make progress, then you don't, and then you make progress again. Your riding instructor can coach you through it, but they cannot make it easy.

2. You're going to ride horses you don't want to ride. If you're teachable, you will learn from every horse you ride. Each horse in the barn can teach you if you let them. IF YOU LET THEM. Which leads me to…

3. You MUST be teachable to succeed in this sport. You must be teachable to succeed at anything, but that is another conversation. Being teachable often means going back to basics time and time and time again. If you find basics boring, then your not looking at them as an opportunity to learn. Which brings me to…..

4. This sport is a COMMITMENT. Read that, then read it again. Every sport is a commitment, but in this sport your teammate weighs 1200 lbs and speaks a different language. Good riders don't get good by riding every once in awhile….they improve because they make riding a priority and give themsevles opportunity to practice.

5. EVERY RIDE IS AN OPPORTUNITY. Even the walk ones. Even the hard ones. Every. Single. Ride. Remember when you just wished someone would lead you around on a horse? Find the happiness in just being able to RIDE. If you make every ride about what your AREN'T doing, you take the fun out of the experience for yourself, your horse, and your instructor. Just enjoy the process. Which brings me to...

6. Riding should be fun. It is work. and work isn't always fun.....but if you (or your rider) are consistently choosing other activities or find yourself not looking forward to lessons, it's time to take a break. The horses already know you don't want to be here, and you set yourself up for failure if you are already dreading the lesson before you get here.

7. You'll learn more about horses from the ground than you ever will while riding. That's why ground lessons are important, too. If you're skipping ground lessons (or the part of your lesson that takes place on the ground), you're missing out on the most important parts of the lesson. You spend far more time on the ground with horses than you do in the saddle.

8. Ask questions and communicate. If you're wondering why your coach is having you ride a particular horse or do an exercise, ask them. Then listen to their answer and refer to #3 above.

9. We are human beings. We make decisions (some of them life and death ones) every day. We balance learning for students with workloads for horses and carry the bulk of this business on our shoulders. A little courtesy goes a long way.

Of all the sports your child will try through their school years, riding is one of 3 that they may continue regularly as adults (golf and skiing are the others). People who coach riding spend the better part of their free time and much of their disposable income trying to improve their own riding and caring for the horses who help teach your child. They love this sport and teaching others…..but they all have their limits. Not all good riders are good coaches, but all good coaches will tell you that the process to get good is not an easy one.

*Not my words, but certainly a shared sentiment!

11/03/2022

GOOD INFO! Blanket reminder for the dropping temps!

Overnight lows in the following:

60°
- Clipped (Nothing)
- Unclipped (Nothing)

50°
- Clipped (Sheet or Lightweight)
- Unclipped (Nothing)

40°
-Clipped (Medium Weight w/ Hood)
- Unclipped (Sheet or Lightweight)

30°
-Clipped (Heavy Weight w/ Hood)
- Unclipped (Medium Weight)

20°
- Clipped (Heavy Weight w/ Hood & Fleece)
- Unclipped (Medium w/ Neck or Heavy)

10°
- Clipped (Heavy Weight w/ Hood & Heavy Cooler)
- Unclipped (Heavy Weight w/ Neck)

Sheet is 0g or no fill
Lightweight is 100g - 200g fill
Medium is 200g - 300g fill
Heavy is 300g+ fill

07/31/2022

I have a standard routine to bring horses in from pasture and most days go without incident. They know their herd order and they normally wait patiently in order at the gate. No squabbling or fighting since they just know I will be back and they have to respect each other’s rank. Then there are the random days EVERYONE looses their damn mind and they run, fight, kick and act like a-holes. Those days I feel like Oprah. You get a patience spot, you get a patience spot, you get a patience spot!!! Lordy some days barn/herd management is so much more than feeding and cleaning. I could have just put them away but as a proponent of happy quiet calm herds taking the extra time for their sanity and mine is completely worth it!

12/13/2021

Come join our team. 🥰
I have a boarding spot open for just the right individual who wants top notch care for their horse, lessons and training when needed and who can take you to the top.

https://www.facebook.com/1063660559/posts/10222492102105677/?d=n

As we wrap up this year I want to share the results of the Desert Lane team for NEZ and WSH.

Meghan Weber and Martina McRide had a tough year and only made it to two shows but that was enough to bring home a slew of ribbons including some division toppers!!! Hopefully those issues will be fully sorted come spring and they fiery team will be back out there kicking butt in 2022!! 🥰

Maddalynn Roll and Little Reo Pony were excellent in their Ranch and Trail divisions. I believe that next year they will have completed their ROM in Trail. They have lots of goals in the coming year 🥰

Jonesin For Blue Sky “JackJack” has done something I truly never thought I would EVER see. He brought home so many wins this year that we added 8 more division wins and three State Perpetual trophies - Hi Point Sr Ex Quarter Horse, Hi Point All Around Quarter Horse, High Point B System Presidents Cup and a Top Three jacket!! My heart is full! 🥰🥰🥰 I’m pretty sure that completes his ROM and so we will begin work on his ROH.

I’m so excited for next year. I have new teams getting out there and more goals for myself and students! 🤠 Go Forth and Conquer has been my catch phrase at work, think it’s time to adopt that in all of my life!

11/22/2021

11/22/2021

11/22/2021

11/12/2021

December is coming and my November training horses are scheduled to go home. I have room for one permanent training/boarding slot and/or another temp fill for tune ups or sale.

I take a fundamentals approach with my horses, basics are too important to ignore and can often solve many training issues. If you want to improve your relationship with your horse, need to solve some issues, teach something new, or just basic “wet saddle blankets”, I can make that happen for you. Would really love to get some more team members on the show squad so if you want a lovely place to board, and access to a trainer 24/7 send me a message!

The horse market right now is really great so if you need to keep a horse in work and marketing for sale let me help you! I can take care of everything.

09/12/2021

Ready to add one more full time training horse to the mix starting Oct 1. If you’re looking to get a couple of months in before the bad winter weather let me know. Now is a great time for weanlings to learn some basics before being allowed to grow this winter, for green broke horses to get a little more education before also being turned out again, or get that show horse tuned up prior to winter show series. Got a trail horse that needs more miles, I can do that too. DM me for details.

09/04/2021

Desert Lane has sponsored the daily Trivia questions for tomorrow so brush up on that random knowledge and win some cool stuff ;)

Look at all the great awards we will be giving out tomorrow at our Fall Show! We have a fun-filled day planned for everyone at the Franklin County Saddle Club in Pasco! The office opens at 7:00am and the show starts at 8:00! See you all in the morning!

08/09/2021

Supple and Feel are interchangeable in the rider and the horse and no one element can exist without the others. It’s up to the rider to develop the feel needed to help the horse develop theirs. Only then can horse and rider connect and move fluidly together as a team.

https://www.horselistening.com/2016/10/22/suppling-fun-an-exercise/?fbclid=IwAR1eYLK_J--Iw-0Gc6o7XjZrbcTMDzDP12GKdZzCbqKCXrOZGqXMpPFAIGc

I like this one because it can help set you up to “find” suppleness just by virtue of riding through the pattern.

07/14/2021

Beginning in September I will be opening up my availability to offer more lessons. Currently I only have one lesson horse so my capacity to take on students without their own horse will be limited.

I’m looking to build a show team! Want to learn how to showcase your horse and develop your talents? Are you new to showing and want to get your feet wet? Are you not new but looking to hone your skills with your horse and be consistently in the ribbons? I can help. I have been showing horses for over 30years. I have done a little of everything in many breeds and I truly want to invest in others success and take what I’ve learned and pass that along.

I will also have spots open for training as well. I will not offer c**t starting but will be specifically be offering tune ups, finishing, show training etc.

Message me now to get on the books early to reserve your spot.