Video Progression

Finding all these VHS-C tapes in storage has allowed me to reflect on my riding career so far, going back to when I had just moved my horses up to the Austin area. So we are talking about 20 years of progress, which, of course, is most certainly not linear! But lining it all up via a few videos is kind of funny, and it reminds me just how appreciative I am of all the riding opportunities I have had (even if I wasn’t so appreciative at the time, ha). The videos also remind me of just how much I love riding a good thoroughbred gelding, almost as if my path to them started with a very different breed, and took me away from them occasionally to show me just how great their great attributes are.

Anchor, at another one of our last shows together …

Anchor at a show from patentlybay on Vimeo.

At this point, Anchor definitely wanted a little kid to take the reins from me. My trainers and I agreed that I needed another mount to move up on.

Next up, schooling Helga.

Schooling Helga from patentlybay on Vimeo.

While I did get a new horse, he got sidelined for a time and I got the ride on Helga. And I tried to crash her right into Anchor … *facepalm*

The ride on Helga … was … instructive.

Just … why from patentlybay on Vimeo.

CAN ANYONE TELL ME WHY I WAS RIDING HELGA IN A HUNTER CLASS???

And of course during this whole time, I still had Red, a sweet horse, but also hot, and tricky at times.

Little Red ❤ from patentlybay on Vimeo.

This video is long-ish, and I am mainly posting the whole of it instead of just a clip for my mom. He does look good, mom! And, like I say in the video, also neurotic. It’s funny to me to see myself saying “I think I’m done,” even then, because I say it now, too, when I feel like pressing for more would cause a setback. Also … can we talk about my shirt? It looks like I am wearing an ivory silk blouse with the hint of a bishop’s sleeve. I might have to re-institute that type of top for riding.

Then Leo got back in the game …

Oxer with Leo from patentlybay on Vimeo.

I haven’t run across much video of Leo just yet, although what little I have seen reminds me of just how much sass, and competitive attitude, and confidence he had. Maybe there is some more of Leo on the remaining tapes, maybe there is not. I am hoping for show video, but there’s no telling, considering my labeling system was beyond unhelpful.

All these horses and others got me to this guy, and he’s stuck with me. I think he knows he’s got a pretty good deal going.

MEC Low H2 from patentlybay on Vimeo.