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The Legal Equestrian

August 3, 2016

Confessions of An Aspiring Amateur: Following your intuition in riding

12715375_10205735361246693_4642775076942837591_nOver a year ago, I was faced with the task of finding a new barn on very short notice. My trainer (at the time) and I went on a manhunt, trying to find the best facility for me and my pony (I only had two horses at the time). I knew I had goals of showing, so finding a show facility was important to me, as was finding one with good care because it was clear I wasn’t going to find a new facility that was a. close by and b. allowed outside trainers.

I reached out to my farrier for some recommendations, and he told me to call a woman named Holly (now my trainer). He told me she was hands down the best horse caretaker and trainer in the area, and he would make a phone call for me to see if my trainer at the time could come with me (Equestrian Lesson: this is why you should always be nice to your farriers, vets, masseuses, chiropractors, etc.)

I spoke with Holly on the phone, and I instantly fell in love with her mission, her facility (though I hadn’t seen it), and everything she had to offer. She seemed to be the perfect fit for me, even though the barn was a bit further than I would have liked. However, quality care was important to me as was a show atmosphere because that was my goal now.

My trainer at the time and I looked around at a few new places, but I still kept coming back to Holly’s place. I really felt it was the right fit for me, well.. us, and every other facility I visited paled in comparison. Additionally, Holly was willing to allow my trainer to come in and teach me, as a favor to my farrier since I was such a good client to his (see my equestrian lesson cited above).

I decided that I wanted to move to Holly’s facility, and shortly thereafter, we made the move. The care was impeccable; the facilities beautiful; the ring was gorgeous; and Holly was super nice and accommodating. She made me and my horses feel at home as did the barn owner, and that was something I really appreciated, especially because I was sort of encroaching on her territory by bringing in an outside trainer.

As you all know, last May, I decided to switch trainers and begin riding with Holly. After some reflection, a lame horse as Garden State Horse Show, and a lesson with Holly on one of her school horses where I realized that confidence I had built up over the two years I was at other barns, I realized that it wasn’t so scary switching trainers.

My intuition was right. There was a reason I was so strongly pulled to Holly’s facility, and now she is not just the trainer I see myself sticking with for the rest of my career, but also someone I can call a close friend (and coincidentally, she went to college with my boyfriend, and they hung out frequently – weird, right?)

Oftentimes we may be feeling something in our gut but suppressing it. It can do with anything related to horseback riding. I urge you to go with that feeling in your gut. Your intuition is one of your most valuable tools, and you never know where it can lead you.

12745909_10205735358726630_79687092897808802_n-2Although I am on a break from riding right now due to a head injury, Holly was upped my confidence tenfold. Before my head injury, I was showing and winning. My knowledge and riding has improved so much since I began taking consistent lessons with her. She found me the perfect horse (Monte), keeps me on my toes, talks to me as a friend, keeps me in line, and pushes me when I need to be pushed.

Note: None of this is a knock on my former trainer, and it should not be construed as such. She is a wonderful person, and she helped build my confidence from next to nothing. She was my best friend for years. She was there when I needed her most when Rascal died; when I was horse searching because I had nothing to ride at our former barn; and when things were going south in my riding life. She and I agreed it was just time to move on. My goals just didn’t mesh with the type of trainer she wanted to be, and she did the honorable thing by telling me to move onto someone else rather than keeping me as a client and promising me things on which she couldn’t follow through – like consistently attending ‘A’ rated horse shows, which require a ton of time and effort on the trainer’s part.

So next time you’re feeling your gut telling you something, take a moment and listen. It might be scary. Trust me, I never imagined myself leaving my former trainer. However, you could be cutting yourself off from a path of even more success, confidence, and better riding than you ever imagined.

Leave a Comment · Filed Under: Confessions of An Aspiring Amateur, Horse Advice, Horses, Personal, Riding Tips, Tips, Training Tips

June 4, 2016

Migraine & Headache Awareness Month: A review on Botox

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Coming off of Mental Health Awareness Month, we are now faced with Migraine & Headache Awareness Month. As you guys may know, I suffer from severe migraines. Additionally, one of our other writers, Erin Post, suffers from them. They are debilitating and something not everyone understands unless they’ve had one themselves.

As a chronic migraineur, I find it hugely important to bring awareness to this illness. Research on migraines is one of the most underfunded neurological disease researches in the country. They can affect people so badly that the individuals suffering can’t even work and have to go on permanent disability.

Mine are triggered, unfortunately, by weather changes, temperature changes, and barometric pressure changes – so, in short, I can’t control them. They also have gotten much worse since I got my severe concussion back in October; partially because of a neck injury I sustained at that time.

I personally get between 19 and 20 migraines a month. They last anywhere from 3 – 4 days, and sometimes I’ll have them for up to two weeks straight. I’ve tried pretty much everything medication-wise, and unfortunately, the only thing that works is a narcotic. I currently just completed my first Botox treatment, and I figured for Migraine Awareness Month, I would review my first-time experience.

Note: You have to continue to get Botox every 3 months in order for it to remain effective. This is just my first-time impression. Additionally, none of this is meant to be used as medical advice. Please talk to your doctor about your headaches and if Botox is right for you.

First, according to my doctor, you can only get approved for Botox if a. you suffer from 15+ headaches a month that last more than 24 hours, b. you’ve failed three abortives (Imitrex, Relpax, Maxalt, etc.), and c. you’ve failed two preventatives (anti-depressants, beta blockers, seizure medications, etc. that are prescribed off-label or for migraine prevention, not the original purpose for which they were FDA-approved).

If you meet this criteria, talk to your doctor to see if Botox is right for you. I had been so against Botox for so long, but my migraines have gotten so bad that I decided to bite the bullet and try it. It just felt weird to be getting Botox at my age.

The procedure

unnamed-13So, the longest part of the procedure was when my doctor had to set up everything. The actual procedure was relatively short. I would say about 10 or 15 minutes, though it did feel longer. It was relatively painless, but not completely pain-free. The shots themselves were a small pinch because the needle was very, very small – the smallest my doctor said he could use for the procedure in order to ensure my comfort and to ensure I didn’t suffer from too much pain. What actually hurt, and the hurt was more of a sting than anything, was when the doctor pushed the syringe to place the Botox into my skin. Some areas stung more than others; I’m not sure why. He did my temples, my upper forehead, near my eyebrows, and in between my eyebrows. Then we had to do the back of my head and my neck. The neck part was the “grossest” for me. Why? Well, I could hear the needle going into my muscle, and the sound it made was not pleasant. It sounded almost like raw meat being ripped up, if you can recall that sound. Overall, those were the worst parts of the procedure. It’s not something so bad where I wouldn’t get the Botox again. Additionally, after doing some online research, not everyone experienced these feelings when getting the Botox.

Side effects

My doctor said the worst side effect is that sometimes the Botox can leech out and cause one of your eyes to become super droopy. There is also another side effect where your neck muscles can become extremely weak, and you will be unable to hold your head up. My doctor explained to me that this usually happens when a doctor doesn’t follow the protocol for Botox administration strictly and disclosed that this occurred with another doctor in their practice who isn’t strict about following protocol.

As for me, did I suffer any side effects? Aside from soreness at the injection spots, I didn’t really suffer any of the side effects told to me by my doctor or listed on the Botox website. I really was just sore, and the soreness was only if I forgot and touched my forehead or temples. I did have one bout where I turned my neck a certain way and it was super sore, but other than that, I have felt good.

Does it work?

It is too soon for me to say whether it works since I got the Botox two days ago. However, through my research, I have seen it takes anywhere from 2 – 24 weeks to work or 1 – 2 treatments. Additionally, there is also the risk that it won’t work for you at all. Basically, if you’re not seeing any improvement with one treatment, it’s best to try another treatment, as the Botox manufacturers say it takes at least two treatments to determine efficacy.

I will say I got a very bad migraine yesterday which was a day after the Botox administration, and I am not feeling too well today. However, I have also read that people who received Botox did have these issues when they first got the Botox treatment, and then Botox started working for them.

Furthermore, Botox is the only FDA approved treatment to prevent migraines and headaches before they even start. It’s the only FDA-approved treatment for those that suffer from chronic migraines and headaches. Remember my tidbit above about how the other migraine preventatives are prescribed off-label? They aren’t FDA-approved for migraine prevention; they’ve just been found to work for migraine prevention.

What happens after the first treatment?

If you are lucky, and it works right away, it should reduce your migraines by an average of 9 per month. Note that this is an average meaning the total it reduces for you could be less or more (I’m hoping for more). Additionally, you are required to return for treatments every 3 months, which is how often insurance companies will pay for it and how often the manufacturers recommend. Other than that, after the first treatment, I would download a migraine tracker app (if you don’t have one

Cefaly.

already), and track the frequency/intensity of your migraines so you can provide accurate information to your doctor to see if the Botox is working or if you should try something else (there are tons of things on the market, including this little Star Trek-like baby, Cefaly).

If you are thinking of Botox, please make sure you visit a neurologist or certified headache specialist. It must be administered a specific way, or the risk of side effects could be even worse and may be more likely to show up.

Again, this is just my personal experience with Botox thus far. I consulted many doctors before coming to the conclusion that Botox was something I should try. Please seek medical attention if you are suffering from chronic migraines, and you can see if Botox is right for you, or what your options are for treatment and prevention.

Additionally, if you have any questions about migraines, I am here to help – in a non-medical way. I know what it’s like to suffer, feel hopeless and unable to control when you feel sick, and have to constantly cancel plans or be afraid to make plans because you’re afraid of getting a migraine. You can also join a group I created on Facebook for equestrians that suffer from migraines.

1 Comment · Filed Under: Equestrian Health, Personal

May 27, 2016

Mental Health Awareness Month: My story

So, I’ve been a bit absent lately – on social media, on the blog, everywhere really.

To be completely, 100 percent honest and raw with you, I relapsed.

I’ve been suffering from depression on and off since I was 16 years old. It runs in my family, unfortunately, along with a few other mental disorders. Along with depression, I suffer from severe anxiety, bipolar disorder, and borderline personality disorder. (Editor’s Note: I can’t believe I am actually going to publish this).

I am pretty aware of my body and how I am feeling at all times, and I’ve noticed over the past few months I’ve lost joy in a lot of things that I once used to love. Obviously my other health issues (severe migraines) haven’t helped that at all. Having a severe migraine for two weeks out of a month is no way to live. Being bedridden for that period of time is no way to live.

Recently, I noticed myself going in a downward spiral – crying all the time, feeling terrible about myself, not knowing what to do, where to turn, or how to get myself out of this all too familiar funk. I hadn’t felt this way since my last relapse in college. Yet, I would still have random bursts of energy where I felt amazing (cue mood cycling).

I was in so much agony and pain that I finally decided to go see someone. Ever since my last episode that severely affected my ability to function, which was years ago, I’ve been adamant about not seeing doctors and not being on medication. But, here’s the thing, sometimes that is what we need to do, and if we really are feeling that awful about ourselves and feeling that down where we just cannot shake it, we need to seek help.

I know there’s a huge stigma around mental health, and it’s very hard for me to write this post because of that stigma. I know I will get judged. I know that I will be understood. It depends who you are, what you’ve been through, and what your viewpoints on mental health are.

I am happy to say that I did see a doctor, and after receiving the same diagnoses I’ve been receiving my entire life, I have been placed on medication to help “normalize” me again. I am beginning to feel better, and I hope to return to blogging full-time again because I miss it.

My point in writing this is that a lot of us suffer from mental illness, but it’s hidden. Just like the points I’ve made in our other mental health awareness posts: oftentimes, we know someone with a particular disorder, we just don’t know it.

Aside from one tweet I’ve made, or if you know me well outside of this platform, I bet you guys had no idea I was suffering. And, if you did, we should be friends because I need people in my life who will notice little details like that.

Don’t be afraid to get help. It is out there. Talk to a friend. Talk to me. See a doctor. There is nothing wrong with medication, if you need it. Call one of the helplines listed in Erin Post’s most recent blog. There is help out there, and there is a light at the end of the tunnel – no matter how dim, dark, and hopeless things may seem.

6 Comments · Filed Under: Equestrian Health, Personal

May 16, 2016

Spring Cleaning: Equestrian tack & apparel sale

So, as most equestrians do, I’ve accumulated a ton of tack/apparel I do not need. Below is a list of items I have. If you are interested in anything (seriously interested), feel free to DM me on Twitter or email me for photos. Most items’ prices are firm, but some are slightly negotiable.

Brown Alcantara Samshield Premium, 6 3/4. Never worn, still in box.: $585.

Black GPA First Lady 2x, 6 3/4. Never worn, still in box.: $675.

Wellfleet comfort contour breastplate, oversize. Never used, brand new condition.: $190.

EQology Space Dyed Short Sleeve Shirt by SmartPak, Raspberry/Gray, XS. Never worn.: $45.00

Easy Button Bit Guards, 5″. Never used, still in packaging.: $6.00

Brown Heritage Performance Gloves, size 6. Never worn, still in packaging.: $24.00

Beval Stamford Saddle, 16.5″, medium tree, regular flap. Never used. Comes with fleece covering, brand new Beval stirrup leathers, and grey composite Royal Rider stirrups that have also never been used. Buyer pays shipping. $1,800. If you just want the saddle, I can reduce price. However, if you want the whole package, listed price is what I am selling it for.

Royal Rider Composite Stirrups, grey. Never used, still in packaging. Come with cheese graters and black grips. 4 3/4″. $135.00.

Purple Le Fash City Breeches with Navy Knee Patches, 24R. Worn once. $300.00

Light Grey Denim Le Fash City Breeches, 24R. Worn twice. $280.00.

3 Comments · Filed Under: Equestrian Fashion, Horses, Personal

April 23, 2016

Confessions of An Aspiring Amateur: Taking a break is okay

As some of you know, I’ve gone through a period where I lost my passion for riding. I’m not sure why, but I think that what I did was put too much pressure on myself to be perfect, especially at shows – which was a recipe for disaster.

I decided that I am going to take a break from showing, which unfortunately means taking a break from one of my favorite shows, Garden State.

But, I realized, it’s okay to take a break because you know what? Showing will always be there. I’m not taking a break forever – just until I improve my riding to where I am completely comfortable showing at 2’6″, what I’m currently schooling. Due to health issues, I’ve been unable to ride consistently anyway, though I jumped last week and didn’t seem to miss a beat. However, I want to be schooling at least 3″ to 6″ higher than what I will be showing at. That way, the 2’6″ won’t look so big when I return. So my new goal is to do some schooling or local shows, sparingly, during the summer, and to return to A rated in August when the next big A rated show in New Jersey happens.

If you are feeling pressured or feel that passion fading, don’t be afraid to take a break. One of two things will happen – you will either miss riding or you won’t. And if you don’t, then maybe that break will be permanent. Either way, it’s okay to take a break. It took me a little to comprehend and become okay with that, but I am okay with it. I know I will get to where I want to be, and I’ve adjusted my goals to short-term ones that are more realistic. My long-term ones, which are lofty, can wait.

Leave a Comment · Filed Under: Confessions of An Aspiring Amateur, Equestrian Health, Horse Advice, Horses, Personal, Riding Tips

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amateur hunter/eq rider. lawyer. entrepreneur.
two horses, one pony.
zone two.
perfectionist.
still love the expensive & innovative.

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