2014 Reflections and Progression

As I sit in my house avoiding the major storm outside, I have the time to go over my last few blogs and reflect on how life has evolved the past year.  

I looked over the "Keep Calm Chive On" blog smiling to myself because I am still on that path.  That makes me so happy.  I have carefully kept only the good people in my life and strive for excellence in all that I do.

In 2014 I have established my business JW Equine Services as a full time training and coaching operation.  My show team and I compete in AQHA, APHA, and AHA breed shows as an all around riders.  I also coach and compete in USEF/USDF Dressage and Hunter/Jumper shows.  I coach a great group of non showing riders as well.  

On a personal note, in 2014 I have cut out all soda in my diet.  I know that seems like a small step towards overall health, but if you know me its HUGE.  I have tripled my daily water intake and try to have healthy protein heavy meals.  I have also created a work out regimen to help maintain my physical fitness.  I stress the importance of physical fitness to all my clients.  I am now creating a pair of athletes in my training.

I'm thrilled with how things are progressing in my life.  I couldn't do it without great people helping me along the way.

Thank you all for your inspiration and support.

JW

Selling a horse VS Buying a horse

If I were buying a horse, I would want something that can do it all.  Western Pleasure, Hunter Under Saddle, Showmanship, Jumping, Dressage, Reining... I need something that is 3-7 years of age and 16 plus hands that doesn't need to be in a training program.  Easy for all the necessary ground work.  I want to be able to go on vacation for a month and come back like we have been working everyday.  I want a show stopper looking horse.  Lots of chrome in all the right places.  NO spook, buck, kick, bite, crib... Boyfriend/kid safe.  Sound and show ready.  Needs to have a finished lead change.  I need lots of videos and pictures.  Show records, pedigree and a clean vet record.  I want a trial period with a refundable or no deposit.

And here is the kicker, I want it all for almost nothing!

Sound familiar?  If you have ever tried to sell a horse then it should sound very familiar.  The hard truth is if this horse exists... they are not selling or we are looking way north of 60K.


Prepping a horse to be sold is like an art. You start out with a blank canvas or lump of clay and you work it into what you think will sell the easiest. For me, I like to shape my horses in a wide variety of ways. No horse or person is the same or has the same wants and needs.  This process takes time and patience. 

If you want a clean vet record you cant push a horse's training to fast. 

If you don't want bad habits and create good ground manners you have to expose the horse to new places and environments but be consistent with discipline and rewards.

If you want an all around horse you need to work hard everyday.  Consistent training and cross training needs to be done daily.  Build yourself a well rounded horse by slowly introducing new maneuvers and exercises that will build to the advanced maneuvers.  Flexibility is a must!  Stretching and warming up your horse should be a consistent set of patterns.

Buyers want lots of video and pictures.  A lot of the time I ride alone and this is very difficult for me.  I have started to take cell phone videos whenever I have someone in the arena with me.  Weather the video is poor quality or not, it could be a sale or no sale.  Let the buyer know that this is a quick cell phone video just to show movement and discipline.  Don't walk forever in a video!!!  Nobody cares if your horse can walk around half the arena. 

Show your horse.  Take to as many shows as you or the owner can go to.  Exposure is the best way for people to get interested.  Even if you take them and tie to the trailer you do so much good.  Networking at shows, and social media is a big part of selling your horse.  Answer every email even if they are ridiculous.  Stay positive and helpful when answering questions.  Always tell the truth.

Last but not least.  Clean your horse up.  They should always look as though they are ready to go to a show.  Any person can become a buyer when they notice a nice looking horse to get interested in.  I keep my horses clipped and groomed at all times.  Their scheduled turn outs and lights in stalls are strategic to the season.  Feed Well!  Stay on top of vet and farrier appointments.

I'm sure I'm missing lots of details.  It is the most rewarding job when you find a match and change someones life for good. 

Oh and I never said there is a lot of money in selling horses.  You can just call me a starving artist ;)

Thank you for your time,
JW

Show Season Is Here

September is a crazy horse show month for the JW Equine Services team.  Each weekend there are one or more shows to choose from. 
We are competing in APHA, AQHA, Dressage USEF USDF, and Open shows in September.

JW Equine Services is the Official AQHA License sponsor for the Platinum Classic I &II Dressage show 2013.  I will continue to sponsor the AQHA license in our area dressage shows. 

 

I have a few superstitions that you may or may not know about.  Each show is different, but I like to keep my routine the same if I can.

• I always wear my Bad Ass socks that my little brother Luke gave me. 

• I always wear my Keep Calm and Ride On tank top under my show shirt that my BFF Julia gave to me. Except in Dressage... No room for Tank top :( but I do carry a KCCO patch in my pocket that Nick gave to me.

• I always wear my IX-V-MMX bracelet that Nick gave to me.

• I always have to listen to Weezer's Greatest Man that Ever Lived before a show.

• I like to eat Cashews, Doritos, and Salami during the shows. 

• I drink only Water, Lemon Vita Water Zero, and Coke Zero at shows.

• I rarely get sleep the night before a show.  I'm to excited to sleep.

What is it that you do before a show?  Do you have any rituals or lucky charms?

Click this link to check out my new Face Book page and Like.  Let me know what crazy things you have to do before or during your shows.

Have a great show season,
JW

Path to "Keep Calm Chive On"

Lots of changes the past few years have made me stronger and hopefully smarter.  I am officially on a life path to "Keep Calm Chive On" status. 

The key to being successful in my new life path is to de-stress. 

From the small decisions such as where to get my nails done, to the big decisions such as where I conduct JW Equine Services, all revolves around stress free environments.

I have a great partner to help share my life and all my busy decisions.  Nick is a great motivator, and confidant.  I learn from him everyday.  Together we lift each other up to reach our goals and better our lives.

I now have a peaceful stables to work from and continue making JW Equine Services the best for all equine enthusiasts.  With all my horse needs at my doorstep I find it much easier to move forward in all my types of training.  I'm able to create learning and philanthropic opportunities for myself and students more frequently.  I can "Keep Calm Ride On" now that I am only working with select horses and people that I have hand picked to fit comfortably in my life. 

The Wisher family is far, but always close in my heart.  My family is also a great source of inspiration.  I will never lose the strength of character, kindness of heart, courage and value of honesty that my family has taught me. 

I have found so many great people to share my life with in the past few years.  I will continue to make a huge effort to keep only the fabulous stress free people, and get rid of the rest as soon as possible.  My new life path of "Keep Calm Chive On" has zero time for stressful life suckers.

Nick and I realized last night that we are spoiled... We have everything we will ever need right now.  We can just be happy in our lives and "Keep Calm Chive On!"

 

Thank you for your time,

Jonna 

7iL Ride A Thon for SIRE

SIRE Houston's Therapeutic Equestrian Centers

JW Equine Services is attending the 7iL Fund raiser for SIRE.

Our group name is the Mustang Sallies.

As of 10/1/12 we have raised $1050.00 for SIRE

Click link below to support.

Please join us on our ride or donate to the Mustang Sallies to support SIRE!