Everything HORSES!

Who said horse back riding was easy? This is the first year I have been surrounded by a group of talented and dedicated equestrians, who have a passion for all things "horses". 

This section of our blog will be dedicated to them and their love of this graceful, yet powerful creature. Please join me in celebrating their hard work and writing, as we see the world through the eyes of an equestrian. 

Best in Show

By: Jodie 

              Have you ever yearned for the thrill in riding in a horse show? I’m very lucky and able to compete at various shows often. A horse show is an event in which horses and ponies compete, whether jumping, modeling, or showing on the flat. When I say modeling, I mean when the rider takes off the horse’s saddle and wraps, and then trots the horse or pony into the ring to show off his or her conformation. The judge checks for health, shininess of its coat, and lots more. You do not ride in a model class. When you show on the flat, it means you go in the ring and walk, trot, and canter in both directions in front of the judge. In a flat class, there are usually 10-30 competitors… It just depends on the competition.

            In the beginning of February, I took part in the HITS (Horse Shows in the Sun) Thermal Desert Circuit Two. I didn’t go to school on Friday (sorry Mrs. Coro!!) and drove a little past Palm Springs where the showground was. It had been raining VERY hard on the day and the days before the show, and we were a little nervous that it would be too slippery to ride. We arrived at the show at about 2:00 P.M. and soon realized that my first class was in 15 minutes! I rushed to change and only had a few minutes to warm up! I might not have ridden, except I strongly felt that it would be good practice if I didn’t make the time frame. Soaked to the skin in my drenched riding jacket, my new velvet helmet getting matted down, the conditions weren’t great but it proved to be amazing! Show attire consists of show pants, a long, silky, specified show shirt, and a riding coat which is generally black or gray. You must tuck in your shirt with a belt. One of the most embarrassing things is when you forget to tuck it in and it makes you look sloppy.

                  It proved to be a good idea that I decided to take part of the competition of Friday, because I pulled away with a champion ribbon, two blue ribbons, some other places, and my name in a magazine! My champion was in the Schooling Pony Hunters. There are three major parts of Hunter/Jumper shows. There is the Hunter division, the Jumper division, and the equitation division. The hunter division is based on if your horse has impeccable conformation, immaculate grooming done, and the distance you choose to jump the jump. The Jumper division is not if your horse is pretty or not, it is judged on how many faults you pick up and your time. Equitation is based on if you have good form as a rider, if you have heavy or light hands, and your attire. Trust me, they do not judge easily! On Saturday, I was just ok. I picked up a couple of good ribbons, and I was proud of my perfect pony, Milka, that she didn’t go crazy that rain was pounding in her face and all over her. Practically everyone that was at the show was cramped under this little tent to prevent themselves from getting soaked! Sunday dawned cold and gloomy, but it was not raining! I showed in the USEF (United Stated Equestrian Federation) Pony Medal and won it! That qualifies me for the USEF Pony Medal Finals at the end of the show season. Also, during the show I qualified myself for the Pony Finals in Kentucky during the summer! I just have a feeling that I’m not going, but I’ll have to see.

                       I hope that it doesn’t sound like I’m bragging, and I also hope that you have learned a lot and have been motivated to start riding yourself! Thanks to my mom for making my show career happen!

Biographies: Women in History / Black History

Throughout the months of February and March, Americans celebrate the contributions of African Americans and Women to our country's rich and unique history. Over the last month, students were asked to choose a notable individual, who we hadn't formally been studied, to research and report on. 

Join our fifth grade, in a walk throughout history.

Clara Barton, Angel of the Battlefield

By: Ali 

“I am compelled to face danger, but never fear it, and while our soldiers can stand and fight, I can feed and nurse them.” Stated Clarissa “Clara” Barton. This strong woman from the mid 1800s became known as the Angel of the Battlefield for her work with the Civil War and for founding The American Red Cross.

Clara was born on December 25, 1821 to officer Stephen Barton and Mrs. Sarah Barton. Her brothers and sisters, David, Stephen, Sally and Sarah had a major impact on their youngest sister. When she was eleven, David, fell off the barn roof while repairing a hole in it. Clara never left his side and administered all his medicines including “the great loathsome crawling leeches”. In my opinion this is what inspired her to become a nurse.

Most of Clara Barton’s education was gained by her brothers’ and sisters’ knowledge. Her parents also insisted that she attend Colonel Richard School or the “Liberal Instruction”. With all the information she possessed, Barton became a teacher at age seventeen. After her lengthy teaching career, Miss Barton studied to become a battlefield nurse.

In 1861, when she was living in Washington D.C., working as secretary, the sixth regiment arrived. Clara immediately set up a relief program for the soldiers. Besides establishing many relief camps, she also nursed and cared for soldiers from both sides, the Confederates (south) and the Union (north).

Though this exemplary woman has had many accomplishments, she is most known for founding the American Red Cross. When Barton was visiting Europe, she heard about many countries having a Red Cross. Inspired by her experiences in Europe, Clara corresponded with the officials in Switzerland once she returned to the United States. Recognizing her leadership abilities, Switzerland helped her convince President James Garfield to sign the Geneva Treaty. Once the U.S. official’s successor, Chester Author, the American Red Cross was helping people all over the country. With Clara Barton at the head, the organization’s success was on its way.

         Sadly, this beloved woman died on April 12, 1912 in Glen Echo, Maryland. “The door that nobody else will go in at, seems always to swing open widely for me.” Adored by many people, Clara Barton will always be remembered as the Angel of the Battlefield.

One Land, Many Trails...Theme 5

"A Boy Called Slow"

 

In the story, A Boy Called Slow,  Joseph Bruchac tells the story of a young boy named Slow who earns the name Sitting Bull after showing bravery in battle. 

As the story begins, we are introduced to the Returns Again family of the Hunkapapa band of Lakota Sioux.  We learn that it is a tradition to name a child according to how the child acted. Because our main character moved so "slowly" in everything he did, he was given the name Slow. It wasn't until after he behaved in a heroic manner, at the age of thirteen, that he was given the legendary title of Sitting Bull.

Blogging QUESTIONS:

Share with your classmates the following stories:

1. If you were named in the same manner as SLOW, what would your name have been? Why?

2. How did your parents arrive at your name? Did they pick it out of a book? Were you named after a relative?

3. Research Sitting Bull and tell us about his reputation throughout history.