Solar Archives - Chesna Klimek

Solar Update with Unreleased Video Footage

Written by Chesna on July 7, 2014 · Leave a Comment

I spent part of the long weekend clearing out old computer files. My efforts were rewarded when I discovered the below footage: unreleased video of Solar and I practicing some bridleless riding before the 100-Day Trainer Challenge finale last October. Solar and I performed bridleless as part of our winning […]

Many Thanks for Your Support in the 100-Day Trainer Challenge

Written by Chesna on October 10, 2013 · Leave a Comment

I’ve received tremendous support during the Prodigious Fund’s 100-Day Trainer Challenge. I want to take a moment to thank you all for reading and following along. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated your feedback, stories, and kindness during this process. And I look forward to staying connected. Even though the majority […]

Day 100: The Challenge

Written by Chesna on October 6, 2013 · 1 Comment

DAY 100. What a day with Solar! This ex-racehorse proved to himself and to many more that if given a chance, racehorses can be winners off the track too. We concluded our 100-days together by earning the top spot in the 100-Day Trainer Challenge after three judged phases. Check out […]

Join Us October 5: 100-Day Trainer Challenge Finale and TB Horse Show

Written by Chesna on September 27, 2013 · Leave a Comment

On Saturday, October 5, 2013 join us for the Prodigious Fund’s Thoroughbred-only horse show at Donida Farm in Auburn, WA. If you’ve been following along with the Prodigious Fund’s 100-Day Trainer Challenge, you are welcome to come see all five of the horses and trainers perform from noon to 1 […]

DAY 82: Pictures of Solar

Written by Chesna on September 17, 2013 · Leave a Comment

DAY 82. Some pictures before our ride on an evening that couldn’t decide between rain or sun.

Exercises for Improving the Rider’s Leg (with Solar)

Written by Chesna on September 16, 2013 · Leave a Comment

DAY 81. A byproduct of documenting the 100-Day Trainer Challenge is getting to see myself ride–in video and pictures–much more than usual. And sometimes, it’s a little painful. Those habits/tendencies that are easy enough to ignore when you don’t pay attention to them look pretty obvious when you watch and […]

Week Nine with Solar: Stay Lively

Written by Chesna on August 30, 2013 · 4 Comments

WEEK NINE. The other evening I rode Solar in a thunderstorm. It was late, and dark, and we rode in the outdoor arena under the light of a single lamppost. Lightning periodically illuminated the dark landscape, clear as day. Throaty thunder rumbled through the Skookumchuck Valley. And warm rain soaked us […]

Day 57 Continued: Water Jump Cross-Country Schooling

Written by Chesna on August 23, 2013 · 1 Comment

DAY 57. Only seven miles from Nayborly Farms you’ll discover Northwest Equestrian Center (NWEC), a fabulous three-day eventing facility. NWEC offers excellent schooling options for an inexperienced cross-country horse like Solar. The main agenda for this ride was to introduce Solar to a water jump for the first time. And […]

Day 57: Just Another Friday with Solar (in Pictures)

Written by Chesna on August 23, 2013 · 4 Comments

Day 57. No better way to spend a Friday evening than with an obliging horse and a supportive boyfriend at a perfect venue. Northwest Equestrian Center is one of the most beautiful properties in Thurston County (I wish I could afford to buy it; if you can, I would happily run it […]

DAY 50: Solar’s Conformation Progress Report

Written by Chesna on August 16, 2013 · 2 Comments

DAY 50. Move over Brad Pitt, here’s an updated conformation picture of Solar halfway through the 100-Day Trainer Challenge. Solar’s been in excellent health and soundness from day one, so he doesn’t look tremendously different. But there are some changes. Since he’s been in the field, his color has bleached from […]