Masters Project – Week 25

It seems like as I get closer to finishing other things pop up that also need my attention and distract me from working on my project as much as I would like. I did finish a final draft of the video portion of my project after adding more visual footage to the audio and editing the audio toward the end of the video. Upon completing the video draft, I moved back into working on the paper portion of my project. I have a decent start on the paper, but also have quite a bit more to write. I plan on focusing the start of next week on the paper, and then I’ll return to the video for a final review and to look for any details to fill in still.

Here is the final draft of my video portion:

Masters Project – Week 24

I had other responsibilities this week, so I didn’t get to spend as much time on my project as I would have liked. However, I did get a decent amount of editing done on the video portion. I primarily made smaller changes and updates throughout the video (such as making sure captions where consistent visually in font style, size, and presentation), and also edited a smaller section at the end of the video. I have about 5 more minutes of audio (script and interview) where I haven’t placed in the visuals yet, but I am very close to finishing the entire draft of the video. I was hoping to get this all filled in this week, but I wasn’t able to meet that goal as other responsibilities came up that I had to attend to. It is now a continuing goal for the upcoming week, along with returning to work on my paper.

Here is the ending clip I edited this week:

Masters Project – Week 23

I accomplished a lot in terms of editing this week, primarily in going through my video footage from the horse show and stating to input that footage into my video piece. I also worked out some details in my video, in terms of minor edits to make the visuals flow better and starting to add text information about the image being shown (horse and rider names, etc.). Based on the timeline associated with the audio for my video, I have about two thirds completed with visuals added, which leaves the final third of the video that I need to still add more visuals to the narration/interview audio. I am fairly confident I already have the visuals I need; I just need some more editing time. Based on this progress, I am farily confident I can have a solid draft of the entire video portion completed in another week. Then I will likely shift focus to working on the paper portion and other pieces to incorporate in the online presentation format before returning to the video for another review and to finalize details.

Below is the first part of my video that I have been working on.

 

 

Masters Project – Week 22

This was a good week for editing the video portion of my project. I returned to a section I had edited previously and added in interview footage about the temperament/disposition of a Saddlebred to the scripted portion that talked about the physical characteristics of an ideal Saddlebred. I also edited another section covering the gaits of the American Saddlebred. I included some of the interview footage from the farrier in this section, although I’m not sure how well it fits. I think I will edit the farrier footage more at the start of next week and then leave it for a while before reviewing it again. It is good information, but I’m not sure if it fits this section well or not at this point. This section will also be filled out with visuals from the horse show I attended Saturday evening.

I ended the week by attending the final night of the St. Louis National Charity Horse Show, which consisted of various Saddlebred classes including fine harness, parade, roadster horse, Western pleasure, and both three and five gaited championships classes. It was nice to get some show footage to round out the footage I already have. I think it will fit nicely in some areas of the video, as well as provide examples of the various classes and the characteristic gaits of the breed. I also enjoyed experiencing the show atmosphere. There were similarities and differences to other horse shows.

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Similar to other shows, the audience was excited to attend and applauded the winning horses in each class. However, there was also more participation outside the ring during the classes as trainers/coaches called suggestions to the riders, but also called out and tapped on the metal poles at the top of the ring to get the horses to look alert. Through taking some saddle seat lessons myself I have learned that sometimes a person on the ground will help “step up” or “ground” a horse by using various tactics (such a cracking a whip to make noise, calling out, or even puffing out baby powder) to get the horse to have more energy and lift its legs a little higher. All of this is done without touching the horse, and is done to gain the horse’s attention. It was interesting to see some of this happening during the show. The audience will often be completely quite until after a horse performs in other shows, depending on the class, so it was a slightly different experience to hear the calls and tapping on the arena poles during the classes.

Another difference was the use of live music. They had a trumpet/horn and trombone players to announce classes and then used recorded popular songs instead of the traditional live organ music. Traditionally, a live organ player performs throughout the classes and matches the music to the gait being performed. Unfortunately, the organ player at this show had gotten sick earlier in the week and wasn’t able to play for the Saturday evening classes.

I am glad I attended the show, as it was a fun experience and I was able to get some good photos and video footage to include in my project.

Masters Project – Weeks 20 and 21

Week 20:

I worked on editing more video footage this week and got another video section done. I also went through the farrier footage in more detail. The farrier provided some good information, but I think I will only include a smaller portion of his interview in this project. He provided interesting insight into how shoeing Saddlebreds is different than shoeing some other horse breeds. This information will tie into the section on the gaits of the Saddlebred and how the horses move. He also provided great information on the differences between Saddlebred shoeing and training practices versus those associated with soring a horse (which is a very controversial topic that Saddlebreds get included in even though the Saddlebred industry does not practice soring). I don’t think I will include the soring discussion at this time because I think it is an issue that is more in depth and could warrant its own project in the future. I am not trying to steer away from the controversial topic, but the fact that it is controversial means that it should be discussed in more detail than I think my current project is suited for.

Here is a clip of the section I edited this week, on the breed characteristics of the American Saddlebred:

Week 21:

I reviewed my interview footage again and developed a set of topics that could serve as video chapters. I also analyzed where such chapter topics from the interviews may fit well into the pageant script that is outlining the structure of my video. The chapter topics I developed include: Where the industry is now and where it is going (this may include discussion of the other disciplines that Saddlebred horses work in other than the traditional saddle seat); Description of the gaits (including shoeing and training aspects); Breed characteristics and disposition/temperament; Ties between Kentucky, the current Saddle Horse capital, and Missouri, the original Saddle Horse capital; Classes in shows; and Missouri History including Tom Bass (history may also include discussion of Art Simmons, Simmons Stables, Will Shriver, and Calloway Hills). Although I may wait to include some of the topics in Missouri history for now, as there is a lot more information that I haven’t tapped into yet. At this stage I want to produce a well-developed project with the information I have, and then continue exploring more historic details in the future.

I had plans to continue editing, but I had things come up that I needed to address.

Masters Project – Week 19

I honestly didn’t get as much completed, as I wanted this week. I did get a good section of editing done, but I was planning on doing more work. I primarily focused on the video section about Tom Bass and feel I have a good section edited. There are some photos I may replace or retake (returning to the museum to do so). I also incorporated some interview material into the narration as it provided additional information in a different format. Overall, I think the interview fits within the narration, but I may still move some aspects around.

I also interviewed a new source this week, a farrier specializing in working on Saddlebred horses. I’m not sure how his interview will fit into my project just yet, but I think he provided some useful information regarding misconceptions held by people outside of the Saddlebred industry. He spoke about the different practices between Saddlebreds and Tennessee Walking Horses. Sometimes lay people and individuals in other areas of the horse industry associate Saddlebreds (as gaited horses) with the soring practices that happen in the Walking Horse industry (another gaited breed). Soring induces pain through a chemical process, and is used by some in the Walking Horse industry to make a horse accentuate certain gaits – which has led to an animal cruelty debate about the practice. Because both breeds are gaited and have high-lifting action to their movements, sometimes the negative practice of soring is associated with the Saddlebred industry where the practice does not occur. The farrier I spoke to shed some insight into this aspect, as well as explained some of the specific needs for shoeing a Saddlebred horse to balance timing, animation, and soundness.

Masters Project – Week 18

I was able to get work done on the video portion of my project this week. Having the clear audio of the script has helped provide the structure I was struggling with previously. While working through editing images/video clips into the structure though I have found some areas where I feel I am missing a particular image or where I could find a better historical photo, so I am making notes as to what I am looking for to later contact the museum again and see if they have the historic images I feel I may be missing.

Filling in images with the script is going well, but I am also reviewing my interview footage and evaluating where it may fit into the story the script is telling. I am glad that my project is starting to progress better as the past couple of weeks have felt like a waiting game as I tried to get the audio I needed. There are other aspects I have been working on besides the video portion, but I am excited that I have most of what I need for the video and I can really delve into the editing process now. I find I enjoy video editing once I have the story structure in place. The video portion will likely be my focus this coming week, but I also want to start working on the supporting aspects for the video (which will likely be a written piece with additional visuals). I also plan on having an audio/video repository of personal stories from the interviews I conducted. This may or may not be directly incorporated into the overall project, but I definitely feel the stories should be presented and preserved.

Masters Project – Week 15

I followed up with a source (Kate Coup) and took photos and video of her retired show horse performing under saddle, including the gaits unique to Saddlebreds. I also had the opportunity to speak some with her mother, who was involved in the industry growing up herself. It was nice to get another perspective on where the industry has come from and where it may be going, as well as watch the show horse perform. Coup also gave me contact info for another potential source with a connection to the Saddle Horse industry, both past and present. At this time I have chosen not to reach out to this new source because I have a wealth of information already that I need to evaluate and process who to present.

In terms of editing and processing information and footage, I have felt a little overwhelmed. This has in turn made it challenging to really get into the editing process. However, I have now gone through all the interview footage I took (as well as reviewed what I already evaluated earlier), and I think I am ready to start piecing everything together. Developing a framework to tell the story has also been challenging. I had the idea of using a pageant script by Alice Thompson as a skeleton in which I would add interview information where appropriate. The issue here is that I need audio of someone reading the script if I am to use it. I am thinking I would like to have someone in the industry ‘voice’ it, and I plan on reaching out to Thompson’s daughter (who also has a connection to the industry) for this aspect. I actually have audio of Thompson reading the opening line that I would like to use (especially as she is the original author), and incorporating her daughter for the rest would be most fitting.

I would like to create a multimedia as the primary component for presentation, however, I also think a text article, with photos, may be necessary to cover some more detail that wasn’t presented, or wasn’t presented well, in the interviews. Within the text portion I may also imbed additional stories from interviews that may not make it into the video. Everyone I have spoken to have had numerous personal stories to tell which I think are important to document, preserve, and present for others, but may not fit well into the frame of the video’s story (history into contemporary use).

At this point I do feel like there are still a lot of unknowns, possibly more then I am completely comfortable with. However, I need to start moving toward the ‘finish line’ otherwise I think I will continue feeling overwhelmed by the wealth of information. It may turn out that I develop a story presentation with what I have now and then continue working on this as a personal project into the future, as I know there are more people who would provide valuable information and stories that should be preserved and shared.

 

Also, here is what I have as a potential opening so far, with my critique of what I may change below it.

First, I don’t know how I feel about the script opening as the first image. It isn’t very powerful and then I think there is too much time spent on the text. Unfortunately, Thompson was moving around during the time she was opening and then reading the script so I don’t have great footage of her opening the script. It may also be better to start with an image of a Saddlebred horse. I also don’t know if have the cover of the script booklet makes it appear that is the video title and that Thompson is the creator (which she is in regard to the script, but not the video).

Second, the video footage of the horse is actually slowed down, and I’m not sure whether I like the effect or not. The horse is racking there, which is a fast gait, and I initially thought slowing the footage down would allow the viewer to better see what the gait looks like and get to see the horse longer. If I leave it in slow motion I would definitely include a normal time video of the rack later, however, I’m also not sure whether I should do that first so people don’t get the wrong perception of the speed the horse moves at.

Third, I will add audio behind the video of the horse. I thought about leaving the original audio or the horse moving, but then the audio wouldn’t match the movement of the slowed down horse (maybe that’s a reason not to slow it down) and it doesn’t sound good slowed down itself. I have also heard that live organ music is often a part of shows, which would make lively and appropriate opening audio. However, the next show I could find is at the end of September, and I have no guarantee whether there will be an organ player or not. I was also going to introduce the next part of spoken audio (either the script reading or an interview), but not immediately at the beginning of the clip of the horse so there would still be air to fill.

Overall, I think the opening I’ve drafted is a little more artistic than journalistic and there are aspects I’m not sure I completely like. But I do love the opening audio and would love to have that be the start of the story presentation.

Masters Project – Week 14

This was an interesting week of work on my project. I was already traveling to Kentucky and was able to arrange a meeting with a Kentucky resident who has been immersed in the Saddlebred industry most of his life. Don Harris is an accomplished trainer and rider in the Saddlebred industry. I first met him at the Simmons Stables 130^th anniversary celebration and International Saddlebred Hall of Fame induction. We were able to arrange a meeting at his home in Kentucky, and I spent some time interviewing him. Most of what he had to share was not explicitly related to Missouri, but he had numerous interesting stories and memories to share (including about his relationship with well-respected Missouri breeder and trainer Art Simmons) along with insight about the industry. While he may not have been directly related to Missouri, which is the focus of my project, his interview revealed some of the connections Missouri had to the rest of the Saddlebred industry. It was nice meeting with Mr. Harris and hearing his memories about riding and showing Saddlebreds. His stories provided further insight and context for the other interviews and research I have conducted.

I also spent more time going through footage I had already collected, as well as reaching out to follow-up with a source I met with previously. Finally, I started typing up a pageant script written by Alice Thompson about “The Horse America Made.” I think the script may provide a structure for the final presentation of my project. It also gives a good overview of the development of the breed and the importance of Missouri, so it also prompts ideas for what visual footage to incorporate in my project that I may have already or may still need to get.

Overall, I think this was a productive week. I have less outside responsibilities to demand my attention, and I am able to focus more on my project. Having that additional time has allowed me to focus better and edit more in depth what I’ve already gathered, so I feel I’m progressing better toward the final product.

Masters Project – Week 13

I have been reviewing prior footage and information I have gathered in order to get a better overall understanding of what I have, what I need to follow up with, and what I may still need to get. I completed going through the information gathered from one source in particular and created a list of follow up questions, what historic photos she could still provide me with, and what additional footage I would like to get with her.

I also started going through the audio/video I got while talking to Alice Thompson. In what I have reviewed so far, I think it may be challenging to incorporate the video, but I am hopeful that I will be able to include audio of a story or two that she told me. There is such a wealth of information and history to be passed on from her experiences and memories, so I also may need to visit with her again in order to best represent her portion of the Saddlebred history/story.

I will admit to struggling a little to spend enough time going through footage and working on the written portion of my Project. I am still excited by the prospect of where the story can go, but feel I’m not spending as much time on my project as I would like. I know part of that requires me to make the time to work on my project, but I also have other responsibilities to balance with my project work. I am eager to move forward toward the final presentation, but I am also comfortable taking my time to make sure I tell the story well. I am also trying to decide what I may still need to incorporate into my project. I think there will be a balance to including enough information to tell the story and including too much depending on the audience. Thus, I may also need to reevaluate and focus more on what my intended audience should be.

I did reach out to a new source this week, and I think he will provide good insight into the history of Saddlebreds. He has a wider reach then mid-Missouri both historically and currently (he is actually located in KY), but I think the stories/memories he has will be important to at least consider, as well as record for future generations. It was good timing that I met him as I will be traveling to KY this coming week, and I look forward to hearing what he has to share and how I may incorporate it into my project.