El Pasture is Done!

Scout has his suitcase packed and he's waiting by his stall door to come live at my house. We pick him up on Saturday morning so he can begin his new life as a productive citizen in society. Or, on the cow farm. I turned Cole out in the new section on Saturday. He scampered around (as only Cole can do) and then followed it up with 15 minutes of pure horror as he charged the barbed wire part of the fence and slid to a stop just before plowing into it. Scout has 4 months to get completely broke before I ship him off to his new family...right down the road.

Come visit!

Free Horse For Sale

Cedar is selling a horse named Aari who tried to toss her mom.

Horse is brown with white marky thing on her face and is very hyper. Helmet required for riding. Seatbelt also required. And, somebody to call 911 when she tries to bolt across the ring and throw you into the fence. Only riders who have extensive experience with stubborn, hot-headed Arabians need apply. In fact, no application needed. She just may show up in your yard tied to a tree. Wait, she doesn't tie. JOY...I NEED YOU!!!!

Winter Light

I can tell the light has changed. It's almost Spring. That means work picks up and the horses get grouchy. I'm already letting the grass grow in the upper pasture. So, DON'T TOUCH THE WHITE FENCE. Major made that mistake the other day while being mean to Aari. He bumped his nose into a normally unhot part of the fence. It pretty much ruined his day and his supper. He wouldn't go near his food bucket. We are going to attempt to finish the horse pasture this weekend. That means by Monday Cole could be test driving the new grass. Well, right after I teach him that it's wrong to plow through the fence. Something I failed to teach Sunrise. I'll probably dump Aari in there with him until he gets the hang of it...or until Scout comes.

Cole is getting a few days off. I had the farrier (yes, he showed up) trim his back feet too short. Now he's sore (bad horse owner, bad!). That's as far as I've gotten in training him these last few weeks. Oh, and he can 360 a little better.


Quote of the Day: "If your horse says no, you either asked the wrong question, or asked the question wrong."
-Pat Parelli

Sick as a Dog.

This is the real thing people. I'm currently chewing a Cold-Eeze gum ball "this is not candy" piece of candy hoping the zinc will keep me from getting worse. That means Cole gets a vacation for a few days from me. If you have any suggestions on how to get better please let me know.

Symptoms:
Migraine
Sore throat
Spacy out of body feeling

On a lighter note, I watched the National Geographic show about Great Whites with my dad last night. Yeah, never going in the ocean again.

Famous Last Words: "Don't be silly. If this was really the ship's self-destruct button, do you think they'd leave it lying around where anyone could press it?"

Celtic Cole

Cole's ex-parents came over today. We watched videos of when Cole was younger and untrained. We laughed until we couldn't stand it anymore. He acted even worse than he does now! Hard to believe. Aari had her first experience with a "power float" yesterday. Her teeth were in pretty bad shape so I had a vet come to try to fix some issues. It was basically nothing more than a really tough file attached to a power drill. Yeah, not much fun. She should have an easier time chewing and processing food. Cole had his yearly round of shots...all muscle shots. He was having a hard time moving today. We knocked out a short ride and I just gave up. It's a bad idea to ride a horse who's too stiff to turn. After a long day of doing nothing I laid on the couch and ate everything at Taco Bell. I should be their spokes person.


Rachael's Quote of the Day: "Don't believe everything you think."

I Need Riding Lessons

This is John's horse. I was able to ride him for the first time on Saturday. I made Carroll come with me to snap some pictures (I'll be signing myself up for riding lessons after this. I can't belive how bad my posture has gotten). He did fairly well. Just to throw some Walking Horse terms at you....he has a deep stride in his backend and I think I can get it better once we get him good and timed up. There, got that out of my system. We'll be shortening the shanks on his bit so nobody freak out. Yes, he is wearing half blinders in the second picture. He was acting a little crazy and I didn't feel like getting hurt (note the nerd helmet). Overall, I might keep him for myself. Just don't tell John.

Famous Last Words: "Let's split up, we'll cover more ground."

I Want A Camel

That being said, Noah cried when he looked at me today. Don't know why. I wasn't even looking at him. I heard him start to scream...turned around....and he had that sad lip thing going on. He eventually got over it, but it took him a while. Today is IMATT'S b-day. So, shoot over to his blog and wish him a happy one. Now, back to my original point. I have always wanted a camel. I've never even been around one but how cool would it be to have one scampering around the pasture with the horses. I'm pretty sure my horses wouldn't stand for it and bust down the fence, but for the 1st few minutes it would be pretty cool. One of my goals in life is to go on a safari. Now may not be the greatest (safest) time to do it, but someday. Maybe if I use my "new horse fund" money I can afford to go. Nevermind, I'd rather have the horse.

P.S.- We applied for John's new horses name....drumroll...."Lethal's Desert Eagle." It's up to the breeders association if we get it or not. We had to put down extra names in case that one was taken. I'm going to ride Scout (for the very 1st time) hopefully tomorrow sometime. I'll let you know what medical facility I'll be sent to after he throws me off.

1 last thing. Boo went to the cat doctor yesterday. He has a bad infection and doesn't feel well. He requested Taco Bell be sent to him. I'm just sayin'.

Famous Last Words: "I'll hold it and you light the fuse."

Holly As My Witness

Quietex is useless. Yeah, you heard me. It worked for 1 day. Then my horse went crazy. Yesterday I couldn't even catch him to ride. He ran 90 mph sliding around the wet ring while the dogs barked (I just knew he was going to break his legs and make me call the vet). Speaking of calling the vet, Cole is now the proud owner of 2 stitches. Maybe now he'll think twice before he gets a massive splinter in his neck. I'm also feeding animals for a man who lives 4 hours from my house (not really, just feels that way). He has a shiny new half pit-bull that I had to come visit before he left me alone to take care of her to make sure she wouldn't eat me. So far, she's only tried to eat the cat.

I got all my horse paperwork mailed out today. I am now a member of WHOA, NCWHA, NHSC, NWHA. Try and figure that out. It only cost me about $250 to get all my show cards together. Now I just need a show name for John's horse. Since I'm responsible for the training and care until he gets back from wherever he went I'm taking it upon myself to name him. If you have any suggestions please let me know.


Famous Last Words: "Pass me a hanky; I'm going to wipe the foam off that dog's mouth."

Cole is on Meds.

The feed store is out of his grain, so I'm trying something else. Joy...what's the info on "Strategy" horse feed. I bought 1 hold-over bag. Also, I bought him some "Quietex." It's a white powder that you feed once a day that's supposed to keep them nice and calm. I'm not betting on it. The last horse I saw on this stuff kicked a hole in a brand new horse trailer at a show. Cole has been so incredibly high strung lately that I'm trying anything to keep him calm. Every time we ride (the exact same trails) he sees new horse eating monsters that he thinks he can outrun if he can just get me off his back.

I hope it snows.

Quote of the Day: "A computer once beat me at chess, but it was no match for me at kick boxing."

Foal Pillow

"Come to me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

-Matthew 11:28

Ole McJohn Bought A Horse...

Today, I got to do my favorite "hobby" thing in the world. No, I didn't buy myself a horse. Today, I did my second favorite "hobby" thing in the world. I helped a friend buy a horse. It wasn't as hard as I thought it would be to pry John's wallet away from him. But just in case, I had Martha with me.

I shall now present to you...Scout.




This is one of the only babies (that I know of ) from the late 2001 Spotted Saddle horse World Grand Champion Lethal's Delight of Pride. Years ago I did have the opportunity to ride his daddy (you can shake my hand and congratulate me later). So, when I heard one of his babies was for sale I jumped on it. Ok, I made John jump on it. He has more money than I do. All-in-all, John is pretty good at buying horses. He isn't like me. If I see something I like I have a hard time playing it cool. As far as a first horse goes I think he hit the nail on the head. We'll know for sure in about 2 months when Scout is turned over to me to finish his formal training. Helmet and bubble wrap here I come.

John, I'm proud of you. Just remember the number one rule: "A horse is only afraid of two things - things that move and things that don't."


Horse terminology that John learned from his first horse buying experience:

Event Prospect = Big Fast Horse
Dressage Prospect = Big Slow Horse
Hack Prospect = Pretty Color
Sporting Prospect = Short Fast Horse
Camp Prospect = Fast Horse which can turn
Endurance Prospect = Fast Horse which will turn sometimes
Flashy = White Socks
Attractive = Bay
15.2hh = 14.3hh
16.2hh = 15.3hh
To Loving Home Only = Expensive
To Show Home Only = Very Expensive
Needs Experienced Rider = Potentially Lethal
Elegant = Thin
In Good Condition = Foundered
Free Moving = Bolts
Quiet = Lame in Both Front Legs
Dead Quiet = Lame in All Four Legs
Good in Traffic (Bombproof) = Lame all Round, Deaf and Blind
Loves Children = Kicks and Bites
Pony Type = Small and Hairy
Arab Type = Looks startled
TB Type = Looks Terrified
Quarter Horse Type = Fat
Warmblood Type = Big and Hairy
Draft Type = Big and Exceedingly Hairy
Easy to Catch = Very Old
Reluctant to Sell = Sale Comes with Title Deed to Golden Gate Bridge
All Offers Considered = I am in Traction for 6 months

Funny Things

This post is dedicated to the funny things Grandparents, or any loved ones say. This post is in honor of my Grandma (we'll call her Mrs. Hazel) who Martha and I used to eat lunch with every Friday for years. Now that she is gone we still have the huge desire to call her up and tell her funny things that go on in the family...such as at reunions. Grandma used to say stuff that would crack me and Martha up and we miss her very much. So, post the funny things you've heard your your loved ones say (only nice quotes-remember, we love these people).

So, to kick things off:

Mrs. Hazel: "I think he's a skritsofrenik."
-And you have to pronounce it just like that.

Stinker

Cole and I didn't have the greatest ride yesterday. I've done so well keeping him in shape without overworking him. So, I give him a day off to rest and the next day I ride him he tries to kill me. I took him back to the round pen to lunge him to get some energy out. He was so nuts I had to unclip him from the lunge line and let him go. He ran as hard as he could forever and completely tore up the ground in the pen. I was sure he was going to break all of his legs. He finally wore himself out and walked back up to me puffing and sweating. I saddled/bridled him and rode him around the pen...and guess what...he did great. I wore my helmet anyway just to be on the safe side. He's such a stinker. I'm pretty sure he needs to be on a nerve pill. I've only had one other horse who's acted this crazy and he had good reason. He was never completely trained to ride. And, I sold him. But, we'll try it again tonight. Only this time we'll start in the warm-up pen.

P.S.- I went through my old horse show ribbons last Saturday cleaning out my tack room. Talk about flashbacks! I found my very first ribbon I ever won along with clips of hair from my horses that have died. It was so cool to go back and read the names and classes on the back of the ribbons and remember the horses I used to ride and show. Many of the horses died years ago. Martha and I are heading to Michael's this weekend to find ways to make shadowboxes and preserve the great memories I have connected with all my horse stuff.

From time to time, people tell me, "lighten up, it's just a horse," or, "that's a lot of money for "just a horse".

They don't understand the distance traveled, the time spent, or the costs involved for "just a horse."

Some of my proudest moments have come about with "just a horse." Many hours have passed and my only company was "just a horse," but I did not once feel slighted.

Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by "just a horse,' ...If you, too, think it's "just a horse," then you will probably understand phrases like "just a friend," "just a sunrise," or "just a promise."

"Just a horse" brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy. "Just a horse" brings out the compassion and patience that make me a better person.

Because of "just a horse" I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future. So for me and folks like me, it's not "just a horse" but an embodiment of all
the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the
pure joy of the moment.

"Just a horse" brings out what's good in me and diverts my thoughts away. I hope that someday they can understand that it's not "just a horse" but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being "just a woman/man."

So the next time you hear the phrase "just a horse" just smile, because they "just" don't understand.

Backyard Trainers..and poor little Cole

FYI-This is not my horse

Today I'll ride Cole. This is not the first time mind you. We have been going through a grueling workout the past several weeks (by grueling I mean we do a lot of walk/high-walk around the farm with a little bit of eating grass worked in). Nevermind the fact that I also have to work in leg cues which make me unable to walk for hours after I ride. He is, however, getting in great shape and learning how to use all of his leg muscles without being in pain. I'm so proud of him (today I'll fall off and be mad at him but right now I like him). I had this great apostrophe a few months ago that I would start him early this year so by show season, which is usually in the heat of summer, he would already be where he needs to be. That means less attitude and a lot more focus. Cole has a tendancy to be great while working at home and then lose his mind when we get to a show. So, we're working on that too.

Oh, props to the people at Purina who make the horse feed Ultium and whoever makes Corta-Flex. You make my life easier...well...except when the liquid stuff freezes up and refuses to pour out and I'm running late for work and I get sticky stuff all over me. You know what, nevermind.

Rachael's Quote of the Day: "I have the ability of single-minded determination and focu... Hey, look! A horse!"

When Movies Attack

I finally made it to a movie theater last night. This is a big accomplishment for me. It meant that I was able to manipulate someone (someone being my mom and dad and probably Martha) into feeding 5 horses, 2 (smelly) dogs, and cats. "What movie did you watch?" you ask. Well, if there is a movie that even resembles Lord of the Rings I'll be there. This time it was Eragon. It was pretty good. Not real sure about a talking dragon...especially when you can recognize the actress' voice. Plus, they left out a lot of the story which left thousands of holes. One major hole being the fact that they kept stating that the dragon wasn't old enough to breath fire. 10 minutes later it looked like the 4th of July. Boy did she grow up fast. Plus, I was scared of the bad guy. Other than that, it was a pretty good movie. If you don't like "Harry Potter" like movies than it definitely isn't for you.

P.S.- Claude says thank you for his Christmas present from Oozie.

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

Ley your heart be light.....

From now on our troubles will be out of sight....

Thanks to the guys for putting up with "game time" at church. I've honestly never seen 2 better Christmas trees in my entire life. I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas. And now................

Luke 2:1-20

1In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3And everyone went to his own town to register.

4So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ^[a] the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14"Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

16So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

-NIV

Mama Kitty

Carroll, this post is for you. This is my new (new of about 3 months) barn kitty. She isn't a true Manx cat. Her tail used to be huge and fluffy and at her former home she got it hung in some brush and it eventually fell off. But, now she's mine. Just ignore the wad of hay on her back. I was having a hard time getting her to sit still for the photo and it confused her just long enough to snap a picture. She has big shoes to fill being the next barn kitty after Wommy "passed away." We still have a picture of her at the barn to remind us how close we came to danger every time we fed horses. That cat was hateful but we loved her anyway.

If you so chose to come and visit her, make sure you bring her squishy food (because she loves it so much) and whatever you do...don't turn your back on her. Sometimes she gets inspired to wrap around your leg while trying to gnaw it off.

Famous last words: "I think it's trying to communicate......"

New Blog

Everyone check out Martha (and Noah's) brand new blog. The link is at the top of my "friends" link on the side. Don't expect any profound statements from Noah just yet.

Ahh...Vacation...

The peacock farm. I want to live here.
Aunt Ruthie's cow farm.

I love blaze orange.

The old road at the cow farm that used to be a carriage lane.

Mike scouting for that perfect spot. In the end...it wasn't so perfect.

My grandma's kitchen window. I wanted to steal it and take it home with me.

Aunt Ruthie painted this. Yeah, she did. And you can buy it for 10 million dollars. Make checks out to me.

Grandma's house again.

A dead tree. Thought it was cool.

We went to my grandmother's house for Thanksgiving last weekend and I took ye ole' camera with me. It felt so good to get out and play in the mud (and it was really stinkin' muddy) for a whole day. It was the first time my great aunt and grandma had seen Noah...and he actually acted nice. I got to see him awake for the first time in his entire 4 week existance.


Famous Last Words: "I wonder where the mother bear is?"

Noah's Ark

Look! I made this. Be proud of me. Ok, Martha and my mom helped too. I want to eat it...