Ketchup Day

This will be kind of a random post featuring some catch-ups. I used to tell my students at school (mind you, these are 4 and 5 year olds) that when we had various projects that we needed to finish, we were going to have a "Catch-Up Day." They would look at me quizzically like, "Hmm? A Ketchup Day?" And then of course, they'd giggle and snort like only 4 and 5 year olds can. Because the joy of being that age is that everything is funny. Even when teacher simply drops a pen, contagious and riotous laughter ensues.

Award.

First of all, my dear cowgirl Train Wreck over at Cowboys, Kids, and Sunsets designed an award for me and OH WOW, was I impressed and honored. Look, it even has an Appaloosa with spots on it! It is beyond lovely! If you have not already visited her blog, gallop over there NOW and check her out. She has a link to her art gallery, as well. She is amazingly talented and I would love to commission her to sketch my boy for me some day! Thanks again, TW, from the bottom of my heart!

Pony Girl Got Chinks?

I was asked for an update on the chinks that I had wanted to order. Yep, I did order a pair. I ordered these ones:

They are elk chinks from the Parelli Collection. They are actually made by K Bar J leathers in South Dakota, which is a popular chink manufacturer. The reason I went with these chinks is because I had tried a on a pair at the Parelli event I attended in May. Even though that pair was a little too large, I knew that I liked the fit, quality and style. I am a very tactile person and actually having this brand on my body and in my hands helped seal the deal for me. I ordered a custom pair so that they will fit better. I just called to get a confirmation yesterday. The manufacturer said it will be another 2 to 4 weeks. That puts me receiving them a week before my guest ranch trip in mid-August. Talk about cutting it close! Nothing would complete a cowgirl guest ranch trip like a pair of chinks!

My Boy History Lesson.

Some of you may remember that I mentioned that I had the phone numbers of a couple of My Boy's former owners? Well, that ended up being a disappointing lead. One number was disconnected. The other led me to a voicemail. I left a nice polite message and my phone number, asking if they'd be willing to call me back and share some information about a horse they once owned. They never called back. I should try again, but I just hate to be pesky. But I still have some other great information on my spotted pill, which I am hoping to put together for a post soon.

Goodbye Bella.

Hmmm.... why is my Auntie J's handsome Quarter Horse Jesse standing in the desert and looking so sad and forlorn? Although, only Jesse could make looking sad and forlorn look this good. Well, it's because his girlfriend, Bella, has found a new home. Last spring my Auntie J purchased a little bay "Paint that ain't" at an auction, in hopes that she would evolve into a sane trail riding mount for my other Auntie J (my mom's identical twin sister), who is a rookie horsewoman. However, Miss Bella proved to have a little too much spunk for a beginner. After months of training, it was decided this athletic little mare needed a job turning cows or sliding stops in an arena, and not toting a beginner around on the trails. So she has moved on to more appropriate pastures. She was a cutie and the family will miss her. But there is no sense trying to make a partnership that has the wrong chemistry. Good luck in your new endeavors, Bella!
Jesse is now accepting applications for a new girlfriend. He prefers redheads, with perky ears and flared nostrils.

Chiropractic Update on My Boy.

Thank you for all of your insightful comments regarding equine chiropractic work. It appears the majority of you feel it is of great benefit to the horse. In fact, I am so inspired that I made myself a massage appointment for tomorrow morning. I have a gift card for a local spa, given to me by my students last year. After all, I am feeling a little sore from all of the manure I shoveled out of My Boy's pasture today....

Someone asked me how much chiropractic work is. I found it to be reasonably priced at $125.oo a session. The killer was the $90 farm call (which went up $10 in the last two months due to increase gas costs.) Ideally, my sister and I would get our horses worked on the same day and split the trip charge.

Because of the chiro work, My Boy had yesterday day off. But I went up to see him today. My sister's mare had two days off after her work a year ago, so I decided not to ride today, just work him on the lunge line so I could really see how he moved. I did not notice a glaringly huge improvement, he was still a little off to the left, but that is due to arthritis and will probably not go away unless he is medicated for it. He did seem to canter more comfortably and collected (as much as a horse on the longe line can) to the right.

So, that's all the catch-up I have to share for now. Anyone hungry for french fries?