Pony Girl Rides Again

Ranch Girl Diaries

2011-06-18T15:55:00.000-07:00

This blog has moved! Actually it has more than moved- it has a new name!

Please gallop over here: Ranch Girl Diaries to get the latest scoop and enter my contest and giveaway!

And please excuse me as I continue to mess with colors, fonts, page elements, and all that silly and frustrating Blogger template design stuff over the next week. One of these days I am just going to hire someone to design my blog for me!

Have a great weekend!

The New Blog!

2011-06-14T22:17:00.000-07:00

Well cowgirls, your enthusiasm is contagious! You have me so excited to return to blogging that I am already designing the new blog. I really should be packing in preparation of moving. But blogging is so much more fun! And besides, I work better under pressure. Packing the night before I move....that's how I roll.

I picked out a new blog name that seems fitting and fun. Oh and guess what? The new blog will start off with a contest!! With a fabulous prize you won't want to miss!

So stay tuned, I will post the link to the new blog here, and have my sister Paint Girl post it on her sidebar for me as well.

Howdy Strangers!

2011-06-11T00:08:00.000-07:00

Trot on over to my sis's blog Adventures at the Painted Creek Farm for a guest post and life update by yours truly!

Some Bunny Is Saying Goodbye

2010-04-02T16:34:00.000-07:00

Funny how fallin' feels like flyin'...... for a little while.

~Crazy Heart Jeff Bridges/Colin Farrell

It is with a heavy heart that I write this post.

Pony Girl Rides Again is going on an indefinite hiatus.

It takes time and energy for me to blog. I work hard at it. I'm a bit of a perfectionist. Right now, I have new projects and things going on in my life that I need to focus on. Sometimes I feel like this laptop sucks the energy and hours right out of me. I intend to log on for a few minutes and before I know it, an hour or two flies by. I've already slowed down my posts to a couple of times a week. But I am still spending too much time online.

I may be back someday. Or now and then. Maybe. Never say never. I don't want to commit either way. I want to see how I feel after a significant break. I need to find some balance.

I have truly enjoyed this journey with all of you. I appreciate those of you that have taken the time to comment and say hello, share advice on questions I had about my horse, commiserate with me on a particular issue, or sent me emails and shared your stories with me. Many of you have been part of my blogging world since the very beginning- ironically, almost two years ago to the day. I'll never forget that feeling, of hitting "publish post" and sending my thoughts out into the world for the first time. Wondering if someone would ever care to read about what I was doing or had to say.

Sniff.

This is harder than I thought. This blog is my baby and has been a major focus in my life since I started it. I am keeping my Zazzle.com photography site and will continue to add photos there.

Pony Girl is riding again.....only this time, it's off into the sunset.

Peace, love, blessings, and happy trails, everyone!!

p.s. Happy Easter! My childhood plush bunny "Bundles" is lovingly featured in this post.

~pony girl

Cats: The Photo-ical

2010-03-30T22:22:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, the Pioneer Woman had one of her Flickr photography assignments over at her site- on cats. I was excited about this and although I know many, I fell short of finding a cat to photograph that particular week!

However, I had a new cat-sitting gig last weekend for a high-school friend. Her three cats were adorable and very photogenic!

So here is my photo assignment on cats. Better late than never.

The mama cat.

Her son (Morris's body double?)

Her daughter (warning- totally precious kitty eyes ahead!)

Here is the Morganator again. This is one of my favorite shots of Morgan. Or of a cat. Or of any photo I've ever taken, for that matter! I love the expression on her face as she is watching a dog walk across the lawn, the coloring, and the bokeh (background blur.) And the peek of her little curled tail in the background!

A few minutes later, I found her sprawled out like this.

Ah, the life of a feline!

I even climbed onto the log and faced her with my camera, praying she didn't get up and walk towards me (which she often does.) I even told her to "stay." (Not sure why I didn't say whoa?)

I decided to focus on my focus. Depth of field? Really, I am such a rookie! I need to do some reading up on focusing. First, let's see if we can just get those cute little paws, and blur out the rest of her.

Oops. I blurred the paws!

That look on her face? It's like really girl, you're killin' my chillin' time here!

Let's try again.

There they are! Her little white booties!

Goodness- that stay command failed miserably- before long Miss Morgan just had to come over for a visit!

Do you think before too long I may be getting a letter in the mail from Morgan's agent, demanding photo royalties?

It's Baaacccckkkkkk!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-03-28T20:21:00.000-07:00

I got My Boy out of his pasture on Saturday. As I was leading him through the lawn to the grooming area, he keep shaking his head in irritation. I figured it was bugs since it was a warm, sunny day and they were swarming.

I tied him and started grooming and he started rubbing the right side of his head on the rails like he was really itchy. I walked around to his off-side to see if there was something else bugging him and there it was.

{caution- semi-gory picture ahead!}

In all it's bumpy glory.

The sarcoid is back.

Ugh. Yep, my sentiments exactly, My Boy!

Are you kidding me? I thought for sure we'd fought it and that it was a goner forever. It even left a dry, flaky scar and I hadn't seen any sign of the sarcoid since last summer. In fact, I was just looking at this scar last weekend while brushing his face, it was flaking a little as he is shedding. Maybe I jinxed it.

My Boy's starting setting a new trend- a forhawk (forelock/Mohawk.) Obviously I need to decide if I'm going to clip this missed bit of bridle path or hope it grows out long!

This one is a bit higher than the last one (you can see in the gory picture, the lower part that is kind of gray is where the one from last year was.) He has been rubbing the sarcoid, causing it to bleed a bit. The white stuff on it is actually a little aloe vera cream I rubbed into the outer edges to help it not itch.

I went ahead and treated it with the Xxterra I had from last summer, since it had already changed quite a bit in a week. If it's a faux sarcoid, the Xxterra won't do any harm, it doesn't effect normal skin. I called the vet and left her a message, we need to schedule spring shots so I will talk to her more about it then.

I know, I didn't want it to come back either, Pony Girl!

My Boy's new joint supplement is in a flax seed base, which is what the vet recommended to feed along with the Xxterra treatment (or canola oil.) The omega-fatty acids somehow work with the topical treatment to jump-start the horse's immune system to fight off the sarcoid.

I'm lucky that My Boy is a good trooper about letting me mess with and medicate this sarcoid. I'm going to sweeten him up after each treatment with a lot of treats and carrots, to make the experience as positive as possible because as I remember- the sarcoid gets pretty nasty as it sloughs off!

The only bright spot of happiness of the weekend is that I don't think I am imagining it- he does seem to be moving a bit better! He is still not sound and certainly not the horse he was last summer, but, I can notice a difference from a month ago!

A Mustang Kitty?

2010-03-26T21:32:00.000-07:00

My farrier moved up my appointment to 9:30 a.m. last Saturday. I got to the Painted Creek at 8:30. My Boy was just being fed his breakfast, so I groomed him while he ate his hay so he didn't have to stand for trimming on an empty tummy. Do I spoil my horse? Don't answer that.

It was hard to believe the temps would rise to the mid-60's later that day. I was in a scarf and down jacket at that hour of the morning!

As I was grooming, I noticed Morgan, Paint Girl's resident mouser kitty, walking towards My Boy's pasture. She moseyed along the fence towards me for a visit, but quickly realized she wouldn't be able to get to me through the wire.

She turned around and went right through the panel gate! What a good little problem solver. Not wanting to get her princess kitty toes muddy she stayed as close to the fence as she could. Morgan has been particularly friendly this spring, even trotting into the round pen for a visit a few weeks ago while I was longing My Boy! Mercy!

I got out my point and shoot and snapped a few pictures.

She rubbed on my legs and hung out with me for a while. She tried to visit with My Boy, too. Sometimes she crouches and looks at his back, like she's about to make a leap. She never has.....yet.

I know she'd like it up there. It's wide and warm and fuzzy!

Then Morgan did something really wacky- she walked under his belly!

It's not the first time she has done that. But what she did next? Oh goodness, that really pushed the limit. She headed back towards me, choosing the path right behind My Boy's hind legs! I was a little freaked- but also too afraid to make a move in case it startled My Boy, who, by the way, didn't flinch an inch as she did this. Good boy!

That white stuff on the ground that she is walking through is horsey hair not snow- MB is really shedding right now!

Silly kitty! By this time I'd had enough of these death-defying feline shenanigans. I picked her up and set her over the fence. Feeling dissed, she wandered up the fence line, but perked up when she saw the remainder of My Boy's breakfast on the ground. She promptly climbed aboard and settled in for a little nap in the early morning sun.

Morgan spends a lot of time in the hay shed, sleeping on bales in the upper loft. Maybe Morgan was a horse in her former life? She certainly loves hay- and wants to hang with the equines. She reminds me of a little Mustang, actually. Independent, tough, self-sufficient, friendly, and fearless. Yep, if she was a horse in her former life or a horse in cat's clothing- I'd say Morgan would be a Mustang!

My Wonky Eye Lash

2010-03-23T06:48:00.000-07:00

Do you know how they say that your pet eventually starts looking like you? Or is that you start looking like your pet?

No, I'm not getting hairy or spotty.

Sunday morning I woke up with something in my eye. I dug around and finally got an eyelash out of the corner. Whew! Relief. So I thought. Turned out that wasn't the culprit. Or, I scratched my eye in the process. It continued to bother me all day.

I figured I'd wake up Monday morning and the offender would have "worked it's way out." No such luck. I got to work and the continuous strain of my eye contracting, squinting and being irritated had me fighting an awful headache. Everyone kept telling me that I probably just scratched my cornea, but it wasn't painful like a scratch. It felt like there was still something in there! For the life of me I couldn't find it and get it out of there!

Would you say my eyes are blue or green? Typically people say blue, but I think they are green.

I even tried to cry numerous times through out the day, hoping to wash it out. As you might know, I'm a bit emotional. I can tear up at a Coke commercial. But on cue? You've got to be kidding me. I couldn't shed a tear! I stood in front of the mirror and tried to think of the saddest thing I could. Nothin'.

Then at the end of the day I remembered this video. It's about a father-son triathlon team. It's inspirational. And guaranteed to make you cry! Where was it when I needed it?

I put it in here in case you need to a good cry to wash out your eyes someday, too!

Alrighty then. Moving on. I found a local eye clinic through a co-worker (I haven't been to one in years) and made an appointment after work to get it looked at.

A wonderful eye doctor peered into my eye with that funky contraption they have at their offices. He immediately found the problem.

Turns out I have a wonky eyelash! (I just love the word wonky.) It was growing in the wrong way and rubbing right on my cornea. No wonder! He numbed my cornea with some goofy yellow liquid that looked like iodine then plucked it out. Voila! Hopefully it won't grow back that way again. I'll know in a few months. He told me that I can get the hair root zapped with a laser to prevent it from growing.

Do you remember My Boy's rogue, wonky eyelash? It grows curly and eventually curls in towards his eye. In the past, it was possibly guilty of irritating his eye, too! In fact, during the spring a few years ago, before I discovered it, I put a fly mask on him. I think the mask pushed the eyelash into his eye, rubbing and possibly causing extreme irritation and head shaking (you can read more here and here.) I can totally relate after dealing with this for a day and a half myself. I was in pain, annoyed, cranky, and agitated!

I now watch that eyelash and keep it trimmed for him. The eye doctor told me that I probably wouldn't have seen or been able to remove mine on my own. I felt kind of silly having this prestigious eye surgeon doing something as simple as plucking a goofy eyelash!

30 hours of eye irritation= annoying!
30 dollars insurance co-pay= necessary!
30 seconds with tweezers= relief!

I've Never Met A Barn Restroom I Liked

2010-03-19T06:53:00.000-07:00

"
What is it with barn restrooms? They seem to be the most under kept part of the barn. It dawned on me last week that quite often, horse's stalls are cleaner restrooms for them than the stable restroom is for us humans. Seriously, I've seen gas station restrooms that put some stable restrooms to shame.

I realize that a barn restroom is not designed to hang out in. I mean, there is not going to be bubble bath soaking happenin' in a claw foot tub there. And it's not like I'm starting off clean when I go into a barn restroom. I've got horse hair in on my sleeves...... dust boogers up my nose..... wet shavings on my boots.....hay bits in my hair. Horses can be a dirty enterprise, without a doubt. And I'm not afraid of a little horsey dirt. Or a lot of it, for that matter.

However, the dirt in barn restrooms is that much worse. It's like they've never been cleaned. Ever. There are cobwebs growing on the dirt. It's like the sink and toilet have had plumbing problems most of their existence and have leaked and the flooring was never fixed from the damage. There never seems to be paper towels to dry your hands on (and using TP to dry them on a cold morning at a barn is horrendous.) Even the soap in the dispenser seems dirty, not just on the hand pump.

It's always funny when barns try to make them look more cozy. Maybe they add a warped, framed picture of the Marlboro Man cowboy on the wall, or a kitschy scarecrow holding a dried flower arrangement which looks like its from 1981. And just covered in more dust.

Maybe fancier stables have fancier restrooms. I mean, they are serving some clients who spend a lot of money at their facilities- I imagine their barn restrooms have to be presentable, right? Maybe my problem is that I haven't been to a lot of upscale stables.

If you have a cleaner than average barn restroom, do a post on it! I dare you! I'm dying to see if there are any out there.

And maybe I just found myself a new career. "Barn restroom designer and remodel extraordinaire!"

I can see it now, my own special episode on Extreme Makeover Home Edition....."Pony Girl is designing and remodeling America's barn restrooms.....one leaking sink and cobwebbed flower arrangement at a time!"

p.s. I should count my blessings that stables offer restrooms at all. I mean, with all the horse's "restrooms" to muck out every day, who has time to clean the barn restroom? And exactly whose responsibility is it to clean a stable's restroom, anyway? The stable owners? Barn manager? Stall cleaners? Instructors? Do boarders rotate bathroom cleaning duties?

An Update in Four Chapters

2010-03-14T21:53:00.000-07:00

Chapter One: My Boy

My Boy has been on joint supplement for three weeks. I'd have to say he's an eency-weency bit better. It's hard to tell. I am obsessively analyzing every gimpy move he makes. Mostly, he seems to have more willingness to move forward at all gaits. He even cantered in the round pen last weekend!

I know it could take up to another month or more to really notice a difference and I'm not expecting it to be a miracle. Okay, well maybe. Also, I am trying a new joint supplement for him, so that can be a bit of a trial and error. I still worry (it's like a part-time job, my worrying) that something else is going on. If I don't see a marked improvement by the time he gets his spring shots, I may have him x-rayed or a check by a different veterinarian for another opinion.

My Boy must not be feeling too sore, the stinker did do a nice rollback on Saturday as I was free-longing him in the round pen. I typically whoa him, have him face me, and then reverse him. For some reason as he was walking, I stepped out in front of him a bit, hoping he'd turn in towards me and reverse, but he kind of jumped and turned on his haunches towards the panel wall and took off the other direction! I felt kind of bad, it was not my intention to have him use those achy hocks in such a manner!

Chapter Two: Moldy Grain

Have any of you ever opened a new bag of grain and found mold in it? I call it "grain" but it's actually not grain, it's a vitamin supplement, not to be confused with the separate joint supplement I give him. I bought a bag on Saturday, and while pouring it I noticed a chunk of grains stuck together. Upon further inspection, I saw that it was fuzzy with green mold. I was quite upset. I am so glad I noticed it! When I scooped the "bad" grain back out of my grain bin, it didn't appear to all be bad, nor did it smell. However, I exchanged it for a new bag. I wasn't going to take a risk- one clump of 4 grains with mold was enough for me!

I am thinking of emailing the company and letting them know, and, inquiring about how this could happen- is it on their end or the feed store's? I have been purchasing this supplement for over two years, a brand that I believe to be rather reputable, and I have never had this happen (not that I've noticed, anyway.) However, when I returned it, the guy at the feed store said that per pallet they get, once in a while a bag or two will be bad. Huh? Goodness, that doesn't make me feel any better!

Chapter Three: Lesson Frustration

Last Saturday, my lesson horse Zoe was still recovering after a bout with colic and wasn't herself. We had a mellow lesson, mostly just giving her some exercise and me working on my equitation. But this weekend, she was back to her quirky, silly self. Me, on the other hand? Oh Nellie, I felt like a big old mess! My instructor told me it probably felt worse than it looked, and that she thought I actually did good. She said she loves giving me lessons because when she tells me things, I get it and do it.

Well I didn't feel like I was doing anything right. I didn't feel like I was riding her well- I was more of a floundering passenger. My reins were fumbling in my hands (remember, I'm using four reins), I felt like my posting was a millisecond behind the beat and my legs had lost strength. Zoe was being spooky (something she never is) and I had to be on guard for her snorty quick moves as we passed the "scary" end of the arena, where someone was working on a truck on the other side of the wall. We did do some figure eights at the canter with simple lead changes which was a fun challenge.

Hello Pony Girl- it's not going to happen overnight! There are going to be rides that are good, and some that are not so good. And some that will be downright awful! Looking back, I'd had a really long week and was feeling a bit drained physically and emotionally going into Saturday. I'm sure that didn't help.

It would probably be beneficial if I could take two lessons a week so I can better practice my skills and build some muscle memory and strength, but that is not financially possible for me. My instructor is going to be out of town at a show this coming weekend- so no lesson scheduled. But before I left the stable she told me that I could come ride Zoe anyway if I wanted to. Wow! It feels good that she is confident enough in my riding to let me ride her mare without her supervision. Okay, so maybe that lesson wasn't so bad!

Chapter Four: Spring Has Sprung!

All of the pictures in this post were taken in the latter part of February or beginning of March. I can not believe how many signs of spring are here- yes, that is a bee with pollen on it's legs already! So here is my question of the day- if spring is here so early, does that mean it will be snowing in August?

All That Jazz

2010-03-08T18:50:00.000-08:00

I wanted to apologize if my posting is a bit random the rest of this month. My family is trying to turn our love of vintage home and crafts into a small business so I am very busy getting my goods organized, tagged, and packed!

Here are a few things that are going on in my life these days~

.....My lesson horse Zoe colicked last week but is doing okay now.....

.....I might have the opportunity to show Zoe in the coming months.....

.....My Boy has been on joint supplement for two weeks and I'll update you soon on his progress.......

.....I just completed a major project featuring my photography and I was so tickled to receive the kindest compliments and accolades.....

.....A huge thanks to all of you that awarded me the "Beautiful Blogger Award"....due to lack of time I am not going to share 7 facts nor pass it on right now..... I consider all the blogs I read to be beautiful in their own spirit.....you inspire me!

Hope you all had a fantabulous start to your week! I'll be back soon!

Goodbye Abbie

2010-03-05T20:35:00.000-08:00

No tears....no tears.....Abbie is still around! The "goodbye" is just because tonight is my last night staying with her while her human parents' and sisters are in Vancouver, B.C. to catch some of the Olympic games.

Abbie is 14. That is getting old for a lab. I have been her dog sitter for almost 12 years. Usually I stay with her for anywhere from 2 nights to two weeks, probably 4-5 times a year.

Abbie is a special dog. I mean, everyone thinks their dog is special. Abbie is not my dog but I still think she's pretty special. She's kind of my God-dog, like having a God-child. I'm like her God-mother (you know something funny, I just retyped "God-Mother two times- I kept spelling it "Dog-Mother", isn't that weird? God is dog spelled backwards, too!)

Anyway, back to the special part. She's really smart, she just has a savvy way about her. She loves people, although she's not very fond of other dogs. She's sensitive and emotional. And protective.

When she was younger, I remember tossing her red Kong over and over as she sprinted across the yard to fetch it. My favorite thing was to make her sit and stay, then I'd throw it. She'd wait, posed like a statue, until I gave her the signal to go get it!

We use to take long walks. Now, Abbie limps. She had a cancerous tumor on her leg removed a few years back, but is doing fine now. Her black muzzle is gray with age, her deep brown eyes are now a bit cloudy, she has a shaved spot from recent blood work and tests on her liver (she came back with a clean bill of health.) She still has some assorted squishy non-cancerous lumps.

Actually, Abbie is on some new medication and seems almost a few years younger than the last time I stayed with her! She is moving a little better, has more pep in her step on our short walks- just down the street and around the corner and back. She is eating her breakfast and dinner better. She just seems happier.

Here is a little video I took of Abbie the other night in the kitchen as I was fixin my dinner and she was begging. I was talking to her like I typically talk to dogs, like they understand English. Sorry, I know it's kind of silly!

Abbie from Pony Girl on Vimeo.

I always get sad when my time dog sitting Abbie ends. I give her a hug and a pat before I close and lock the door. What if something happens in the next couple of months before I see her again? What if that is the last time I see her? I dread the day her owners call me with bad news about Abbie.

For now, I enjoy every moment being a pseudo dog owner, enjoying her company and taking great care of her.

She's my God-dog, and I wouldn't do anything less.

Wednesday Card Games

2010-03-02T18:45:00.000-08:00

While visiting family recently, I stayed with my grandparents' instead of my parents', as my mom recently turned their guest room into a craft room.

My grandparents' place is within walking distance from my parents', just a few houses down the road. I slept the best I had in weeks in the guest room bed.

My last morning there, after sleeping in a little longer than I should have, I awoke to voices in the kitchen.

My grandfather ("pappy") and his brother ("Uncle Forrie", short for Forrest) were playing cards at the kitchen island.

This is a tradition for them, every Wednesday. They alternate between each others homes. When they play at Forrie's, they go to the Senior Center for lunch. When they eat at Pappy's, Forrie brings lunch from Jack in the Box (you can see the paper bag on the counter in the photo.)

They play two games each of cribbage, pinochle, golf, and a gameI think they call acey-duecy. They cajole each other and laugh and are brotherly competitive.

I ate my cereal then chatted with them while they played. I don't know how we got on the subject but Uncle Forrie told me a story about the time he played in a baseball game and this player named Joe DiMaggio was there and gave him a signed ball. Of course this was back in the late 30's/early 40's, before Joe DiMaggio was you know, Joe DiMaggio. So Uncle Forrie brought the ball home to his little brother, my pappy, and said "now don't play with this ball it's signed and special."

Well now my pappy needed a baseball one day while playing with friends so of course he used it. And what do you think happened? Yep, he lost it. They looked everywhere for that ball and it was never found. Uncle Forrie said he wasn't mad though. That's a cool big brother if I ever heard of one. My pappy and Uncle Forrie are two of 12 siblings. I imagine they know a lot about getting along with your brothers and sisters.

Uncle Forrie told me he used to play baseball in the minor leagues and he got paid something like $134 dollars a month. He chuckled over the comparison to pro sports players now, making millions a year.

I loved that random, little moment with them that morning. Our family, our relatives....they are fountains of stories like this one. We so often forget to ask, to listen, to the wisdom and insight they have to share.

Zazzle Dazzle

2010-02-25T18:33:00.000-08:00

Finally, I have it up and running! It's been a month since I started this project.

View more personalized gifts from Zazzle.

It's my very own Zazzle shop! It's called Pony Girl Photography Designs and you can check it out here (or via the flash panel above.)

Have you heard of Zazzle.com? If not, check it out via my flash panel below! You can purchase all kinds of items (or design your own.) I first heard of it around two years ago, the Pony Cousins designed personalized tank tops for our first Horse Camping trip.

I loaded many of my favorite photos into Zazzle, and designed some note cards, mouse pads, and buttons. You can purchase these items as I designed them, or, use my photos to create your own items, from T-shirts to posters to calendars to tote bags......fun!! Add your own text, words- it's really fun to design.

I loaded photos of horses, of My Boy, of nature......and even Paint Girl's Mustang filly, Chance. In fact, any of the items that sell featuring Chance, 100% of those item's profits will go to benefit Mustangs through Tracey's Mustang U program! Woo-hoo!

Please let me know if there is a photo from either of my blogs that you've seen and would like me to load into Zazzle so that you can use it on a product. I'm completely open to special requests! My email address is on my sidebar. I hope to load new photos and items frequently!

Vacation is Over

2010-02-22T19:28:00.000-08:00

Thank you to everyone that has offered their advice on treatment for arthritis in horses! I feel that I have some really great information and possible options. I know my horse is just not himself. His bones are snap/crackle/popping, he's resting that left leg more often, he's moving out stiff and slow. I hate to see him that way. Even Paint Girl's OH says he doesn't run and buck and kick at feeding time like he used to. But don't worry- he is eating well! My Boy is a food monger and if he loses his appetite, I'll know something is really wrong!

In addition to the MSM, I put him back on a joint supplement this weekend. It is one he was on before, which is about the best I can get locally. However, it is a 3-in-1 type of supplement (also for coat and hoof) and since My Boy already gets his selenium and other vitamins in his regular supplement (I call it his "grain", but it is not grain-based) I want to put him on a straight joint supplement with a combination of the key ingredients- Glucosamine/Chondroitin/MSM/Hyaluronic Acid. I am considering two reader-recommendations which I will have to order online.

The weekend was busy. I was on vacation last week, so when I got back into town from visiting family, I spent a lot of time with My Boy! He was walked/trotted on the longe line every day. We did a lot of hand-walking to warm up. On Saturday, Paint Girl's OH and I bought out the local feed store of all their grass hay, so we are stocked up for a couple of months. Helping unload nearly 30 bales of hay will help that upper body bone strength the doctor was telling me about at my physical last week. I also need to "make sure I get my calcium and vitamin D." You see, My Boy isn't the only one getting old and having issues!

Also on Saturday, I also had my fourth saddleseat lesson. SmartAlex from the Bringing up Baby blog in my lesson video post questioned the instructor using the snaffle bit. This time, the instructor changed out Zoe's bridle. Zoe wore both the curb and the snaffle bit but the rein came down from the headstall and went through the snaffle ring, but not directly attached to it. Does that make sense?

There was a lot going on in the arena. Someone was riding another horse in a lesson with another trainer. There was also another student in the lesson with me, a 13 year old girl who has been taking lessons for 2 years. She rode the white Arab, the "Steady Eddie." The instructor warned me that the cold snap in the air had her first two lesson horses pretty wired first thing that morning, but Zoe was fine.

The Steady Eddie

My first two laps around the arena were not pretty. My instructor had me ride over to her. She took each set of Zoe's reins in her hands around 8" from the bit, then pulled them toward her, showing me how much pressure to use when I "play" with her mouth to set her up into the bridle. This was really helpful. We had slower, more collected gaits. We trotted a lot. My legs looked good, in fact, my instructor told me they could come forward a bit! I think my stirrups were a hole shorter than last week, this might have helped.

The canter felt good, too. Much slower and in control. I would say that without the rein on the snaffle, Zoe pulled out of the bridle and tried to avoid holding her neck up more. It had a tendency to pull me forward. My instructor joked at one point that I was looking like a hunt seat rider. But I knew that, because I noticed it in my shadow as we rode along the southern wall of the arena. I needed to sit back in that saddle and pull my ribs up! All in all, it was a better lesson.My instructor reiterated it again, it takes a long time to learn to ride this horse. I feel I made progress. I really want to do well, but I am also not frustrated that the learning curve is slow.

The 13 year old and I got to ride the horses up to outdoor arena to cool them out. It was around 11 a.m. and getting warmer. In the outdoor arena, which is in the full sun and on top of a slight hill, there was a great view of a large farm field full of swampy water and a flock of Canada geese. Maybe they were taking a break from the Olympics? As we walked around, I felt like I was going on a country "hack." We walked for about ten minutes, even stopping to watch a coyote stalk the geese. It was the closest thing I've come to a trail ride since last summer!

Zoe

Paint Girl will be on her way home soon, hopefully arriving on my birthday. What a treat that will be! Not that I'll get to see her until the weekend. She'll be busy sleeping, unpacking, and taking care of all the critters she's missed.

Lastly, I send the warmest thoughts of sympathy to our dear friend Linda over at the 7msn Ranch blog, who unexpectedly had to have her horse Lyle euthanized this weekend. My heart goes out to her as she and her ranch crew adjust to life without their beloved sorrel friend.

My Boy's Vet Appointment

2010-02-19T23:11:00.000-08:00

I mentioned a couple of posts ago that My Boy had been off at the trot the past few weeks. I had a suspicion of what was going on as I could not detect an apparent injury, heat, or swelling. But I am not a vet and I wanted her to check him out and make recommendations for treatment.

After a lameness flex test, she rated My Boy a grade 3/5 on his left hind. A year and a half-ago, I had a chiropractor check him out, which you can read about here. At that time, he was a grade 1/5 on that hind, with stiffness in both hind hocks and in the left fetlock. I opted not to do x-rays at this time. My vet said that typically the x-rays would just confirm what we'd be treating anyway. If the treatments we try are not successful, then I will do x-rays.

The diagnosis is "presumed arthritis," the presumed meaning the best diagnosis based on past exam and current examination. I am going to admit something to you. I am an awful horse mother. I took my horse off his joint supplement this winter, as I was questioning whether it was really effective. It is so confusing, so many different brand names, different price points, different combination of ingredients and amounts....and none of it is regulated. How do you really know what you are putting into your horse? I suppose whether or not you notice an improvement or change in your horse's lameness or movement is one of the best ways to rate a supplement's effectiveness.

Now I am thinking that it had been helping him, since he's noticeably worse off of it. There are other factors too- winter weather affecting the joints, My Boy's poor hock build (very upright), former injuries on the left leg from when he was a yearling, lack of consistent exercise this winter, etc. All of these factors have combined to make a pretty sore horse. So what to do now?

The vet gave me several options. 1) Steroid joint injections. 2) Steroid joint injections plus something else called Hyisc. (I can't remember what this is?) 3) IRAP (click here to read more. It has something to do with removing a blood sample, treating it with a protein, then re-injecting it into the joint, working with the horse's own system. It sounds great, but costs $735 for 1st visit plus $250 for each additional visit. Yikes.) 4) Adequan injections. 5)Surpass (non-systemic) or bute to manage pain.

My Boy enjoying a few minutes of grazing after the very traumatic lameness exam. If you know my horse, you know that being in the presence of anyone with a "DVM" after their name is very, very scary, indeed!

The vet didn't think my horse would be a good candidate for Adequan injections because they need to be done frequently- and he is such a nightmare about shots. And by nightmare I mean, nearly impossible without restraining, and if he even thinks you are restraining him for a needle, he won't let you restrain him. She said that recent studies have shown that a vial of Adequan every 4 days for a total of seven treatments, repeated every 6 months, has been most effective. That would be a nightmare month of needles for me and my horse.

For now, my horse is going back on joint supplement. I am going to try pure MSM. I want to see if that helps. I will also put him on a glucosamine/chondroitin, like he was previously. This spring, I am probably going to have him get steroid injections. The vet said this would probably help him through the spring/summer riding season. She also said that when used properly, I could bute him before long rides. I also have Surpass, a topical pain relief cream that you apply directly to the hock, that she said has good success. I have never tried it because I get nervous applying things to my horse's skin.

Arthritis is a pain. Literally. It is degenerative. At around age 15, horses stop producing synovial fluid, the lubricant inside their joints. When the fluid begins to lose its viscosity, joint friction and inflammation can occur (I just got this from the recent issue of Horse & Rider magazine, in an article on reining horses.)

However, arthritis is also manageable, and I will have to find a course of treatment that works for My Boy. He is a pleasure horse, we mostly trail ride, and I feel that I can manage his pain and help him enjoy out his years until retirement. I think he has many good years left in him, but I don't want him to be sore and hurting. That can cause a whole host of other problems, from compensating on other joints resulting in more soreness, irritability and behavior problems, etc.

On a bit of a positive note, we've been getting some beautiful February sunshine! It's been so warm in the sun....all the horses have been relaxing and soaking it up. Paint Girl's mares have their sunny spot by the cedar stumps, and even the goats wandered out of their barn to chew their cuds.

I tried to get My Boy to prick his ears toward me (I was back at the Mustang filly's pasture and zoomed in to get this shot) but he would have nothing to do with posing for me. Obviously, sun-drunk.

Do you have a horse with arthritis? What has worked for your horse? Any insight or recommendations you've gained, positive or negative, from your experience? As I am still weighing all of my different options, I would appreciate any advice you may have!

The Big Itch

2010-02-16T22:15:00.000-08:00

The farm next to the stable my mom boards her gelding at has cows and calves in the field. They are shy, and have ran away from me and my camera in the past.

This time, I slowly sneaked up to the fence. I'm sure I looked like a cougar stalking it's prey, it was probably not the best approach. But the young calves didn't bolt and stood transfixed, watching me with focused, cautious interest.

Stare at these faces long enough and these youngsters morph from cute calves into cranky old men, reminiscent of puppets from the Muppet Show.

As I snapped photos, I noticed a common theme on the agenda that day.

Itchin'

Scratchin'

Lickin'

Moo-ve in to the right.

Moo-ve in to the left.

Early morning yoga.

Coming soon to a pasture near you!

Oh, and since it was Valentine's Day, there was a little lovin' going on, too!

Saddleseat Lesson Video

2010-02-14T23:11:00.000-08:00

Before I left town for the weekend, I had another lesson. This time I rode this horse.

Zoe is an 11 year old Saddlebred mare. She is a lot more horse than the one I rode in my last two lessons. Saddlebreds even look different in stalls. They are so upright- their heads and necks are up, and they move quick and watch you with expectant, bright eyes. They just look a little more intimidating and exiting than your average stock horse.

I heard that Zoe could be a pill on the ground. While waiting for my instructor to finish another lesson, I scratched her neck and softly stroked her face through her stall, pleading please don't buck me off when I ride you, please don't buck me off when I ride you. She was very sweet, shifting sideways to the stall bars so that I could reach her, her eye starting to close sleepily. Okay, she seemed to like me.

I wasn't actually nervous to ride her. But oh goodness, I felt a little out of my element! This isn't a push-button horse. She doesn't just trot while you sit up there and look pretty. Which is okay-dokay with me. I want to learn to ride her. And this mare makes you learn how to ride. How to get her head where it needs to be. How to get her set back under herself and use her body correctly.

I'm still working on my leg position. Now I've added an additional set of reins, as Zoe is ridden in a full-bridle (curb and snaffle.) And I'm on a horse I've never ridden, with a completely different form of movement than the Arabian I rode the last two times.

I was fairly happy with the lesson. We had some moments, me using my hands and the reins wrong, confusing her or upsetting her mouth. I had her trotting and cantering a little too fast at times. My downshift transitions from trot to walk or canter to trot were pretty ugly. And I kept losing a stirrup now and then (I am getting better about getting them back while in motion though, thank goodness!)

When you don't ride Zoe right, she stops and parks out, refusing to work for you. She did this once during the lesson, but I was able to get her going again. I felt good being able to get her working again, it shows I had some confidence and she sensed it.

I am at that point though- where I'm like wow, this is hard work. I mean, I never expected it to be easy, and I don't want to ride something push button- I have my own horse for that. My goal was to broaden my skills and learn something new. It will be frustrating at times. I joked with my instructor- can you just duct tape my legs where they are supposed to be? I don't understand them, they won't stay where I tell them! And who invented these tiny narrow wobbly stirrup leathers, anyway? I think I will probably hit a major moment of frustration at some point. But don't they say that is usually the case before a major breakthrough?

I asked my instructor to take some video of me riding. At the end of the ride, I asked her if she'd gotten any and she said oh, no, I forgot! So I went a few more rounds but Zoe was done. When she is near the end of a lesson, she tries to drop her head down (you'll see her do it in the video) in an attempt to get away from the bit and me in general. Regardless, hopefully this video gives you a taste of where I'm at. You can see when she tosses her head a bit (nose up) she is trying to get away from the bit, which means I am being too hard on her mouth.

It's all in the feel and I know that next weekend, I will ride her a little bit better. It was helpful for me to see a video of what I looked like up there on her back, and that even though my legs are too far forward and I'm using my back too much when posting, I don't look quite like the train wreck I felt like! I hope to have Paint Girl take some more video when she returns from her trip.

Saddleseat Lesson from Pony Girl on Vimeo.

All in all, I think Zoe was pretty forgiving of me and was really trying for me. I really enjoyed riding her and hope that in the next few lessons, I can start to figure out this style of riding. I am really enjoying it! It's hard to believe that I have cantered two new horses in the last three weeks, and been fairly comfortable doing it. I do believe I am getting over my cantering issue!

I am out of town visiting family. For Valentine's day I got to ride my mom and aunt's horses, then watching some of the Daytona 500 and the Olympics, going on a walk with my cousins, and eat homemade lasagna and apple pie at my Nana's. I'm hoping to use the Nikon a lot this trip, I feel like it's been a few weeks since I've really taken any pictures! I hope you all had wonderful Valentine's and if you have President's Day off, enjoy the extended weekend!

The Stallion Issue

2010-02-11T18:51:00.000-08:00

I recently subscribed to The Morgan Horse magazine.

It's been several years since I've subscribed to a horse "breed" magazine. When I first got My Boy, I got the Appaloosa Journal for a year.

I learned to ride on a Morgan mare and her owner had issues of The Morgan Horse magazine, which I borrowed and read. I poured over each issue from cover to cover and back again. This was in the early 1980's, but I think she had issues from the late 70's as well.

The "stallion issue" was always my favorite. It was as thick as a phone book, nearly 200-300 pages- filled with colorful advertisements and pictures of beautiful Morgans. I can remember particular farm and stallion ads, and the way each issue smelled. Yes they had a smell, strange but true. I would love to get my hands on some of those old issues.

I was excited that my first issue of TMH, the January stallion issue, would be distributed on February 5th. When it arrived in my mailbox on Wednesday, I was rather surprised.

The issue was not thick. In fact, I have a random (non-stallion) issue from 1988 that was still 232 pages, double that of this issue.

This 2010 issue was 112 pages. There are a fair amount of stallion ads, but not nearly as much as I expected.

I wonder what is going on here? Is it the economy, preventing breeders from the high costs of advertising? Is this a reflection of a cut-back breeding program? Or is the Morgan breed struggling in general with registrations and membership?

I've noticed other magazine markets changing, too. The home decor magazines "Country Home", "Cottage Living", and "Metropolitan Home" went under last year. So did "National Geographic's Adventure", "Hallmark Magazine", "Gourmet", and "Golf For Woman." And those are just a few of the many that ceased existence.

Even the all-breed/discipline publications such as "Equus" and "Horse Illustrated" seem to be less bulky. Maybe they are cutting costs by using thinner, less expensive paper. Or maybe they have less advertisers. Or possibly, they are featuring less editorial content, to try to keep issue size to a minimum as a cost-effective measure.

Or maybe, digital media is keeping us more focused. Instead paying for subscriptions or buying magazines from newsstands, we are reading them online. Perhaps all the wonderful blogs out there are even taking the place of magazines. Who wants to wait for a magazine once a month when you can get new stories, photos, information, and updates every day?

Me? I know I still love the excitement of getting a magazine in the mail. I'm a tactile person. I like a real publication in my hands. It seems more real and permanent. Besides, it has a smell.

I know. I'm weird.

Do you think the age of magazines are about to become nothing but vintage collections in museums and antique stores? Do you subscribe to any horse breed-specific magazines? If not, which one would you like to?

Triple Play Saturday!

2010-02-08T19:40:00.000-08:00

Grab a cup of coffee or tea or a glass of wine.... this is going to be a lengthy post! It will be long because that is how my Saturday was. In fact, I think I overdid it! It was a back-to-back event packed day. As a result, I woke up Sunday morning with a bad headache that left me on the couch all day. I suppose our bodies let us know we need to rest up when we've pushed them to their limits.

First off Saturday morning, I had my second lesson. No pictures again, I'm sorry. I rode the Steady Eddie. This time, he showed some spunk for a 25 year old! I'm still working on leg positioning. I lose a stirrup from time to time. My instructor had me do an exercise where she put me on the longe line, had me drop the reins, and post with my hands on my hips.

I still need to build leg strength and that will just take time in the saddle. I also need to relax at the lope. The good thing is I know when everything feels right and is the way it is supposed to be, I just can't hold it there very long. My instructor said that when my legs go haywire, I correct them on my own. She said I am doing really well.

Next week, she's probably putting me on Zoe. Zoe is a Saddlebred mare. My first Saddlebred! I'm shakin' in my paddock boots!

I left my lesson and headed up to meet a friend and her daughter at a different stable. My friend is looking for a horse for her high school aged daughter. Her daughter has been riding and taking lessons for 10 years, showing in 4-H, pony club, and wants a hunter to finish out her 4-H years with and then take to college.

They had looked at a mare last weekend but she was acting "sketchy." She hadn't been turned out or worked much and the owner was struggling with her behavior starting from the grooming session to the ride. In fact, my friend's daughter didn't even want to ride her. But they wanted to go back and try her again. I learned all this via Facebook and offered to tag along and give my opinion.

I looked up the mare's ad. For once, a for sale ad that was nice. Great pictures and video of the horse. She was priced well and looked really nice. She is a young off-the-track Thoroughbred. She's been in training and has done some jumping.

When we got to the stable, my friend's daughter brought the mare out of her stall and took her to the grooming area. When walking behind the mare, I noticed she seemed to be stepping different on her left hind. In fact, it even made a different sound (she's barefoot) on the concrete. I second guess myself though, and always think I am imagining these things. The mare was really fussy in the cross ties. She was very sensitive about her flank and her skin being groomed in general, and often pinned her ears and turned her head in an attempt to nip. I am not used to seeing a horse act like this. Then again, I think I'm biased because My Boy stands like a marble statue for grooming! The comment was that this grooming and tacking up session was much better than last weekend's!

My friend's daughter longed the mare a bit. I noticed the mare still seemed to be off a bit on that left hind. I mentioned it to my friend and she said something to the owner, who said it was because she was going in such small circles.

The owner could not ride because she'd injured her foot. I think my friend's daughter was a bit nervous to ride, but she did. She walked and trotted. The major issue was the mare's head. She constantly chomped her bit, lifted and tilted her head to the side. She seemed really uncomfortable. I had noticed this a little in the sale video, although it was not this bad.

The owner said she needed her teeth done. It seemed like that could be part of the issue, but it also seemed the mare just hadn't learned to give to the bit fully, which could be worked on.

After my friend's daughter rode, I bravely offered to ride her as well, so she could watch someone else ride her. I donned the daughter's helmet and climbed aboard. Goodness, where am I finding this bravery? I think it's my lessons!

That head tossing and bit chomping was not pleasant. I was able to push her into a trot and she'd start up with the raised sideways head. At her owner's suggestion, I'd put pressure on her reins until she'd drop it, and at some point she would. I'd immediately give her release. My friend and daughter said that when she dropped her head, she looked amazing. Unfortunately, the head did not stay down very long. Please ignore my form in this camera phone photo, I have no idea why my arm position is so awful.

I walked and trotted her, and tried some side passing along the arena wall. Other than the head issue, I felt like she was a nice mover and fairly level-headed. There was a lot of activity around the barn and arena and it didn't seem to phase her. She was a very likeable, smart horse.

This mare is so beautiful, it's hard to see past it. Her eye is big and kind, her face distinctly Thoroughbred. She's petite and elegant at 15.3 hh. I think she needs to mature a bit, and is definitely green, but has potential. I think my friend's daughter could go far with her once the mare was finished in her training.

The owner said that they can come back and ride the mare anytime, and take lessons on her, to determine it is a good fit. I suggested that they also go see as many other horses as they can. This will help them eliminate their must-haves and can't-stands. They aren't in a huge rush to find a horse, they have until this spring to claim what horse the daughter is taking to the fair in 4-H.

Next on my list, I needed to see my own horse! I decided riding was out of the question since I'd already ridden two horses and pushed my poor leg muscles to the limit!

It was an unseasonable warm afternoon. And it was sunny! Everyone on the farm was dozing and lazy in their fuzzy winter coats, including My Boy. That apple molasses treat ball I got him for his birthday? Um, yea. He is now wearing it on his face.

And it won't come off. Note to self- treat balls in the winter are not a good idea. Unless I shave down his muzzle hair first. Oh well, it will wear off or I'll have to wash it or shave it.

On the longe line, My Boy seemed a little off when trotting to the right. I found nothing visibly wrong. He is often "off" in the hind, due to the beginning stages of arthritis in his hocks (I had a chiropractor evaluate him a couple of years ago when I noticed this. She called him a grade 1/5 lameness.) In the past, it is typically his left that was worse, which you see him resting in the photo here.

The chiropractor that evaluated him a said that he compensates on the right for that left, which means the right will also have problems at some point. Or, it's possible he tweaked himself in the pasture somehow. I'll keep an eye on it and have the vet or chiropractor out if he continues to favor it or it gets worse. He hasn't been longed out in two weeks. I didn't give him any bute as I didn't want him to feel better and go on a bucking spree in the mud and injure himself. Also, if he suddenly got worse, I didn't want him to have anything in his system if I had to have the vet out.

My day wasn't over. After tucking My Boy in with his dinner, I rushed home and got ready to meet a friend for the movie "Dear John." Dang that Nicholas Sparks! You think I'd have learned my lesson from "The Notebook," which took me two days to recover from. This one was good too, I think the relationship between the main character and his father was what particularly got me. Horses do crop up in a few teeny tiny parts of the movie, too. The other main character, Savannah, has a dream to have a program for autistic children to work with horses.

I talked to Paint Girl this evening and she gave me some scoop on the beginning of her Scottsdale Arabian adventure, so I will be posting over there for her tomorrow night.

I hope you all had wonderful weekends!

Cakes, Cats, and Cool Cars

2010-02-03T18:53:00.000-08:00

My boy isn't the only one that had a birthday on Tuesday. Paint Girl's OH turned 40. I'm letting him break that year in for me.

The OH helps me out a lot. Like drives me to the feed store to get hay for my horse. He loves brownies and chocolate. So I bought him a piece of chocolate cake. Then I thought it'd be fun to decorate it to look like his black and white Paint mare, Fritzy.

That was an adventure.

But it turned out pretty cute.

I got My Boy some birthday snacks, too. Not only did he get hay and supplement, but he got a ham and a hanging apple treat ball.

I kid, I kid. It's not a ham. Although that is what they looked like when wrapped in plastic and stacked in the box. I thought they were giant ham bones for dogs. Then I noticed they were equine mineral blocks. I don't know if MB will like it.

He will like the hanging treat ball. I haven't had one for him since last summer. He does not eat them in two days like Paint Girl's mares do. He works on them slowly. Maybe he is still perfecting his technique.

Morgan the cat likes to visit us when we are with the horses. Sometimes it scares me, how she runs under their bellies or behind their legs.

She is such a tiny cat. The horses don't seem to mind her and she never startles them. I think that one day, she might leap onto one of their backs. Now that might startle them!

After the trip to the feed store, my hay chauffeur's friend stopped by to show us his new horse. A black mare.

Well, not really. You see, the friend and his wife actually have 5 horses, but this was his new toy. This is horsepower of a different kind. It's a 1966 Chevelle Super Sport.

He is also turning 40.

Hee hee.

Sweet Sixteen

2010-02-01T14:09:00.000-08:00

Somebody is turning sixteen today!

Somebody who is 15.2 hands high.

Somebody who loves apples.

Somebody who loves living the "life of Riley."

Somebody who loves carrots.

Somebody who is my best friend.

Happy 16th Birthday, My Boy!

You old pill.

p.s. This year, you are going to be in the best shape of your life.

Don't think I'm goin' easy on ya.

I Survived My First Lesson!

2010-01-31T19:29:00.000-08:00

I woke up at 5:15 a.m. on a drizzly Saturday with an awful migraine wannabe. OH NO! I can't miss my first lesson! I got up, ate something, took Advil, and went back to sleep.

Luckily, I felt better a few hours later and was able to rouse myself and get ready to head to the stable. It was an early lesson so I was the only one there besides the instructor and a stall cleaner.

After reviewing my past experience and what I wanted to get from the lessons, the instructor debated what horse to put me on. I told her I had no problem with her having me ride a beginner horse and assessing my riding ability. After all, I know instructors probably have plenty of students show up that say, "Oh, I've ridden before." Meaning, they rented horses while on a vacation in Colorado. I am fairly comfortable admitting I am an intermediate level rider, but wanted her to be the judge. And, since it was my first lesson and I was a little nervous (but not as nervous as I thought I might be) I figured I'd rather start gently and work my way up!

Since I was 1)new to saddleseat, 2)knew how to post, and 3)haven't ridden much this winter, she put me on a "Steady Eddie" Arabian in his twenties, a retired western pleasure show horse. She did put a cutback saddle on him, but used an English bridle with a kimberwick bit and one set of reins.

I have no pictures from the first lesson, but I am hoping to feel comfortable asking the instructor to take some of me in the future. After she gets back from Scottsdale, Paint Girl is going to come watch one of my lessons so she can see what I'm doing and I will have her snap some photos and video.

The horse in this picture is not the horse I rode. I found a random photo on the web that looked like him. The horse I rode was completely grayed out, almost pure white, with large dark eyes and a long white mane and tail. You know, I think this lesson was the first time I have actually ridden a purebred Arabian!

I have to tell you, it was very cute, she started me out on the longe line! A few rounds at the trot and she said okay, I can take you off the longe line. It's obvious you know how to ride!

The Arabian, being a western horse, needed a lot of encouragement to move forward from a western jog to a trot. It is not easy to post on a slow trotting horse! I was trying to get the position in the cutback saddle figured out. You sit back in the saddle. Roll the thighs in (it's all in the thighs) keep the calves off the horse, your weight on the ball of your foot, in your big toe. Lift your ribs! So much to remember. I have no muscle tone from lack of riding. At one point she had me try, and I say try, a two-point, I could not even stand up in the stirrups for more than 2 seconds! Sad!

At times, I felt like a bumbling idiot, loosing a stirrup or bouncing around or on the wrong diagonal. I think I felt worse than I looked. We are always our own worst critics. The instructor told me I did very well, she said she's had students ride in a cutback for the first time who have their legs swinging all over.

But the Steady Eddie's canter, oh golly! I loved it! For all the issues I have with cantering, I could have cantered him all day! Nice smooth lope, he stayed in it, it was slow (but not his western show horse lope.) I felt like I was on a carousel horse. I've decided my issue is not with loping, but with loping my horse! His lope is not comfortable nor is the speed consistent. Something I need to work on.

Overall, it was a good lesson. I enjoyed the instructor, I felt she gave me good information and critique, as well as praise and encouragement when I was on-target. I have a lot of muscle strength to build. I also tend to over analyze everything I'm doing, I need to just relax.

Once I get on a Saddlebred, a horse that is more upright, she said I won't have my leaning forward issues as the horse's head will be raised and you'll naturally sit back (steady Eddie had a western head set.) The more advanced lesson horse will have a much faster trot and momentum, which will help propel that post. To the point she said I would have to remember to sit down!

I'm not going to be able to take lessons very frequently due to finances, so, my learning curve will be slow. I can practice the leg positions on My Boy, even in a western saddle. The instructor said riding in a cutback is a lot like riding in a western saddle. Although, she said a cutback saddle does nothing for you. She said it's all you- you have to do all the work!

And let me tell you, I am suffering. I am feeling the work! I am walking like an old lady today. It's better when I keep moving. If I sit down for any length of time then get up....yowsa!

For the next lesson or two I get to ride the Arabian again. After that, we'll see if I get to ride the horse she calls a "pistol."

Uh-oh!

What have I gotten myself into?

Ask PG, Part 4

2010-01-30T08:01:00.000-08:00

If your house was on fire, what would you rush in to save?

Everything is material. As long as my family and I were safe, and our pets, I could live without the "stuff." However, I think it would be hard to lose pictures and mementos. A week ago I went through a shoebox of old items I'd had since childhood. Horse show ribbons, a little toy animal lamb that belonged to the cat I had when I was a child, a cross bookmark my mom crocheted for me, a handwritten letter from my grandmother, my diary from when I was 9 years old, a magazine from 1986 that featured my published work. These are things I can not replace, when they are gone, they are gone. Until I pulled them each one by one from the box and recollected the circumstances and memories in which surrounded their presence in my life, I might not have remembered them. That is what mementos do, they remind you of special times in your life and keep them part of you.

Do you enjoy your work? If you could pick any career, would you do what you are doing now, or would you pick something else?

I like what I am doing (education.) It is rewarding. It is also exhausting, hard work and it is easy to burn out. I do not know if I will teach forever. I still have many other dreams and pursuits. Truly? Sometimes I wish I didn't have to work, and that I could just pursue creative pursuits that didn't also have to be my livelihood. I would like to be a novelist...own my own vintage home decor shop.....blogging.....photography.....crafting.......

I don't know about the questions, maybe just exactly WHAT you have against mayonnaise. Why do you hate it so, what did it ever do to you? Just kiddin!!!

Really, I don't know! I don't dislike it all of the time. I'm moody about it. Some days I like it. I tolerate it mixed into most food, like tuna.

What is your dream for the future?

To be happy, to live simply. To have a family, and always have horses in my life.

If you could live anywhere, where would it be?

On a ranch. I do not know where, that would be a hard decision. But I'd love to have property, with pastures, fields, woods, a barn, and a cozy cabin!

No question - just a comment that my daughter and I have spent many a happy afternoon with Lorelei and Rory. Don't you wish they would bring back that series?

Wait, that IS a question, hee hee! YES! It's always sad when a favorite series goes away. Often, it's time- a show has ran it's course. I really liked Men In Trees and Everwood, two other great shows that didn't last long. I love those ensemble cast style of "dramedies."

If there was one thing you could change what would it be? Besides not having writers block, that is.

Probably my financial situation. You know- less debt/more income.

Wow! A lot of good questions!! Here's mine! Who is the one person in your life that has influenced you the most in what kind of person you have become??

I honestly can't say there is just one person. I think many members of my family, mentors, and friends, have shown me bits and pieces of themselves, which has helped me become who I am. My parents were always open and trusting and supportive. I have loving relatives who enjoy each others company and we have family traditions- ways to spend meaningful time together. I have friends that I know are always there for me, even the ones I don't see on a regular basis.

One more...if you could spend one more hour with one person that has gone to be with the angels who would that person be?? AND "If you could go back and talk to someone that you've lost, who would it be and what is it that you need to say to them."

I would want to see my Nana Vi. She was my father's mother. She passed of a heart attack after Thanksgiving dinner when I was a senior in high school. I never really knew her when I was actually a mature adult. At 18, I still saw everyone as invincible. There was always tomorrow, because I need to be more worried about prom now. Looking back as an adult, there are many things I wish I would have talked to her about, or could talk to her about. That chance is gone.

What song would you sing at Karaoke? Do you like the Bee Gees? And what is the grossest food you've ever eaten?

Grossest food? I'm not a fan of calamari.

I do NOT karaoke. Believe me, you would not want to hear me behind the microphone. I have done it once, with a group of girlfriends. We sang "Miss American Pie." It's a long song. Not a good karaoke song. and that is all I'm gonna say about that.

And yep, I like the Bee Gees!

The Light! The Light!

2010-01-28T19:58:00.000-08:00

Do you remember Tattoo on Fantasy Island....."The plane! The plane!"

Oh goodness, I loved that show! I was probably too young to be watching it. I remember a mermaid episode. Am I dreaming? Or was there a mermaid episode? I think it was my favorite.

I digress.

Last Saturday I was working on a post at my laptop in my dining room-ish area (too complicated to explain) and suddenly, I looked to the window towards the south and saw the most amazing light coming through the {ghastly vinyl} blinds.

It'd been overcast most of the day. But this light, oh this light. It was glowing a reddish orange, and it was as delicious as a bowl of summer cherries.

I grabbed my camera, threw on a jacket stocking cap and my snow boots (they are the closest thing to my front door. I have not given up hope.) I knew this light would not last. In fact, by the time I got outside, it was already sinking fast, and the rich color was starting to fade.

I have said it before, but there is nothing trying to capture the light in a photo.

I wandered around my yard and snapped a couple photos, desperately trying to find something interesting to shoot. In my yard, it is few and far between.

Silly stocking cap-headed-photographer.

This late afternoon light, I love it. It is so rare, to get that perfect winter's glow.

And there it goes.

Ah well.

The light! The light!

I celebrate it so.

A Few Words From My Boy

2010-01-26T21:00:00.000-08:00

Saturday

Aw mom, do I gotta work? I'm really tired. Rough night. The shavings weren't piled quite right in my shed and I tossed and turned all night and THEN Paint Girl's mares were snoring. Puh-lease! I just really, really need a nap today.

Fine. I'll walk around if you insist. But take it easy on me.

You want me to what? Go faster?

Yee-haw, Stinker Girl, don't wave that carrot stick and make "sissing" sounds at me!

(Besides, it's kinda funny, you're the one doing all the running trying to make me run, mom!!)

Lookeeeee, it's my pretty trot! I'm an Arabian! {Wannabe} With spots and fuzzy hair!

I know, I know. I look like a fancy P.O.A. at best.

Are we done? Are we done? Are we done?

Yippee!!

By the way mom, I really need these trimmed up! Can you take me to the salon now?

p.s.
Thanks everyone, for your encouraging words and advice about my upcoming lesson. I appreciate the support you've shown for me trying something new!

Chain Reaction

2010-01-24T18:04:00.000-08:00

A week ago fellow blogging friend Mama H wrote about "chain reactions." On a sidenote, I have met Mama H briefly twice in person. Actually, I know her better from her blog than I do from the two times I've met her, isn't that funny? I do hope that sometime in the next year, myself and some of my pony cousins get to ride with her!

Regarding my last post....yep, you guessed it. Very soon, I am taking a saddleseat lesson. I know it sounds a bit crazy.

Last week I had a case of LSR (lesson scheduling remorse.) I mean, what kind of loose noodle cowgirl am I? How exactly did this all come about?

Here's the truth. I don't really know. What provokes us to make a random decision in our lives, leading us down a road that's never been on our map? I'm sure being around Paint Girl's workplace has gotten the ball rolling, by fostering a resurgence of my childhood interest in this style of riding (as well as the horse horse breeds you ride this way- Morgans, Saddlebreds, Arabians, and National Show horses.) The rest has been a chain reaction. I'd been reading a few blogs about Saddlebreds and recently subscribe to The Morgan Horse magazine, a favorite of mine when I was a teenager. I don't get to ride my horse much around here in the winter, due to weather and outdoor arena conditions. It's the perfect time to move myself indoors and keep learning.

As I approach that magic last year of my thirties, I think I am feeling brave about trying new things. One day, with these thoughts in my head and while surfing online, I ended up searching for barns around my area that might give me this opportunity. I happened to find one. I wrote down their phone number and browsed the site for almost two weeks before getting up the nerve to call and set up a lesson.

I have a theory that riding different horses and learning something new will help build my confidence. It's never easy to walk into a barn you've never been in, meet someone you've never met, and climb on board a horse you don't know. I think it will make me a better horse person. A better rider. It will be a great experience for me. Who knows if I will like it or not. I don't want to make judgments before I try it.

In the end, it's about taking chances. Continuing to be a learner. Get better at my passion. I'm going to be nervous that first day. I know nothing about this barn, or the people there. Will they snicker at my clearance sale paddock boots, western riding jeans and riding helmet? I have no clue what I am doing. This is not my world. I consider myself an intermediate rider, but I have had little formal instruction. I have a natural seat and I'm good with horses, but most of what I know is self-taught.

Yes, I'm going to be anxious. But in a good way. There is nothing like something new to motivate you, to help you become a stronger person. Who knows what kind of new friends I will meet. I love meeting horse people. In some way, I know that I will get something out of this experience. What, I am not sure. That is to be determined. Isn't that exciting?

Did you know they show Appaloosas saddleseat, in both pleasure and equitation? Really! Here is an old picture from one of my issues of The Appaloosa Journal.

Funny story, but when I first started leasing My Boy, I nicknamed him "Saddlebred-head" and "the Saddlebred," because he loves to raise his head upright. He is not a peanut-pusher kind of horse, that is for sure! My Boy can breathe a sigh in relief- I have no intention of riding him saddleseat! Maybe.

I have my first lesson soon. Stay tuned!

p.s. All of the pictures of My Boy in this post were taken on a film camera, developed and loaded onto a CD, around 3 years ago. They were from when I leased My Boy. The pasture photos are from his first day in his new home at the Painted Creek, while he was under my "care lease." Three short months later, he officially became mine!

Taking Chances

2010-01-22T17:14:00.000-08:00

{First off, let me start by saying that I know I haven't answered all of your questions yet, I am still working on the last batch.}

Many of you who read my sister's blog have heard about her opportunity to travel to a large Arabian horse show with the barn she works at.

I recently spent 3 hours hanging out at Paint Girl's barn.

I am very sensitive to spending time at her workplace. I don't want to be a distraction to her, or be in the way of anyone else working there. I always have checked with her first, asking about the activity for the day. If there are a lot of clients or potential buyers scheduled, I won't stop by.

This time, if possible, I wanted to stop by and watch some horse's being ridden. In the two brief times I've stopped in previously, I've just watched horses turned out and no trainers were riding. This particular day, my sister told me a trainer would be riding, it was going to be mellow, and that it was fine by him for me to stop by.

Of course, when I arrived (after my exciting felon-on-the-loose-farrier-adventure) things had changed and the barn was hopping. Someone had come by to try out a horse for sale. The halter trainer was there working with the halter babies. Speaking of the halter trainer, he kindly introduced himself to me and sang Paint Girl's praises, telling me he'd steal her away to his barn in a heart beat if he could.

I was asked to hold a halter. And then to hold a bridle. And then to hold a horse, because the new groom had accidentally put another horse in his stall and had to switch him out. If you stand around in a busy barn long enough, you get put to work.

Later, after the prospective buyer left, I was able to watch one of the head trainers at the barn work horses. Paint Girl had told him I wanted to watch English (saddle seat) horses. Some of them are working in full bridles (two bits) and some still in snaffles. I also watched a western pleasure horse work. Paint Girl came into the arena to watch, too.

What I really liked about this trainer is that because he sensed my interest, he took the time to talk to me and show us things. He explained what he was doing, and answered my questions. He didn't act like I was wasting his time. I could tell he was excited to share a bit of this Arabian world with me. I could tell it's his passion.

Paint Girl has talked about this trainer as being the kind who is willing to take an amateur or youth under his wing. To help them learn and grow. I think this is a wonderful opportunity for her. An opportunity that most horse crazy girls can only dream of. Who knows if Paint Girl will become an Arabian horse trainer down the line or not. Regardless, the experience she gains will benefit her greatly. She can apply it elsewhere, maybe starting her own training business, giving instructions to youth, or working with Mustangs.

This trainer even told me that once I got a few saddle seat lessons under my belt, to come back and he'd put me on a horse. Yikes! How many trainers from a big barn would say that to one of their groom's sisters? Not very many, I think.

And saddle seat lessons? What exactly did he mean by that?

Hmmm...... To be continued.

Apples, Eyeballs, and A Little Red Dot

2010-01-20T15:28:00.000-08:00

I had a nice moment in the pasture with my horse the other day. Paint Girl was going to groom her filly in her pasture, so I decided to do the same with My Boy near the back of his, so we'd be in sight of Chance.

He ate his bucket of apples and carrot cookies and then stood nicely with the lead rope tossed over his back while I brushed him and cleaned out his hooves.

Eventually, he was pretty sure that if he checked, more apples and carrot cookies had magically appeared in his bucket. Or that the bucket had turned into a giant apple itself.

I tried my hand at our self-portrait, by holding my camera out at arm's length. This is much more difficult with a heavy DSLR than my little point and shoot. After numerous attempts, I realized that part of the problem was that I was zoomed in wayyyyyy too much. I adjusted my lens and it got a little easier.

My first attempt.

Not much better.

My Boy looking across the property to the road.

You could barely see it between the trees, but there was a gray horse going down the road. The horse was being led by someone, and there were a couple of kids tagging a long, one on a bike. They were far away. But my horse's keen eyesight spotted them. Uncanny at times, these prey animals' senses. I would never had noticed the horse it if My Boy hadn't caught the movement behind the trees lining the driveway and turned his head.

I took off his lead and walked to the back fence to watch Paint Girl work on teaching Chance a lesson on backing up. My Boy walked up and stood at the fence by me, also watching.

He's really relaxed a lot about me being in the pasture with him. Some of you might recall my past posts about my hard to catch horse. His fear of being "caught" has seemed to diminish a lot. I can't wait to start working with him again this spring, once we have the round pen set up, and his pasture is dried out.

I want to get that ghastly turnout halter off of his head. For good.

The only thing good about the turnout halter? It's broken his previous pattern. We don't have the issue of being caught or haltered in the pasture right now, because I am not haltering him there. At almost sixteen years of age, I'm not sure this problem will ever go away completely. So far, it's been a "come and go" issue over several of his owners, including me. There were months where he'd literally push his nose into the halter, and months where he wouldn't let me get near him and gallop around for half an hour until he was too tired to fight anymore.

One more thing. I have a mystery happening and I need my Scooby Doo gang to help me solve it. Look closely at this photo.

Do you see the red dot?? Now look at all of the photos on this post and see if you can spot the red dot on them (they are there, I found them.) Camera experts out there- what on my lens is causing the red dot? Any recommendations on operation red dot removal?

Ask PG Part 3

2010-01-18T09:39:00.000-08:00

Okay, let's interrupt horse shoes and crime scenes and get back to these answers. Are you tired of hearing all about me yet???

Don't blame me. You're the ones with all the questions!

Oh yea. I guessed I asked for it.

What is your very favourite food in the whole world?

Oh, it is SO hard to pick just one! I love Mexican and Italian style food equally, hands-down. I really love Recess Peanut Butter Cups. And Trader Joe's frozen Mac 'N Cheese. I know, I know, but it's really good!

If you could go anywhere in the world for a holiday, where would you go, and why?

Do you think it is strange that I've never been to Europe? I would like to go to Italy or England or France or Australia. I would like to take a holiday to a working dude ranch somewhere in the mid-west....now that would be cool, too!

If you could choose anywhere in the world to live and work, how far would you go from "home?"

I wouldn't go far from home. Maybe as far west as Colorado. At least not permanently. I think it would be a good experience to live someplace else for a while. I couldn't be far from my family indefinitely. But never say never.

What 5 things are most important to you in a potential spouse? Of those which two are the absolute most important "Deal breakers" and which one is something you would like but could live without?

1. Honesty and ability to communicate 2. Sense of humor. 3. Compassion 4. Ambition 5. Love of animals.

A love of animals and sense of humor are important. I like to laugh, I am sarcastic and (I try) to be funny and I think you have to be able to laugh at life and each other to try to stay sane and healthy. And how could I be with anyone that doesn't love animals? It's who I am. And if someone loves animals, compassion and kindness are usually already there.

Tell us your favorite book, movie, actor, and actress. Also...when you belly up to the bar...what do your order?

Oh wow! Okay..... no favorite book (see next question.)
Actor: Robert Redford, Tom Hanks, Robert Duvall
Actress: Sandra Bullock,Kate Winslet, Diane Keaton
Bar order: I don't drink much anymore, but if I do: sour apple martini (if I'm out with the girls.) Jack and Coke (if I'm at a concert.) A Corona (if I'm at a sports bar having appetizers.)

What are your top 5 favourite books?

Don't have one favorite, but here are six (I added one for the question I didn't answer above!) that have really stuck with me and that I still have in my collection......Living, Loving, and Learning by Leo Buscaglia, A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson, Hope Rising by Kim Meeder, The Dog Who Spoke with Gods by Diane Jessup, and Last Days of Summer by Steve Kluger. I have linked you to the books in case any of them sounded interesting. Amazon has customer reviews and I found on these books, they are good feedback on what I enjoyed about them.

Do you like to travel? If yes, where have you been and where would you like to go?

On a trip to NYC around 5 years ago, we went to a taping of ABC's The View. My friend and I were chosen to do a commercial break announcement- yikes! Took 3 takes, but it was fun to watch for our 5 second spot!

I like to travel, but don't do it often. I am not sure why. Wait- I think I know why. Traveling is pretty expensive and I have a horse. So little there is fundage left for traveling. I also don't come from a big traveling kind of family. We must be missing that gene. We're homebodies. But if I had the funds, I would travel more! There are plenty of places in our great States that I have never seen. Maybe a road trip across the USA is in order first!

How many states have you traveled to? I know it's lame, but it is something I have always kept track of & now my kids do. And no, I haven't hit 50 yet, but I'm in the last decade!

Okay, I have been to Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, New York, and Rhode Island. So- not very many! I have been to Mexico and Canada, although those obviously aren't states. After typing this up, I am surprised I have never been to Idaho, Montana, or Colorado. I would really like to see those states! And Arizona, and the Dakotas, and Wyoming. Oh goodness, I really need to take that road trip! Think My Boy is up for a ride across the U.S.??

What is your favorite pair of shoes...the pair you reach for first?
And, why?

I love my cowgirl boots because they remind me that I am a horse girl. However, my go-to boots are my Uggs. Now, I want to clear something up. Uggs are a fad that refused to go away. But if you have worn real Uggs (or the brand Emu Australia, which I like better and costs a little less) you probably know what I mean. The fake ones you get at Target for $24.99 are not the same. Imitations are like walking on cardboard, are not sheepskin, and they stretch out something awful. I have learned to only invest in the real deal, and I can't be without them. I usually buy one new pair a year. If you want to try Emus, I would recommend the "Stinger" style (sheepskin.) I wear them shopping, to run to the grocery store.....the only place I can't wear them is in the horse pasture!

What photography experience do you have, if any? Have you ever considered or wanted to do it professionally? What are your favorite photography subjects?

My only photography experience is what I learned in a high school graphic arts class (we developed our own film. That was before digital.) The rest is self-taught. I got my first digital point and shoot two years ago, and my first DSLR last April. I have always loved taking pictures and had more pictures from events with family and friends than anyone else. It is only recently, since I start blogging, and even more so with the purchase of my Nikon, that I started pursuing photography more creatively. I love photographing horses and people best. I would like to do something with this hobby, but I am not sure in what capacity yet. I do have one idea, which I will share with you all soon, as I'm still working on it!

Why did you start this blog and what were your goals with it? Do you feel you've achieved them?

I started this blog on Freewebs, for my family and friends. I soon moved to blogger and the rest is history! I was really afraid to go public and I am still a very private person. I am not sure what my goals were/are. I just wanted to keep my family and friends updated on the adventures of me and my new horse. Over time, this blog has really become a place for me to just share all of my interests, which are eclectic. Sometimes I wonder if I should start another blog, and just leave this one to the ponies. But I am not just all about horses. Sometimes I think it would be nice to get paid to blog since I enjoy it so much and spend a fair amount of time at it. But then, if it was a job, I wonder if I would like it so much?

What collections do you have and which are your favorite?

Hmmm....what do I collect? I seem to collect magazines! I recently started collecting vintage ceramic horses. And snowman decorations for Christmas/winter. And jewelery. Funky, fun, costume jewlery. And Uggs and cowboy boots. Those are bad ones!

What is one of your pet peeves?

People who don't wait their turn at 4-way stops. That really gets me! I'm sure there is more, but I can't think of anything else right now.

If you had to live on an island for one month and could only take 5 belongings with you, what would they be?

Is my horse a belonging? Hee hee! 1. Cell phone 2. Book 3. Box of power bars 4. Fleece blanket (I know it's an island and all, but it might get cold at night! 5. Chapstick

Interestingly, a horse could be useful on an island. You could ride him around trying to find food and explore, and use him to pull logs to build a shelter. And he'd be good company. But I'd also worry about him, would there enough food for him, would some wild animal get him. So I'm not sure I'd bring my horse.

Tea or Coffee?

Coffee. Decaf. With french vanilla creamer or as a latte, to be more specific!

Speaking of which, I'm off to make my morning coffee.

Be thinking of Martin Luther King Jr. today, everyone!

Who Knew Being My Boy's Farrier Could Be a High Risk Job?

2010-01-16T21:21:00.000-08:00

I'm going to interrupt my Q&A session to give you an update on My Boy.

This morning was My Boy's farrier appointment. After a week of nearly constant rain, I was afraid I might have to postpone. My farrier won't work in a downpour. I don't blame him. Not just because rain running down your neck is annoying, but because he doesn't want the nails to get wet before they go in the hoof.

The morning dawned foggy, frosty, and not a cloud in the sky. I could not believe it. After two years of horseshoeing appointments, I have only had to cancel one because of the weather. And that was due to a pretty definite snow forecast, for which it did. I have gotten extremely lucky in the weather and farrier day department. Which is nice since my farrier accommodates me with Saturday appointments and rescheduling would have to be a week out.

When I arrived at the Painted Creek my pony was eating his breakfast in the far back of his pasture. Since he was engrossed in his feed he wasn't coming to the gate, I stomped through frozen ice puddles en route to fetching him. As I led him out of the pasture, he snorted and pranced and kept stopping, head up, looking into the woods alongside his pasture. He often imagines all kinds of monsters in those woods.

Little did we know, today there could have been.

I groomed him up. I like to towel all the wet mud off his lower legs and pick out his hooves out before the farrier arrives. As I was cleaning him up, I heard Paint Girl's other half warming up his car to run some errands. I looked out at the road they live on and noticed a police car driving by slowly with his lights on.

I hand-walked My Boy up and down the driveway a bit as we waited for the farrier to arrive. I noticed the police car had stopped near the end of Paint Girl's driveway, and I saw more flashing lights further down the road. Well, this was kind of interesting. Paint Girl's OH went to ask the officer what was going on. Turned out there was a felon on the run in the woods in the neighborhood. What?! Okay PG's OH, you can not leave for your errands now! At least not until my farrier gets here!

My farrier arrived around twenty minutes later. He was stopped on the way into the neighborhood. He was told to stay inside and that they'd be searching the area with police dogs trying to track this person down. I half-jokingly asked him whether he wanted to keep the appointment, since moving into the house with my horse was just not an option. He said well heck, if we hear gunfire, just hit the ground. He also suggested I could saddle up My Boy, hit the woods, and test out his ability at being a mounted police horse.

I told him not to expect any extra payment for working in such a hazardous situation.

The OH hung around and we all were enjoying the warm dose of vitamin D and chatting as My Boy got his hooves done. Steam was floating off everything the sun was hitting. It was a beautiful winter morning and hard to imagine that something really scary was going on close by.

I was happy to see that the farrier noticed the hole where MB's abscess blew out of his sole. I was proud of myself for diagnosing and noticing it. Despite hardly getting a start on his breakfast prior to the appointment, MB was really good for the farrier.

All ended well and we made it through the appointment without any additional excitement.

Oh, the things we go through for our horses!

Ask PG: Horse Answers, Part Two

2010-01-13T18:14:00.000-08:00

Well folks, here is the last bunch of the horse-related questions!

What animal (besides horses) in your life has touched you the most? Made the biggest impact on you?

Besides horses? I'd have to say cats or dogs. It'd be a toss up because I have known so many great ones. Growing up, we always had cats and dogs. My first pet was a cat that I owned for 18 years, even when I left for college and left her with  my parents, she knew she was mine when I came home. I think cats and dogs taught me responsibility, affection, and respect. I had to give it to them, to get it in return. And they love unconditionally and bring so much joy to my life!

My questions are: Do you have a list of names for future horses, dogs, or cats that you may come to own? (and) Did "My Boy" have a different name before you came to know him?

I haven't had to name an animal in a long time! If I were to get a dog or cat right now, I think I would name it Bella. And I'd like to have a mare named Angel (and hopefully she'd live up to that name!) It also depends on the pet, it's color, and personality. I also don't like to change animal names unless it's something really awful or doesn't fit them.

In regards to My Boy, that is not his real name! His real name is part of his registered name. In fact, in a post somewhere on this blog, I reveal his real name. Does anyone remember what it is?? And shhh, family members- you can't say! I don't know why I gave my horse the "My Boy" pseudonym when I started this blog. I guess because I gave myself one, I thought he needed to also be under cover? Actually, now that I call him that, it seems more fitting on this blog than his real name. And when I see him, I always ask, "How's my boy?" so it just kind of fits.

My question is...which one of these would you rather follow the Desert Rose through on horseback...and why??? A desert windstorm, a swift river, or a snow covered trail?

Okay. Funny question, considering it preceded the great stuck-in-the desert-for-a-night adventure the Desert Rose just went on! So definitely, at this point, a snow-covered trail. Why? Because I detest riding in the wind and I've always wanted to go trail riding in the snow! And I would trust the Desert Rose to lead me home safely. As long as I packed my pup-tent, food, and thermal underwear- in case of an overnight stay!

A horse-related: What was the best trail ride of your life?

I have been on a lot of great trail rides the past few years and many have been great, but none really stand out as being the "best" in my life. I will say that several years ago, when I had just gotten back into horses, I rode in the desert with my aunt, sister, and cousins. It was my first ride on a gaited horse (Tennessee Walker), we rode different and more difficult terrain than I'd ever been on, it was warm and sunny, and we even loped on the trail! After not really riding in 16 years, it was a fun experience, and a great one to share with family!

Have you ever had a reoccurring dream or how about this one....have you ever been dreaming a great dream, been awaken and went back to sleep and continued the same dream? Do you listen to your subconscious dreams or believe they don't mean a thing about where you are in life, hopes, desires or struggles?

This question doesn't pertain to horses specifically, but my dream does so I put it here. I have a reoccurring dream, maybe once or twice a year. I am in my early teens, and I am with my parents and sister on the property we lived on for 15 years, where we had our ponies and horses. And I realize at some point that I have not fed my horse in days. It is the most sickening feeling of anxiety. A similar dream is that I have forgotten to show up to a college class to take a test. I know I have had these dreams more than once. They are disturbing and I imagine they are tied to stress or anxiety in my life.

What are your favorite things to take on a trail ride?

My must-haves: Food! I always have to take snacks because I get hungry, and, I am afraid if we get lost, I will get hungry and get a migraine. I also always bring an extra shirt of sweatshirt, no matter the weather. I get chilled easy and that way, I am always prepared. I also bring a cell phone (hoping we have service) in case of emergency.

Do you like to ride the trails by yourself, just you and MB?

Nope. I wouldn't feel safe. I think if the trails were on our property, I would be fine and enjoy it. I really enjoy riding with others and feel I can do it and still feel "in my own world", especially since talking while trail riding, single file, isn't always possible.

If money were no object what brand of saddle would you buy?

I'd probably have to do some research and try different saddles out, but I sat in a saddle like the new one my mom is getting and I like it. It's a barrel racing saddle made by Billy Cook.

Can you ride bareback while trotting? Cantering?

I can trot bareback, I have done that recently. I have not cantered bareback since I was a kid. I am sure that I could now, but not sure I will be attempting it anytime soon!

What's the scariest thing that's ever happened to you while horseback riding (besides the crazy wild monkey experience. LOL!)

Hmmmm......lately, there isn't anything really scary. Things that made me uncomfortable for a bit, maybe. As a teen, we were riding home through the trails as it was starting to get dark, and we started singing songs. I remember being scared. Our ponies spooked and galloped away with us, I wrote about that experience in this post.

I got one: What is your ONE (maybe outrageous) horse-related dream? Mine is (or used to be I should say) competing in professional Show Jumping.

This is a fun question. Honestly, this might surprise some of you. I'd love to ride saddle seat, and in competition. Sounds kind of crazy for this cowgirl in the making, eh? I think being around the high-steppers at Paint Girl's new workplace has awoken (or re-woken) this interest. When I was a teen, I loved saddle seat. Never rode it (that is probably why I was so fascinated by it.) My favorite breeds were Morgans, Saddlebreds, National Show Horses, and Tennessee Walkers. Interesting, that I never ended up with one of these breeds, or rode saddle seat. It just seems so exciting and intense. I love watching it at the Arabian shows, hearing everyone hoot and cheer on the riders. The horses are so flashy and seem to soak up the energy and just strut their stuff! I guess it's never too late to learn......

Did you ever have a horse you are sorry you parted with? Have you ever seen/know a horse that you didn't buy, and were always sorry you didn't?

Saberdance, my 18 year old Arab/Appaloosa

Yes, I am sorry I parted with my Arab/Appaloosa pony and my QH mare. I didn't outgrow him in size, he was small but I am petite and could have ridden him my whole life. But he was older and was kind of "a been there done that kind of horse." He was really sweet though, and I wish I could have kept him just to ensure he never went into bad hands (we rescued him.) My friend was showing on the Quarter Horse circuit and although that wasn't an option for me, I wanted a Quarter horse. The barn I worked at gave me the opportunity to purchase a 2 1/2 year old bay QH filly. She had 120 days professional training on her. I cleaned a lot of stalls to pay for that mare! I enjoyed riding her until I went to college, took her to the fair with 4-H that year and did well with her in the training horse classes. I kind of regret selling her because she was such a nice horse. Even as a youngster, I don't recall her ever giving me any problems, either on the ground or under saddle. She didn't like to load in a horse trailer, but that was about it.

Would you ever sell My Boy?

There are some people out there that don't believe every horse they purchase has to be a "forever horse." They buy and sell depending on the horse, what they want to do with it, or their horse goals. I wish I was that kind of person. But I am not. I get too attached. It is what it is. At this point in my life, I can only own one horse. Therefore, to get another horse, I'd have to sell My Boy. There is no reason for me to sell him. I enjoy trail and pleasure riding, and he is perfect for that. He is easy to handle, I can manage his quirks, and we get along- we've bonded. He is kind of a one-person horse and I'm his person. I do not think I will ever sell him, unless circumstances left me no other option. And then I'd be begging one of my blogger friends to take him! At this point, I think I will keep him and retire him in ten years or so, depending on how his hocks are. I am hoping that in ten years, my life will be at a point where I can still keep him, perhaps for my own children to learn to ride on, and get a new horse for myself.

Oky doky artichokies...I will attempt to tackle the non-horsey questions next. Some of those might make posts on their own, as some interesting topics were brought up.

Ask PG: Horse Answers, Part One

2010-01-10T22:48:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately, I did not get any horse time this weekend, thanks to my cold virus. I spent most of my weekend recuperating on the couch, watching movies. It was actually a fairly nice weekend weather-wise, which made it even more irritating that I couldn't get my horse out and maybe even go for a ride.

Instead, I just had to sit here and stare at my little plastic Appy. NOT the same. Sigh.

The free time did give me a chance to work on answering the great questions that you emailed/left me in the comments section! There were too many to answer in one post. In fact, I decided to break down the horse/animal questions into two posts, and then I will address the miscellaneous questions in other posts.

If any of you are getting in on this late, feel free to leave me a question on the original post or on this one.

Alrighty then, let's dig in!

What was your first pet? How old were you when you discovered you loved horses and couldn't live without them?

I honestly don't remember my first pet! I am thinking it was a cat. Although being a lover of all critters, I'm sure it was probably really a caterpillar or a tadpole or something. Paint Girl and I were talking about how we came to love horses. Especially since we did not come from a horsey family. Paint Girl blames it on me. I am not sure how horses came into my life. I suppose for little girls, a love of horses is inherent, and whether it becomes your "thing" or not depends on the paths of fate. I do know that neighbors with horses, opportunities to ride, and access to horse paraphernalia probably helped encourage the passion to bloom!

Questions, hmmmm... what is your all time favorite moment with your horse?

That is a tough question! I would have to say competing at the family playday "rodeo" every summer. We had some fun events (like keyhole) and it was unlike anything I've done with him in the few short years I've owned him. Also, doing a Parelli groundwork presentation to music for my family one summer. My auntie said I made her cry! I have it on video but it's a weird format that my computer won't recognize, or I'd download it for you all.

If you and My Boy could spend 7 days riding any trail in the western USA, which one or where would it be?

Oh goodness! On My Boy? He's a darn good trail horse, but does not have mountain experience, which is where I think I would want to do a ride. I have heard parts of the Pacific Crest Trail are pretty amazing. Or maybe part of the Chief Joseph Trail. I know the Appaloosa Horse Club does a ride there every year. That would be amazing! I would qualify, since you have to ride a registered Appaloosa to take part.

Ok, here is a question for you: If I ever realize my dream of creating an Equestrian Park on our farm, and I finally organize a "blogging friends" ride in Pennsylvania some summer, could you and Paint Girl join in? I think it would be so great if blogger friends could all ride together. We probably wouldn't all be on our own ponies, but it still would be fun! There's a question for you, Pony Girl!!!

Oh this sounds like SO much fun, Juliette! I love this idea. If there was a way Paint Girl and I could get to Pennsylvania easily (like, we'd click our boot heels three times and chant there's no place like Pennsylvania, there's no place like Pennsylvania, there's no place like Pennsylvania....) then we'd be there in a heartbeat! As it is, Paint Girl and I are on such tight budgets, we can barely afford to visit our families in nearby states. But should an opportunity ever arise, we'll certainly let you know!

If you could be any breed of horse, what breed would you be and why?

This is an interesting question because I bet there is a difference in what breed others would describe me as, as to what breed I would want to be! But since the question is from my point of view....I think I would want to be a Morgan. I fit that breed because I am down to earth, yet stylish. I am good at a lot of different things and have a lot of different interests (versatile.) And I'm a bit old-fashioned. I love music from Frank Sinatra and vintage clothes and antiques. That seems to fit the Morgan breed a bit, don't you think?

This is a fun question, so I'm going to throw it back at you all. What breed do you think you most represent??

Would you ever want to have a ranch someday, and what would your ranch look like?

I'd love to own a big ranch. I would have a few horses of my own to trail ride, and a fancy show horse that I could take to big shows and the National Championships- just once! Then I'd adopt or rescue horses and ponies that needed a second chance at life. I'd like to have a program where children could work with these horses. Dream big, isn't that what they say?

What made you want to do western instead of English?

I don't think there is any reason in particular. I rode both as a teen. And I took hunter lessons around 13 years ago. But when I got back into horses around 3 years ago, I just ended up trail riding. My Boy can go both styles, but he is more "western" in his training (reining) so I just ended up there. I also feel more secure in a western saddle while trail riding. I would like to ride My Boy hunt seat more this summer, though! You can see here more about our first hunt seat ride last summer. In the next post, another answer regarding style of riding will be addressed.

Okay, that should about wrap it up for this post. Next time, part two of your horse-related questions.

I hope you all had a super weekend!

and... P.S. Thanks for helping me get out of my blogger slump!

Ask Pony Girl?

2010-01-07T20:28:00.000-08:00

I saw on her recent post that Canterbalance is having Blogger's Block. I couldn't believe it.

So am I.

During the holidays, I had so much extra time to post and so much to write about. Then, the middle of this week, I drew a blank. Now that I'm back to work, I'm doing nothing but working. And I'm fighting a cold virus so I'm really doing nothing. Except watching season one of Gilmore Girls on DVD, which I absolutely love.

I want to move to Stars Hollow.

Anyway- moving on. I need some inspiration. Yet it is dark when I leave for work (really dark.) And dark when I get home from work. I can only hope to feel well enough to see My Boy this weekend.

So I have an idea. I have seen those "Ask Me" posts where Bloggers ask readers if they have any questions. Kind of like an interview. I always love asking the questions and reading the answers. You always learn a little more about someone.

I have never done this because I am just not sure any of you really give a hoot to learn anything more about about me. Like what is my favorite milkshake flavor? That might be interesting.

It's peanut butter. There, you don't have to ask that one!

But if you do, send me an email at ponygirlridesagain@gmail.com, or leave your question in the comments section. I will compile a post of as many answers that I can. And hopefully, this will inspire some new thought processes and posts.

Or just be kind of fun.

Until then, go with this thought. It is almost the weekend!

Woo-hoo!

p.s no deadline on the questions. As soon as this slump is over, I promise I'll get to them!

A Breakthrough!

2010-01-05T06:33:00.000-08:00

On Sunday, the last day of my Christmas vacation, I decided to take a break in a lazy day and take a winter's walk.

And I took my camera.

Why would this be unusual?

You see, at the Painted Creek, or at my mom's stable, or at work, or at gatherings of family and friends, I love to take photos. I'm like the paparazzi. Put me in public, where someone I don't know might see me taking a picture- and I get overly self-conscious.

{click on pictures to enlarge details}

Does this happen to any of you?

I don't know what I am worried about. After all, I see other people out with cameras around their neck all of the time. Nobody stares at them oddly, not even me. If anything, before I got my Nikon, I would just stare at their camera with envy.

Maybe I'm afraid someone will catch me taking pictures of the red berry plant on their sidewalk. Stop it right there, little missy! Those are my red berries! I have pruned the plant and watered it myself for the whole of their existence! Halt your photography- or I am calling the authorities!

Okay. Really, I made it the whole walk and nobody said a word about me taking pictures of their shrubbery. But every time a car drove by, I'd stop and pretend I was looking at my monitor. Yep. I might have a problem.

An exciting goal I set for myself in 2010 is get better acquainted with my camera's manual functions. On this walk, I set my camera to "A". Not as in "automatic." A as in "aperture priority."

A year ago, if someone said the words "aperture priority" to me, I would have asked, what language is that?

Chuckle chuckle. No, really. I'm not an expert so I will quote my manual "large apertures (low f-numbers- I know, it's confusing) soften background details." Well the manual didn't really say it's confusing, I added that. But it should! For the longest time, I had to keep it written on an index card in my camera bag so that I can remember that a smaller number is a larger aperture.

So, you can see that my assignment was to zoom in on a detail, then, get that background to fade out, or, depending on the lighting, some bokeh. I like to describe bokeh as those round blobs of light behind whatever you are shooting. Oh, I just love being technical. Round blobs of light. There is a lot more to it than that, but you can learn more on a photography site than you can here!

One small issue I have with my 55-200mm lens is that it does not have vibration reduction and I have a hard time holding still while taking zoomed in pictures. I mean, I try, try, try to hold still, but my body moves. I even try holding my breath! It still seems like I have a hard time getting a really good focused shot.

Along this stroll, I found many samples of winter's bareness along the streets. Pitch-encrusted pine cones, red berries, leafless trees, moss on rocks (a dime-a-dozen 'round here)....

stark branches....

Christmas trees stripped of their festive splendor and chucked to the curb......

That always makes me kind of sad. The holidays are really over.

I felt very proud of myself after my walk. I did it! I took pictures in public and it was.....

not scary.

To reward myself and warm up a bit, I fixed a bowl of split pea with ham and bacon soup. From a can. Campbell's, to be exact. I love it garnished with a huge pile of Saltine crackers and a little pepper. I ate this a lot as a kid, and recently picked up the habit again. Mmmm, mmmm good!

If anyone knows where I can find a good homemade split pea with ham and bacon recipe, let me know! I just might have the courage to try it.

I can't wait to go out and take more pictures in public! Do you think people will mind if I zoom in on their faces?

Nah. Better not press my luck.

I am going to continue to challenge myself in the realm of photography. I am not ready for full Manual setting just yet....maybe that can be my 2011 goal. Small steps, that is my mantra.

p.s. I have an announcement coming up in the next week or two that has to do with my love of photography. Stay tuned!!

Other People's Ponies

2010-01-03T12:17:00.000-08:00

I love to photograph horses. I only have one. Horse, that is.

After taking ten hundred thousand pictures of him, they all start looking the same. I really think I can focus in on the exact same strand of ear fuzz I did last week. And somehow, those shots of him eating grass just aren't getting any different. The grass is still green. And he's still eating.

Luckily, I know other people with horses. Paint Girl has a couple of ponies I can take pictures of. And the stable my mom boards her gelding at has a plethora of horses turned out in fields on a daily basis.

They are like magnets to my Nikon.

And if I didn't have said equines at my disposal, I'd probably drive around and sneak out of the car and take pictures of ponies in pastures from the side of the road. And drive away really fast when people got suspicious.

I'm kidding. Maybe.

There is only one small, tiny problem. I am short. Let me rephrase that. I am petite. Five-foot-almost-three-inches, to be exact. Therefore, since these horses are not mine and I do not handle them or go into their pastures, I capture their images over, between, or through fence rails or wire. Like it or not, it becomes part of the photo.

I find beauty in each individual horse. They are so different than my own. Often, it's not until I download the photos of a horse I don't know that I see the expression I've captured. Then it's like wow. Look at that horse's eye. Look at her ears! That horse is scared. That horse is so curious.

I hoped to take photos of my mom and auntie's horses for them over the holidays. In the frenzy of company and holiday festivities, it didn't happen. I think we'll wait until the weather cheers up a bit.

Besides, it's hard to get all of the parties involved motivated to wander outside for a photo shoot when it is 34 degrees and raining.

Here are my three favorite things about photographing horses:

1. Eyes and ears. They say it all. End of story.

2. Good hair! A long forelock and mane. Especially when it is ungroomed and has a little movement to it. Also, I don't mind photographing a horse with a winter coat. It captures the light and has a softness and glow to it. It gives an organic look to the photo.

Did I really just use the word organic, and not in reference to pesticide-free food? Help me.

3. Movement. This one is hard. Most of the time, horses in their natural environment are at the fence to see if you have any treats. Or they are just staring curiously at that black thing in front of your face. Although that works in my favor- I get good ears. They rarely want to strut their stuff for you!

Unless you're Paint Girl. Now she can make 'em move!

It's Here!!

2010-01-01T00:01:00.000-08:00

2010!!

Hard to believe, isn't it?

I remember the eve of 1999. At that time, 2010 seemed sooooooooo far away. Like by then, we'd be living on the moon.

Well, I'd live on the moon. If I could have my horse there with me!

Speaking of my horse. I took off his blanket since things have thawed at the Painted Creek. I also braided the front section of his mane because it is starting to flop over to the other side again. Hasn't done that in over a year.

He's not too keen on having a girly braid. Not that it will stay in beyond a couple days, anyway!

I longed him and mercy me he was full of it! I only had my 14 ft. line and every now and then he'd leap straight up in the air. A kind of convoluted bucking rear. A move any of Santa's reindeer would be proud of. I think being immobile on frozen mud resulted in a wound-up pony. I would not have put small children on his back that day!

After I put him away, I threw him a couple handfuls of some new hay Paint Girl has for her horses. It is less rich in protein, and less expensive than what I am feeding him. He munched it right up. I may switch him to this hay.

On New Year's Eve day, I finally wrapped up the gifts Emmi won on the Alison Hart book giveaway! Emmi, it's on it's way! Thank you for being patient. I loved picking out treasures to send with the book.

Isn't the cowboy boot stamp a kick? I got it at a yard sale last summer.

The package shop I mailed Emmi's gift at had some cards and knick-knacks. I found this card to mail to my friend who was just diagnosed with cancer.

I loved the saying.

This down pink puffer vest was a gift from my parents for Christmas. I actually picked it out for myself. I walked into the Gap and everything was 40% off so it was a super deal.

It is my anthem for 2010. I'm going to stop wearing so much brown, black, and gray. You'd think I was in mourning or something. I need some brightness, some vivid color. 2010- I want to shine like a big pink star!

I hope your New Years Eve celebrations were safe, peaceful celebrations!

Holiday Happenings, Part Two: The Horse Thief

2009-12-30T00:14:00.000-08:00

I have a darling 13 year old second cousin, Cousin C. She came with my parents and I to the Painted Creek Farm the day after Christmas.

Wait. Did I say 13? Why ever would I think that? She's only 7 years old! Going on 13. And, she is horse crazy!

Our first stop was to take Paint Girl lunch at the stable she works at. There, Cousin C got to see a plethora of beautiful horses- the kind of horses she'll see prancing in her dreams for weeks to come.

After we watched Paint Girl turn out horses, we left her to finish her chores and drove to the Painted Creek.

Which was a frosty winter wonderland. Before Cousin C was barely out of the car, she had found her way out back near the horse pastures.

I brought My Boy out to the arena, took off his blanket, and groomed him. Cousin C has no fear when it comes to horses. She is not afraid to approach them at all.

I'm a worrywart. It's been a couple of years since My Boy has been around children. The ground was crunchy frozen dirt and had an unstable feeling under his hooves, and he did not want to walk out. So longing the kinks out of him before letting her ride was out of the question. We'd also forgotten to bring up a helmet.

I decided to have my mom side-walk with her and hold her leg. My Boy is fine ridden bareback. But a little one tends to wiggle and put her cowgirl boots in places a pony isn't used to.

Not that she doesn't know how to ride. Oh goodness, did she set me straight! Every time I mentioned that once she learned to ride......"I KNOW HOW TO RIDE ALREADY! I know how to do everything! I am just too short to put the saddle on!"

I put my trust in my horse, that he would take good care of her. I know that he's a nice boy. I needn't have worried.

My Boy was really good with her, even when she snuggled up to his belly. I think sometimes horses treat the little humans nicer than us big humans! It's like they sense they are young and precious.

The family had a great time outside with the horses, the dogs, and the goats.

With frozen toes, we went inside next to the wood stove, had pizza, then opened gifts. Paint Girl got Cousin C a real Breyer Mustang! I see how you're thinking sis....get her to love Mustangs now....so she'll want to adopt one when she gets her first horse!

After a night at the Painted Creek, this little lady was even more determined to have her own horse. In fact, she did not want to leave the farm and proclaimed that "Real cowgirls have horses" and that she would "NEVER have a horse. I GIVE UP."

I hope Cousin C doesn't give up her dreams of a horse of her own. I know Paint Girl and I never did.

She wanted to say goodbye to the horses on Sunday when we were getting ready to leave. Once again, she tromped out of the house to the pastures.

She refused to come back when my mom called for her. My mom had to trek out with her coat to get her. Cousin C reluctantly dragged her booted feet on the icy grass the whole way back.

Leaving the farm and the horses was not something she wanted to do. That's okay. At least she made it off the property without my
"appa-paloosa" in her back pocket.

Uh-oh.

Back at my parents' stable, she found a new horse to attempt to thieve.

Hang on to your Stardust pony, mom!

Holiday Happenings, Part One

2009-12-28T11:30:00.000-08:00

Oh goodness, the holidays were non-stop! I was busy behind the camera. No surprise. I think I took nearly 500 pictures over the holiday (and I'm not done yet.)

Let's start chronologically. My Christmas day at my Nana and Pappy's was filled with the noise of young children. Did I mention it was noisy? Many of my young cousins just have the most precious faces. Here are a few of my favorites shots.

Look at those cheeks!

I couldn't get a good shot of this one.

Oh, the looks on their faces! Pure holiday joy.

As their cousin stole their toy then ran.

But all ends well, and before long they are running together again.

I got to spend time with Rosie, my parents dog. I printed and framed this picture for my dad for Christmas.

Of course, there was plenty of horse time, too! A Christmas morning trip to my mom's stable to visit her Dusty.

But back to the cousins. This one. She is trouble.

Yes, she tried to steal my Appa-paloosa! I will have to show you all about it next time, when I tell you about the day after Christmas at the Painted Creek!

Before I go, I wanted to share the recipe for the Milk Chocolate Pie. A friend shared it with me, it is their family Christmas tradition. This is an easy, no-bake, delicious pie. It has cream cheese in it. Everything is good with cream cheese in it, don't you think?

Ingredients:

4 oz. milk chocolate (I just use Hershey chocolate bars)
1/4 cup milk
2 Tblsp sugar
1 pkg. 3 ounce cream cheese, softened
1 container 8 ounces Cool Whip, thawed
1 prepared graham cracker crust

Directions:

Heat chocolate and 2 Tblsp of the milk in saucepan over low heat, stirring until chocolate is melted.
Beat sugar into cream cheese. Add remaining milk (2 Tblsp) and chocolate mixture and beat until smooth.
Fold chocolate mixture into whipped topping, in a bowl; blend until smooth. Spoon into crust and freeze (about 4 hours.) Serve frozen or just slightly thawed.

Hope all your holiday festivities were joyful!

My Christmas Wishes For You

2009-12-25T00:20:00.000-08:00

This star drew nigh to the northwest

o'er Bethlehem it took its rest

And there it did both pause and stay

Right o'er the place where Jesus lay.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel.

Born is the King of Israel.

This Christmas

I wish you the love of a good horse

I wish you the warmth and comfort of a home filled with joy, laughter, and family.

I wish you good things to eat.

Uh-oh, PG's been in the kitchen again!

It only happens once a year.

What did I whip up (literally) this time?

Details to follow.

peace, blessings & wishes,

Pony Girl & My Boy

Deck the Halls Part 2

2009-12-22T17:43:00.000-08:00

The holidays are typically a joyous time of goodwill and good spirits.

Then, sometimes, you hit a wall.

I've been rushing around in a holiday haze. You know, stopping at green lights.

So much to do. Hand making some of my gifts and procrastinating at it.

Last minute errands. Just a quick stop at the mall yesterday proved to send me over the top. I couldn't believe how many people were at the mall at 2:00 on a Monday. When I shop, I am on a mission. I do not do well behind lollygaggers. I walk fast.

One reason I have so enjoyed sharing photos of my Christmas trinkets is because I just have little vignettes set up around my place this year, rather than a full home decor. Why? Because my landlord decided to have some remodel work done in my apartment this week. I will appreciate the work when it is finished, but I am not appreciating the disarray and mess during the holidays. Luckily, I am not hosting family or entertaining guests this year.

Yesterday, I heard the news of young actress Brittany Murphy passing away at the age of 32. Then, I get onto Facebook and learn that a friend of mine from college, age 36, was diagnosed with breast cancer two weeks ago. She is recovering from a mastectomy and starts chemotherapy in two weeks. And....still then, today I hear that my aunt's husband (she lost her first- my uncle Teddy- three years ago) passed away from his battle with cancer. They had two short, but wonderful, years together.

And so, I just started crying. Staring at my computer screen. Perplexed that such a joyous time of year, can also be so sad. My mom posted about this last week. Around the holidays, there is so much loss. So many memories of deceased family members that bubble up. Smiles for remembering the good times. But heartache and tears, still. Sadness that they are not here with us.

Thorns and stings

And those such things

Just make stronger

Our angel wings.

~Emme Woodhull-Bache

{Fake snow in photo alert! I couldn't resist.}

On to more cheerful things. There is still much, much to be thankful for. And a new year soon on it's way. New promises and hopes and dreams.

I sprinkled more photos of my decor throughout this post. I have to tell you a funny story. I intended to cut some greens from the trees on the back of Paint Girl's farm the other day and completely forgot.

I got home and checked in on my email and my Blogger dashboard. I saw a post from The Lettered Cottage. When I went to open it.....it wouldn't open. The tab just said "loading"......and flashed that way forever. Which has been typical of my Internet as of late. It gets stuck and won't load web pages. Frustrated, I left the computer, grabbed my gardening gloves and scissors and went out to my yard.

I don't have much in the way of greens on my property. There is this tree/bush thing that looks like an stumpy evergreen and drops these red berries all over my walkway every autumn. The name escapes me. It's the closest thing to "greenery" that I've got. I started snipping it's branches.

I arranged them in an old galvanized milk pail that I got at an antique store over the summer. I wanted to bring them inside, since I don't have a fresh tree. In the chaos of the home improvement project, there just wasn't a space. I moved a pot of dead perennials from a stool beside my front door and put the pail there. Still, it was missing something. I didn't know what to add to it that would be relatively weatherproof. I remembered all the pine cones I had and tossed some into the center.

Back inside, I got my web pages to load properly (after rebooting my computer.) I checked out The Lettered Cottage's post on Christmas decorating. And almost fell off my chair! One of Layla's charming ideas (actually, I think it was her mother's) was to fill a metal mop pail with greenery and pine cones! You can see the post here. I also had filled a silver bowl with moss leftover from my Twilight project, and silvery Christmas balls, which reminded me of a bowl Layla has on her mantel. She shares other thrifty decorating ideas that are just so simple and wonderful. I've been following Layla's blog for a long time and find her and her husband just so adorable.

Well, one thing that helps us get through the rough spots of the holidays.....all the yummies out there. Someone at work gave me a bag of these cookies.

You can't eat just one. They are scrumptious, especially with a glass of eggnog.

Then again, everything goes with eggnog, if you love it as much as I do. Here is the recipe for the cookies:

Chocolate Supreme Crinkles

2 squares unsweetened chocolate- melted
1/4 cup soft butter
1 cup flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
powdered sugar

Mix all of the above ingredients together and chill in the refrigerator for 3-4 hours or overnight. Roll into small balls and roll the balls in powdered sugar. Bake at 350 for 8-10 minutes.

I blanketed my pony in a downpour yesterday, as drier, cooler temps are on the way. In fact, Paint Girl, bless her little stinkin' winter heart, may even see more snowflakes. Seriously, I might be moving into her garden shed if she keeps getting the snow and I keep missing out! We don't even live that far from each other, and it's like we live in different climates. Here is a little video of my poor drowned rat boy.

He was being more neurotic than usual. You see, Paint Girl had the veterinarian out earlier that morning to do booster shots on her filly. And My Boy knew something had been up. He could still smell vet in the air. And when I blanketed him inside his run-in shed, instead of taking him out to the normal grooming area, it felt different to him. He was worried about needles, I could just tell. Horses are so funny sometimes!

I am excited, the family is heading to Paint Girl's the day after Christmas so I will get to see My Boy again soon. I'm trying to decide what to get him for Christmas! And, my little cousin is coming along for the ride this year. Quite literally- I am thinking Paint Girl and I might give her some pony rides on My Boy and Brandy, if she wants. I am sure she wants. She is a pony crazy little girl! Surely a photo opportunity!

I hope you are all finding a moment of reflection and peace as we head into the final days before Christmas!

What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace. -Agnes M. Pharo

Deck The Halls, Part One

2009-12-20T17:52:00.000-08:00

I wanted to call this post "Deck the Stalls." But I don't have a barn. Ah well. I just love decorating for the holidays! Goodness, I think I could leave it up year round! Let's start with my pony.

He was not very thrilled about wearing my snowflake scarf.

Suck it up, cute Appy boy! Just be thankful I didn't have a Santa hat and antlers!

After sufficiently humiliating MB, I made it up to him by letting him chow down on the green grass growing in the corner of the arena. He was happy. I took off his blanket for a while as the big freeze had thawed and it's been fairly mild out. By the way, he's recovering well from his hoof abscess. While longing him yesterday, he broke into a trot on his own and even threw in some frisky head tosses. I think he would have kicked up his heels had the arena not been a bit muddy and slippery!

On to the home decor.....I'm pretty sure this Santa was my Nana Vi's, so he is at least over 25 years old. I found it in the garage sale pile at my parents and I snagged it. I don't have batteries in him yet, but if it did, then he would shake his arm and ring that bell. If I remember correctly, he might even march in place!

Its hard to tell in this picture, but this Santa has very blue eyes.

I started collecting snowman "stuff" years ago. I just love snow! The groovy thing about snowman decor is that I don't feel so guilty leaving it out through January.....since it's more winter decor than Christmas decor. Right?

This snow woman (I dubbed her so) is new to my collection. She was a gift from a co-worker. She has a primitive style to her. And details that I adore, like a yarn scarf and real twig arms!

In her twig hand, she is holding a glitter star.

O, holy night. The stars are brightly shining.

Here is one of my two little Christmas trees. This one is white ceramic with a bulb inside that lights up the little red birds. I got this one at a garage sale, but many years ago, my Nana B made a similar one. It is green and has light bulbs, not birds. I remember it from my childhood Christmases at her house. She still puts it out every year.

I bought a set of white feather birds at the dollar store. I had a vase of bare branches left over from my fall decor. I added holly to the vase, then wired the little white birds onto them.

Because winter is so dark, I find comfort in the glow of candles during the holidays. Here are my birch wood candle holders. I have a variety of dollar-store wreaths, with fake leaves and berries and pine cones, that I put around my candles. I can't use my big candles as the candle wreaths are too small! (My little tree is glowing pink in the background.)

I love anything rustic during the holidays! It reminds me of cozy weekends at a ski lodge. I especially like the combination of the birch, metal antlers, and bit of greenery around deer's neck. I wish I had a whole family of woodland animals like this!

That is all. For now! I need to make a cup of cocoa, put on some Bing Crosby, and continue my decorating. Oh, and present wrapping. I finally have presents! (What's that I hear? Sounds of my family members clapping in delight!)

I have more holiday treasures to share next time.....

Etsy Holiday Finds

2009-12-18T17:40:00.000-08:00

Before I start officially this post I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed reading your comments about mares! Truly, I did not know so many people felt the way they did about mares- and in such a positive light. Most of what I have heard about mares has been in terms of them being "mareish" and less than favorable. Thank you for your insight, I am now inspired more than ever to read Betsy's book!

'Tis the season! Still need some last minute holiday gifts? Some of you might be familiar with Etsy.com. It's a wonderful site for artists of all kinds to sell their handmade goods. You can even find neato vintage treasures on there, too! Artists set up little online "shops" to sell their wares. I know, because I've become addicted. Mostly with browsing, but I have purchased a few items and have been completely thrilled with every transaction.

The other day I did some searching for horse-related Etsy items, and here is some of what I found. Click on each artist's name to follow the link to their Etsy.com page. I have not shopped from these vendors specifically, I just like their items. By the way, everything I've featured is under $30! And you have to act quick on Etsy, many items are one-of-a-kind and sell out quick (some of my original choices for this post, which I started over a week ago, have since sold!)

Be fair warned though, once you click over, you will not be able to leave! Make sure you have a cup of hot cocoa and some good shopping music playing in the background!

Black Beauty 1952 vintage Children's book found at Ismoyo's Vintage Playground

"Dancing In The Clouds" 8 x 10 signed Giclee Print by LGraceOriginals

Giddyup Jada Oval Belt Buckle Wearable Art by M "n" M Treasures

Girl's Custom Boutique Horse Lover's Dress from Vintage from A Vintage Touch

Christmas Horse Holiday Gift Tags by Judy's Crafts

Women's Backstage Horse T-shirt by Stevester (they have great tote bags too!)

Modern Mare Original Horse Art Pendant by Gypsy Mare Studios (she has a blog too!)

Happy holiday shopping! And if YOU have an Etsy shop you like to tell us about, please leave a link in the comments section.

You can be sure I'll stop by!

Speaking of the holidays....I've been trying to bring some festivity to my own little place....I will share some pictures in my next post!

Mares- You Gotta Love 'Em!

2009-12-16T13:21:00.000-08:00

I have always been fascinated by the mare/gelding thing. Meaning, why some people claim they will never own mares, only geldings. Or why some people only seem to have mares, like my sister Paint Girl, who owns three of them and has, her entire life, only had mares. Well, except one Shetland Pony gelding that I passed down on to her.

Maggie, the Morgan mare I learned to ride on.

Myself, I have had four geldings, and only one mare- the very last horse I owned before my 16 year horsey-hiatus. When I went on the hunt for a horse again two years ago, I did not necessarily intend to get a gelding. In fact, most of my prospective searches turned up Quarter Horse mares.

The book Mares! (Ya Gotta LOVE ‘em) is a must-read for anyone who has ever owned a mare. The book's subtitle is "Fifty Stories to Aid and Inspire Mare Owners." The book's tales are compiled by Betsy Kelleher.

Here is the review of the book:

Mares often require special handling before their best side is evident ~ Betsy Kelleher

In Mares! (Ya Gotta LOVE ’em), Betsy Kelleher has assembled a diverse collection of tales representing different breeds and backgrounds. Each of the fifty stories has one thing in common – they are an inspired tribute to the elusive Mare. The book is also about women, and the essence of being female is an interwoven theme. The original true stories, written by 38 different mare owners, enlighten and entertain while introducing us to the seeming paradoxical nature of mares – from stubborn to loving to dangerous to protective and loyal.

Mary Wynn Craig’s Lisa, the quarter horse with the permanent scowl, will capture your heart. Trainer Ron Meredith includes an excellent article on Gender Differences: Training Mares. If you’ve ever loved and lost any horse, you’ll cry when young Erin Landers tells the tale of Duchess, her very first horse. You’ll root for Factor, the thoroughbred brood mare, in Chiropractic Saves a Life. Helen Farley sticks with her little bay Abby, despite repeated admonishments about mares being no good, in the touching Kindred Females.

This book acknowledges the unexplainable moments present in the lives of horse owners and encourages us to find God at work even in more difficult situations. Some of the stories are completely zany and others touch on profound sorrow, yet lessons of love and hope show up in each tender tale, alongside practical tips for handling your mare.

Mares! will leave an impression on every horse lover and is an irresistible read for those moments when you just want to take care of you.

Betsy Kelleher’s first riding horse was a Percheron mare from her grandfather’s work team on an Iowa farm. She writes a monthly column for the Illinois Horse Network newspaper. Her website, Sometimes God Uses Horses shares her columns, horse photos and information about her books.

Reviewed by Carol M. Upton: http://www.dreamsaloud.ca/. Be sure to check out Carol's site, she does some pretty amazing work and is a horse lover herself!

Copies of the book are available from the author, who right now is offering a Christmas special! If you buy one book, you get one one half off. She has another book out, as well. Check it out at www.goduseshorses.com.

So tell me- are you a mare or gelding fan? Does it even matter to you? I'm curious about your experience, have you typically owned more geldings or mares in your life? Was that intentional or random?

And the Winner Is.....

2009-12-15T17:25:00.000-08:00

Thank you to those of you that participated in the Alison Hart book giveaway contest. I am almost half-finished with Shadow Horse and I'm really enjoying it!

I'm happy to announce the winner of the drawing for the book Anna's Blizzard, (plus a few extra goodies from me) is........Emmi! Emmi has a blog called Heart on Fire. She has a beautiful rescue Paint mare named Ava that she adopted, and she takes amazing photos. I think it was so cute that I drew Emmi's name because in her comment she wrote:

I can't wait to see who wins, even though I have a very low chance of winning I would really like to see what else comes in the box with the book.

I am so glad Emmi commented and entered the giveaway, as I didn't know about her or her great blog! I am glad we have finally "met" Emmi!

In other announcements of a winning nature, I won a giveway myself recently! Michelle over at the A&MD Ranch had a little contest. I just got my treasures yesterday and I adore them!!! I am one tickled cowgirl!

She sent me a really beautiful necklace and cross (with tiny bling rhinestones on the corners, hard to see in this picture.)

A fun black "Cowgirl Tuff Company" hat.

And a great drawstring "Cowgirl Tuff" bag which will be great for hauling boots or belts and other odds and ends cowgirl bling. I will be quite the well-styled cowgirl! For more great finds, be sure to check out Michelle's store, the Rhinstone Cowgirls. They have some amazing things!

Thank you, thank you, Michelle!

An Appaloosa "Angel"

2009-12-14T06:38:00.000-08:00

From time to time, I get emails from readers of my blog. Often they answer questions I've asked in their comment section, ask me questions, or comment on something I've written about. Sometimes, they just want to say hello, that they enjoy my blog, and tell me their own horse story. One such story was particularly touching, and since it was about an Appaloosa, I just had to share it. The email is from a lady that calls herself "Shadow D."

Here is the story from Shadow D in her own words:

Hello..... I just read your website story about how you came to get your Appaloosa..... he is a pretty thing isn't he?..... I love Appaloosas....they are so different and smart.... I think they are much smarter than most horses. I wanted to write and tell you about my Appaloosa....its somewhat similar to your story.

I , too.... had not ridden much after I was a teenager. But, one day I had decided that for my 52nd birthday, I was going to get myself a horse, because, it was "now or never". So, I decided that I wanted to find a paint or an appaloosa, since I loved the patterns on these horses, and they were my favorite breeds, although I loved horses period, and had, all my life.

I kept thinking about names that I might want to call the horse, once I found "the one". I wasn't particular about it being a gelding or a mare.... but, the name kept eating at me. I had a Timber Wolf/Malamute , named Shoshoni, at that time, and since Paints and Appaloosas are "Indian" horses, I wanted a Native American name for whatever horse I found, no matter what its "real" name already was on file. I thought of many names, but the one that kept coming back to my mind, was, "Comanche". So, I had the name....now, I had to find the horse.

Not long after that, I was driving out of the Rockies, where I lived at that time. I suddenly saw a red barn roof, off the highway on a lower, side road. I thought, "I wonder if that is a private barn or a public boarding barn." I had some extra time that day so, I decided to turn around and go have a look-see. It turned out to be a boarding barn. I went in to see the manager there. Didn't tell him what kind of horse I was interested in, at all. Just asked if he knew anyone who had a horse for sale. He led me down to a beautiful little mare, who was 4 1/2 years old. I looked down, at her stall door, and her registered name was there............ it said "Comanche's Lunar Nova"....... I almost passed out!!! Wow... was this a sign from God? Or what?

The man told me that she was worth 6 or $7,ooo ..... she was breeder's trust, Appaloosa registered. At the time, I had no idea what her breeding line was, but she has Man O War, thru his grandson, Wapiti, Plaudit, Yaqui Warrior, Double Six Domino, Buttons B, Mansfield's Comanche twice in her line, Sully, and, because of Mansfield's Comanche....she has the Goldolphin Arab, and the Darling Arab, both in her line, who were used to create the first Thoroughbreds in the world, in Britain, in the 1700's. She also has Poco Bueno breeding as Quarter horse...another top breeding line.

I told the man that I couldn't afford her. He said, "Lets call." I went to see the owner. She told me about the mare's breeding. She told me what she was worth. I said, "I only have a thousand dollars".... thinking that this woman would shortly laugh me out of her house...... She sat there for a few moments..... (probably stunned at my audacity) and then..... she said "Alright, I want her to go to someone who will love her.".................. I think my mouth fell open .....I couldn't breathe for a moment or two...... but, she was mine. My horse..... I do believe that my horse knew it before I even met the woman who owned her.

Comanche knew my car's motor sound within 3 days of my finding her. She would meet me at the door of her stable, and I could let her out without a rope or bridle and lead her around in the barn in a wavy line with her nose tucked into my hands crossed behind me, in just a couple of days. That horse knew I was hers and she was mine. She's a gorgeous thing...and, she knows it.... she loves to have her picture taken....in fact...she's watched me smile at my cellphone camera, and then, she turns her head sideways when I point it at her, and she smiles a big horsey grin. Its hysterical.

Comanche is very fast, and while I am not that kind of a rider, she tries to make sure I am okay when I am riding her. She's now 10 years old, and I bought her shortly after she turned 4 1/2. She's gone from being almost solid white, with black stockings and a silver and black mane and tail, to looking like a totally different horse. Its like having a new horse almost every year! She has a mark on her nose that I tell people is my guardian angel standing there, as it looks like wings in an upright position. I tell Comanche' that's why she has to be a good girl for me, since my guardian angel is riding on her nose.

Appaloosas are incredible animals. My Comanche' is a very smart creature. She "dances" with me in the arena. I move next to her, and she does the same thing I do, as I do the move. Its not choreographed, just spontaneous. Of course, I have a little secret..... I have a peppermint candy in my hand. Honey, she can smell peppermint from a mile away!!! Its probably her favorite thing for a treat. She'll do ANY thing to get that piece of candy. It just tickles people to see her "dance". After she chomps down on the candy, she'll walk over to another horse and "breathe" out into their nose, so they will smell the peppermint.... she wants them to know what they are missing! She's very protective of her "treats". Doesn't want to share any.... she wants them all!!!

I think its very special that God let me have such a wonderful horse, and even gave me the name ahead of time, so I would know which horse was mine. I am so glad I have her. And, I think she knows she's loved. I am glad I found your site. It proves to me that other people also get their soul mate horses. I love mine with all my heart.

What a special story! I truly think some horses come into some of our lives for reasons. I was so tickled that after my encouragement for Shadow D to start her own blog, she did! Be sure to stop the link here and say "hello." Most of us can remember what it was like when we first started blogging....waiting for those first few visitors!

Thank you Shadow D, for letting me share your story. I look forward to reading about yours and Comanche's adventures on your blog!

The Birthday Cowgirl

2009-12-13T09:02:00.000-08:00

Just back from Vegas....with stories still to tell, is my mom- the Coppperpony Cowgirl! And it is she who has a birthday today!

I have to tell you a funny story about my mom's birthday. For many, many years, I could not remember the date of her birthday. I knew it was between December 11-13th, I would just forget which exact date. Why is this? I have no idea. One of those weird phenomenons, like when you can't spell certain words. Like the fact that even though I won my Elementary School's spelling bee, on the word "astronaut", for many years, I spelled the word "restaurant" like "restraunt." (I just did it again and had to use spell-check to fix it.) My long-time childhood friend's mom's birthday is the on December 11th, and somehow that always confused me- I thought my mom's was the 12th, a day after hers.

Regardless, I think I finally have it down! I am so proud of you mom, for your perseverance and determination to become the rider you are! The love you have for your family, friends, and animals is amazing and admirable. Have a fabulous day, I hope you get some beautiful snow to go on a lovely walk in! I love you!

Now I can't say happy Birthday to my mother without saying it to my auntie, CowgirlJlynn. Because she is my mom's twin and they share the same birthday! You can see more pics of my mom and her twin sister here.

Snow Dance

2009-12-12T08:39:00.000-08:00

C'mon everyone, do it with me! The snow dance! You put your left foot in, you put your left foot out, you put your left foot in and you shake it- wait! Wrong dance. Oh well, make up your own!

The weekend is here! I have SO much to do. I could really use a snow day Monday. A day where small children get to rejoice in building snowmen and drinking hot cocoa and adults can relish in a few extra hours to get some things done! (Particularly those of us who don't have small children to tend to.)

For me, it's mostly some blog activity that will keep my fingers a-typin' the next few days!

Someone I know is having a birthday tomorrow and she'd probably prefer I don't mention it or do a blog post about her. Too bad.

My book Alison Hart book giveaway contest ends tomorrow at midnight, so don't forget to go here and leave a comment so you have a chance to win! I will draw and announce the winner on Tuesday.

Yes, even Boston Terriers can do the snow dance, people! At least, I think they are Boston Terriers?

I have a guest blogger sharing her story about her special Appaloosa horse on Monday.

A few of you have asked about the cookies on my header. I made them at Christmas last year, they are very yummy, my family (especially my papa!) loved them. But Houston, we have a problem- I have no idea where the recipe is! Mom- did I happen to leave it at your house? I tore it out from a magazine. I am going to try to track it down.

Update: thanks to Latigo Liz, here is the link to the chocolate peppermint cookies!! Thanks Liz!!

However, I had the most delicious pie at a holiday party last night, so I am going to attempt that.

Wednesday I will have another guest author and giveaway! Goodness! I'm beginning to feel like an agent for my own blog, hee hee! I love it. I love sharing other's stories. I've always wanted to start an interview feature. I'm sure you're all a bit tired of hearing about me anyway, right?

Okay, I'm off to eat my Cheerios then get my horse some hay before the snowy icy roads have a chance to impede that errand.

Stay warm and toasty.

And don't forget to dance!

(Thank you to Photobucket users for the great pictures for this post!)

Alison Hart: A Horse-Lovin' Author (and a Giveaway!)

2009-12-08T22:48:00.000-08:00

I am always excited to do book reviews when asked because I love books and writing! Especially growing up, reading was such an integral part of my childhood. It's a great way to get to know authors I'm not familiar with, as well.

This week I am happy to introduce Alison Hart. Alison is a Virginia author of over thirty books for young readers. Upcoming books include the re-release of Shadow Horse an Edgar-nominated mystery from Random House, along with the new title Whirlwind, its much anticipated sequel (May 2010.) Emma's River (Peachtree) a historical fiction chapter book about a plucky girl and her pony and their adventures on the Missouri River is coming out in April 2010. Her latest early chapter book Bell's Star (Random House) is the second in the Horse Diaries series. Gabriel's Horses (Peachtree), middle grade historical suspense, has been nominated for nine state awards. Find out more about Ms. Hart and her exciting books at www.alisonhartbooks.com.

Here is Alison's story in her own words....

I’ll admit it: I have been horse crazy since my first Steiff pony and first Billy and Blaze picture book by C.W. Anderson. Decades later, I still ride and read horse books, and now I have added writing about horses to my passions.

Writing about horses came naturally. My first story about a lost pony, published in Highlights magazine in 1984, was based on true events. Since then, I’ve written over fifty novels about horses. Many are contemporary including Shadow Horse, an Edgar nominated mystery, and its sequel Whirlwind (Random House, May 2010).

I have also combined horses with history to create suspense-filled historical fiction. The two meld perfectly because human and horses have been intertwined as early as 3500 BC when horses were raised for milk and meat in Kazakhstan. (see the fascinating March 2009 article in National Geographic http://new.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/03/090305-first-horse-domestication.html)

My historical novel for young readers, Anna’s Blizzard, is about a heroic pony during the real Blizzard of 1888 in Nebraska. Gabriel’s Horses, Gabriel’s Triumph and Gabriel’s Journey (the Racing to Freedom trilogy) took over two years to research. The three books follow Gabriel, a slave on a Kentucky horse farm who earns his freedom as a jockey, from the Saratoga Race Course in New York to the battlefield of Saltville, Virginia, where he fights with an African American cavalry unit (all based on real history.)

I am partial to my books, of course, but they aren’t the only exciting reads. Try Chosen by a Horse a memoir by Susan Richardson and Riding for my Life by Julie Krone. If you like mysteries, author Dick Francis is intense and Carolyn Banks (A Horse to Die For) more light-hearted. Revisit Black Beauty and The Horse Whisperer to shed a few tears, and for a great tale of rescue read Horses of the Storm: the Incredible Rescue of Katrina’s Horses by Ky Evan Mortensen. If your library doesn’t have these on its shelves, you can get them through inter-library loan. This chilly winter, when riding gets harder, enjoy a good horse book. Then, please, share them with others!

Thank you Alison, for letting me be part of your blog tour!

Goodness, lucky author Alison Hart sure has her dream job, doesn't she? Reading, researching and writing about horses every day! I love the "Billy and Blaze" picture book myself. In fact, I recently saw an old copy in the library and had to read it, touching and smelling it's weathered yellow pages!

I just started reading Shadow Horse and I am really enjoying the story, which combines themes of family, horses, and mystery! I am hosting a giveaway to introduce you to one of Alison's other great books, Anna's Blizzard. And because I SO love to put together giveaways, I will throw in some other trinkets along with the book. All you have to do to enter is leave a comment, telling us your favorite horse-related fiction book(s)! The giveaway closes at midnight on Sunday December 13th.

Good luck and happy reading!

From Mud to Frozen Mud

2009-12-07T07:05:00.000-08:00

This frosty and icy weekend was beautiful.....and productive!

The sunset on Saturday night was breathtaking.

I had a busy weekend taking care of this cutie for some friends of mine.

An update on MB's possible hoof abscess. On Thursday's soaking he seemed better. I felt around on the sole of his hoof, feeling for tenderness. I found a "squishy" spot, but thought perhaps it was just a soft spot of sole due to wet hooves.

After soaking the hoof on Saturday, I pulled off the boot and in good daylight and noticed the soft spot on the sole now had a tiny crack/fissure. A small opening perhaps, where the had abscess burst and drained? My Boy is also getting around better on that hoof, does not appear to be as off or favoring it. However, he is having a hard time getting around his pasture in general now, which has become a tundra of frozen mud which makes walking difficult for both equines and humans.

I cleaned out MB's shed. He watched me as he nibbled on the rest of his breakfast. Note: he is resting his left hoof here, opposite of the one he was off on and favoring last week.

At one point he walked up and stood in the entryway of the shed, watching me as I cut open four bags of shavings and spread them around. As if to say, um, hurry up please. After I finished, he walked in. I thought for sure he'd roll, but he just circled and sniffed the bedding, then comfortably stood in the middle of it. Content and cozy in his blanket. Snuggled in for a mid-winter afternoon nap.

Goodness, I don't know why I bother, since he'll pretty much stand in them and soil them up. I guess I'm a sucker for making more work for myself! But I like being a good horsey mommy and I'll sleep better knowing he has a soft dry area to stand and lie down at night. Especially as the temps drop into the low teens the next few nights.

After getting some fun-loving flack for posting about my Twilight obsession, I will now be posting about books of a horsey nature, including a giveaway, so be sure to stop by later this week, and again next week! I hope that wherever you are and whatever your weather, you and your ponies are toasty warm and healthy!

Thank Goodness It's Friday!

2009-12-04T19:20:00.000-08:00

I feel like I've been hanging on like the last leaf of autumn this week. It's been nothing but crazy and I am exhausted. I've hardly had time to get around and visit your blogs at all!

Why am I with my horse in the dark by moonlight, sensor lights, and flashlights?

For one, the sun sets around 4:20 around these parts. Second, My Boy is requiring some medical attention after I get off work this week, hence seeing him in the dark. He is off on a hind leg, most likely a hoof abscess. All the signs are pointing this way, from experience with an abscess he had a year ago.

My attempt at a self-portrait using my point-and-shoot.

There is no wound or apparent swelling, just a little heat, a slightly stronger pulse, and resting and pointing of that toe. He is walking and putting weight on it, but has not been the usual "gallop to his hay" kind of pony. The recent wet weather and newly trimmed tender hooves have me believing he either got a bruise that abscessed or just a weather/mud related abscess. So for now he's getting the boot.

I am soaking it with Epsom salts and hot water, hoping to help it draw out and drain. If it gets worse or will not burst on it's own in a few days, I will have to call out the veterinarian to see if she can find it. Abscesses are a pain in the you-know-what to deal with but overall are the lesser of possible evils, at least with treatment it will heal up and he'll be fine.

I have some exciting things to share with you in the coming weeks, including a guest blogger story and a few book reviews. Have a great weekend, everyone!

The Holidays Are Here!

2009-11-29T20:20:00.000-08:00

I had a really nice Thanksgiving weekend. It was full of family and ponies and good food. I got to talk with family, eat, shop, sleep, and take a lot of pictures with the Nikon.

On a wet and dreary Thanksgiving morning, my mom brought her gelding Dusty in from the barn for a little ride.

Dusty had lots of kisses for my Papa.

I got to ride my auntie's smooth Missouri Fox Trotter gelding, King, for the first time.

I took a trip with my cousin Horse Dreams, the "man cub", and cousin Sares to see a tree lighting festival.

The man cub just wanted to run and play in the wet leaves with all the other children and not listen to the Christmas carolers, like us adults. I guess he doesn't understand the concept of "holiday spirit" yet.

Back home on Sunday, I got to see My Boy. I took him up to the arena to longe him, where he was absolutely wild and out of control.

Um, yea.

Afterward, Paint Girl (a.k.a. Arabian groom extraordinaire) showed me how to "body clip" his lower legs his fetlocks.

My Boy shows no sign of mud fever, but I thought I'd be preventative and get rid of that long hair that holds in the mud and moisture.

Paint Girl took her filly Chance up to the arena for the first time, and worked on some leading and backing. We were wondering about Chance's size when she is full-grown......but I realized that in this picture, she looks huge!

It was a good, productive, yet relaxing weekend. I am finally listening to Christmas music and starting to feel the holiday spirit. It's taken longer to get here this year, for some reason. Now I've got to figure out a plan for holiday cards. I'm not sure I want to send them out this year....... are you going to send out cards? Do you send email cards or through the mail?

Turkey Days

2009-11-25T23:18:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure if I've ever mentioned this, but when I was a child our family briefly had two turkeys. Mine was named "Salt" (he was white) and Paint Girl's turkey was Pepper (he was black.)

So I thought. The picture I drew when I was younger says that my turkey's name was "Wobbly." In the scrap book, I had taped in real feathers from Wobbly and Pepper.

By the way, those turkeys did not end up on our table. I don't think I could ever own a chicken or turkey, then end up eating it.

I probably wouldn't make a very good farmer.

I hope you are all enjoying this Thanksgiving holiday!

He who thanks but with the lips

Thanks but in part;

The full, the true Thanksgiving

Comes from the heart.

J.A. Shedd

Cat Tales

2009-11-23T18:50:00.000-08:00

For some reason, off and on over the years, I have this "thing" with cats. I don't know what it is, but sometimes I swear if there is a cat anywhere within a mile radius of me that is in need of something, I tend to find it. Or maybe it finds me.

It started years ago, at my parent's former beach house. I heard a cat crying in the brush at the end of the driveway. It saw me, it kept crying. I could tell it wanted to come out of the bushes yet it was hesitant. Eventually, the lonely kitty, abandoned by the home's former owner, did come across the lawn to meet me. And I fed it dried dog food while my dad stood at the sliding glass window, shaking his head. Shortly thereafter, "Lily" the cat found her way into my parents' hearts and home because unfortunately, they are blessed with a deep love of all creatures great and small.

My mom calls Lily her "angel cat" and I have to tell you, if it wasn't for me and my persistence and a bowl of dampened dog food, I'm not so sure that cat would have found a family again.

Another time, I was dog sitting for a friend and woke up in the middle of the night to the sound of a cat crying, a sad, desperate cry. There was a small strip of lawn and a fence that separated the town home I was in from a small apartment complex next door. I could hear the cat all night, even through closed windows. I was so frustrated. Why wasn't the person letting the cat in? Was it hungry? Cold? Did the owner go on vacation and leave it out? The cat was still there the next day. I peered through the cracks on the fence and saw it on the doormat of one of the apartments. It seemed to know it lived there. I crawled through the landscaping at the end of the fence line and called the tiger-striped cat. It did come, but wouldn't let me pet it. I filled a Tupperware with water and food and hid it there. I noticed a sign on the side of the building with the landlord's phone number. The cat still hung around, and cried, all day. This was bothering me to no end. I felt bad for that cat. I made it my mission to figure out what was going on. I called and reported the cat crying. I was just trying to help. The landlord said she knew of the unit and would stop by and check it out. She did say that the tenant was not supposed to have a cat. Oops. I finished out the dog sitting job and never heard what happened to that cat.

Two summers ago, I had a strange visitor to my patio. A very masculine looking medium-haired gray striped cat with a bob-tail.

The cat would appear late in the afternoon, and just sit or lay on the warmth of my cement patio, staring out into the night as twilight set in.

Maybe the cat was hunting birds that flitted about the bushes. He'd come over and rub on my legs and let me pet him. He was well-fed and cared for. Even wore a collar, sporting a new one at some point in time. I never knew where he lived, which house he belonged to. I kept a bowl of water for him on the patio. One day, after this happening for several months, he just disappeared.

While driving around with family on a recent vacation, we drove down a dead-end road. We had been looking at houses that we'd lived in as children and were snapping pictures like the paparazzi. As we exited the street and stopped at the stop-sign, I saw a black cat appear in the ditch. It stopped to watch us and didn't move. I told my cousin to wait and I jumped out of the Suburban on a whim, Nikon in hand, crouching down low and calling the cat. The cat looked at me and did not run off. But it also did not want to meet me and it walked off down the ditch. The cat was beautiful, jet black with yellow eyes. I couldn't get a good focus on the eyes.

Halloween is over. But last week, on a stormy wet night, I got into my car to go to the grocery store. As I pulled away from the curb I saw a black cat streak across the end of my very busy street, towards entrance of my house. As I got to the stop-sign, I looked at the steps leading to my patio and the cat was standing on them, looking back at me. I quickly backed up my car back into it's parking space, pulled up my coat hood, and headed back out into the pelting rain to see where the cat had gone. It was no longer on the steps but as I walked up I saw it scuttle under the over sized azalea bush. I called it, here kitty kitty, which could hardly be heard over the sound of car tires on the wet pavement as they drove by. I bent down towards the bush and called again, and the cat leaped onto the wall surrounding that part of the yard and disappeared, probably to the sidewalk below, where it slunk off into the dark night. Avoiding the road, I prayed.

Many, many times, I have been told by people how surprised that their cat, which does not normally approach strange people, is not afraid of me, and, quickly becomes my friend.

My parents had a feral kitten that let nobody other than my parents touch or pick her up. Even though I visited my parents at their homes for weekends frequently in my twenties and early thirties, it does not explain the closeness I shared with that cat based on the little day-to-day contact I actually had with her. She would sleep in bed with me, sit on my lap, and let me pick her up and hold her.

What do you think it is with me and cats? I don't consider myself a "cat lady." I don't even have a pet cat. Why are we finding each other? I have some theories of my own. Have you ever had something pervasive like this in your life? A series of events, which separate, are just experiences- yet when you connect them dot-to-dot, perhaps some kind of meaning starts emerging out of them?

My Thoughts About Twilight

2009-11-19T06:53:00.000-08:00

I mean Twilight the book and movie. Not twilight, the time of day. Although I love that, too.

I hesitated admitting my obsession to the public.

Coming out of the coffin is not always easy.

However, I was thinking about it while driving home from work the other day. In it's own small way, Twilight has changed my life. Goodness, that is pretty profound. In some ways, it's probably for the worse. For example, do I really need body lotion scented like lilac, honey, and sun- the scent the author of Twilight described the vampire Edward smelled like? Um, well, yes I do. It smells really good. Hmmmm....I wonder if the name "Sponge Bob Square Pants" was on the bottle, if I still would have bought it?

New Moon sweetheart treats from another Twilight fan, Patches at her Furry Four Legged Kids blog. Thank you, thank you for the treats!!

I was a late bloomer to the Twilight saga. I had never even heard of the young adult novels when a friend and I went to the movies one night and randomly decided to see Twilight, mostly based on the hype we'd heard in the media.

The movie was unique and mesmerizing from the get-go, and different that the romantic comedies or blockbusters I typically saw. Shortly thereafter, I purchased the book.

My infatuation still didn't really kick up until last spring. I finally finished that first book (slowly) but whipped through the next three in the series within a month and a half. I bought the DVD. The full-on obsession hit me out of nowhere. The movie really brought the characters to life for me. I have not felt this way about anything in the pop culture realm....at least not since I was a teenager.

So, what has Twilight done for me? Let me count the ways.

1. The series has made me re-appreciate trees. I know, how bizarre is that. The books take place in the Pacific Northwest. In fact, they take place in a town (Forks) that I lived in for a short while during my childhood. My cousins lived there for several years after we moved, so we continued to visit them there. When the book speaks of rain, trees, and ferny woods, I get it. The setting for these books makes me appreciate green, moss, rain, fog, and puddles more than I ever thought I could. Those of you that remember this post will get a chuckle out of that. That's my point- I appreciate what I have again. Trees are cool! Hug a tree. You never know what could be lurking in them. Vampires? Mutant monkeys?

The above dazzler-in-the making is my second cousin, the "man cub." You can see more creatively edited pics of this pint-sized charmer on my cousin's blog, Loveleigh Treasures.

2. Its inspired me to start writing again. I have written off and on for many years, and have always found the genre of young adult work particularly interesting to me. Now, all kinds of creative ideas are swarming in my head....

Move over Bella! Edward has eyes for Pony Girl..... alas, well one thing is for sure....she only has eyes for him.

3. Romantic notions. Okay, funny thing- but one of the reasons why Twilight has been such a hit, with fans, women in particular of all ages, is the romantic notion of the "perfect man." Edward embodies the perfect man. He is strong, loyal, devoted,and forever. He would kill or give his life to protect Bella. He's beautiful. He respects her. Given, he's a too little intense at times....I prefer a guy with a bit more of a sense of humor.

4. The bonds that form. I can not tell you how many people I ran into, and keep meeting, that love, love, love this series! We talk about the Cullens and Swans and Blacks like they are real people. It is a common, instant bond. On a weekend adventure with some cousins, we totally immersed ourselves in all things Twilight. It was indulgent and wonderful. Yes, we even took pictures with cardboard cut-outs.

Yes, I am 38 years old.

5. This series rekindled a love of reading. Don't get me wrong, it's not that I didn't ever read books. Honestly though, most of my reading in the past two years has been online~ blogs and the like. I really rarely picked up novels anymore. Now, I have a stack of 5 that I'm reading. All at once.

6. Movies don't have to be gory. While Twilight the movie (and the books in the series) do have some violence, they are not filled with gratuitous blood or gore. Less is more. That's my theory and I'm stickin' with it. Sometimes, what you don't show or say, or how you say it, can craft better imagery. The fact the movie and the books are not filled with blood-dripping fang-tooth demon vampires, yet are still liked by so many, speaks volumes to the kind of entertainment many of us are happy to view.

I realize that I probably won't love the Twilight saga at this intensity forever. Some day I will chuckle and say, remember when I thought I was going to marry Edward and that Paint Girl's dog might be a werewolf? Nah. However, I do think a few positive things have come out of this series for me. And for that, I'm a grateful Twilight fan.

The latest movie installment in the Twilight saga, New Moon
opens tonight at midnight.

I won't be seeing it tonight at midnight.

My 38 year-old body craves it's sleep a little too much for that.

Never fear, I do already have tickets to see it Friday night.

As Edward says to Bella and I'll say to you.....

Be safe.