Not politicly correct....but I want one.

If your so inclined you can buy this t-shirt here....http://www.noisebot.com/screw_world_peace_i_want_a_pony_t-shirt.htm

Barn alone = Scary

I went to the barn last night and it was QUIET. So quiet it was creepy. I know a lot of people would kill for some alone time at the barn. I on the other hand like having others around just in case.

Gracie has been biting at her blanket on the right side so last night i took her blanket off and check it for burrs or something that could be bothering her but found nothing so since the weather is supposed to be good the next few days I put on her show/travel blanket to see if that helped. It didn't. She was still biting at her right flank. Any ideas on what her issue could be with the blankets? I would just take it off but she's had it on all winter and I worry she wouldn't have a warm enough natural winter coat..

Anyway I'm sitting here watching my youngest teach herself how to mount her rocking horse. I think it runs in the blood.
I'm having some serious issues with my oldest daughter, she's only 11 and I'm scared to death of what's going to happen the older she gets with the stunts she's been pulling this week. God help us all.

I hope you all have had good horsie time this week. I went to watch the Drill practice again this week. That was a lot of fun. I really want to do it someday. It really looks like a blast to do. My BBFF did it with the rest of the gals this week and her pony Rocked it!

Horses are smart...

I needed this laugh today..the last couple of days have been rough. I'll post more about them later. But in the mean time enjoy!!

Jon Ensign, anyone heard of him before?

I was watching a training video of his on YouTube and was thinking of investing in his DVD. But wanted to hear from my peers to see what y'all thought.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=761f7kbsLDY&feature=related

Anyway...just wanted to post this so I didn't or forget, cuz I'm old. I would love to hear who your favorite trainers are or if you know of any colt starting clinics her locally.

Ciao

What would you do?

I'm going to make a list of pro's and con's about trading Grace for a horse that is able to ride now. I've been tossing it around for a while now...and I still don't know what to do. So I'm going to do what my mom told me to do when deliberating important decisions...here goes.

Pros
Getting a horse that can ride now.
Getting Grace into a competitive show home (hopefully) her pedigree and confirmation deserve it.
Being able to ride now. (oh did I say that already)
I won't kill myself trying to break her out.


Cons
Getting a horse of lesser quality. (trading quality for training)
Grace is Sweepstakes Nominated but really what does that mean to me?
Grace and I are pretty bonded. A joy of the Arab breed.
Grace is a Healthy horse great feet...not knowing what you'd be getting is a crap shoot.
I love Grace
I would miss Grace

My Dream horse.

6 and 10 years old
Splash Overo
I like the blue eyes
Bald face
over 15h
Mare or Gelding
No Spook
Healthy
Good Feet
Color doesn't matter
Easy to catch
Fun to ride

So there you go. I don' know what to do I think Grace is too good of a horse for me. With me she will never go to her full potential. Maybe I'm just having an off day because I adore her. But in reality it's true she's too good for me.

There is a God in the Post Office.

My Daughter sent this to me via e-mail...it touched me. So I thought it might touch you too.

_________________________________________________________________

This is one of the kindest things I've ever experienced.. I have no way to know who sent it, but there is a beautiful soul working in the dead letter office of the US postal service





Our 14 year old dog, Abbey, died last month. The day after she died, my 4 year old daughter Meredith was crying and talking about how much she missed Abbey. She asked if we could write a letter to God so that when Abbey got to heaven, God would recognize her. I told her that I thought we could so she dictated these words:


Dear God,


Will you please take care of my dog? She died yesterday and is with you in heaven. I miss her very much. I am happy that you let me have her as my dog even though she got sick.


I hope you will play with her. She likes to play with balls and to swim. I am sending a picture of her so when you see her. You will know that she is my dog. I really miss her.


Love, Meredith.


We put the letter in an envelope with a picture of Abbey and Meredith.ND addressed it to God/Heaven. We put our return address on it. Then Meredith pasted several stamps on the front of the envelope because she said it would take lots of stamps to get the letter all the way to heaven. That afternoon she dropped it into the letter box at the post office. A few days later, she asked if God had gotten the letter yet. I told her that I thought He had.


Yesterday, there was a package wrapped in gold paper on our front porch addressed, `To Meredith,' in an unfamiliar hand. Meredith opened it. Inside was a book by Mr. Rogers called, 'When a Pet Dies.' Taped to the inside front cover was the letter we had written to God in its opened envelope. On the opposite page was the picture of Abbey & Meredith and this note:


Dear Meredith,


Abbey arrived safely in heaven.


Having the picture was a big help. I recognized Abbey right away.


Abbey isn't sick anymore. Her spirit is here with me just like it stays in your heart. Abbey loved being your dog. Since we don't need our bodies in heaven, I don't have any pockets to keep your picture in, so I am sending it back to you in this little book for you to keep and have something to remember Abbey by.


Thank you for the beautiful letter and thank your mother for helping you write it and sending it to me. What a wonderful mother you have. I picked her especially for you.


I send my blessings every day and remember that I love you very much.


By the way, I'm easy to find, I am wherever there is love.


Love,


God

Parelii....so confused

I really must do some research on the age old question of what training technique works best. My BO is a die hard Parelli fan. She's been helping me with Grace and doing the level 1 games.

So tonight we are working on the friendly game...she's doing great. Standing while the whip whirls around her...doing great no flinch...all fantastic. Look at me, pretty dang good I think. So good that now I can't get her to move out, at all. ( Doh! we had just gotten her doing REALLY well off of hand movement and sometimes a little help from the whip) and now...nothing. So again I'm not overly familiar with the techniques ect so when I asked BO what the heck do I do now. She comes out with 'the' Parelii lead rope and carrot stick...and then proceeds to show me how you smack the horses on the shoulder to get them moving...I'm like WHAT? I just spent an hour getting her to not be afraid of the whip, and stand while I whip it around her, and you're going to smack her with it? Head Spinning...

I guess I just don't get it....please someone help me out here...I'm sure it works but I'm just not understanding how.

Tonight we worked with the bit in for most of the time we were in the arena...she's doing great with that. She's also standing tied pretty well. So all in all a good evening at Da Barn.

WTF...Day of Beauty my a$$

So I took the day off work today to watch the inauguration and just relax. I have a pretty stressful job in IT for UPS and sometime I just need a mental health day. But I digress... So after lounging around for a while (really working from home because I just can't get a full day off) I decided I was going to head out and do some girly stuff just for me.

So off I go to the little nail shop and I get my nails done..perfect length and a great deep dark purple color. Looks smashing if I do say so myself.

This is where it goes wrong very, very, wrong....

The little Asian lady leads me into her lair all sweet and talking like she knows what she's doing....Dear lay down here....turns on the bright, blinding light and goes to town. After the ripping out of the hair I really didn't think anything until she hands me the mirror and I see this...THE HORROR


WTF....what happened to my eye brows....they look like they belong to two different people...OMG. And me being the passive looser that I am I paid the lady and walked out. AND I GAVE HER A TIP. So just shoot me now. I've got to go cut some bangs...so I'll talk to you later. Shit.

Good Luck....

Today I find myself very emotional. I am not a political person, maybe I should be a but my life is a busy one and I barely have time to follow my kids athletic schedules.

I am optimistic for the first time in a very long time that America can be proud once again. I hope that the new President has huge shoulders to carry the burden of the past office. And is strong enough to set it down and start over.

So much is riding on this man. He seems like he has a plan. So we shall see...who knew that this would be so important to me. I didn't even know. It's shocked me quite a bit that I was this excited about today.

Good Luck Mr. President. We are waiting for change......

~~Hug Your Horse~~~

When your day seems out of balance and so many things go wrong,

when people fight around you and the day drags on so long,

when parents act like children, in-laws make you think "Divorce",

go out in your pasture... wrap your arms around your horse.

His gentle breath enfolds you and he watches with those eyes.

He may not have a PhD, but he is oh, so wise!

His head rests on your shoulder. You embrace him oh so tight.

He puts your world in balance, and makes it seem all right.

Your tears will soon stop flowing. The tension is now eased.

The garbage has been lifted, and you're quiet and at peace.

So when you need the balance from circumstances in your day,

the best therapy that you can seek is out there eating hay!!

Copyright owner/Author:~Mary Anne Miller~

I'm a big girl now....kinda

Thanks to Cody at http://mustangdressage.blogspot.com/ was my insperation for today's trip to the barn...if a wild mustang can have a bridle and a saddle pad put on then most certainly Ms. G can too. I think I was being too timid with her. Getting nervous and thus passing my nervousness on to her.

So the goal at the barn today was to get the bridle on and to get the bareback pad on. Well....
and a close up....of my girl...

I think the bit is too big. She sure did mouth it alot but I guess that's to be expected...and here is my big girl with the....
Bareback pad on..she did this without even blinking an eye. She may have been more distracted with the bit but she handled it like a trooper, she surprises me everyday.

Don't you think she is going to be so super star gorgeous when she grows up.

I really want to thank Cody for inspiring me today.

I had a great day at the barn it was so nice outside...I can't wait till spring...

oh and here is a pic of "look how far I can stretch mom, now will you take this damn thing out of my mouth?"

Okay JP2 this one's for you...First Date Foofer

Mr. H. sent me this from the Craigslist personal adds...(don't ask why he has a post from the personal add's he said it was from another blog but...

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We met on Craigslist so I am hoping that this post finds you. I know that it could quite possibly be the most humiliating first date that you have ever been on, but I am willing to look past that.

I thought we had chemistry sitting at 6 rivers sharing that basket of hot wings while drinking the chili beer. I really felt like there was a connection there. I found you to be intelligent and witty and looked forward to further conversation with you.

At some point in life, everyone has gambled on a fart and lost. It just happened to be on a first date in the passenger seat of my car. Please don’t feel bad. The package I sent you with Pepto the next day and the note that said “First dates are always a crap shoot. Call me” was meant to be funny, not offensive.

I have gambled on a fart and lost on multiple occasions. The first time I did it was very memorable. It happened when I was five and sitting on my uncle's lap. I am lactose intolerant, but love cheese. I probably win 95% of the time, but I don't think anyone wins 100% of the time. That's why they call it "gambling". I'm the last person to judge you for crapping your pants. In fact, I am impressed by your boldness. The timing on the other hand, could have been a tad bit better...like when you're not sitting on a heated leather seat...

What I am trying to say is that if you want to go out again, I would be more than happy to take you someplace where we can get a meal that is high in fiber and less taxing on the digestive tract.

I await your call,
Tad

P.S. - If you shat yourself on purpose to end the evening early…Touché…

Future BBFF's....

I just love this picture..the one with her eyes open is my LCG. She's my Oops baby..and the joy of my life. And her sleepy buddy is her BFF. Some day these little munchkins will rule the barn..so watch out. Check out the little baby dolls...LCG takes hers with her everywhere.

So it's Friday night and Mr. H is sleeping in his recliner, I'm blogging, LCG is sleeping, and there is Ben and Jerry's in the fridge...all is right in the world.

Cool website for unique stuff..

I'm sure this is old news but I really like this idea for artsy types..(me not included in that group). A great place to buy/sell handmade items. LOVE IT..like my own craft fair sans elephant ears.

http://www.etsy.com/?gclid=CKODvbrxj5gCFRk_awodHUCOnQ

Speaking of craft fairs..where I live we have a great one every year...Sandy mountain days...it's the same EVERY YEAR....but anyway. If you like to shop for unique stuff for gifts or what not...you might just like this site as much as I do.

BBFF's 100th Post Give away...

She's awsome and so is her blog....

Go check out http://mylifewithstar.blogspot.com/ BBFF (Best Barn Friend Forever) is having a sweet Blogger give away! Check it OUT! Or you're lame.

Ciao till later...

Yeah me...oh and Grace...

So today is was a turning point for me and for Grace. I stopped by the feed store and picked up a cheap bridle...that looked like it would fit...after much deliberation with the counter girl who also has Arabians I settled on one. I really wanted one with clips for the bit but they didn't have one in stock..and I think I saved myself about 15 bucks getting one with screws. It really wasn't that difficult to put the bit on after all. Even a tack challenged gal like me figured it out with no BO or BBFF to be found to help. I can be a bit (no pun intended) helpless at time...(no comment from the peanut gallery)

So after the said bridle switch into the cave of doom I went. Treats in hand. She was very excited to see mee to day. It's always fun to walk into the barn and see her head sticking out of her stall staring at me, then when she realizes it's me the knickers begin. Nothing is better than that "I've missed you, where the hell have you been" knickers.

I have been using those peppermint wipes on the bit and they really do seem to help. So after the initial investigation and a little bit of me trying to figure out how to hold the lead and get the bit in her mouth and up and over her ears at the same time. This is a feat in itself. So to all of you trainers I tip my hat to you for sure.

She let me put the bit in her mouth and get the bridle up over her ears not once but 3 times, count 'em, 1, 2, 3. Sweet...

We also worked on standing in the tack area. That also went better than expected. So we seem to be on a roll. Keep your fingers crossed for me...

Random things...

With a little help from my friends and peppermint wipes...Grace had a bit in her mouth but I found out that the Bridle I have for her is HUGE. She is half Saddlebred so you would think her knoggin' might be a bit bigger but I think her tiny head must be the Arab in her.

Anyway she took it really well, but there always has to be a but right...We must work on Desensitization...that is my goal for the winter...playing the friendly game and just getting her to be not so fright and flight minded. She is so spooky...it worries me that she will ALWAYS be that way. I would love to hear about other horses that started out this way and were successful at being able to spook in place and not always being ready to bolt in a panic at the first sign of something scary. I hope she is able to trust/respect me enough to know I would never do anything that would cause her to get hurt.

Work, Work, Work...I love it but I hope I have the patience for it...as patience is a virtue that I have little of.

I need more hours in the day...time to work to make a living, time to keep a Martha Stewart house, time to be mother of the year, and time to be a good friend, time to be the wife of my husbands dreams.....as well as time to be me.

Halter here we come....

Tonight I asked my BBFF to help me with some new exersizes to do with Grace to keep us engaged and not getting bored. She's been there done that with her pony Star and I really do respect the way she has trained her horse and the way she works...

So after a little ground work of disengaging her back legs when asked and doing well with that BBFF took her turn with Grace. She showed me how to get her to square up and get her to move front feet only to stretch out as well as moving JUST her hind end to square up...and being half Saddlebred getting her to start to parking out. It was actually alot of fun and Grace did great. She caught on really fast...so I think this spring and summer we may hit the open shows just for fun to see how she does...maybe even try our hand at some horsemanship...

Any suggestions would be great! I'm always up for ideas to keep from getting bored doing ground work.

Also I would love to know how you introduced the bit to your young horses...just getting them used to it. Tonight I tried the treat in hand with the bit in the same hand just to get her to be interested in the bit and not be afraid of it. I didn't push the issue it was just a short intro....

Thanks JP for being my BBFF and for taking the time to mentor me it means EVERYTHING!

And just a p.s. I wanted to say how thankful I am to my husband for giving me the time at the barn with encouragement...Even though he's not a Horse guy he let's me be a Horsie girl...

Gracie the YouTube sensation.....

Here is a little longer Video of Grace (Clickhere). It's a boring video, but I love it. It shows her curiosity and how friendly she is. She was born to be a movie star...or so she thinks. Have a good day guys! I'm off to get ready for work.

Gracie Video...not the best quality but I never claimed to be a pro photog...

Here is a short video of Gracie that I took tonight... I know they are a little dark but you get the idea....I think she is amazing to look at she still takes my breath away...

Publish Post

I have another video I'll post in a bit...but anyhoo...here you go...

Finally...some work.

Last night I made it out to the barn for first time in about 3 weeks. I went in with the battle gear on and ready for a long night.

As I walked in I saw the beast with her head sticking out of the Stall window...challenging me, taunting me. So I grabbed the weapons...PP halter, lead rope and the sword of Gandolf (whip). For some reason the barn owner doesn't think that I can take Gracie's blanket off myself so she took her blanket off for me (again not quite sure why but....) And her halter is magically on (againI think barn owner did this ) But anyway....I took her out and there was a small battle of who would leave the stall first but of course I won...with a little patience training thrown in.

So the dreaded side tie...was nothing...She stood like a pro. Okay not a pro she still was a little figidity but she didn't break a tie or threaten to pull back. This was huge for me. I was so pleased. So grooming was next...her coat just shines like a copper penny. It almost looks sparkly... it really is amazing. She let me pick her feet no issues...again I was a little worried just because she hasn't been handled in a while but she acted like it was old hat.

So off we went to the round pen. I was a little concerned about her attention span because BBFF and Star were haveing a meeting of the minds in the arena over the Scary blue barrels...but Gracie shocked me yet again..not having regressed at all over lunging on line or free. Then we started working on flexing and moving her hind quarters independently. Then we moved to her front end. She did great. I was so proud of her. She looks amazing and is retaining the things she's been taught. I fell in love all over again. It's a great way to start the new year.