Beauty is Grace-y..

Cowgirl Definition

2011-10-20T18:17:00.001-07:00

Nuff Said.

We did it!!

2011-10-18T19:06:00.000-07:00

We Went around in a circle one way..

We went in a circle the other way...

We competed with friends...

(I didn't win a ribbon in this class :-( Kim took 4th)

We waited together... And we had a BLAST.

Grace won 3 first place trophies(Junior horse English, Adult Rider Equitation English, Novice Rider Walk/Trot Western) , 1 second (Judges command English) 1 third (Adult Rider Western Pleasure) and 2 Forth (Adult Rider Walk/Trot English, and I don't remember what the other forth was for...)

GRACIE and I Won this one!!!!!! I almost fell out of my saddle!!!

My first Ribbon EVER and it was Blue. Grace was amazing! Can't wait to do it again!!

The New Barn....

2011-09-05T20:40:00.000-07:00

GRACIE....Long time no post but I didn't really have a lot going on, but in the last week or so we've had some big Changes...

But First I have to show off my girl...

Yowzaaaa..... just breath taking

I think she is just turning into one HELL of a gorgeous Mare...

So here are the hay fields we ride in...acres and acres....in the background there...

Here is Ellie, this is Gracies half sister...they have the same sire. Ellie is also as sweet as Grace!!

Here's Grace and I out for a stroll around the grounds after her bath tonight...

What a gorgeous evening for a lite snack...(not that she doesn't graze all day in her turn out)

Up this drive way is a trail to the upper hay fields...those will be our next adventure I think. Some Sunset photos are in the near future.

So hopefully more blogging is in order!! More adventures in Riding Yippeee!!

Fear

2011-05-11T21:10:00.000-07:00

It was like going into a haunted house, or going to see a slasher movie, covering up your eyes but peaking through your fingers....Heart beating so fast because you know something terrifying is going to happen but being a little excited waiting for the moment when the Evil Clown jumps out of a closet or the stupid teen ager decided to go look for help alone when they know the insane asylum has lost a few of it's most dangerous of guests!!!

That's what it felt like when my trainer sent me this text "Your Going to Canter tonight". And I did. I have only cantered on Grace once before and we had a meeting of the heads.. she gave me a black eye.

So I have been doing some reading and decided the best way to do this was on the end of a lunge line. Like a 7 year old. But it worked. Here's how it went

K: Are you Ready

Me: uhhh

K: Take a deep breathe

Me: uhhh

K: Let it out

Me: uhhh

K: Kiss/Canter/whip

And off we went

It was not comfortable for me it was scary as hell, but I hear with practice it becomes second nature. So we are going to practice, practice, practice.

So I did not fall off, I did not get a black eye, and I felt like I had won the lottery after watching Nightmare on Elm Street (the original) in the dark alone.

A Gift...but we'll take it

2011-05-08T20:11:00.001-07:00

Gracie and I had an open show this Saturday and we were signed up for 4 classes, the 18-39 English Pleasure and 3 western W/T classes.

I got to the Equestrian Center a little later than I had planned so Grace didn't get an opportunity to get a warm up in the morning. So when I took her out to get her ready she seemed pretty low key. Boy was I wrong.

I have to mention that this show had a LOT of horses participating. I don't think I've been to a show yet that had so many people showing.

My trainer hopped up on Grace in the warm up pen and I knew right away that it was going to be interesting. Grace gave a cow hop when Kim mounted and I almost right there wasn't going to ride her in the western classes she was that hot. There must have been about 20-30 horses in the warm up pen and Grace was just not having any of it. She would not relax and I was concerned about her going into her class. I went up to the stands to watch.

The English pleasure class was Crazy maybe 10 horses in the class and to be honest I thought it was Graces Worst ride in a class yet. She was just not relaxed and I could tell Kim was getting ready to SCHOOL her in the class.

So at the line up when she wasn't called at least 5th I thought oh well, next time. So I started down the stairs to get the gate so I could take the naughty mare to get ready for some serious lunging and I heard our Number....Uh what I couldn't believe it. She took First...and here is the trophy to prove it.

So on to the outdoor to do some schooling and work out the ants in her pants so I would feel comfortable mounting up for our 3 afternoon Classes...

After her lunge session she seemed to be much more relaxed. I mounted up and she was awesome. She felt relaxed and I thought okay...this might actually be fun and not complete torture for both of us..

We went into the Western Novice Horse class and OMG there were at least 25 horses in the ring with us before they decided to split the class into two. We had our best ride yet...I remember at the line up I was tearing up because I was so proud of her. I had no idea how the other horses did and to be honest I didn't care. OUR RIDE was amazing...and when they called us in the top 5 I about lost it. It's the first time Grace and I have placed at a show. To be honest if they hadn't called us I wouldn't have cared. It just felt good. Being Top Ten in a class of 40+ horses feels pretty damn good. (No we didn't ribbon but I still feel like I won big)

But she broke down after that class...all she wanted to do in the next classes was to race everyone in the ring, and when there are 20+ horses in a class you never have a slot where she can feel like she's in front and can relax.

But it didn't matter to me. We made it through and we both keep improving. That's all I can ask for.

Gotta love this face....

2011-05-04T21:32:00.000-07:00

Had a great ride tonight...this was Grace and I watching my oldest Daughter have her riding lesson tonight. I have to say it was great to go to the barn with her and see her enjoy riding as much as I did when I was her age! I hope she can sneak in some more time to come hang out with me at the barn!

E-mail from a stranger...

2011-05-03T20:40:00.000-07:00

Last year about this time I posted about my very first Mare, May.

http://beautyisgrace-y.blogspot.com/2010/04/meet-mabel-my-first-equine-love.html

I had been thinking a lot about May this past month and the other day I received an e-mail out of the blue.

Hi Heather,

I have no idea if this will reach you, but I was going through some old email and was pleased to find your posts about Myra. Thought you might enjoy seeing a pic of our gal “in action” – she is quite the worker bee…..

If this does arrive, and I hear back from you, I will bring you up to date w/her and her pasture mate, whom everyone mistakes for her sister…..it’s a pretty interesting story. And in the background on the left there is Marielle, my llama and their pasture pal who will be packing w/Myra this summer.

My best,

So I responded and was so pleased to see she is happy and has a twin!

Look a two headed horse!! I Cannot tell you how happy I am that this mare found a home. A home that respects her and has taken such good care of her. (May is the one on the left)

And here is May with Annie her long lost sister (Annie was a rescue that May's new owner took in and brought back to health) I just wish all horses were as lucky as May.

(FYI May's new name is Myra)

She's versatile!

2011-05-02T19:11:00.001-07:00

Grace is an all around pony....Last weekend it was English Sport Horse Under Saddle at an Arabian Breed Show.

This weekend it was a great trail ride with some old and new friends.

There were 8 of us that left for the trail ride on Sunday. The weather was Amazing and we just headed off out the pasture and up to some groomed trails in the middle of a Christmas Tree Farm.
Grace was EXCITED. Trail riding is one of her favorite things to do. But she was a little more excited than I would have liked her to be. She just WOULD NOT relax and enjoy the ride. Maybe it was me. I may have been a little tense as it was our first Ride out this season and I guess I take as long to warm up and relax as she does but all in all it was a beautiful day and we all came home safe so it was a WIN/WIN.

Next weekend is another show weekend. Grace and I are doing our 'Western Pleasure' thing. Sparkly belts, shirts a my new cowboy hat. My horse can do anything. She is amazing! My Grace......here's to more beautiful weekends riding with friends! Bring on Spring/Summer!

Our First Breed Show!!! Results are in..

2011-04-25T18:47:00.000-07:00

Well we had our first BIG show and Grace did fabulously. She earned a 5th place ribbon in the Half Arab Sport Horse under saddle class. I was a little disappointed in her placing as she had a FABULOUS ride. I could not have asked for more. Her transitions were great and the guy sitting next to me even leaned over and said...'I think that pretty bay has this one won' I knew she didn't have it won as the judge could not keep her eyes off of a pretty pinto gelding. I knew that horse had it hands down. But I was extremely proud of Grace she handled herself so well.

Her second class on Friday night was the Half Arab Sport Horse Show Hack Class. This one was fun. Kim was all dressed in tails and a top hat and Grace had on a Dressage Saddle and looked Quite impressive. It was so dark in the Arena that I couldn't get a good picture of her.

Here is a link to the pic I'm buying from the Show Hack class...she looks so fancy.

There were two horses in the class and her compition was a national champion Show Hack horse and Rider (or at least the rider was and the horse was at least a level 2 Dressage horse)

So I wasn't sad about our second place ribbon.

Then last but not least our Half Arab Junior Horse Sport Horse under Saddle class....They held it in the outdoor arena so I was a little concerned, but I made sure she had a nice walk around to get her at least one look see before going into the class. She did GREAT. A better ride than Friday night in the open class.

And here is the result!

Our Next show is May 7th and Guess what? I will actually be riding....It will be a total Western Pleasure show for Grace so we have two weeks to work on our Jog and Lope. Should be lots of FUN!!

Gracie's evaluation...

2011-03-27T16:35:00.000-07:00

Today I had the pleasure of meeting a one time World Show Hack Champion Brenda Bureau. She came out to look at Grace and give her opinion on her potential in the Show Hack Ring.

She had lots of great advice.

She thought Grace had the body type and mind to do extremely well in the show ring. She watched Kim ride her under saddle and suggested that we lunge her for 15 to 30 minutes before she's ridden using draw reigns and get her to move forward using her hind end better. This will help her relax more under saddle and teach her how use her hind with ground work. This will also help with our bonding...

I'm really looking forward to learning how to use these new tools. I'm always excited to learn something new when it comes to horses and working them. I''m new to the English discipline so this will be fun.

After Gracies ride we let her loose in the arena so Brenda would be able to see her natural movement. She has a natural extended trot a that is to die for and has such natural movement. We just need to capture that movement and teach her how do do them on cue. If she does the SKY'S the LIMIT!!!

Grace and her imitation of Silver

2011-03-26T15:10:00.000-07:00

So Thursday night Kim was going to ride Grace she was tacked up and ready to go. The weather was COLD 36 degree about. Kim hopped on and did a lap around the arena and right away I could tell it was going to be interesting.

Grace was extra spooky. Spooking at the gates and at the tractor at the cows at all the things she's seen a million times. Kim asked her for a trot and came around the corner and my girl bucked...I have never in her riding career seen Grace buck with a rider. She would not relax about the 6th time around the arena she spooked again Kim pushed her forward and UP she went. Doing her very best unwanted impression of Silver....

We checked her for saddle pain or back pain. But I think her teeth were still tender from her visit from the dentist.

Kim rode her Friday morning and she was fine.

I have never seen my Sweet, Sweet Mare behave this way. Totally out of character for her.

Grace-y Goes to the Dentist.

2011-03-23T20:45:00.000-07:00

If Gracie could talk this is what she would have sounded like after Dr. Ron was done with her.

Poor baby tells me when she needs to have her teeth looked at. She puts up a minor fight with the bridling. It comes from nowhere. One day she bridles fine the next she is all high headed and will back up eventually giving in...she's fine once the bridle is in. She's pretty good at expressing herself.

She had 6 ulcers on each side of her poor mouth. She's been needing a float about every 6 to 8 mths. I hope this goes down to at least once a year soon.

She's very expressive about other things as well, she hates back straps on her blanket and isn't fond of getting her hooves picked out, but she loves her grain, and kickin' up her heals on a sunny days.

Anyhoo, she had yesterday off and will be back to work tomorrow.

My God has it really been since Sept..

2011-03-20T19:59:00.000-07:00

Has it been since Sept that I have posted on this blog..I was bugging JP about her blog and realized I really have no room to be giving her a hard time. So much has happened since Sept.

Gracie is getting ready for her first Breed show. It's the AIM sport horse show. She'll be riding in 3 classes. 2 Hunter under saddle classes and 1 show hack.

She had her first ride tonight in a double bridle (Full Bridle) and she looked amazing. She still takes my breathe away. I should have taken pics but I was so fascinated with her that I completely forgot.

She has transitioned out of a snaffle and is riding in a shank for western. She actually looks really cute. At least cute enough for open shows...I have a goal to win at least one ribbon this year in a Walk/Trot/Canter class...

In June there are a couple of open shows that we are hoping to compete for High Point. Things are really coming together. Super busy show schedule this year.

The Picture above is from our first show this year my friend Kim rides her English (and will be riding at AIM) She had a second and a third placing at this show.

I hope all is well out in blogger land....I promise myself I will keep up more as I really want a diary of Gracie's progress. Boy has she come a long way!

Thankful for a good barn...

2010-09-17T20:46:00.001-07:00

I am so thankful that I have a barn that I trust implicitly with Grace. My life has been beyond hectic the past month or so...I have not been able to get out to the barn to spend time with Grace let alone ride. I think I've seen her maybe 3 times, but I know she's in good hands. Thank you "R"!!

I miss her terribly. I'm going to try my best to make some time hopefully this weekend.

One of the big reasons I haven't had time to make it out to the barn is that I've decided to make some changes in my life. In my old age I have become extremely sedentary. I have taken up running, using the Couch to 5K program, and Zumba a combo of dance styles that I have just fallen in love with it is so much fun! I need to gain strength, endurance and reap some of the other benefits that will make me a better rider.

So really this riding hiatus is for both of us. (of course it's going to cost me some training time with our barn owner but it will be worth it!)

WANTED: New BBFF

2010-07-31T19:14:00.000-07:00

New BEST BARN FRIEND FOREVER needed. Forever is optional...

I met this girl when I responded to a Dreamhorse add. She had a Black and White pinto that had a trot as smooth as butter.

I remember the first time I went out to meet her at her barn I was so nervous she wanted whoever was going to buy her pony to take a lesson or two with the Barn owner to make sure it was a good fit. She was pretty attached to this pony.

I remember when I left that barn that night I cried because I thought I had found "THE ONE" but buyers remorse had set in a bit even before I decided to buy..then I received an E-mail the next day. I can't remember the wording but I think it was something like....'So Do you want her or not.'

I remember thinking....dang this girl is pushy. But what I didn't know at the time was she was selling "THE ONE" it was her one..and from that day on we have been friends. I have followed her from barn to barn because her research was impeccable and I always knew I could trust my pony anywhere she could trust hers.

But also because I liked her...But now she's leaving not only the barn but going to the Great White North. Alaska.

So I need someone to fill her shoes so if you think you're up for it then these are the requirements

1. Takes no Crap

2. Know's stuff about horses

3. Is always there no matter what with sugar cookies from McDonalds.

4. Answers dumb horse questions without making me feel like a dumb ass. (well at least most of the time)

5. Can gossip without judgement

6. Gets me

7. Plans silly girls night out and is the Designated Driver

8. Can pick up right where we left off after not having time to speak for days/weeks...

9. Will go to a horse shows and cheer me on from the stands or in the ring

10. Will pick me up and take me to the Canby Tack sale for the price of a Mocha

11. Can make unicorn cupcakes with glitter sprinkles...

12. MUST BE FABULOUS!

So if you Think you can fill those shoes then step on up...

Jocelyn, you have been the best mentor a Green horse girl could have. You were there the first time I saw Grace, the first time I sat on Grace, our first show...

I guess this means it's time to put on my big girl panties and head out on my own...begrudgingly.

I hope Alaska brings you all the adventure you can can hadle. Know that you will forever have a spot in my heart...

So here's to you...Ride on Sister, and look out for moose and Grizzly bears.

We are TRAIL BLAZERS...

2010-07-25T20:38:00.000-07:00

Good news my hubby ordered a new point and shoot camera for me today. I've been without one for a while and I really could have used one this weekend.

This is the one we bought the Samsung TL220.

I am really looking forward to taking lots of pictures while we are out on the trail.

So on Sat. we trailered out to McGiver State park and met with my friend Julie and her Dressage horse. It was my favorite kind of ride...uneventful with the exception of the momma Deer that was blocking the trail. We stared at her for a bit moved the horses forward and her two little baby twin fawns popped out of the woods onto the trail. The horses did great. Momma Deer moved on and we passed by the twins I'd say within 20 feet or so. It was relaxing and sooo good to get out and ride. Gracie had quite the workout. Being a pasture princess hasn't been very good for her fitness level. We are going to change that if I have anything to say about it.

Oh and I hooked up the trailer by myself and parked it back where it belonged at the ranch in between two other trailers. GOOO me. I can do this.

So today I had heard a rumor that there was a trail ride posse heading out from the ranch today so I called to see if it was still on. It was if I was willing so I threw on my jeans and boots and hit the ranch. It ended up just being another boarder and I but that was fine it was a good ride. About a mile of gravel road and then miles and miles of BLM trails.

The PNW is one of the most beautiful places on earth and my ride today proved that. It was HOT here today but in the forest it was probably a good 10 to 15 degrees cooler. Grace was alert but spooked a couple of times but it was pretty much again my favorite kind of ride uneventful.

I can't wait to share pictures of our rides in the future. It was an amazing weekend of breathtaking scenery and even better company!!

The boxes in the corner and a beaded dress

2010-07-20T19:34:00.000-07:00

There are these boxes, two or three of them that have been sitting in the corner of the kitchen. I pass by them day after day.

Looking at them, dreading them, knowing that if I opened them I would be making a commitment. A commitment to myself.

They are boxes of Medifast that I ordered a few months ago. I've been telling myself that I'll go back on..that I need to do it for my 20 year reunion, but now that's only two weeks away so that goal flew out the window.

But then, I found the formal dress for the cruise Hubby and I are going on in Nov. Let me tell you it was a GREAT DEAL we are talking SMOKIN' deal...but alas a size too small...so what does a smart girl like me do.

I buy the dress of course a beautiful beaded number that will look amazing with a sun kissed tan and some gorgeous golden high heel shoes.

Then I come home walk over to the boxes, stare at them and make a commitment, once again, to myself. 4 mths. I ask myself how much can I loose in 4 mths?

That was last Thurs. So as of today I am down 9 lbs. First week is water wgt mostly but I don't care. 9lbs is 9lbs

so from the famous 80's band Whitesnake....

The Goddess...

2010-07-19T19:27:00.000-07:00

The Goddess is loved by most of the other horses and most people.

(True) - Gracie get's along great with the other horses...and people too, she is a very social animal

They are expressive and sensitive and emotional.

(True) - Gracie is so expressive I can tell instantly if something is not right. She let's me know immediately if she is not happy or something is physically not right. The last show we were at I was in the warm up ring and she was telling me something was wrong..low and behold her cinch had been folded wrong on the off side.

You will know how they feel.

(True) - Every day

They try very hard to please and will worry and be anxious if you are not happy with them.

(True) - She is very eager to please and tries so hard to learn new things. When she knows she's in trouble she wants to make up immediately.

In the negative they can have scattered energy that is hard to get focused.

(OMG Sooo TRUE) Getting her to focus is like trying to ride a greased pig some days. She's just so interested in everything around her.

This personality can be loved on as much as you want.

Thank god cuz she get's LOT's and LOT's of lovin'

Take the Horse personality Quiz and see how your pony does.

http://www.horsepersonality.com/

Days with no horses...

2010-06-14T20:06:00.000-07:00

Do Octopus get cranky this one looks kinda cranky. Wouldn't want to run into him on a dark beach.

Good words of advice on the t-shirt above, I am deathly afraid of Tsunami's...it could happen.

We went to Newport Bay for lunch and a trip to the Aquarium...and we picked the only restaurant on the Oregon coast that does NOT serve fish and chips. I loves me some fish and chips.

My youngest offspring...the beach brings out the best in my babies. I want to burn these faces into my brain, for when I want to run screaming from my own home, remember, remember...

My two youngest angels...I hope they always know joy like this.

I live a good life.

We went it alone...almost.

2010-06-13T15:47:00.000-07:00

Today was a big test for Gracie and I. A friend invited us to go on a trail ride with her and who was I to say no..so being still a little nervous about trailering Grace single, I asked a barn friend if she wanted to bring her gelding along for a ride.

I hooked up the trailer, loaded the ponies and off we went. I wish I had pictures but I forgot the camera when I was rushing out the door.

I was concerned because I hadn't ridden Grace since our trip to the Sandy Delta a couple of weeks ago, but again she washed all of those concerns out the window she did awesome!!

Bridge crossing, check, muddy inclines, check, deer, check...No problem for Gracie the wonder horse.

I'll be watching her feet because the weather has been WET to say the least and I'm a little worried that her feet were too soft to be out on some of the rocky footing they have out there.

I could not have asked for better company and a better older, seasoned horse. Who needs a been there done that when I have my Gracie...

What a way to round out this weekend.

Stuff from Around the barn...

2010-06-01T18:16:00.000-07:00

My husband let me take the good Camera to the barn the other day and I was just taking random pics..these are a few of my favorites.
Here is Grace in the background wondering if I have any treats...nope never mind then.
This is Chip she's a training horse at the barn. She's very photogenic..
I think this is Nova...but I could be wrong (BO has a few sorrel pony's), she's one of the BO's cutting QH's. She loved having her picture taken.

A Day of Firsts...

2010-05-30T19:14:00.000-07:00

Here we are. My horse and My trailer. Big Girl Dreams do come true!

(Caveat yes I know her pad is cadiwompus it was fixed before we headed out. She would not stand still to be saddled. It was like saddling a greased pig)
Hi blogger peeps...I hope you haven't forgotten about us. Sorry I've been MIA but to be honest Grace has been nothing but a pasture princess for the past month or so...but today we changed that.

Well first number one - I hauled my horse somewhere. I'm not going to say I wasn't a bit nervous. I had someone else's horse with us too so there was lots of precious cargo back there. Grace had that trailer rocking for the ride to the Delta but she was tired and good on the ride home. We made it there and home all in one piece.

Second number one - Our fist off sight trail ride. We went out to the Sandy Delta with our barn owner and a couple of other barn friends. Can you see a familiar blogger pony in the next pic. Does the Black and white give her away? It's JP1 from For the love of a horse She's in the lead practicing for that next endurance ride.
There were lots of flat trails with puddles to play in. I found out how smooth Gracie's lope is (not on purpose) and did lots of trotting. Grace wanted to GOOOOOO. Mom wanted to not Gooooo. So we compromised a couple of times. There were tons of people/hikers with loose dogs, mountain bikes, and other riders. Grace was amazing! Again she shocks me with no real meltdowns while riding, okay there was one but I think it was me having a melt down when she wanted to lope and I really wasn't expecting it. But we worked through it and I stayed on so no complaints really from me.

The above pic of Gracie and I watching our buddy's go into the Sandy river...I'm going to be honest and say that I really wasn't interested in a fight so we kind of hung back.
But Gracie wanted in the water...it took just a little coaxing and she was up to her knees in the water. I had to pull her back before my feet got wet. She can be so fearless.

When we got home she got a bath because she worked today!! It was an amazing day. Thanks Jenne for trusting me with Tonka and not showing if you were nervous (cuz I know you were)

Till next time! Heather and Gracie

Poked a hole in my sock trail riding...

2010-05-02T16:44:00.000-07:00

(Stole this pic from BBFF T'anks lady)

So I'm getting some courage from the group at my barn. I have only ridden Grace once in the last two weeks because of my life not being my own right now...so getting on today took some courage. That courage came in the form of my girls at the barn. There were quite a few of us that took off to the Christmas Tree Farm. I wish I had pictures..but I was so busy trying to be calm I don't think I could have taken any that weren't blurry anyway.

We were out about an hour and a half and Gracie exceeded all of my expectations. She decided she wanted to eat an alder branch and proceeded to give herself a bloody mouth but nothing serious, just some head shaking towards the end of the ride.

She only spooked once and that was at her own reflection in some Green house windows...but other than that she gave a look to a barking dog and then just went on our marry way.

I saw the stick "LOVE" I think I saw a picture of it on one of the blogs I follow but anyway it was great!

I hope to get a lot more of these rides in with Pictures of course...I need a new point and shoot camera. My phone is all I have right now with no zoom and getting it to ready for pics takes forever.

So good news I lived to blaze more trails..I loves my pony...

Has anyone seen my Treat Lady?

2010-04-24T21:21:00.000-07:00

Are you there Treat Lady? It's me Grace,

I was just wonderin' if any people have seen my treat lady? She's been a missin' for a awhiles. I miss my ear scratches and treats, although my days chasing my mare frens outside has been fun and laxing I'm missing my treat lady talks and treats.

So if'n you seen her please tell her I needs brushed and treats..did I mention I miss my apple treats.

My mare fren, Star, says that my treat lady's not everen comin' back...I think she's fibbin' because she's mad that her treat lady made her do a Long, Long ride far away and sleep outside for some nights.

Thanks you for helping a lonely pony...

Meet Mabel, my first equine love.

2010-04-09T18:00:00.000-07:00

I loved her, and she loved me...I think.

This is Mabel, I bought her for $800 dollars about 7 years ago probably about $500 too much but back then I had no idea about things like training, papers, confirmation. Zilch, nada.

I have no idea how old she was I was told she might be around 8 or so back then. She was a tiny little thing maybe 14.1 or so. She had been spoiled by her first owner. May had her so buffalo'd when she tried to put a bit in her mouth May just put her head in the air and her owner would just give up and put her away.

She was my first project. I used powdered sugar to get her to take the bit and had no problem and after.
She was a sweet sweet girl and to be honest she would probably be perfect for my oldest Daughter right now and I do feel bad for selling her....just not knowing what ever happened to her in this economy.

She taught me patience.

Reminded me of my obsession with horses

And also taught me that I will never again own a horse with more white than color.

I hope that she is alive and healthy with a little 4-H'er loving on her every day.

The culprit is..

2010-04-08T20:09:00.000-07:00

A nasty impacted baby tooth...who knew horses had issues loosing their teeth. Gracie has had to have 4 of her baby teeth pulled. I had the Ranch Vet check her out today and he floated her teeth (she just had her teeth floated in Nov) because she had sharp points that were causing ulcers in her mouth.

I'm not really sure why she needed a full float again but I'm glad it was taken care of. The Vet paid Gracie some fantastic complements that meant a lot to me coming from him.

I just hope she starts feeling better quickly.

Gracie is under the weather...

2010-04-07T21:51:00.001-07:00

She has had a fever this week..at it's highest it was 103.4, but don't worry it was back down tonight to normal. She hasn't been eating all of her hay and even turned her nose up to some of her grain earlier this week. I knew Monday night that she wasn't herself she was lethargic and really just not herself.

I think it's a couple of things. I think she caught a bug at the show and she has just had a hard time getting over it. I also think she is trying to shed some caps and it is effecting her eating.

So the Dr. will give her a good once over tomorrow.

I went out tonight and fed her a couple of treats and loved on her for a bit. Just hoping she starts feeling better quickly.

You just know...

2010-04-05T21:34:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had a moment when you were with your horse and you just know...You know that you connect and that they have bonded with you. You just know that this is the "ONE". Gracie is my one...once in a lifetime horse.

I know that horses are animals and some say they don't have emotions like we do, but I know that Gracie knows that I take care of her, that I would do just about anything to make sure she is healthy and fed, and has all that a spoiled equine could possibly ask for. She repays me by giving me wings, priceless.

When I hop down after a ride and loosen the cinch she looks at me with her great big brown doe eyes and I know that she is mine, not because she has to be but because she chooses to be. What an amazing thing, the connection between horses and the people who love and care for them.

I am so blessed to have her in my life, she gives me a space to be just me, not mom, or wife, or employee, just me.

Hold on I need to adjust because...

2010-04-02T19:53:00.000-07:00

I grew a pair! We cantered and it was amazing...well at least it was for me. It wasn't very far, it wasn't crazy fast, and it most certainly wasn't pretty but she stopped when I asked, so it was a great confidence booster for me.

More cantering for us tomorrow. We have to get this down for the NAET.

I hope everyone is enjoying Easter weekend...I've spent most of mine alone with the munchkins because my hubby went to Spokane for his Grandmothers funeral. My heart goes out to him and his family.

He'll be home this evening and tomorrow we will celebrate Easter with my parents. Looking forward to my mom's cooking it's always soooo good.

Happy Easter From my family and Grace to you and yours...now go find some eggs!

Rode a wild pony...

2010-03-28T10:54:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Grace was super HOT...she was so excited to go out and ride with the cows. I swear she's a QH in a NSH body. She had one eye on the longhorns the whole time we were in the pasture.

It was an interesting ride. Good for me and for her, I am super excited about getting her out and about this summer.

We rode out to the back pasture and were going to go to the pond but there was a huge flock of geese so we decided to not temp fate and have something crazy happen if they decided to take off.

I think she could easily be an endurance horse she definitely has the speed for it, if you could keep her focused and not too worried about what was happening in the peripheral and if I could grow a pair.

Anyway we had a girls ride today and it was a lot of fun. We talked about the NAET and who was interested. I hope they all decide to do it, I think it would be a blast.

So Grace and I are going to start working on the canter this week. I have yet to ride it. Again I need to just grow a pair and go with it. My how courage falters the older you get.

But we will do it!!!!

Since we now have wheels...

2010-03-24T17:59:00.000-07:00

I'm thinking of trying to get a team together for the National Adult Equestrian team. It sounds like a lot of fun!!

Here is the Facebook link to the info

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=322085629592&ref=ts

It's like OHSET for the 21 and over set. It sounds like a great excuse to get together with other horse people and Ride, Camp and just have a great time.

We are making plans and rolling with it!!! Literally.

Directions, Girls, and Trailers...

2010-03-21T09:22:00.000-07:00

Earlier this week I asked JP1 to come with me to look at a trailer (my sweet husband has told me to pick one out for my birthday!)

We get lost trying to find it but when we got there I was glad JP was with me. She was a trailer inspector extrodiare. She was in it, over it, under it....She was great. We chatted with the seller for a while..okay for quite a bit found she showed us her horse she had sold and her barn and...well anyway she was quite friendly.

But she did not want to negotiate on the price as she was asking a good price for the trailer. It's in great shape just detailed and no leaks and hardly any rust. It does need new tires but I have a budget and well it was just out of it.

But after a few e-mails back and forth, we came to an agreed price and this trailer will be coming home this week. Pretty SWEET huh?

I am so excited to not have to depend on other people to go to shows and trail riding this summer!

Pretty proud of myself for holding out for the price I was willing to pay.

Who has the best hubby ever...yep that would be me! He says He'll be repaid in Heaven...and I agree!

The Show..

2010-03-17T16:57:00.001-07:00

Here is JP1 and Star...They did so great! Just had to throw in this pic!
Okay I have to say that I have been putting off posting for a couple of reasons. Number one was I didn't really know how to put into words how to express how I was feeling. Grace and I had the best time ever. Grace won a ribbon in both English classes she was entered in. The best being the 5th place ribbon in the open W/T class. My friend Kim rode her and she beat out quite a few seasoned horses to win that ribbon. It was only Gracie's 3rd time with an English saddle on her back. Rumor has it she could be quite the Circuit horse if I wanted to pursue it. (did I say I teared up/bawled like a baby when I heard her registered name announced with owner Heather Haney following after she placed?)
This was us just warming up in the ring. She was such a good girl. Not one spook during our classes. There were 28 horses in the ring it was insane!
I had friends from work, blog friends (Hi JP2 and Char), and even old Barn owners from where Gracie has lived (they even helped me groom and tack her up because I was shaking so bad). It meant the world to me to have a cheering section, even if it was my mom asking why I didn't wear the right bra (sports bra next time). I wish Gracie's trainer could have been there...she would have been so proud. We missed you Rebekah!!!

I had such a great time. I didn't care that we didn't place in our classes, it didn't even matter. In my mind I won! We have two ribbons to put on the wall and I could not be happier.

My mom had a big bouquet of flowers waiting for us by Gracie's stall when we were done with our classes and I took a deep breathe and cried (thank you mom!!! you most of all know what this meant to me) ....What I learned was you can do anything you dream of doing, it may take years but it is so, so sweet when it happens.

Oh and I can't forget my horse widowed husband...without you this dream never would have happened, and I can't thank you enough, ever.

Till next time, Show Pony Grace and the 12 year old girl who came out to play on Sat. (me)

Getting ready to live the dream....

2010-03-11T15:38:00.000-08:00

So here we go, our show is in two days. We are not ready, or should I say I'm not ready, but Gracie is more than ready. I hear rumors that this is going to be a pretty big show and I could not be more excited.

I've been sent "The List" from JP1. Seem doable, bought new jeans, hat (on fence about wearing it) and have put my fear on the back burner. This is going to be FUN.

Just ask my mom, I've been waiting to do this for YEARS longer than I am willing to admit. I don't care if we win a ribbon. These Girls just wanna have fun!

My poor husband thinks I've left him I'm sure because I've been gone every night and when I come home I stink of horse and leather. (smells like heaven to me but I'm sure not everyone can relate)

Grace is going to be riding in 5 classes if all goes well, 2 english (ridden by my friend Kim) and 3 western with yours truly at the wheel. I should go back to my first posts about Grace and see what my hopes and dreams were 2 years ago.

We are living the dream baby...every day.

Wish us luck and if you can make it out to Mt. Hood Equestrian Center Gracie would love to meet you!

When you can't figure it out yourself ask for help...I did.

2010-02-28T16:11:00.000-08:00

So my last few rides have not gone as well as I like. Grace is in love with the exit gate. She makes googly eyes and always wants to be as close as possible. I am trying to break off this love affair as it is seriously interfering with our training sessions...The gate seems indifferent but Gracie doesn't seem to mind being ignored by it. I think she looks at it as a challenge. Always want what you can't have.

Anyway I've been having some issues with sitting her trot and her weaving towards the middle of the arena or just being a wiggly worm when we are trying to go straight. I could not figure out what the hell I was doing that was confusing her.

Well THANK YOU! to the BBFF. We went to lunch and talked about our issues so she kindly agreed to watch me ride and to see if she could help. She gave me some great advise about Centered Riding (I must get this book) and watched us ride and low and behold I am leaning, and that lean is pushing Grace to the center of the arena. Here I thought I was putting more pressure on my inside leg when in reality I was leaning to the right and pushing her over.

So after we figured out that issue she did great!! We went on a nice stroll outside and really enjoyed out time today!!

BBFF you are a rock star! I owe you a drink or two.

What Gracie does while I'm working for her rent.

2010-02-22T18:17:00.000-08:00

Note...JP1 took these pics today while she was out toodling around while I was slaving at work, you can see more of there adventures at For the love of a horse

So today was another beautiful spring day in the PNW...and while I was stuck in an office going over spreadsheets earning Grace her rent and grub, Grace was out with JP1 and the BO getting some trail miles on her. Would you believe that the horse in the pic is the same Crazy skeerdy horse from 6 mths ago. Training with R has been the best thing that could ever happen to her.

She is turning into a steady Eddie! WHO KNEW...I can't wait to get some of my own miles on her. Summer cannot get here fast enough. This is going to be the year for Grace and I.
Look at Gracie while R is being silly pretending to fall off. R if you are reading this...THANK YOU for the time and effort you have put into my horse!

P.S. I am not Jealous at ALL..............................................;-P

Posting Trot = My legs HURT!!

2010-02-14T07:52:00.001-08:00

So yesterday I went out to ride Grace..it was quite the event. Let me preface this by saying I am NOT a trained rider. Never have been. I've ridden a bit and can follow instruction when I have a trainer but otherwise I have always ridden and stayed on by the Grace of God or whatever luck I seem to have surrounding me on that particular day.

I have never been taught how to do a posting trot until recently and to be honest it was hard to get. Now Grace was bred to be a English Pleasure/Saddleseat horse. The pony pic below's sire is Gracie's Grandsire.

She didn't cut the breeders mustard so she came to live with me. She really should be a Hunter because her trot is insane she can MOVE, and to be honest I have been a little chicken to ride it out.

Until yesterday. She is getting fit since she has been in training with R and she was feeling GREAT. So I decided to find some courage and let it ride. It was awesome. She moved out and my posting felt natural and it was a fantastic ride. She was collected and giving to the bit (most of the time).

I can sure feel the workout in my legs, I worked way harder than Gracie did yesterday.

I hope I can get her pace down for the western jog...she does it but you can tell she really loves to move out into the extended trot!

Exilerating is all I can say. Now if I can just find my cantering cahonas we'll be doing great!!

Confessions of a chronic Dieter..Friday wgt in

2010-02-13T07:38:00.000-08:00

Well I have good news and I have bad news. I have lots of excuses for not being on plan this week. That's the bad news. Dieters who slip always have excuses so here are mine...

1. My husband has been gone, so I don't want to make a mess in the kitchen that I have to clean up.

2. Taking care of a two year old alone makes me hungry

3. I have been pretty sick with a cold so if you can't taste the food it doesn't have as many calories.

4. Superbowl...need I say more

5. There is always tomorrow

As you can see all of the excuses are BS but Chronic dieters need to blame something.

Part of the confession is that I have to be accountable for what I ate. I ate A LOT. Period.

So I got on the dreaded scale which I had been avoiding all week....ready to take the blow. I closed my eyes and stepped up....Peeked and saw NO wgt gain. WHAT? But no wgt loss either.

Now I have to say that next week we have a co-workers Sugar Crack cookies coming in on Monday to work.

And a pot luck for FAT Tuesday. It seems the universe is against me. I know it's all mental, don't forget I'm a chronic dieter I know this stuff.

Anyway Stats for the week

2nd week -0 total -20 lbs

Feeling Sappy...so bear with me

2010-02-09T19:18:00.000-08:00

I am missing something right now...my better half, my best friend and my partner. The person that makes me laugh when I really just don't want too. The person that makes me feel beautiful when the mirror is trying to convince me that I am not.

I know I'm sounding kinda co-dependent but you know I guess I am. I depend on him to keep me warm on chilly nights (tangling my feet up in his) and to keep me sane when insanity creeps in.

He has made me believe that there really are good men out there...when I had pretty much decided that there was no such thing.

He makes me better, He makes me believe, and He makes my heart beat....

This is my Valentines present to you babe...I love you.

Friday weigh in....not so great

2010-02-05T14:16:00.000-08:00

So this week has been a tough one on plan about 90% of the time, but that 10% I was sure threw my body chemistry into chaos.

I have been trying to figure out what threw me of coarse this week but I think I figured it out. Nature is a cruel beast.

Oh and to top it off my sweet brother in-law sent us these ubber fantastic brownies from a bakery in Brooklyn. Now I know that I should have said no but I really wanted one of those sweet and salty goodies that had been flown across the US just for us. I would love to say it wasn't worth it but I can't, it was fabulous. If you are ever looking for the best brownies ever I recommend BakedNYC !

Anyway I'm back on track and hope to have better luck next week...

So here we go...don't judge.

-0 lbs total -20 lbs

Shocking...but true

2010-02-04T19:27:00.000-08:00

Have you ever seen a NSH wrangle cows? Don't let anyone tell you they can't! Well let me tell you I have a cow horse. I went to the barn the other night and by the time I had Grace tacked up the BO and her husband had 4 cows in the arena.

Now if you have been following my blog you know that Grace is afraid of her own shadow..well at least she used to be. At first she was just very interested in what the BO was doing...she was working one of her cutting horses, Gracie's ears had a bead on the cow.

Well the cow started to come towards us and BO said "Hey can you turn him around" I looked around to see who she was talking too..."Who me?" "Yeah, she'll be fine" "Okay" I said with little conviction. So with some direction from BO Gracie did great! So then we chased one cow around the area for a bit and let me tell you Gracie got worked up SHE LOVED it. She wanted to chase those cows right back out in the pasture when they were getting put away and wanted those moo cows to come on back in to play.

I didn't know that her breed could be cow'y. It was a lot of fun and I definitely will do it again!

Amazing Grace, what can't she do? We will just have to wait and see!

Had a goal, need new one!

2010-01-29T20:57:00.000-08:00

I'm the queen of dieting, I know all the tricks and use them all to my advantage. I've been dieting half of my life it feels like. So when I start a diet I don't dwell on the big number, you know the final goal wgt I dream of, I set little goals for myself.

Well I am so happy to report that Goal number 1 was reached this morning. I have lost my first 20 lbs. YEAH ME! So since I can't do my normal and reward myself with food..what do you think a good reward would be? Manicure? Pedicure? A new pair of shoes? Hmmm, maybe all of the above!

It's been really rough this week. I started a new job and there are lots of treats in the break room, pretzels, choco covered raisins, animal cookies, the best Thai place right out the front door, oh and lets not forget the donuts. Good god it's like goodie heaven. A obstacle course of useless calories (my favorite kind). But I overcame the temptation this week and it paid off!

I can do this...it's hard and damn I want a DQ bacon burger and onion rings...but not enough to through me off of this track I'm on right now.

-4 lbs total -20 lbs (whoop whoop)

Girls love pink and ponies too...

2010-01-25T20:23:00.001-08:00

It has to begin somewhere...the passion for ponies. I think mine started when I was about this age. She has a good seat don't you think.
Gotta learn to brush the ponies. Mila was very good at this job. Even a two year old can appreciate a shiny pony.
Bring her over here momma! I can get on by myself. I love this face.

Weigh In Day...

2010-01-22T09:08:00.000-08:00

So let's talk about food. I love food. Good food, and unfortunately I'm not as young as I used to be and the Good food loves me too, well it loves my thighs and my ass.

But I started this diet 3 weeks ago, and as of today I am down 16lbs. I lost 4 lbs this week. I can't say that I don't miss eating out. It really is something that I love to do with my husband. A drink and a good steak or even a REALLY good Cheeseburger and fries. Alas I was not dealt the metabolism to deal with high fat foods.

I see visions of skinny jeans and tall boots (which I already bought).

So here's to everyone with a New Years Resolution you are working so hard to keep!

Keep Moving,

Keep Motivated

and you will Keep Losing!

Wgt Loss this week -4 lbs total 16 lbs

I found IT!!

2010-01-21T15:54:00.000-08:00

TA DA...what do ya'll think? I think it's going to look fabu on Gracie. So now I totally have to get on this WL thing. It's going well. Tomorrow will be official weigh in so I'll hold off on the total.

I have to say it hasn't been easy but the Wii is a great motivator and using the FIT has been a blast.

Grace and I had a crazy ride last night with the wind howling and Gracie pulling out the Llama impersonation it wasn't overly fun. She was a ball of dynamite so I didn't push it too far.

But today was a different story the weather was beautiful and she was working the wall very well. I was relaxing in the hiney and had a good relaxed seat. Her trot is getting better and it's not as hard to keep her moving forward. We are working on her getting collected and staying collected at the trot. It's coming along.

We went out and rode in the front pasture and it was so nice! Just wandered around and saw the sites.

Looking forward to a long grooming session and ride tomorrow.

Green Horses prove you're not the rider you think you are...

2010-01-17T20:57:00.000-08:00

I have just recently REALLY started riding Gracie, and I HURT. You would think that riding a horse is simple.

Get on

Give Kick

and

your off

Oh no. It's quite an art. I am learning that first hand. My biggest issue is relaxing into the saddle, I find myself (excuse the description) puckering up and being tight through the hips, which cause me to grip with my thighs which sends mixed signals to Grace. A green horse doesn't know what your asking for, or in Gracie's case she's used to having an experienced rider guide her (our trainer) but when I get on I am not strong enough or coordinated enough to have it look effortless. We are going to be working on this A LOT.

So I will be working on riding like jello. Relaxing and disengaging my hips to rock with Gracie's rhythm instead of forcing mine. Her collection is coming along for a 3 year old I'm not expecting a lot, just a little :-)

She is learning the Western Jog NSH style. Higher head and faster than the QH peanut roll.

I found the shirt for our show and am stuck on what color, solid or pattern saddle pad/blanket to get.

Here's the shirt.

What do you think, solid Lavender or a Lavender pattered blanket? I think a Field trip the the girls is in order to find the perfect one.

I think I'm obsessing a bit but I have been waiting to do this for YEARS!

Lot's of things going on....

2010-01-16T13:13:00.000-08:00

Well I resigned from UPS after working for them for 9 years. I'll be starting a new job on the 25th. It's a weird feeling starting over but I am very excited about it. Okay more than a little excited.

I have sent off our entry for our first show. An All Breed Open Horse show to benefit The Arabian and Half Arabian Club of Oregon. Grace is entered in 5 classes. I'm a bit nervous but I've been going an watching my friends show there ponies for years now and now it's my time. If you want to come out and support us it will be at the Mt Hood Equestrian Center on March 13th.

29450 SE Lariat Ln
OR 97009

Off of 26 towards Mt. Hood.

Gracie and I will be riding in the afternoon. JP1 has been kind enough to let my oldest daughter show Star in Showmanship! I can't wait to watch her it will be quite an experience for us.

So I'm on the lookout for a show shirt and a new pad. It's actually a little overwhelming. So we have a lot of work to do in 7 weeks. And not to make it any more nerve wracking is that Gracie's breeder will be the judge.

So on to this weeks wgt loss...okay I have to admit I cheated once. And it shows in my loss for this week.

-2 lbs total -12 lbs in two weeks.

I promised myself I am not falling off the wagon again, no matter how much the Cheeseburgers call to me! I must get in show shape!

Gracies Head + My Head = Black eye

2010-01-10T19:50:00.000-08:00

So today was play day at the barn! It was awesome. The barn has an amazing group of girls to ride with.

No we didn't win anything, but that's not the point. We did the Trot Race, Egg and Spoon Race, TP race, Simon Says, Pole bending it was a Blast. Gracie enjoyed it so much!

Grace was calm as a cucumber and she did everything asked of her...now on to the black eye.

Gracie and I were pole bending...Trotting the pattern and I don't know what came over me but I being super smart decided this was the time to get this girl up into the canter. (We have never cantered, EVER) and well the stop came quicker than I expected so her head went up my ass came up and my head went down and we had a meeting of the minds. Not the good kind either.

But we survived and we didn't have an ass meet dirt moment so it's all good.

We also have a goal. We have an ALL BREED OPEN Show that we have committed to in March. We have a lot going on this year and it's looking good so far!

So as promised total wgt lost this week -10 lbs. I know good right but I have to admit I haven't been super good this weekend. It's been a bit difficult! But back on the bandwagon tomorrow. No excuses!

LOL Catz...

2010-01-06T20:12:00.000-08:00

Okay I have this cat. When I found him he was this sweet tiny, tiny, tiny kitten. He was so tiny I just couldn't leave him at the shelter knowing what his fate would be. So I took him and another little female calico home with me that day, not knowing the hell that owning a cat brings.

Sorry enough of my pity party over nasty kitty litter, putting on claw covers so that my furniture doesn't get more destroyed and the circling at dinner time...

My chicken little kitten turned into this - I sh!t you not a 31.5 lbs poop machine that doesn't really fit in the cat box anymore. He has his own Mii on the Wii Fit so we did the body test and I about died when his weight popped up, I almost died because I had to hold him for 30 seconds. Let's put this weight into perspective...our 2 year old only weighs 32 lbs.

He's so big we've had to remove the lid to the litter box because he didn't fit in the door, he actually got stuck in it and I had to pull it off of him. (Note the shoes next to him are size 12 men's burki's)

When he lays on his side kinda Jabba-ish, like a distant cousin.

His name is Porter....and he is HUGE....

P.S. I will never own another cat for the rest of my life. DOGS Rule.

Look out Longhorns here we come

2010-01-04T19:21:00.000-08:00

God I wish I took my camera with me every time I went to the barn. This past Sunday we did 2 things we have never done.

1. We ran (okay trotted) the barrel pattern in preparation for the game day coming up at the barn. It was so much fun. She did great. I don't think she has professional barrel racing in her future but she did learn the pattern pretty quickly. I learned that I need to seriously work on my balance but dang it was FUN!

And here is the biggie:

2. We rode in the big pasture OUTSIDE! Yes I finally rode Gracie outside. She was amazing nothing fazed her. We rode out with a group of gals from the barn and she was far from being herd bound or barn bound. She loved it walked out like she has been doing it for years. IT WAS what I have been waiting for for 1 1/2 years with this pony. She loved being outside and wanted to explore as much as I did.

I think we rode for like a total of 2 hours and I could barely walk when we were done but when I hopped off I swear I was walking on cloud nine.

She will be a trail horse and you know what she may even be great at it!

Don't ever let anyone tell you that a certain breed is only good for this or that..I truly believe that a horse is what you make it, and she is going to be a very well rounded horse. Our trainer has done an amazing job. I couldn't be happier!

GO US!

What will 2010 bring?

2010-01-01T11:31:00.001-08:00

Grace Wishes all of our horse com padres a very Happy New Year. May it bring many great rides and butt loads of nickers and nuzzles.

We plan on blazing many trails, getting in riding shape and the big one..wearing a pair of breaches without scaring the livestock!

This is the year that I start on my road to being a real rider. What are your goals?

Every Friday from this week on will have the weight lost for the week at the bottom of the post. I'm going to have you guys keep me honest and on track.

May your rides be long,

your poop piles small

and our horse partners Healthy

Love to you all. H. + Gracie.

Merry Christmas...Love Gracie and I

2009-12-24T08:26:00.000-08:00

Rules for a Merry Christmas I try and live by...

1. Don't get overwhelmed.

2. Enjoy the quiet moments (even if you have to hide in a closet)

3. Remember it's about family and friends (no matter how crazy they are)

4. Everyone is stressed so smile when you want to give the finger.

5. Christmas is one day....don't count calories.

6. No one will remember who gave them the snuggie.

7. And most of all remember to be good to yourself...because taking care of everyone else is hard work and we deserve that glass or two of wine and a hardy pat on the back. (and let's not forget that sparkly eyeliner we snuck in the shopping cart because a little sparkle in your stocking should make every mom happy I know it will me.)

To you and yours, Laugh as much as you breathe and Love as long as you live...

Always,

Heather and Gracie

Something happened today...

2009-12-19T19:53:00.000-08:00

That I really wish I could post about but it seems pretty controversial in the horse world and I'd rather not get into any debate.

But I wanted to say that Grace and I bonded today. It was an amazing experience that was extremely emotional at least for me.

I want to thank Cowboy Joe and my BO for probably the most amazing few minutes I have ever spent with a horse.

Too Cold to..well do just about anything.

2009-12-13T20:24:00.000-08:00

It's been so cold here the only barn time I've had is to run a kick chain up to the barn, feed an apple and head tail home.

Yes I did say kick chain.

Reason..Grace doesn't appreciate the money that was spent on her warm winter blanket and likes to kick out at the back straps. Her stall is new, new wood wall with all the amenities. The BO doesn't appreciate Graces ability to destroy the planks just because she gets a hiney tickle from the blanket straps. Plus I don't want Grace to hurt herself in one of her moments of lost sanity.

So our solution is a kick chain to give her a little kick back.

Wondering if anyone else has ever used one. I hear they work wonders. Not to expensive either.

So I hope everyone is ready for Christmas because lord knows I'm not. I should be wrapping presents as I write this but I can't seem to get motivated.

So spike your eggnog and have a great week!

For Sale...

2009-12-06T20:40:00.000-08:00

So my husband let me buy a new to me saddle..the Crates reiner of my dreams. It's lovely and so comfortable as it's already broken in. You can kind of see it in the pic above.

But on the down side I have been given the directive to sell my Circle Y. So if you know anyone looking for a Walnut 15 inch Circle Y park and trail send 'em my way.

Looks JUST Like this one. Suede seat and all. Also have matching headstall if interested.

In other news I rode Grace yesterday for the first time since the Trail show. She is doing great. Extremely responsive to the leg even starting to neck rein. Amazing. She has been out in the big pasture and seems to really enjoy riding outside of the arena. Trail riding is not just a pipe dream anymore.

Oh and the bridle issue is GONE. She was eating the bit when I tacked her up on Sat. It was so nice to have her not fight me or the bit. The mouthing of the bit is also lessening with hours. So all baby stuff that will hopefully work themselves out eventually with just a little patience.

I hope everyone is staying warm and enjoying a hot toddy, as my Great - Grandmother would say. Get those Snuggies out and don't forget one for fido!

My Christmas wish list....

2009-11-29T10:09:00.000-08:00

LuCkY HoRse sHoE NEckLace at Gypsyville. Love this...

And this hat is from the same site. Momma always Tries!

oKay I love anything thing from Gypsyville.

I am also on the hunt for the perfect purse. I know my husband thinks that one or two bags is enough but just like shoes, you can never have enough, ever.

Here is da bag....it's on the spendy side but I love anything Diamond 57 makes. I saw her stuff at a craft fair this summer and fell head over heals. She makes these gorgeous bags from cowboy boots. They are to die for. The pictures just don't do them any justice.

I have been drooling over her stuff since the first time I laid eyes on them. Any of them would work. I'm not picky when it comes to these bags!

This one is another favorite.

Oh and one last thing. A new saddle blanket. Just because they are purty.

I really liked this one since it kinda looks like flames.

And this show blanket is gorgeous too..

I just love the colors.

Oh well, this is my wish list. Everyone should have one.

Before and after. A year can do a body good.

2009-11-28T18:35:00.000-08:00

Grace the day I brought her home a little over a year ago. Big grass belly and messed up mane, needing some TLC and some training. She had just turned 2.

Hubba Hubba look at her now. She has really grown up and has turned into a really great partner, or should I say the partner she is turning into, with patience, love and a lot of money ;-). I have never owned a young horse and it has been an amazing experience. I would do it again in a heartbeat. (although my husband might have something to say about that)
Pics by Velocity Shots.

Where's Gracie?? Can YOU find her?

2009-11-24T17:37:00.000-08:00

Can you see her? That's her splitting the cows...IN THE PASTURE...Can you believe it? She loved chasing the cows! She went out in the BIG pasture today for the first time and did GREAT!

This one is a little harder to see...her but she was having a great time.

Grace did fantastic. I was so proud of her and and very excited about her progress. Her trainer is doing great things with her...especially since she is a QH trainer and this is her first NSH that she has ever trained. I think they are both learning a lot from one another.

Tomorrow is the big day for our photo shoot. Gracie had spa day today....hair cut and shave...and the dreaded bath. When ever I worry about something she always shocks me...she did great with the clippers on her bridle path. What an amazing horse she is turning into.

It's not whether you win or loose....

2009-11-23T14:30:00.000-08:00

So we did our first show this past Sunday. It was a benefit for a someone with cancer. Judged Trail Classes..

Now before I give you how we did in the standings let me explain the pattern...

1. Big Bridge (HUGE!)

2. Soccer, okay this was pushing a Pilate's ball from - here to - here.

3. Trot the polls

4. Grain bucket with grain sitting on big blue barrel of death

5. Take Grain bucket and dump into Grain tray that is sitting on a noisy paper bag

6. Take treat from lady's hand that is sitting with open umbrella.

7. Grab flag and trot, stop and bring big floppy flag back

Okay so we did in hand, all of the above. She did great well at least I thought she did. I was a little shocked at our low ranking here. But out of 15 horses she placed 13th. But we did it and there was no silly business. It was a lot of fun.

Now the Jr. Horse.....Big Bridge pass....kicking ball uh not so much, Trot poles did well, by passed 4 and 5, did awesome at the umbrella didn't want to leave (mooch), and we by passed the flag.

So we came in dead last...5 out of 5. But that's not the point the point is that we did it and had fun! We did win one of the raffle drawings - a lesson with Cowboy Joe! I can see a new post in the making!

So it was well worth the time and $$ Helping a good cause and spending some quality time with my Horsie girlfriends. Plus I am so proud of Grace. She handled it like a champ.

Look out world here we come..everyone starts somewhere.

Better late than never...

2009-11-20T21:47:00.001-08:00

I finally sent in Gracie's papers. I've had them sitting up on my desk for over a year...finally sent them off and she is officially mine.

I am officially a member of the AHA, received my member number and everything. Don't know what that means but it must be good. Right? I can buy some flashy rhinestone hats off of the AHA official site after you sign in. I think that makes it all worthwhile.

So Yeah me and Grace!

Other Fur Friends

2009-11-19T21:22:00.000-08:00

Just for fun....this Amber she is a Hell Cat. She is not too happy about me interrupting her nap to get a quick picture. Well to be honest she really isn't too happy about much of anything.
This is Abby. She is also non to happy about me interrupting her daily nap to get a picture.

I am really looking forward to this weekend. Sunday is the Benefit Trail Show. We may just tack up and make huge fools out of ourselves, but I'm okay with that. It's all good fun.

America's Next Top Equine Model...Auditions..episode 1

2009-11-17T18:35:00.000-08:00

GRACE......Super Model in the making

The Action Shot....umm just warming up....she was worried she looked a little fat.
Profile pic with the always flirtatious pout (check out that lower lip)
The full body shot....SEXY....Check out those legs....the other girls at the barn love to hate Grace for these assets.
The artsy shot....B&W's are always so flattering.

And the money shot....this one is "THE" one...Cover girl! She has made the cut and will be grooming for her shot in the spotlight next week! If these are any indication of her potential as a Super Model....She's a shoe in!

Stay tuned...America's next Top Model Equine Edition coming soon....

2009-11-15T11:14:00.000-08:00

I can not wait...next week Gracie and I have a photo shoot scheduled, time for a good clip and bath to get camera ready.

I went to a party at a friends house a couple of weeks ago and she had some stunning shots of her and her horse...large framed prints that were just amazing.

So I said...'T, who did these pics of you and Paisley, they are beautiful'

T says...'Well I know someone who is starting up and she only charges $80 bucks for the sitting and the CD with all of the photo's....'

I almost immediately called Jen and scheduled out photo shoot. Now mind you I haven't even had professional pics of my two year old sweet baby girl taken..

But as you can see from most of my pics on the blog when I ask Gracie to pose she thinks I'm asking for a Mule impersonation. No Grace be elegant...more Mule....Gracie please look statuesque and feminine....more Mule...

So I will for sure be updating out banner pic and if you are interested in your pony being a contestant..I will for sure pass on Jen's info.

Gracie the National Show 'Cow' horse...

2009-11-12T13:55:00.000-08:00

As you all know Grace is in training at a Cutting barn...I know silly for a NSH but then again she's not in training for cutting the trainer is also an amazing trail trainer...just getting a good base put on Gracie...

So I thought this was funny.

She's in training to get ready for trail season next year, so our BO (who is her trainer) noticed she had some interest in the training flag she uses on her cutting horses. It looks like this -

Work that flag Grace....from what I hear she did great. Who knew a SB would like to chase things, like scary white flappy flags. She will eventually be put on a real cow just to see how she does and keep her mind active.

Next week l start having a lesson a week on Grace which I am very excited about because I haven't been able to ride her since she's started training. I didn't want to confuse her with my greenie ways. Time for me to get serious about some things, like the dirty 'D' word (Diet). I need to gain some strength in my legs and since I'm doing that I might as well drop a couple of dress sizes...

So there's a lot going on at the barn..a Charity Trail Class show for a kid that needs heart surgery. I think it will be a ton of fun it will be Gracie's first show. I think we are going to do In Hand Trail and Jr. Horse. Wish us luck. There will also be a bake sale and raffle. I'm pretty excited about it.

Then Drill is starting up at the barn. The barn is a busy place these days. Although I've been kind of avoiding it this week after Sundays SB conversation. Better to stay away then say something I'll regret later.

It's the breed....

2009-11-08T19:48:00.000-08:00

Did you know that all Saddlebred and Saddlebred cross's,

1. Continuously play with the bit

2. Spook unpredictably

3. Kick in there stalls

4. Don't like their blankets

5. Are flighty

6. Can't be trail horses

7. Can only do English, without a mountain of extra training.

8. Eat their Hay funny

Well from my limited experience the fact that "The Breed" is crazy can be said for just about any breed. I know that Grace is different from the other horses in the barn..and I know that she can be spirited, she is only 3 after all. I have faith that she will blaze trails with me in the future, that's why she's in training. Not for me to be told that she will never be perfect. Is any horse perfect? Can any horse spook unpredictably? Sure...are Grace and I both Green? You bet. But I plan on sticking this partnership out. She'll be exposed to various different things, trails, some open shows, some play days..and I think that will make her a better all around horse in the long run.

She's in training till the beginning of the year. To get miles on her and get her to move out and learn baby lessons that I can't teach her.

I don't expect her to be a seasoned trail horse but I hope that she has gained some confidence and will have a great foundation to build on.

I do wish that people with opinions would sometimes keep them to themselves..especially when it comes to breed prejudice.

Oh for example...today I went out to watch Gracie's workout and the BO also had her pad-a-wan out working one of the QH's...and they decided to work on the dreaded "taking off of the windbreaker while mounted" well here is when the BO would think that the SB cross would flip a gasket and loose her mind..but wouldn't you know the SB cross had 1/8th of the freak out that the QH did... It must be the breed....Gracie even had the jacket over her head and did just fine! (wish I had a picture of that one)

Just needed to vent...P.S. I love the breed...quirks and all

Gracie goes to the Dentist...

2009-11-02T19:33:00.000-08:00

Or the Dentist comes to Grace..as the case may be. So she's been refusing the bit again and it was time for a float anyway so her vet came out tonight and she had two caps (baby teeth) and an actual front baby tooth that was loose any way.

So I'm hoping that this is part of the reason she's been such a snot lately when it comes to taking the bit.

The BO has started working with her, I heard that she let out a little buck when she was actually asked to work, and was being a very naughty 3 year old until she figured out she wasn't going to get her way.

I'll keep you posted on her progress. She will be a trail horse! We don't call her the money pit for nothin'.

She swings both ways....

2009-10-19T20:17:00.000-07:00

Here is my baby...Look how purty she is with her English garb on. Okay so she's not fully dressed the girth was a little too short. But the BO assistant came to the rescue with one that actually fit. I took a little video on my phone but we'll see how that comes out.

So as you can see she swings both English and Western...probably would prefer English but Mom prefers Western and Mom pays the bills so I win.

Don't get me wrong someday soon I would love to hop up in that English saddle and try it out. I think I might have my trainer try her out in her English gear this weekend maybe. We have a lesson planned for Sat at noon.

So anyway just wanted to show Grace off.....Just Beautiful if I do say so myself!

A little help from your friends...

2009-10-14T21:57:00.000-07:00

This week we had a couple of great rides at the barn...okay it was a fantastic night! Grace was LAZY...LAZY....LAZY. She didn't want to go faster than a slow crawl if that. I don't know who's horse this is.

I did get some insight though I talked to the owner of one of her half sisters and she told me that the line gets calmer and calmer the older they get and by 4 which is how old her mare, Ellie, is she is super laid back and easy going. So who knows there maybe hope for Grace yet.

So anyway..I'm clucking and bumping and clucking and bumping and nadda, zilch, no response...So BBFF says here try my dressage whip...I'm like uh no..YOU try the dressage whip. So she hops on and bump, nothing, Cluck, nope, and TAP Oh yeah sister we mean business. And we are off to the races!! So she goes a few rounds, hops off and I hop back up and we we are off.

A good couple of circles at a good forward trot and OH SHIT there is something loud and scary outside in the dark (aka the BO's hubby moving hay or the moo cow bellowing or both at the same time) and the dreaded spook that I've been waiting for happened...But hold onto your hats...I rode it out...okay it wasn't that bad but Grace took off on me scooted to the right and then it was over....to be honest it was bound to happen sooner or later and it was a great confidence booster for me. I gained control of her almost as soon as she lost it.

Oh and I forgot to tell you that while we were trotting around the arena at a good clip I sat back picked up the reins and I swear we had a sliding stop...I am not joking. It was amazing. Not bad for a NSH, right.

So on to today...

I invited myself to the Canby Tack Sale with JP1 and we both scored some pretty awesome stuff...I'll grab pics of it when I get out to the barn with the camera. A couple of my favorite buys are...

1 gallon HealthyCoat Supplement $12 (normally $36)

and

Breast collar...$5

Had a blast...Went to the barn cleaned it up...wanted to try it on the Money Pit but she was out in the down pour and soaking wet. So maybe we'll try it out tomorrow.

Yet another weekend NO pony time.

2009-10-11T20:41:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to vent...

BBFF and a bunch of other gals went on a super long trail ride today....can I just say how jealous I am. I board at a beautiful barn with hours of trails that I have yet to take advantage of.

Why you ask...well see the post from a couple of days ago.

But I swear if I could have gotten out today I would have gone....true story.

I have a lot going on this week...trying to catch up on the work I missed being out for 3 days last week, BBFF's birthday Dinner (happy birthday darling!!), my 4th wedding anniversary (I love you sweetheart!!), trying to get out to ride this week, oh and lets not forget the pumpkin patch and more soccer.

I'm tired already and I think I deserve a Mojito. So there.

Great Horse for sale if interested....

2009-10-10T18:51:00.001-07:00

http://esteembootedme.shutterfly.com/

Click on the link above to check out Charm...Great family horse. If I had the funds I would snatch her up in a second....

Hmmm maybe JM will just let me borrow her for a while ;-)

Finding my riding Mojo....

2009-10-09T20:15:00.000-07:00

Okay so we have all established that I am a green rider....I mean I've ridden since I was 10 off and on...more off then on. Do you remember when you were a kid riding and you had no fear.

I rode my friends horses because my mom raised me pretty much as a single mom and we didn't have a ton of extra money. Especially money for a pony and all the stuff that goes along with owning a horse.

I remember the first horse I ever rode. He was a palomino snow cap Appy. (I didn't know what that was and really didn't care) His name was Sunny. I also didn't know how exceptional he was back then. (Ahh the things we know now) He was my best friends sisters horse, she had moved on to boys and cars so Sunny wasn't being used much until I came along.

(OT, My BFF was madly in love with Micheal Jackson, I was into Duran Duran lot's of hours belting out Wild Boys and Billy Jean in her hay loft)

I didn't know how to do a butterfly knot so it was just easier to ride bareback...we rode all over the Amboy hills..logging trails to the reservoir, up Mt. Tum Tum (yes that was the name of the MT.) We rode to the corner store, jumped chains that had no trespassing signs hanging from them to get to logging roads, raced in the pastures, had not a care in the world.

I remember the first time my mom saw me on a horse galloping up the driveway, I don't know how she let me ride off after that...no helmet, no saddle, just my hands tangled in his mane and reins. I can still feel that adrenaline rush. Thank you Sunny for giving me such amazing memories.

Oh and my second Cousins horse Richard, yes his name was Richard, my aunt would always say you can ride him if you can catch him. God I hated that horse...he was fun to ride but I swear I spent more time chasing him around than I ever did riding him. I always had to have at LEAST an hours head start on my friends if I was riding him that day. He was a show horse....I think that means he was used for 4-H.

I want just a quarter of that fearlessness back.

I will find it. It's just taking time, the more I ride the more comfortable I become....I am slowly building up that confidence. Grace and I did ride in the outdoor and it was great...it was a little hard riding a giraffe since the nosey moo cows came over to gawk at us. Grace wasn't very impressed with them, but it was one step closer to taking her out in the open pasture.

Skeerdy horse....

2009-10-01T21:09:00.000-07:00

This was what my mare looked like tonight...(she is 1/2 Saddlebred you know, with a neck to Jesus).

With all the Skeery dark corners and the BO training her cutting horses with the mechanical BIG horse eating Flag that makes the far dark corner of the arena the "Hells to the NO I'm not going there, I don't care what you say" place, because of the pulley that makes sounds that remind Grace of the Horse Eating Tiger that lives in her nightmares...

She actually did pretty well considering doing most every thing I asked with little resistance, even though she was on high alert.

She was very conscientious of me being on her back..Her trot is getting better and more consistent.

I already miss summer and the riding in the daylight. So every night when I say my prayers I pray that they put lights in the arena SOON. Using only half of the arena with 3 or 4 horses just isn't very fun...I'm too worried about where all the other horses are and what they are doing instead of focusing on how Grace is moving.

All in all a good night at the barn. I need to get more focused and have more of a plan when I ride. She needs to be learning something every time we ride. I like to make myself feel better by saying that just exposing her to the skeery stuff is good enough but really I need to have a plan.

I need to get a lesson set up and soon...

Didn't want to but...I'm glad I did

2009-09-29T21:40:00.000-07:00

So I went to the barn in the rain and cold tonight. I haven't been in about a week and Grace was FRESHY Fresh! She always seems put out when I haven't seen her in a while, I did not miss you lady...now where is my cookie then maybe we can be friends again.

So we do some grooming..her mane is getting crazy long and she looks fantastic..she needs to put some muscle on but her weight is back up from when she was having her growth spurt a month or so ago. She just looks Big! She's starting to fill out more and not look quite so leggy. Her winter coat is coming in so I'm putting off blanketing as long as possible.

So off we go to the arena...it's dark and there are only 2 florescent lights in the arena and so there are spooky shadows and horse eating monsters hiding in every corner.

We lunged and my god I didn't know what devil horse I had brought with me, scary corner Buck, ohh somethings going to eat me Buck, just because I can Buck, scary corner again Buck..She never really relaxed and my confidence to ride was waining...mind you I haven't ridden her in about a week.

But my BBFF was also riding her mare and said and I quote "Man up woman and ride your horse" so I did...and she was perfect. We just wandered around and watched BBFF ride her pony and hung out in the lighted half of the arena.

When Grace has a rider she is so calm and open to learn it truly is such an interesting transformation from a skeerdy cat pony to a calm and trusting riding partner.

Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda....

2009-09-27T21:08:00.000-07:00

I shoulda found time to get to the barn this weekend...

If I woulda found the time to get to the barn I had big plans since the weather was so great here in the Pacific NW. Ride in the pasture, maybe a bath for the money pit since she looks so shiny when she's clean (and I LOVE Shiny, just ask anyone who knows me).

I probably coulda planned my weekend better but...I'm not good with time management.

So Grace has been living the life of the pasture princess for a few days. Life is hectic. Does it ever slow down.

I really need to figure out this time crunch thing. I hope the BO gets the rest of the lights up in the arena since dusk is coming earlier and earlier....and Grace is literally afraid of her own shadow, and it will be dark before I even get home from work soon, let alone by the time I get to the barn, groom, tack, lunge and mount up.

Oh well next week will be better.

Best Horse Quote I have ever seen....

2009-09-23T20:25:00.000-07:00

"It is the difficult horses that have the most to give you."

- Lendon Gray

I saw this quote on this blog 'Cass the Amazing Arabian' today. I think I'll have this embroydered on all of Gracie's Sheets, Blankets, Stall plate...you get the picture.

Thanks Cass, I needed the reminder.

She isn't named Grace because she's Graceful...Yet.

2009-09-23T18:52:00.001-07:00

So I think I posted a long time ago about how Gracie got her name...she came with the name JoJo. I just didn't want to leave the barn every night and head for Freddies Deli section, so I went on the hunt for a new name..She was a gangly tall two year old who and no control over her feet and would trip while in a strait line on flat ground...or nick her self here and there...I don't think there has ever had a full coat of hair. One of her latest having her hide scraped off a little on the hind legs after rolling too close to the fence and getting herself tangled up. (that was just after the hair grew back from the gross fungus she had when the heat wave hit)

So any who when I got the call from the BO on Sat I wasn't shocked when she told me that Grace had punctured herself...it's on the right side of the jaw line. Scared me a bit because this is worse than the other boo boo's she's given herself. They have patrolled the pasture and can't find anything that would have caused this...

So thank god the BO was a vet tech in a past life...so she shaved the wound, flushed it out, made sure she was able to eat and drink, took her temp, gave her a shot of penicillin (had one a day or 3 days) and kept her inside to make sure it didn't get dirty.

Good lord, young horses. So I wonder what the next trauma will be...crossing my fingers it's minor...

I don't know if I posted about the battle over bridling that has started to happen. She has decided that having a bit in her mouth is overrated...the battle has been epic...but when you can't win bring in the big guns....I know I've said it a lot but having a BO that is also a horse trainer who doesn't mind stepping up and helping out when the chips are down is a god send.

She has been putting her bridle on while she's eating for me and working with that Right ear issue And Voila!!

She was a different horse last night..not overly hot didn't get excited over the electronic cow (Cutting barn) and it was nice..oh and did I mention there was NO lunging before mounting...Hell's to the Yeah!! We are making progress. (the only con to that was I forgot to get off and tighten the cinch and the saddle was a little loose on the dismount)

Oh and note to self...make appt with vet..she has two large baby teeth bumps on the jawline..so I want to have those checked out and get the float and biannual shots.

So all is good in Graceland.....

BTW have I ever told you how much I enjoy the way she turns her head and rests it on my shoulder while I groom her...It truly is one of my happy places...

I think if I can get out to ride this weekend we will try to hit the pasture...it's just been getting to dark during the week (Summer is definitely over)

Summer of Grace....

2009-09-14T20:37:00.000-07:00

So much has happened in the last two months. I have been riding at least twice a week..YES...Riding Grace. She is amazing under saddle..very responsive and so soft in the mouth, She stands still at the mounting block and is so eager to work.

We have a few issues. When I say we, I mean Grace and I both have issues we need to work through.

Let's start with Gracie's issues.

She randomly pulls back when tied..and I'm talking broken lead ropes, ties pulled out of the wall you know the crappy scary shit. She doesn't do it all the time..some days she perfect. Then she'll break two leads in an evening. I wish I new what triggered it because then I could stop it before it happened. Someone told me it's a young horse thing....god I hope so. I have put her back in a rope halter (no snaps) and she has had quite a few dates with the ties in the arena.

Some other things that have come and gone in her behavior over the summer

RUNNING from me when she is out to pasture. Okay this is a deal breaker for me. I HATE chasing a pony in pasture. I don't know what was up her ass for a while but this seems to have passed (only lasted about a week or two) She now greets me at the gate....Like a good money burner should do.

She had some nasty skin fungus for a couple of weeks during the heat wave but that has cleared itself up.

She's growing again, butt high and gangly. I swear this pony will top out over 16 H. She is going to be a big elegant horse in a couple of years. Dressage anyone.....

Okay onto my issues.

I'm scared to take her out of the arena...our BO has taken her out to the pasture a couple of times with no issues. She's an angel in the arena....what the hell am I so nervous about. I'm a good rider. How do I get over this fear. I know she would be fine, but I don't want my nerves to rub off onto her and have my anxiety cause an accident.

I had a lesson with my old trainer and she made me feel great...I have another planned soon and I hope to talk to her about my issue...maybe gain some lost confidence and move out of the arena for at least one or two rides before the weather takes a dump and we are stuck inside anyway.

I've had thoughts of trading her for one of those "Dependable" stock type horses...but I just can't seem to follow through. I know this horse has so much potential. I think I just need patience and to go slow for both of our sakes...but we WILL do this partner thing. And if I hear "It's just the Breed" one more time....

New pics coming soon!! Stay tuned.

Parade...I go to see the Horses...

2009-07-10T15:42:00.000-07:00

Okay so the picture below I just thought was funny..it's for vacation bible school. Notice the dinosaur on the float? Evolution and Vacation Bible School...huh interesting concept for marketing.

Okay I have learned to respect horses and their training. Until you own a green horse you will never know the work that goes into getting the horse so trusting that it will follow this, a motorcycle doing burn outs....on a street lined with people waving silly balloons and blowing annoying horns...
These Percheron's were beautiful. They were had two youngsters ponied on the back of the wagon..it's amazing how big these animals are...Lovely animals. I do have to say there was a grey Percheron that came before these loveys and she was obviously lame on the left front. Had the tell tale head bob going on and the off step up front. But she was a trooper and was pulling her cart doing her job...wanting to please. I love Drafts!
Here are a couple Rodeo queens...not parade is a parade with out a few of these. The paint was a lovely horse!!
And here is the Mollola Rodeo Queen..very pretty girl and her horse was turned out beautifully. In the parade before these horses was a white dove that was on long sticks with a billowy tail up in the air about 15 feet.. Again the training that goes into getting these horses to accept these crazy situations is baffling to me...and I take my hat off to the people doing all the work!!
This paint gelding was not really overly pleased to be in the parade...he was giving his rider a little bit of trouble. Watching these horsemen though you would never know that there was anything going on if you didn't know what the horses posture was truly saying. The gentleman riding the nice sorrel gelding was great at getting the paint to pay attention to his mount. He had obviously been there done that before!
It was a beautiful night and all I can say is it would have been perfect if I hadn't felt like absolute dog SH!T. Summer colds suck and I wouldn't wish them on my worst enemy if I had one.

My husband is teasing me...with Someday...

2009-07-06T21:25:00.000-07:00

With RLMS listings of homes in the area with horse property...the cost of property in our area is crazy cheap...at least compared to what it was when we bought our house 3 years ago...for an extra 60g's we could have purchased a nice home on at least 5 acres....AT LEAST!!

I don't even want to think about the dive in equity our home has taken in the last few months...

He sent me a listing for a gorgeous farmhouse...barn, remodeled kitchen...ah someday..When DH and I first met we had so many "Someday's"

We have seen so many of the "Someday's" that we dreamed about when we first started dating..

Someday we would move out of our crappy little two bedroom apartment...

Someday we'll have nice cars again (Divorce can be brutal)

Someday we'll get married...

Someday he'll have that motorcycle he's always wanted..

Someday I'll have my dreamhorse...

All of those somedays have come to pass....and they have been amazing!

Someday we will own property and I will be able to look out off of my back porch and see Grace grazing with pony's we have adopted for our kids...

What is your Someday?

My happy Place...

2009-07-04T13:36:00.001-07:00

I have to start this off by saying I am the exhausted mother of 4 children...2 from a previous marriage..a 12 year old Daughter and a 8 year old son..my husbands 8 year old daughter from a previous marriage and our unexpected piece of sunshine our almost two year old daughter....So needless to say my life can get crazy and with out the never ending support of my Fantastic husband this super expensive hobby of mine would not be possible...so all you mothers out there that are also horse crazy women...give the support systems in your life a big standing Ovation..without mine my horse dreams would not be possible!

This morning I decided to head out to the barn early, the weather here in the PNW has been crazy hot..so I hopped in the pick up. Turned on the Country music..I think there was a Carrie Underwood song playing, rolled down the windows and hit the road. It was like a Norman Rockwell painting....people waving as they were walking there was a nice older couple out for a stroll on the country road..big smiles and a nice "Good Mornin"

Freshly cut hay bailed and ready for stacking...amazing.

Grace always seems happy to see me...she greets me in her stall and nickers if I don't greet her before getting our gear de'jour out. She is off of Super 14 right now and started on Healthy Coat... it has made her coat smooth and oh so glossy she looks amazing!!! I think it may also be helping with her tail rubbing issue.

Anyway...no one was out at the barn so I decided to man up and ride alone...I was going to use my new Circle Y saddle that I just traded my show saddle for but realized I need an Off Billet...Coastal here we come.

The new trail saddle is a 12 year old Circle Y Park and Trail. It is in fantastic shape. I never would have guessed it to be a 1997 model. It looks JUST LIKE THIS..

with a perfect amount of wear..anyway it was a great trade I think..I'll get some real pics once I get it on her for a ride.

But back to my day...so anyway I manned up and mounted with no one in the arena or holding Grace. She did perfect...she didn't move a muscle, flex left, flex right...and off we go. It was great...walk this way, walk that way..trot off, Whoa...the Buffalo did give her a more of a spook today than on past encounters...but otherwise not one issue. She seems to enjoy our rides and is extremely tolerant and patient with me.

Our next step is to leave the comfort of the arena and head out into the wild blue yonder..or in our case just meander around the barn just to see how she does.

I put her out to pasture when we were done and I even got the over the shoulder "See Ya" as I was leaving...this horse is just so special.

Equitrekking....some day....

2009-07-03T14:22:00.000-07:00

http://www.equitrekking.com/

This is a fantastic show on OPB that my DH records for me every week...she travels all over the world and rides with locals to check out the local sites and some great markets etc..

Since I've been watching this show I have decided that someday I would love to ride in Ireland, Eastern Canada and believe it or not Turkey...They have some lovely Arabians that I would love to do some trekking on.

If you love to travel and would love to ride while your traveling you should definitely check this out.

So when I win the lottery don't come looking for me I'll be out Equitrekking!!

So my question to you is, if you were going Equitrekking...where would you go?

Coming home...

2009-06-25T14:50:00.000-07:00

Well tomorrow is a big day for Grace and for me.

Grace is getting moved to her new home. Star is already there and waiting for her, they will be neighbors once again. Grace will get pasture turn out and I can't wait for her to be a horse again..no more mud or sand turn out. Good ole' pasture and other mare friends for her! She will love it.

It's a big day for me because I will be taking on her training on my own. I mean I will have the BO there and I'm hoping to get her to take Grace out on the trails for me...just to see how she does.

But first things first...I need to get on her on my own with no help. I am actually very excited about this next step in our horse/rider relationship. She is a great horse and has a lot to learn probably as much as I do. I don't want to undo all the work Stacey put on her. Cross your fingers for me! I'll be reading constantly!!!

I moved my things out of Cedar Creek Stables yesterday. It was bittersweet...CC was a great barn with great owners. Probably the first barn I've felt welcomed at and loved the facility (with a few exceptions, turnout, trails you know the fantastic perks at ER) So if you need a great barn with a great arena CC is the place to be!!!

Vacation is almost over and it will be back to the work grind. My step-daughter is here from Vegas and we have a full house....the barn is my quiet place. (right now the kids are screaming at each other why can't they listen...and just get along)

More tomorrow after the move....Ernst Ranch here we come!

Dreams of Inside Rein, Outside Leg....

2009-06-19T19:19:00.001-07:00

I've had two super amazing lessons on Grace this week. She is AMAZING...but I'm learning to ride all over again. No neck reining..learning to Really use my legs and hands together. Patience..and repetition.

Our lesson starts with me just getting in the saddle...bend right, bend left...(let me tell you my horse is Gumby..so flexible it's insane) then we are off...She is trotting well on command and seems to really enjoy the work.

I can tell you that I have been on some horses that I just always feel tense on. I have not once gotten that feeling from Grace. Trust me I do not have a false sense of security I know she is green and I can appreciate though how easy it is to teach her something new and how accepting she is.

Basics I'll need to remember for my green horse...

Inside Rein, kept level with the horn, do not pull down...

Outside leg...light pressure for turning (with inside rein)

"Whoa", sit back, pull back reins, light heel pressure = stop and two to three steps back.

So much technique when teaching a greenie....and I love every minute of it..All of the basics that you forget when you ride a seasoned horse. Oh and did I mention how sore I am. Not riding for a year means that you have to remind your muscles what they are supposed to do!

Looking forward to my next ride on MY horse!

Educating myself...

2009-06-10T20:04:00.000-07:00

So now I'm obsessed with learning about working with a green horse. Reading everything I can get my hands on, watching video, reading blogs...

So if you have any good advice (such as wearing a helmet) I would love to hear it! I am so excited about getting back out to the barn and working with Grace again.

Last night when I was in the saddle it literally took my breath away. Who knew that owning a young horse could be so rewarding..all the hours of ground work paid off.

I know there will be trials and tribulation with a young, green horse but I think she has a great, willing mind.

Just think of all the trails we will blaze and the fun we will have...if she doesn't kill me first!

I DID IT!!! Still can't believe it.

2009-06-09T20:40:00.000-07:00

I rode Grace tonight...I know it looks like I'm just sitting on her but I swear I rode her around the arena just ask BBFF she was there! It couldn't have been better, the tiny training saddle was perfect, the dusty old arena was perfect...everything was perfect! Okay I could be thinner and these pics are total motivation to drop the weight so that I don't kill my pony..but for those 15 minutes I was KING OF THE WORLD!!

I was so excited Stacey had to keep reminding me to breathe...It wasn't because I was scared or nervous it was because I was EXHILARATED!! It was an amazing moment for me. A dream I've had since I brought her home.

She hasn't yet offered to buck or show any signs that she isn't willing to work or accept a rider.

Truly amazing. Tonight was only her second time with a rider. I never in my wildest dreams thought that I would be on her back.

Oh and I almost forgot..When Stacey was riding her she got her up into a trot..just like that. Like she's been doing it for YEARS!

What an amazing night!

P.S Thanks JP (the best BBFF ever) for taking the pics and for being there for our first of may rides together!!

SHE DID IT!!!

2009-06-08T20:58:00.001-07:00

So today I received this on my Cell phone...

What is that on Gracie's back? Three guesses...come on...you can do it...

Horse blanket? Nope...

Bareback pad? Nope...

Its a REAL LIFE SADDLE!!

And then I got this one..it just gets better...

Stacey then sent me a text that said Gracie isn't a Virgin pony anymore....she took her first ride around the arena TWICE..you GO GIRL!

So tomorrow night I will be going out to the barn to get that rain check on watching the trainer work Grace...I don't want to get my hopes up again but I'm feelin' good about it.

I went out and lunged her tonight and she is getting much better with my cues. She is also doing well with in hand bridle work..she is amazing.

Come on everyone Give Gracie a hand!!

We are MOVING!!

2009-06-06T21:03:00.001-07:00

So my BBFF decided she needed more room to stretch Stars legs and as you all know have grown very fond of her. So when she started telling me about the Barn I thought..hey I need to check this place out.

After meeting with the barn owner and touring the facility's I knew I had to go too..

The new barn has miles of trails...and yes I know it's a QH barn but they have an on site trainer...who can train Gracie on the trails and I'll never be bored...I'll feel like a 12 year old again.

It was really hard to say good-bye to Cedar Creek as they have the prettiest barn I have ever seen and they took superb care of Grace...I just wanted/needed an on site trainer and the trail riding is an added bonus. Plus the digs aren't to shabby.

Check em out..

http://www.ernstranch.com/about_er.html

Oh and did I mention they have turn out..lots of pasture turn out. Grace will be in heaven once she comes home from training at Riggs barn.

So that's the news.

Oh and I still haven't heard any news on Grace. I'm going to go check on her tomorrow...

Sorry no go...

2009-06-04T18:38:00.001-07:00

I'm not sure what is going on with Grace right now as I haven't heard from the her trainer, can you say frustrating...because I sure can!! I would love to have a daily update..via e-mail or whatever.

I understand that people are busy but I kinda feel like something once in a while that isn't me calling and feeling like I'm super annoying would be great.

I'm new to this training thing so I'm not sure what I should be expecting..maybe I'm expecting too much..what do you think?

Anyhoo, I wasn't able to see Gracie's first ride yesterday. I didn't hear from her trainer (she was supposed to call me when she was getting ready to work Grace) so I sent her a text. The one I got back did not make me a happy camper as I was soooo looking forward to seeing Gracie's first ride! I won't be able to see her under saddle now until next Tuesday.

But I will take tons of pictures when I go!

We have some other things in the works for Gracie and I...I'll tell you about them later! It's going to be awesome!!

She'll be a rider...

2009-06-02T20:31:00.000-07:00

I spoke to Grace's trainer today. She has progressed so far already.

She was backed last week..Bareback. She did Great!

She was saddled and backed today. She did Great!

So tomorrow she will be saddled, backed and moved forward for her very first ride. I plan on being there and taking tons and tons of pictures.

I really can't believe how fast she is progressing...I guess I didn't know what to expect. She really does love to work and has a great mind.

I was also pleased to know that before she leaves the training barn I will get to ride her. I have been waiting almost a year to ride this mare...and I CANNOT wait!

JP came out to give some support tonight. I really appreciated it, she has been a great BBFF!!!

So tune in tomorrow for pictures from the Barn...

Momma is having a hard time...

2009-05-27T20:39:00.000-07:00

I am trying not to call every half hour..I only called once today to see how she was doing. When I talked to Stacey she let me know that Grace was tied for a couple hours today...which I guess is good for her since she has A.D.D. and always has a hard time standing tied. She got a little nervous (I'm guessing Stacey isn't tell me the whole story, about how minor issue was) when the sprinklers came on in the arena and when a few new horses were unloaded.

I resisted the urge to call back this afternoon and see what else was worked on today. I'm a freak I know I want to know everyday what was worked on and how she handled it.

So after work I couldn't wait to get out to the barn and spend a few minutes with her. I know she's a horse but I want her to know that just because her environment has changed, I'll still be there. She looked great and was super affectionate. She left her food and came over to give me a cuddle. I know it's going to be really good for her and I put a lot of my emotions on her so maybe I think if it was me being sent somewhere new it would be scary and nerve racking and I put that on her...she probably only cares if she gets fed twice a day and that her grain gets dumped somewhere in her stall..

I have to remind myself that it's only 30 days.....

Gracie goes to school

2009-05-26T15:22:00.000-07:00

Today was the big day.

Grace went to Riggs Training to be started. I was a nervous wreck.

I got to the barn early so I was able to give her a good grooming from top to bottom and also just to spend some time with her.

I brushed her out and gave her a spray of Eqyss Marigold Fly Spray..

I love this stuff. It smells so good and works great. A little spendy but I can spay her face and not worry about it bothering her.

Then I wrapped her legs with her super fantastic flame leg wraps, you know because her reg name is Light Affire..

We then loaded into the trailer. It went fine she loaded like a champ and off we went. I followed behind and heard Gracie HOLLERING!! She was not happy to be in the trailer. But the ride went fine with the small exception of the constructions stop we had to make the trailer was rocking like crazy. When we got moving again she was fine.

We got to Riggs and she unloaded a little sweaty but it was a short ride so it wasn't too bad. She got settled into her new stall, and I unloaded all of her crap..supplement bags and stuff. She is in for a rude awakening I think. I'm kind of a push over and I don't think that Stacy puts up with any crap. I'll need some training too...

So we'll see how far she gets in 30 days...I'll follow up with pics since I forgot the camera this morning in my rush to get to the barn.

You hear so many training barn horror stories...I just cross my fingers that I chose a good one. I have heard nothing good things about Stacy Riggs. Let's just hope Gracie behaves!!

Meet the neighbors!

2009-05-15T20:11:00.000-07:00

Meet some of Gracie's friends..here is Kenya and Teddy. Kenya's (the seal brown pony) mom is training her to be a trail horse. She bought her for a song..she's the granddaughter of the famous Zips Chocolate Chip. Pleasure horse that looks like a halter horse..sweet sweet girl who has come a long way...

The sweet looking paint is Teddy. Our BO leases him as her riding horse, he is trained to the hilt and is soo pretty to watch move. BO has quite a few horses but none that she can ride, so Teddy was lucky enough to come to the barn and spend some time with us..

And meet the newest member of the Barn family...this little cutie is Honey. Her mommy went a month overdue with this peach! She is Mustang/QH. One of the prettiest red dun babies I have ever seen. She is just so pretty and super friendly. Makes you almost want to have one...but then you remember how long it takes for them to grow up!!
And last but not least I had to throw in a picture of my sweet girl. She leaves for Kindergarten a week from Tues. It's very scary to send your pony off to school, she'll still be close but she will be away from her BBFF for the first time since I've owned her and I tend to giver her emotions that she most likely doesn't really have, but I still worry about her being a happy adjusted horse.

I hope she's a fast learner as I'm only putting 30 days on her right now. So if everyone would cross your fingers and toes that she is a good girl and learns lots of good "useful" things. That would be great.

How JoJo became Grace...

2009-04-22T21:53:00.000-07:00

I was reading "A GOOD HORSE" blog and she asked about how your horse got its name...Well lets just say that I went through a list of names...

Her Registered name is Light Affire, and her barn name when I picked her up was JoJo (made me want to stop by the deli). I knew instantly I wanted to change her name...it just didn't fit or flow when you said it.

So at first I was trying so hard to come up with something related to Fire. Cinder was very high on my list...actually it was her name for about a week...but it just didn't stick.

I tried all sorts of names but most fire related names are pretty masculine. Smokey, Coal you know all of the usuals..and I tried to get creative but it just wasn't working for me.

So one day at Publish Postthe barn while we were working on using a lead she was being especially clumsy and I used a quote my Mom used to say to me when she tripped over her own feet for the umpteenth time..."Way to Go Grace" and it was like a light bulb went off. Gracie was born...it fit her then and it will fit her when she grows up and is full of Grace. Elegant and Feminine...that is my Grace...

How did your pony's get their names..did you change a name...did you stick to their given names? I'd love to hear how you choose the names of your horses.

Playing Hookie....sometimes you just gotta...

2009-04-20T21:17:00.000-07:00

Today here in the PNW it was a fantastic 80+ Degree day...I work at a pretty high stress job in IT for a company that makes it's delivery drivers wear Brown...so when I saw that the weather was supposed to be so spectacular I decided it was worth the vacation day and extra work I'll be going back to in the morning....

Let me tell you it was so worth it...

I spent a couple of hours with Grace. She must be the smartest horse ever because the grain trick took a bit longer today than it did yesterday. I did prevail though. I took her to graze and she loved it. I sat with her and we just hung out. Her enjoying the sweet spring grass and I enjoyed the view of the stable..it really is quite amazing.

I had every intention of taking the camera today but promptly forgot in my haste to get to the barn.

Her self inflicted scalping on her flank is growing hair...so thats good.

Oh and did I mention she's going for 30 days to the trainer at the end of May. I'm hoping it goes well and she gets a great start undersaddle. Can I just tell you how excited and nervous I am?

It's tough to put her into someone elses hands....no matter how good of a trainer you are using. She has such a strong personality some people may not appriciate it as much as I do...

I just have to get her good and solid with her ground manners before she goes...no one wants to have the "annoying", "spoiled", "pain in the ass" horse. (although at times she's ALL of these things) But I love her anyway.

Struggling with the Bit...until I did it the easy way.

2009-04-19T20:28:00.000-07:00

Okay I've been trying for a month to figure out the easiest way to have Gracie accept the bit. Being a bit naive I thought you just put the bit in their mouth and there you go. I had tried to find articles on getting horses to accept the bit and really found nothing...

But I have a horse with a neck to Jesus high and stubborn as a mule to boot. So put those two together and you have an owner ready to pull her hair out and send Gracie down the road. Thursday we tried again and my ever so smart BBFF suggested ever so sweetly (since we don't give unsolicited advice) that she had a friend with a A-rab with a neck to Jesus as well and she had this great way of getting the bit into her geldings mouth...well I shrugged it off at the time because at the time I was so frustrated and ready to give up that I really wasn't listening..

But today was new day and I thought what the hell...

So I got the training head stall (with clips for the bit) out took off the reins and unhooked one side of the bit and grabbed a pan full of grain.

Step one: Grab a handful of grain.

Step two: Give uninterested pony some grain

Step three: When said pony is happily eating grain from my hand put headstall over her ears. (She HATES this part normally with a PASSION) Prior to this lesson I had taken the brow band off of my other bridle and had been trying to get it over her ears this way much to my dismay this route did not work. But as she was eating the grain from my hand she hardly noticed I was playing with her ears.

Step Four: Grab second handful of grain.

Step Five: Slip bit into unaware pony's mouth clipping it to the other side of the headstall.

Step Six: Stand back and stare proudly at Pony who was outwitted.

After the above steps I put the rest of the grain that was left in the pan and let her finish it with her bridle on.

It was amazingly easy and I want to send a shout out to JP1 for giving her unsolicited advice to a very frustrated young horse owner.

Super 14 might be the solution...maybe

2009-04-02T20:50:00.000-07:00

So we have witness to my pony biting at herself....literally freaking out ears pinned and biting herself.

I think she is super itchy..I took her off of Super 14 about a month and a half ago. I put her on it last summer to help her dry skin and when I ran out the last time I just figured it was winter and she didn't really need the extra supplement. I did the math and it seems her dry flaky skin started back up again after her last dose...it took a little but you can sure see a difference in her coat. The pic up above is this winter when she was taking it daily and you can see how shiny and smooth her coat was...

I'm also thinking of putting her on a daily wormer to see if that helps. As one of suggestions was worms...she doesn't have a wormy belly but you just never know.

She did great on her ground work tonight...she walked the bridge (the long way, not cheating over the middle) without much of a fuss. She was in a really good, affectionate mood.

So we are going to move to the long lines within the next week. Wish us luck.

Long time no post...

2009-04-01T20:54:00.000-07:00

Hi all...

If anyone is still out there my old laptop was no fun to type on as it died when I moved it and my dear sweet husband let me buy a new one just this past weekend..it's ubber fantastic and I can actually type and not worry about losing everything I was typing if I moved the computer wrong...but anyhoo..

I have a mystery..Sunday morning Gracie had all of her hair...Sunday night at feeding the BO noticed that she was missing a two inch by two inch patch of hair on her flank..I was finally able to get out to the barn tonight and take a look...it's very strange. It's like she had a burn or something. It looks like it's healing well...(it was just raw looking I guess on Sunday not bleeding or anything) so tonight I want to say it's crusted over but not with puss or anything like that just like a thin dry scab. Her skin seems really dry so I'm going to try a supplement maybe some flax seed oil or something.

Okay on to our night tonight...the BO's have put up a death trap contraption that looks like a wood frame of a swing set with black car wash noodles attached to the middle of it...and Gracie did good with going through. Granted it took a little bit to get her through but she did great. Then BBFF worked with Gracie and the pokie stick from hell. You know the one, the one with the plastic baggy attached. She was freakish at first but BBFF had a great technique and after about 20 mins...she settled down a bit but the Baggie of death never did win her over...but she tolorated it.

I hope all of you are still out there and doing well!

So I love our barn but...

2009-02-27T16:40:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I wonder....For a barn with only 3 boarded horses the arena sure can get full fast! And it's a huge arena.

This is what it felt like.......see pic.

So many chiefs too..'I wouldn't do that'...'I would do it this way'. Horses everywhere. And don't get me wrong I like kids I even have a couple. But its no fun when you have an agenda and the kids are just wandering around with no plan really just wandering.

And if your horse doesn't want to do the damn bridge don't force it...walk away and come back to it.

But my sweet pony did great even with all the craziness. She stayed focused on me which is all I can ask for.

We worked on standing by the mounting block...Grace is almost 16h and I am a bitty 5/4 so she's gonna have to get used to it as some point. We also worked the bridge last night super fun She did great.

Heading out to the barn again tonight I'll try and get some pics...love blog posts with pics.

BBFF is bringing me some STARBUCKS...can you say rockstar!

Wanting to learn more!

2009-02-21T20:09:00.001-08:00

I have been looking for books and am failing miserably. I want/need books on training with pictures. I would love to find a book that didn't assume I was working with a young colt/filly. I would love to find a book with info on bridling and starting a horse from the ground up..(again with pictures) I'm a very visual person.

And it would help if it had lots of ground work exercises. So if anyone has any suggestions that would be great.

I think working with Grace all last week has helped us immensely. She wasn't the spookalicious pony she had been, she was paying attention and wanting to do what I asked. Best of all she was calm. I think I've also relaxed quite a bit, and I think that is rubbing off as well.

Like I've said before I'm not really a follower of any in particular training method..but I'll use what's working for the things I'm asking her to do. Last week we were using some Perelli and she seemed to really take to it. I can't wait to get out there tomorrow and work with her some more.

If anyone has any ideas on good bit to start Grace with please leave a comment and let me know.
I'm ordering this one to see if she like it.

Korsteel Flexi F lavored Mullen Mouth Full Cheek Snaffle

If anyone has used this I would love to hear what you think of it.

I hope everyone is having a great weekend!

Lions ,Tigers or Bears...oh my, or just the barn dog.

2009-02-18T20:45:00.000-08:00

So tonight was another night of my version of Slow the F down games with Gracie.

Cluck, Walk - point

And Hallelujah she did it. Slow walk from the first send off

Cluck, Walk - point other direction, wiggle the stick a bit...and off she went nice calm walk...crazy.

Who is this horse, and where is my psycho pony.

Oh wait what was that over there in the dark abyss outside of the arena....Oh God...freak out to the left...forget mom is here.... Freak out to the right....Snort... oh here she is......psycho pony has returned....all due to not a lion, tiger or a bear but just Tyson one of the barn dogs hunting rabbits I'm sure.

So after about a half hour of trying to get her back to focusing on me and then some more walking between barrels...emphasis on walking....we called it a night. I was just glad to have her go to the edge and be able to come back and focus on me.

I left her blanket off tonight because the weather is supposed to be so nice tomorrow. I hope she's not to chilly overnight.

I've decided that I have got to get out to the barn at least every other night and play with her. I guess a kind of Parelli but not really...I have had a great time with my horse the last couple of nights and just watching her progress just with the little bit we are doing is so addictive!