The Joy of Horses

The Story

2012-02-01T13:06:00.001-05:00

I have nothing exciting going on in my life pertaining to horses, so here's a very embarrassing story that I'd like to share with you!

Several years ago, MGM Grand opened a casino in Detroit. Several of our friends, DH and I, made plans to go check it out.

We arrived and it was beautiful, as you can imagine. Not quite as decked out and glamorous as Las Vegas, but for Detroit, quite something. That's neither here nor there, though.

We set about getting drinks and meandering about. There was a circular bar in the center of the casino that was all mirrored up and just packed.

After about an hour of watching the game, gambling and wandering, we all regrouped and got in line at the cicular bar to get more drinks. Just the thing I needed! As I waited in line, it occured to me that we could go to the other side of the circular bar and get drinks there. I recalled that it wasn't as packed as the side we were on.

I turned to my friend K and said, "let's go on the other side of the bar. I know there won't be a long line."
K looked at me bewildered and said, "what are you talking about? This is the only side with a bar."
"No. Look, it goes on the other side." I pointed where you could clearly see the passage way the led there.
"I don't see it." K said.
"Ok. You stay here and I'll go. Tell me what you want to drink and I'll order it for you." I said, anxious to prove her wrong.

I took K's order and made my way to the other side of the circular bar. I weaved in and out through the crowds, and then stopped when a pretty looking girl almost ran smack dab into me.
"excuse me." I said.

She smiled back at me, and then we did the dance. You know? The one where you move at the same time as the other person you're trying to get past? That dance.

We danced for a good 30 seconds.

It started as a warm feeling. In less than a second, that warm feeling started speaking to me. It said, "no. Oh no. You're not really doing that."
Just as I realized what was happening, I felt a tap on my arm. One of the waitresses, clad in her skimpy casino show girl garb, was attempting to stifle her laugh as she said..."No honey. That's a mirror."
Oh yes I did. .
I turned around and there they were. 100 or so people, come to watch the show. My show. A show of horror.

My DH asked me to never, ever tell anyone about that. Here I am, telling ya'll.

In case you don't understand what happened:

I didn't recognize myself in a mirror. I spoke to myself and still didn't recognize me. Then, I proceeded to dance, and STILL

**DH= Dear Husband

What a Downer

2011-12-30T12:15:00.001-05:00

Could I be? Am I really? Nooo...I'm not that. Am I?

The dreaded Debbie Downer! Gasp. Say it ain't so.

for those of you who don't know who or what a "Debbie Downer" is: Here's a reference video.

Over the past week or so, my husband and I have been somewhat strained. Not fighting strained, but strained none the less. We're still adjusting to parenthood, and I don't care what anyone says, adding a third to a two DOES create absolute havoc on your life! Husband and I will be fine, but we have a few things to shake out before we're streamlining away at life again.

The thing is, since going back to work, I've been complaining. A lot. I didn't even realize I was doing it. It started off as mild annoyance at my, dare I say it online? Temperamental coworkers.

This mild annoyance escalated, without me even realizing it, into sheer anger and miserly behavior that was kept inside, hidden behind a faux smile at work, and then unwittingly being unleashed onto my poor, dear husband when I returned home from a long day each evening.

Husband, not being the type to belly ache about his own issues, took my complaints like a man for about a month; until finally, he let his true opinions on my moaning and groaning fly in an all out, knock down, e-mail argument. As I mentioned above, I've been coming home and unleashing this negative beast on him. "So and so said this and so and so did that!" I'd moan. On and on and on it went, day after day. I thought back. He is completely right.

P.S. E-mail fights are the absolute best way to go about fighting. No slamming doors, no screaming. Just plain old editable words, typed out and hopefully read and re-read before hitting send. I also happen to believe that ~~fighting~~ mild disagreements are a healthy thing in any relationship...within means.

Anyway, where was I?

So. It hit me like a ton of bricks that what he was saying in his e-mail rebuttal, that

I am a total Debbie Downer!

is true.

Oh my gosh! I can't stand Debbie Downers, and here I am. The Queen of them all! The baby (Josie) is so amazing and the most wonderful thing I've ever done and yadayadayada, but! I am so exhausted. I'm tired, squared. I'm irritable and I'm pissed off that I wasn't blessed with a fortune so I could be home with my little one and a herd of horses! Poor me, right? Anyway, I quickly realized that I was making myself miserable with my negative thoughts. All of the miserable feelings I've been having are no one's fault buy my own. That's a bitter pill to swallow. It's also liberating because I have complete control over changing that.

I want to be a happy person. What's stopping me?

So. That's my New Year's Resolution. I plan on actually keeping this one. At least. I hope I do.

What's you Resolution for 2012?

Hello

2011-12-27T16:42:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to post and say hello to everyone! I'm still super inconsistent with just about everything in my life right now, but that will change soon...hopefully.

Is it just me, or does there seem to be a lot of depressing news out there? It seems every time I turn around someone's sick, or losing their home, or has lost or is losing a loved one. It's just very sad, and it makes me feel ever the more grateful for the wonderful things I have in my life, especially my health, loved ones and secure (hopefully) job (that I hate, lol)! I pray for those who are going through trying times, and I truly believe that there is a light at the end of the tunnel for us all...we just need patience. I hope that the next time I'm feeling down someone reminds me of those words that I just typed.

Life is going well for me. Josie is getting big (3 months old now) and she's been an absolute joy for the most part. I've had a few moments where I felt like I was going to lose it, but then I just took it out on my husband and felt a lot better! Thank God for husbands!! Ha!

Here she is (above) in her Christmas PJ's...jolly lil' thing! She does NOT like hats, can you tell?

As for horses; I haven't been out to ride much. I've been on Lady (mom's horse) a few times, and that was nice. Lady is obese, just plain obese. She's healthy and all, but fat fat fat! My mom realizes this and she's working to correct it. I think the problem she's having is that the barn owner is feeding the other mare that Lady is pastured with a lot (she's old and thin) and Lady is partaking in the extra feed as well.

I hate to say this...again...but I'm dreaming that this Spring or summer, I'll have a horse. J keeps offering any of hers up, which is amazingly generous, but I don't want to put myself into a position where I have a horse that I have no time to ride. I feel like that's been my life lately. It's a problem with either money or time. Ugh! Once Josie is a bit older (this Spring or Summer) I'll revisit J's offer. I don't expect much from myself on this one as I've been bound and determined to get me a horse many a time over the years. I hope though, I hope. Also, I don't want to board a horse at J's farm. It's too far off the beaten trail and truthfully, I want to be a part of a barn where there are others to ride/show with. I want to have fun with horses again.

Anyway, I hope everyone had a beautiful Christmas and I hope that 2012 brings us all peace, joy and health!

Meep

2011-11-16T11:34:00.003-05:00

This morning I had to meet Josie's babysitter in the parking lot of the elementary school where she drops her own little girl off. This particular school is right off of a four lane highway (2 lanes in each direction, divided by a grass median). Anyway, I pulled out into the closest lane to me, which coincidentally ends and forces the drivers in that lane to either merge left OR turn right. I needed to merge left, however a little compact sedan saw that I ~~wanted~~ needed to get over, and sped up. ASSHOLE!

I had no choice, I started merging anyway. Slowly, I started to edge left, giving the driver the opportunity to slow and allow me in. She sped up. So naturally, I continued to merge over anyway. I could see the car speeding up, but also sidling left as I made my entrance. I was not giving in, though I knew I was probably breaking a law or two. Finally, having no other choice, the driver slowed down because I was coming in and she wasn't stopping me. Giving up, she slammed on her horn, and kept the horn a honking for a good long while. The sound this horn emitted, though, was the funny part...meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep-meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep meep meep meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee-meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep, (Think Beaker) it's little self said, meeeeep meeep! If this other driver was trying to portray her indignity at my intrusion she sure DIDN'T do a good job of it. Normally, I would have felt annoyed, but this was hilarious. The angry driver tail gaited me, meep meeping all the way, until I made a right hand turn several miles down the road. She continued on straight with one more lengthy meeeeep, before fading off into the distance. Hilarious! The thing is, though, why didn't she just let me in the first time I asked...I mean, what a JERK!

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Aside from my exciting drive to work this morning, things have been coming along steadily for me. I am enamored with little Josie, she is so darned cute. I probably shouldn't admit this, but sometimes I think little babies look like little old men, and that is a very endearing quality to me. Sometimes I see Mickey Rooney, sometimes it's Walter Matthau and sometimes I see Benjamin Button, but always, I see cute! Look at this bambino:

I miss her so while I'm away at work! She was *2 months* yesterday!

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On the horse related front, I have indeed ridden several times! I can't wait to get out there again and ride. I rode Contro Saddle Seat. I did end up calling J, and though I'm still fency with her, I did miss her. SIGH.
Contro looks like an old Llama, but boy can he still move. I rode him Saddle Seat, and it was so much fun!
In other news, a family friend of ours just purchased her first horse in over 10 years. The horse is a 17 hand Trekehner/TBRED/Freisian mix...I have no idea if I spelled Trekehner or freisian correctly. I have NEVER seen such a tall horse (aside from a draft horse or two), he's quite a sight to behold!

I wish I had something more exciting to report on horses, but I just don't. We shall see what the future holds :).

I hope everyone is doing very well. I'm doing my very best to catch up with blogs and I'm enjoying it very much!

I'm not Pregnant Anymore!

2011-09-26T19:10:00.005-04:00

This isn't a blog about babies or mommys, so I can keep the birth story brief...but, then, I wouldn't be me if it were brief, so without further ado...

Having babies and being pregnant was not something I could ever imagine myself doing or being. As a little girl, while my friends were busy playing house and mom, I was outside playing horses and softball. I just never really wanted to be a mom. Well, of course, all of that changes...I grew up, met Brian, got married and naturally, decided it would be an awesome idea to have a baby. SIGH!

Fast forward through nine months of pregnancy to September 14, 2011. I went to work that morning feeling just fine, but then around noon, something changed. I felt off. Not bad, just off. I spent my workday cleaning my desk and finalizing some work details in preparation for my impending maternity leave. I felt fine physically, but I did notice that I had dropped quite a bit (my belly, that is). Towards the end of my workday, I started getting crampy. Stupidly, I brushed it off as Braxton Hicks. I left work and as I was driving home, my cramps started getting worse. I began to wonder about them. My commute is usually about an hour long due to traffic. Of course, on this day, traffic was a bitch! Then, it happened...a cramp (contraction) that nearly sent me careening off the road! Holy crap, but it hurt. That put a fear into me about what was to come, so tearfully, I called my husband, Brian, to tell him he might want to head home..."I think I'm in labor" I sobbed.

I admit that I was already crying very early on in my labor. That contraction hurt, and I just knew I was in for a treat that evening. I'd also like to add that I have a pretty low pain threshold...OUCHYWAWA!

Anyway, I got home and spent the evening timing my pains. I took 2 baths and tried everything and anything to relieve the contractions that were coming about every 5 minutes. By the time I was crawling around the living room floor on all fours, in semi panicked agony (yes, it was that dramatic). I'd also like to say that while I was suffering so, Brian was busy NESTING. Yes, he was cleaning the damn house! Anyway, it was decided, despite the triage nurses' advice over the phone, that we needed to head to the hospital (30 miles away) before I got anymore theatrical (but it hurrrrt).

We got to the hospital at about 11:00 at night. I was checked and at about 1 cm' 100% effaced (still not exactly sure what that means, and yes, I am talking about my lady bits on my blog- sorry).

Anyway, the triage nurse was a bit smug about my lack of progress, "don't worry, honey," she pointed out to me, "you have nothing to compare this to." Grrr. She was just sure I'd be sent home.

An hour later, I was at 3 cm and admitted...at that point, I was very EAGER to have an epidural. So, I was admitted and after what seemed like an eternity, got my blessed epidural. After the epidural, I remember my mom showing up, I also remember feeling strange, almost like I was in a dream...I was also getting a bit nervous about what I was about to do. Push.a.baby.out.of.my....you know what! Time flew by, the whole night was a blur.

It turns out that my contractions were so fast and so strong that the baby's heart rate was dropping almost to a stop with each one. I had an audience of at least 6 Doctors, nurses, med students (one very cute one who sat in the spot of honor the whole time...oy vey, to add to my misery) and a whole berage of other hospital staff walking in and out to the lovely sight of my spread eagled self...yes, it was terribly embarrasing, but frankly, I didn't care too much at that point.

.... A few hours later, and I was ready to go. I felt some strong urges to...oh my gosh, push. My blasted Dr. insisted on turning my epidural down so that I could push properly, despite my strong request to NOT FEEL A THING. Ugh, I felt it all right and that's all that I'm going to say about that because I'm sure you get the idea. I pushed for over 2 hours and finally out popped a 6 lb 6 oz little baby girl...so tiny and wee. Anyway, little Josephine Lynn (Josie) was born at 5:36 a.m. on September 15, 2011. She is so loved!

Nobody can prepare you for the craziness that ensues after a baby arrives. The whole experience was utter madness and it's something that I'm still adjusting to. It's a feeling of love so intense that it breaks your heart but it's also fear, worry and a whole plethora of other very strange and intense feelings, wonderful and not so wonderful. I am also mourning a freedom I won't see again for many years (like leaving the house on a whim).

So that's my big update...I AM NO LONGER PREGNANT!

Just an ole' Update

2011-08-17T11:30:00.000-04:00

Hello, Hello!

I hope everyone is having a great summer! My summer has been nice enough, I'm lovin' the heat, but I think if I were in Texas or Arizona or somewhere in the humid south, my tune would be different. Michigan weather has shifted recently from 90's to high 70's low 80's, but the skeeters and flies are out with a vengeance!

Sigh, now I blog about the weather.

I've been a naughty blogger this summer, but once this baby is born and I can get back into my horse hobby, I'll pipe back up.

A few things have changed this summer, aside from my impending baby girl (September 20th).

Over the past few months, I've felt less and less inclined to have J in my life. I've known her since I was 13, and during all of those years, I can't remember her really ever being there for me. I mean, she gave me riding lessons that my parent's paid for. Since selling my last horse, Shaker, I've been allowed to ride her horses at my leisure, however I've also done hay, cleaned countless stalls, done chores once a week, watered, cleaned buckets, cobwebbed stalls and many other things for FREE. I actually PAID her to ride her horses at horse shows for several years (so she could get them seen and sold). Mostly, I'd say it's been me being there for her, though I'm sure she'd disagree. (Can you just feel the resentment brewing in me)?

Years of hours long, one sided phone conversations. Her problems. Her issues. Her aches. Her pains. Her not doing much to resolve her issues. Me offering advice and my heart breaking for her countless times have come to a culmination. Honestly, I just don't have it in me to listen anymore. Isn't that awful? She's done some awful things over the years. Thinking back on them, I feel angry and stupid...why have I stuck by her? I wish I could elaborate more, but I don't know how to make this post private only for some readers. It would not be right for the world to read any more of my thoughts on the matter. Especially when she wouldn't be around to defend herself. I guess to get right down to the point; as cruel as this really does sound, my relationship with J has so much less to do with horses and so much more to do with me being a crutch or sounding board for her. That's how I feel, be it true or not.

Anyway, to get to the point. LOL. I've stopped going to her barn. I quit cold turkey and I've been avoiding her phone calls. Oh, how I do miss Gypsy, Bobby and the rest of the horses. I do plan on keeping up a relationship with her, because in all honesty, I do care about her. I just don't want her relying on my help once a week. It's too much. I also do plan on getting back into horses and showing once the baby's born, however I do not plan on using J. I feel so awful, but I need a change and a chance to fall back in love with horses and horse showing....I feel it in me, it's just not surfaced yet and hasn't for a year or so.

Anyway, my mom has been riding her Lady horse quite a bit this summer. She has had a young girl out to ride on a few occasions. My mom is so sweet. This young girl LOVES horses, but she's never really had the chance to be around them. My mom offered to give her lessons because she knows how it feels to have such a strong passion yet no means to pursue. Horses cost money, lots and lots of money, as we all know, and this girl is only a Junior in college. That, if you don't already know, = poor. :(

Below is a pic. of Lady and her new buddy.

Summer's Bounty

2011-07-20T11:18:00.002-04:00

What a hot summer we're having in Michigan. I won't complain though because we also had a horrendously long and cold winter here in Michigan too. The weather changes so frequently around here that tomorrow we could have temperatures in the 50s! MICHIGAN, gotta' love it (which I mostly do)!

I have had quite the boring summer thus far. No horse shows, no riding to speak of, no vacations. Just a lot of house repairs/maintenance (I mostly sit around and watch all of that), and trying to float in my parent's blessed pool as much as possible. I can get away with that on account of the impending wee one. Ya' know? One of the few attributes, I suppose. I do miss having a nice cold beer on occasion, but it's all worth it!

Although I haven't been riding, I have tried to make it out to the barn on a weekly basis.

Two weeks ago, I was scared witless by what I imagine must have been the largest moth on the planet. I was just minding my own business, unwinding the barn hose in order to water some of the indoor horses when I spotted it.

Mothra!

There it lay, 2 inches from my colorful western boot clad feet *if you had seen my ensemble that day, you would have LAUGHED - picture denim shorts, bright orange faux ostrich skin upper and brown lower western boots and a tank top encased baby belly, hilarious* but, that's beside the point.

Anyway, Mothra was dying which is sad, but he was also alive enough to slowly wave his GINORMOUS wings back and forth every time the hose touched him.I was alone at the barn, and in order to properly water the horses without disturbing Mothra, I had to remove him from the premises. After a few moments of heavy breathing, I found it within myself to attempt a transport. I found a long stick and made towards the creature.

Inch by inch, I crept towards it. My resolve was weakening and I knew I had to move fast. I stuck the stick out to the Moth's gigantic fuzzy body and that's when I noticed it. It had thick, fuzzy antennae (feelers) and they were moving rapidly, as if to grasp me in their clutches. "Waaaaahhhhhh!" I screamed as I stomped back, away from my impending doom.

In my heart and soul, I know that Mothra is a beautiful creature of God, however, things that have soft bodies and flutter in faces without warning scare the crap out of me. Mothra was NO exception! Finally, someone showed up to remove the moth and all was well, or so I thought.

The next week, I showed up at the barn, ready and eager to get started on chores. I set my water bottle and cell phone down on the first feed bin located at the front of J's long barn as per usual, when I had this sudden strange sensation that someone, or something was watching me. Just to describe this scene a bit more, J has 2 shelves placed above her homemade feed bin that start at eye level and go up. There, on the eye level shelf; 2 inches from my face was a set of blank, black, beady eyes. The dead, blank eyes of Mothra himself! "AAAAAaaaaaaggghhhh!" I shreaked. The horses startled in their stalls at my sudden outburst, but I paid them no mind.

Some sadistic psychopath must have discovered the corpse of Mothra where he lay in his grassy grave and decided that a better spot, in the barn, on the shelf was a better location. Though Mothra was but a fraction of the mammoth he used to be, he was still an imposing and frightening sight! The rest of that afternoon I steered quite clear of that area, and still, 3 weeks later, I get the jitters just thinking about it....ughhh *shudder, shudder, shudder*

This is exactly what Mothra looked like, he/she was a Polyphemus Moth, quite harmless and beautiful in all reality. Until it's staring you down, that is.

I can also assure you that this is a stock photo pulled from GOOGLE and not my hand.

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Sorry about that, I didn't intend to start rambling on and on dramatically about a moth of all things, but really, my life is JUST that exciting these days.

I hope everyone is doing very well this summer!

Pink Shoes?!

2011-06-30T14:03:00.003-04:00

Have any of you heard of Happy Hoofwear?

Honestly, I hadn't until my mom mentioned to me that she's getting some hot pink Happy Hoofwear shoes for her horse, Lady. Lady will be sporting her fancy new shoes tomorrow, so I'll definitely try to take some pictures to post here for you all to see.

I think it's fun and personally, I'd do it too if I had a trail/endurance/gymkhana type horse. What about you?

Happy Places

2011-06-24T13:26:00.000-04:00

I rode my mom's horse Lady the other day. I know, I know, what a thing to brag about. It's only that riding has been tough for me lately. I worry about hurting the baby if I fall off, as slim a chance as that is.

After watching my mom ride Lady for a time, I felt that urge to get on and ride begin to gnaw at my gut. It's been a while since I've felt that desire, actually. I just HAD to get on, I had to. What I really wanted to do was get on and let go, really, I wanted to gallop down a nice two lane dirt road for as long as I could, but that was out of the question.

I somehow managed to convince my flabby thighs to hoist my big bellied body up onto Lady's back without a mounting block and then, I just rode. Albeit, I only walked and slowly jogged about twice around the large outdoor arena, but it was still just heavenly. I felt lighter and free...something I haven't felt in some time! ;). Afterwards, I looked at my mom and said "I needed that!" She just smiled knowingly. I think she understood.

The next day at work, as the phones rang off the hook and a steady flow of customers and residents pooled in to my office, I found myself thinking of being back up on Lady's back, just quietly going about our way through the overgrown field of that outdoor arena. It helped me cope with the hell that is a Thursday morning at work! Lady is my new happy place! Do you have a happy place/thing? I'm sure it certainly has something to do with horses. Anyway, it was nice to just be on a horse. No nit picking, no lessons, just happily going along on a nice even keeled horse! Ahhhhh!

Lady and I last summer

Darlington Video

2011-06-20T12:50:00.000-04:00

Here's one of the short videos I took of Darling the other week. I have to mention that I was lunging and video taping with a camera whilst trying to keep the horse moving in a circular direction, so it's really not good. But, at least you can see another of J's horses. She's a pretty little thing!

I made sure to edit the video with some music because the sound of my incessant kissing and yammering is enough to drive me bonkers. I also sometimes say "hoe" instead of "Whoa" and in the case of this video, my hoes were out on display. It sounds like I'm calling her a hoe...oh my gosh, please make me stop. too. embarrassing!!!!

A Sight to Behold and Harrumphapatomas

2011-06-17T11:17:00.000-04:00

Isn't he gorgeous. He's for sale (Click here to see his ad), but I'm not sure for how much. I'm guessing a pretty penny...but, isn't he so handsome?

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Aside from still drooling over gorgeous horses that are still not quite to be had by yours truly, I've been just fine. I'm still trying to get used to the new house AND pregnancy (ugh), but I know that some of these things are only temporary and I that hopefully, I will survive!

Last Saturday I spent some time at J's barn...I still try to get in my weekly horse fix. It keeps me grounded! I actually ended up lunging/lounging a little mare that I've never really worked with before. This little mare's name is Darling and she is just about the sweetest horse I've ever met. Her breeder is interested in purchasing her back for a small amount, so J asked that I try to get a video of her on my camera to e-mail to the interested party. I have to say I'm impressed with my talents...lol! This mare hasn't been lunged OR ridden in many, many years. She's pretty much a pasture pal - just like most all of J's horses at this point. Anyway, I groomed her, touched up her bridle path, hooked her up to the lunge/lounge line and had at it. She was pretty good, considering. I even managed to get some video footage of her while I lunged and clucked to keep her trotting. It seems her biggest fault is laziness. The video sounds and looks very amateurish, but hey, given the circumstances, I think I did pretty well. I still haven't uploaded the footage, but I do have a picture of Darling from last year!

Here she is:

Cute lil' thing!

After doing all of that with Darling, J showed up and boy was she crabby. I could tell she was in a mood, so I tried avoiding her, but to no avail. For several hours I sat and listened to her harrumph about her life. I don't know why I deal with it, I don't enjoy the barn nearly as much as I should be, considering I pretty much work for free, BUT I guess I just feel like I'm one of the only people she has and I do care about her...I'm just dealing with my own issues right now and frankly, I'm tired of hearing about hers. I hate to get too much into all of that, so I'll stop for now!

I hope everyone is doing well! Happy Friday!!!!

Home, Horses and Happiness

2011-06-07T13:09:00.000-04:00

Here it is. The main reason I've been M.I.A. for so very long. It's a house. Just a house, but it's MY house! Finally after months of searching, Brian and I closed and then moved into this big old house. In all honesty, the house we have is not at all the house I thought we'd end up with. I pictured newer with a pool. We got older with a view. I love it though, and every day I fall in love with it just a little bit more. At first glance, it just looks like a big honkin' 1970's Colonial. The inside is beautiful, though, and we have mature maples, weeping cherry trees, tiered gardens, a pergola, we sit atop a big hill overlooking a fresh water pond and we have TONS of space and just enough privacy so that I can walk outside in my undies and not feel like I'm being watched. Not that anyone would ever want to see that, or that I'd even do that, but I could if I wanted to.

The above picture is the side of the house. You can see the Pergola there in the lower right half. It needs to be repainted, but that's an easy enough job I think. There are 3 sliding doors leading into our very 1970's basement. The cool thing is that the former owners left their pool table and all of it's accouterments.

This picture (above) is the landing just outside of the master bedroom. That chandelier there was put in by my dad and uncle. Brian and I got it on sale...we likey. Notice the silk wallpaper? Straight out of 1971! It may or may not be growing on me. There are 4 bedrooms upstairs as well as two bathrooms ~ I likey very much!

This is our view from both our living room and our family room. Those lamps line our long windy driveway. Way down at the bottom of the hill is a pretty pond with geese and swans...it's dreamlike and so peaceful! Not so much fun to mow, though.

When we moved in, the flower beds were atrocious. The above picture is a few weeks ago. Brian put in those shrubs, flowers and Rhododendrons.

I need to get more pictures up, but it's been a slow going process...I will take some more pictures once the inside of the house is cleaned and tidied up. We still have painting and touch up work to do. Overall, though, we're overjoyed at what we're able to own. I never in a million years would think we'd be able to afford such a house at our age. We purchased it on a short sale for over $200,000.00 less than what it's former owners paid in 2004! Lucky for us, not so much for them. Very sad!

As for horses. I have still been getting out to J's about once a week. I have ridden a time or two, but I think I'm going to have to stop until the baby is born in September. The last time I rode (Bobby), about a week ago, I felt like Humpty Dumpty and I almost fell off when Bobby stopped short from a spook. Sigh! For now, I have my good friend Dawn coming out to ride. Dawn is accustomed to off the track TBs, and she is mostly knowledgeable with hunters. Still, she will do fine with the Morgans, even if they're not exactly what she's used too. Here are some pictures I took of Dawn on Gizmo last Friday...cute!!!

And the last bit of updating. Brian and I found out the sex of the bambino in my belly! We are having a.....

GIRL!
As for that fact, I'm happy and I think after a few seconds of shock and awe after hearing the news, Brian is too. I can say that I do not enjoy being pregnant. I am tired, grumpy, moody and my parts are all swelling up like balloons. I am grateful, don't get me wrong, but I'll be happy when it's just me inside my body again!

You Really Should....

2011-04-19T12:15:00.001-04:00

If you ever get a chance....

Get your booty in the saddle that sits on the back of a well trained Morgan western pleasure horse. It's like riding a carousel horse!

If western isn't your thing, try one of these!

You'll have to wait a few seconds for the horse to really get going!

An Evening at the Barn is like...

2011-04-17T19:33:00.001-04:00

Heaven!

After work on Friday, I headed out to J's to do evening chores for her. She had taken a few horses to a small Open show and wasn't around. I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed my time alone at the barn. It's rare anymore that I get that. Much of my barn time now is spent listening to J, which is great, but sometimes it's nice to get lost in my own thoughts as I busy myself with remedial barn work.

After bringing in the mares and geldings, I tossed out studly butt Casper so he could blow some steam. I wasn't sure whether I wanted to continue clipping some winter worn horses as I'd been doing on each visit the past 2 weeks or if I wanted to lunge/ride someone. Lazily, I decided against both and pulled out my camera to play photographer.

I've been wanting to get more pictures of these horses, so I decided that I'd go stall to stall and snap a picture or two of each horse and then post them on my blog with a quick introduction. I stuffed my pockets with some left over candy canes wrapped in their crinkly horse attention grabbing paper and began making rounds. Unfortunately, it QUICKLY became apparent that perhaps these pictures should wait until I've clipped and groomed them all. I'm posting only one of the several pictures I took, just so you can see that this is no way to make an introduction.

Meet Fancy, the boss mare!

*sorry, Fancy. *

After my wayward attempts at pik cha' taking, I decided that maybe good ole' Casper would be a better model. I made my way outside, pocket FULL of 'canes and did what I could. He's unkempt too, but still handsome as he wandered around the back pasture, sniffing piles of poo to his heart's content!

After Casper, I went back into the barn to finish chores. Before I was able to though, I heard a muffled nicker coming from Gypsy's stall. She had heard the candy cane wrappers crinkling, and she knew I had a pocket full. I opened up her door, and Gypsy slowly emerged in search of her favorite treat.

"Are those 'canes you have?"

"Ya' care to share?"

"Pretty please?"

After Gypsy had her 'cane, she quietly backed into her stall and continued with her hay. She is so funny!
So, that's that. Nothing too exciting, but at least I got a few pictures worth showing...I guess. Once those winter coats are shed out and the haircuts have been had, I'll post some pictures of the horses looking their best!

I hope everyone had a great weekend! Aside from my Friday barn time, I spent my weekend at TWO showers. One bridal and one baby! 'Tis the season!!!

Sid Continued and News Thrown in For Good Measure!

2011-04-06T12:54:00.000-04:00

Yesterday's post was written at warp speed. Could you tell? I typed it out on my lunch hour with only about 5 minutes to spare. I really wanted to post though. After all, it had been a while!

I reread the post today and shook my head. My goodness but I'm a dramatic blogger. I made it seem like Sid was some kind of wild ride. In reality, he was just feeling fresh. Nothing a nice long longe session couldn't cure. As I've mentioned before, Sid was gelded about a year and a half ago, his de stallion process took a bit longer than one might have imagined, but he seems to be settling into gelding-hood quite nicely these days. During our ride, Casper (whose shenanigans that day warrant another story for another day), was racing up and down the fence line of his pasture, making an absolute thundering ruckus. Sid was a tiny bit distracted by the commotion, but any horse would have been under the same circumstances. His distraction was easily abated by a light tug of the rein and a quiet nudge from my outside leg.

Anyway, I truly felt wonderful to be back in the saddle. I was quite nervous at first because, well...I guess now is as good a time as any to come clean. I'm 16 weeks pregnant. I have full intentions of riding throughout my pregnancy, however I don't want to take any stupid chances by hopping on horses willy nilly and getting taken for a real ride, if you know what I mean.

So, as I was saying, it felt so good to be up in that saddle. As you can see from yesterday's pictures, I had a smile from ear to ear...it was a grand feeling. But then J decided to come on out, which is great aside from the fact that hhe just can't help herself to pick, pick, pick at me and the horse I'm riding. Let me tell you, I have no tolerance these days for her vocalizations.

Sid is a very soft mouthed horse. He needs absolutely no contact to set right up and he is really just a very easy to ride horse. He just goes and looks good doing it. Someone put a lot of time into training him, he even leg yields beautifully. Anyway, there I was and there J was.

"Remember Jenny," she blurted "Sid has a very light mouth. No contact, ya' hear, no contact! Loosen up, loosen up!"

I felt my blood beginning to boil. I had absolutely no contact with the horse. I was directing him with my pinkies and in fact, there was substantial drape in the rein. "Don't let him over set his head, bump him up! He's doing that because you have too much contact on the rein."

What he was doing was actually hesitating to go back to work. As J was walking out to assist, Sid and I were standing in the middle of the ring while I was chatting with some of the young ladies who were out riding Snippy the Quarter Horse. Sid was under the impression that he was through, so when J came out and I decided to put him on the rail again, he acted a bit balky. What he really needed was a good kick, but J assumed he was being held back too much. As I stated above, I had very little to no contact on his mouth...he's just a very curvy, archy horse and he tends to just "bridle up" on his own volition while under saddle. J's never ridden him, so I don't exactly expect her to know what I'm talking about, but still it annoyed the poop out of me on that particular day...I.just.wanted.to.ride. So, another reason why soon, I must have my OWN horse, right? I can't bitch about J's critique too much, Sid is not my horse, but still...just let me ride! I know what I'm doing enough to know what not to do!

Whew, that was a tangent!

The picture below is of Contro and I. This was back in 2002 :) Yes, I often rode and still ride in inappropriate attire. Now I always wear a helmet, but back then....I was a helmetless rebel, always!

Riding Sid

2011-04-05T09:59:00.000-04:00

Last Friday after work, I did something I haven't done since December.

I rode!

I pulled Sid out of his stall and began the arduous task of grooming. He hasn't really been touched since last summer, so the horse was a despicable mess. His bridle path was overgrown, his coat was layer upon layer of dust and his behavior resembled that of a saddle bronc over the well trained horse that he is. I clipped his bridle path back down, trimmed his whiskers, groomed, groomed and groomed some more and by the time I was headed out to the arena, he looked...well, a smidge better. The grooming had the dust that was embedded into his coat setting on the top...he looked tan, not bay...but, it was a start.

Fortunately, I made the decision to longe the horse before hopping on. Actually, J is the one who mentioned that perhaps he could use a turn or two at the end of a longe line, because when I gently tugged his cinch up a notch, he hollowed his back and goose rumped...hmmmm.

How do you like ma' boots?

As I was leading Sid into the outdoor arena, he jigged and jogged, it was plain to see that the horse was anxious to get moving. As I turned him out to the end of the lunge line, Sid plunged into his best bucking bronco routine. He humped his back, dug his hind feet in and buck, buck, bucked! I was able to put a firm stop to his nonsense and he settled right down, after a while, into the respectable horse I know him to be.

We had a nice ride, all in all. I didn't push him and we did no cantering as he's quite out of shape. I look forward to spending more time with him this summer...maybe J and I can get him sold...he really is a nice boy!

Officially Vindictive

2011-03-24T17:57:00.002-04:00

Today at work I felt an instant and very immediate desire to eat. I felt so hungry that my plans for a nice healthy salad and small bowl of soup for lunch were thrown out the window in favor of a bambino sized pizza from Papa Romanos. I quickly dialed the phone number of, according to the website, the closest Papa Romanos in my area. A man answered the phone and took my order. After taking my order, he asked for my address so that the pizza could be delivered. Unfortunately, the man determined that I needed to call a different branch as the one he was at did not deliver to my location.

"Grrr..."my stomach rumbled as this news registered.

Polite as always, I said to the man on the phone. "Okay, thank you." To which he replied "SLAM!"

He.hung.up.on.me. (the nerve) with nary a "you're welcome," or "have a good day."

Instead of dismissing this rude behavior, as any normal well adjusted girl would do, I did the opposite.

Chuckling to myself with a growing need for revenge, I quickly pressed the redial button on my phone.

"Thank you for calling Papa Romanos, how can I help you?" he greeted.

"SLAM", I replied as I slammed the phone down hard, just as he had done moments before to me.

I can tell you that the satisfaction I felt set me to new heights. This is going to be a grand day after all I thought.

Begin Rant:

Here's the thing. I know I overreacted. Afterall, the guy could have just been very busy, BUT....I have worked plenty of customer service jobs. In fact, I work in property management and I currently deal with my fair share of disgruntled customers. I am 98% of the time professional, polite and accommodating. I would be fired for treating people rudely and I need my job. Not only that, but it's common courtesy and what about the golden rule? That matters to me.

The truth is that customer service jobs aren't easy! People can be just plain hard to deal with. Sometimes people complain about the most ridiculous things, and many are unreasonable. . I can totally understand why some workers have a bit of an attitude on occasion with particularly difficult/nasty customers. I don't understand it when customers who are polite and easy to deal with (ahem, moi) get the "you're bothering me, what do you want?" attitude. I would absolutely be fired if I spoke to customers the way that I'm spoken to (or hung up on) by intolerant "workers"....what gives?

End rant.

Good Bye, Liz!

2011-03-23T10:11:00.000-04:00

National Velvet has got to be right up there with one of my favorite movies. I used to plant myself in front of the tv and watch it over and over. Anyway, how sad to have lost one of our most iconic actresses...RIP Liz!

Broken Fence

2011-03-21T13:48:00.000-04:00

Last Friday I headed out of work and went directly to J's barn. As I was pulling up I saw J leading Casper out of his stall to the back paddock, YAY!!!

With Casper outdoors, I turned my attention to other matters. Before getting down to business though, J mentioned that some of the mares were still outside. That's a problem because J's hotwire is not currently hot and Casper + mares the next pasture over = imminent disaster. It just makes me very uncomfortable. The barnyard connects all of the pastures and the mares would need to enter into the barnyard to be brought into the actual barn. That would allow Casper and the ladies to get nose to nose.

I decided that while J was bringing in the mares, I would stand guard at Casper's pasture gate so that he didn't act the fool. I had a small whip that I menacingly waved at him any time he got too worked up, and that did the trick of keeping him at bay. He was not a happy camper though, and bellowed his mournful song to the nonchalant mares as they all rip roared into the barnyard to be let in. Her hot wire NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED! Maybe I can figure it out this summer, I've never put it up before but it seems easy enough. It is, right?

Stupidly, I decided to leave my post for just one moment so that I could lock the mares into the barnyard. It makes it easier to catch them since they won't be able to wander back into their vast pasture. As I was pushing the gate closed I heard a THUNK behind me and then a roar that resembled a T Rex. I let go of the gate, whipped around and saw that Casper had knocked a portion of the fence down. Thankfully he didn't go through the fence and was spooked back by the clunking and thunking of the boards as they fell to the ground in a heap all in tact, thank God! I rushed over with my whip and hoisted the top board up as a barrier. There I stood until all the mares were in and J was able to come out with hammer and nail to repair the damage.

This is exactly why I don't turn Casper out to pasture when there are Mares out. I wouldn't have a problem if there were hotwire, but since there's not, it's good to be extra cautious! J came pretty close to having a..... well, a Spring Fling of sorts right there in her own front yard, and Casper would have been one HAPPY young stud muffin, or not as I'm not sure if any of the mares were in season and they can be some bad mamajammas.

With that chaos out of the way, I went back into the barn and gave Contro a much needed makeover. I clipped his bridle path, fetlocks and muzzle, rebraided his way too long tail and socked it up, then I untangled his mane and ran a shedding blade over him. He seemed to appreciate the attention, but was happy to be set free into his hay filled stall.

Contro and I - don't laugh at my Saddle Seat abilities!

That is basically it, but I am eager to get back out there to clip up some of the other winter ragged horses at the barn. I am also dying to climb up on Contro, he's always so much fun to ride!

This and That

2011-03-18T11:39:00.000-04:00

Today I'm going to J's after work. I am so thrilled about the time change (more day light) that it's not even funny. It allows me the opportunity to spend some of my evenings at the barn to unwind a little after work. I've been an awful couch potato this winter!

I'm not sure if I'm going to ride, or if I'll just start clipping the shaggy beasts to get them more presentable for the warmer months ahead. Casper will need to be turned out ~ ugh, it truly bothers me that I'm the only one who turns that horse outside. He'll literally sit and rot in his stall, only getting a chance to stretch his legs when he's moved across the hall to another stall while his is being cleaned. It's incredibly unfair and it really angers me. Sadly, I wonder if this is more common than not for stallion owners.

I shouldn't admit this, but I am because it's really bugging me. I had skipped a few weeks from the barn this winter. In all, I hadn't been to the barn in about a month at one point. I had asked J to make sure she turns Casper out (he's HER horse), hoping that she would. When I finally got back to the barn, a few weeks ago, I discovered that Casper hadn't been out in a month. A MONTH! Needless to say getting him turned out was fun! He attempted to rip away from me 3 times and I so don't blame him. That poor horse was so excited to get outside, he could BARELY contain himself. Ugh, so now I'm going to try and get out there once/twice a week just to turn out a stallion that I DON'T OWN. Casper is a very good boy. He is willing, listens and responds well. He would be so easy to handle and train to saddle if he had the opportunity to stretch his legs more often...isn't that the general rule for all horses? I don't know what else to do about that situation.

Casper as a youngster

Okay, sorry about all that venting. I hate to speak unfairly about anyone ~ I understand that J just wants to make sure that Casper is safe. As a Stallion he will and does run the fence line when he can see other horses outdoors. J wants to keep him and her other horses (who are almost always outside) safe. She doesn't want him running around outside without someone present in the barn. Because she works 2 jobs, it's hard for her. Still, the afternoons and evenings, when the other horses are indoors are perfect for the Stallion to be outside. It just makes me sad!

In other news, Bobby hasn't been ridden in forever. I've mentioned before that he and I go way back! It's a long LONG story, but he was originally brought to J's for me way back in 2004 as a 7 year old. I paid for him to be trailered up from Florida and paid $2,500.00 as a partial payment from his $7,500.00 price tag. Something occurred that I still haven't fully forgiven a certain person for that kind of stopped that purchase in it's tracks. Again, it's a long sordid story that doesn't need to be spoken of here, but it's pretty scandalous...perhaps one day I'll get into it. I still own a portion of the horse, as far as I'm concerned, but of course until he's sold, I won't be getting that money back.

Hmmm...well, I suppose I've rambled incessantly long enough. I think I got some stuff off my chest too! Sorry if I came across as a Debbie Downer, but it 'tis what it 'tis!

Happy Friday everyone, I'll be sure to report back about my experience at the barn!!

MSU Stallion Expo.

2011-03-15T16:48:00.000-04:00

Sunday morning, I volunteered with J to sit at the Michigan Justin Morgan Horse Association's booth at the Michigan Stallion Expo in East Lansing. From 9:00 until 11:00 we sat, and though it was somewhat slow, I had a good time.

Almost immediately, J saw some people she knew and spent the entire 2 hours jabbering away. I just kind of sat and stared, making it a mental mission to hand out some newsletters or to help anyone who had questions. Because of the time change, the traffic was very slow, until about the time we were relieved, but I did manage to speak to one couple. The couple stopped in front of the Morgan booth and began to discuss Morgans. The husband proclaimed out loud that there is nothing like a good Morgan to which his wife disagreed. It seemed that her ideal horse is the Freisian Horse. After discussing this for a moment, the woman turned to me and apologized. I just told her not to, horses are horses and we all have one thing in common in our love for them, right?!? She seemed happy with that answer, so without hesitating I began handing them flyers and newsletters filled with beautiful Morgans. Hey, the husband can have Morgans and the wife can have her Friesians! They both thanked me and went on their merry way! They were very nice and it was fun discussing Morgans with them.

After J and I were done sitting at the Morgan booth, we were able to walk around and check out some of the booths and Stallions that were there on display. There were some very nice Stallions, and there were some not so nice Stallions. One horse, a rangy looking Paso Fino stallion, was at least 200 lbs underweight. I couldn't believe that his owners paid the $399++ fees to exhibit their stallion, and he looked awful! Very ribby and kind of scraggly, I felt sorry for him.

There were many breeds on exhibition, but I noticed that the breeds being showcased were not anywhere near as common as some other breeds. For instance, I did not see an Arabian or a Morgan. There were 2 Saddlebreds, 2 Paso Finos, a Tennessee Walking Horse, 1 Missouri Fox Trotter, 1 Percheron, several Freisians, miniature horses, 1 Andalusian, 1 Haflinger (a 15.3 hander!!), a few Paints, a Clydesdale, some Pintos and a few AQH's and even a Burro. Strange! Maybe I missed some, who knows? I also saw Julie Goodnight. I don't really know what she does, other than that she's a well known clinician. She looked nice enough, but I was too lazy to go chat it up with her.

Annnnd, that about closes out my continuing progress into horselessness. Ugh, this wintery weather will be the death of us all if it doesn't clear up soon. It's supposed to get up into the 40's and 50's this week, so there's hope that my round rump will hit leather sooner rather than later!

What are you Selfish About

2011-03-09T13:19:00.002-05:00

I consider myself to be a very generous person about almost everything. I offer up my things all of the time, sometimes to my detriment to be used by others. Last summer, I allowed the Jr. Exhibitor who was showing Bobby to use my beloved Les Vogt bit. I was happy to do so! At horse shows, I'm the first one to offer up spurs, hats, gloves, goop, and tack! I've allowed roommates in college to use my car, I gave my grandma a set of bangles that I had just purchased because she liked them; sadly so did I, but I loved the smile that spread over her face when I handed them over. I do miss them, but I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

I will happily go without for the benefit of others, I don't know why, it's just my nature. Other examples include me giving my clothing that I still wear, to a friend who is incredibly frugal. The last time she came to visit, I found myself deep in my closet, digging out shirts, shorts and shoes that I thought would look good on her, stuff from BCBG, J CREW, and Express. Of course, I was a half a bottle deep in wine, but still...I felt satisfied with my donations...I also allowed my good friend Kerri to "borrow" my Kate Spade bag...indefinitely. Why? I have no idea, other than I like to make people happy. I do have some small regrets about the Kate Spade bag, but to be honest, I don't think I'd use it again (it started kind of falling apart a year after getting it, wtf?!?) Also, my mom now owns my leather Coach purse - a gift to me, from her, and then right on back to her when I was through with it!

There is one thing, though, that I guard. I am incredibly selfish with it, I will bite the hand that tries to take it from me. I have always been this way, I don't know why. It's just my nature.

I am embarrassed to say that I am food selfish.

I don't share food. I take more than my fair share, I don't like to feel like I want more of something but can't take it because others want more too. I will take the last biscuit in the batch, french fry in the bag, candy in the jar and pop from the fridge and not bat an eye. I'm evil, selfish and piggy with food. I cannot for the life of me, help it!

My latest stint with the green eyed food monster came this week. Actually, it began innocently enough on Tuesday morning. On my way to work, I stopped of at D&W to buy some food for work. I grabbed some Mac & Cheese, fresh fruit, a smoothie and on my way through the checkout, I grabbed a bag of Easter Candy. Butterfinger Chocolate Eggs, to be exact. I had the idea to place the candies in a jar on top of my desk, to share with customers as well as coworkers...the same as they'd do. To further make the case against myself, I'd like to add that K, my boss, is always coming into the office to share bags of Chips, Cookies, Cinnamon Rolls, etc...always! I always partake. So anyway, back to the story at hand.

I poured the bag of candies into my jar and didn't really think too much more about it; that is, I didn't think much about it until another coworker came in to my office and snagged more than one candy at a time (the horror). I felt a familiar pang spring to life in my gut, but I forced it aside with a smile, telling my coworker to "help yourself."

Throughout the day, several other coworkers came in for their chocolate fix, it wasn't anything I couldn't handle. The candy jar remained mostly full when I left for home in the afternoon. It did occur to me, though, that the cat was out of the bag. People knew where there was chocolate...ridiculous, but true....this is something that actually occurred to me. Like I had precious gems out for the taking or something, instead of a bag of $3.00 chocolates...oh boy. I'm tellin' ya, nobody better be laying a finger on MY butterfinger! heh heh heh.

Now, here's where it gets...worse. This morning, actually, just about 20 minutes ago, I was happily tap tap tapping away on a spreadsheet for work. "I'm getting hungry," I thought to myself, as I glanced up at my beautiful candy jar filled with delicious chocolate candy.

"What the...." I grabbed the jar in my fist and turned it ever so slightly to gain a better vantage point. The jar was almost empty. Only a few measly pieces of chocolate remained. "PIGS!" I grumbled, as I forced the too large jar into my filing cabinet. I sat at my desk for a few minutes, silently berating myself for acting like such a selfish brat, but then I came to the conclusion that I would blog about it instead of putting the jar back out for my chocolate fiending (but generous) coworkers to polish off. Oh but I'm awful!

Why am I so food selfish? I've never gone without food, I'm NOT starving by any means, I'm not gluttonous per-se...it just bugs me when people take food from me. I cain't stop myself!

I need to work on this!

So, now I'm curious. Everybody has to be selfish about one thing. My husband, for instance, doesn't like sharing his electronics. I think he worries that they'll be damaged, actually, I did drop a laptop of his once, woops. What are you selfish about? C'mon...I won't bite...that is, as long as you be leaving my food alone! LOL

Parking Out!?!?

2011-02-17T12:55:00.005-05:00

This may be absolutely inaccurate, but I'm going to attempt to share my knowledge of Parking a horse out. I am absolutely NO expert in this, in fact, I don't really even know how to train a horse to park out. I think it would be easy enough to do, I've just never found my self in the position to do it. Actually, here. Here's a link describing the process!

What is parking out? Well. It is a particular stance a horse is taught to perform. In essence the proper park is with the forelegs perpendicular to the ground, and the hind legs stretched back a degree behind the horse. The best way is to teach the horse to lean forward and just stretch is hind legs out. All feet should be square with each other and the head, neck and ears should be high and perky (at least in the show ring). Here are a few examples:

In the beginning, horses were parked out for a variety of reasons. Breeds like the Tennessee Walking Horse and the American Saddle bred were developed in the Southern United States, as pleasure horses. They needed to be fancy yet tractable to carry around plantation owners, generals and the general elite of society. A horse was taught to Park out primarily for ease of mounting. When it's parked out, the body is lowered by a degree which eases the amount of space between ground and stirrup. While standing parked out, it is more difficult for the horse to step out from under the rider as he or she is attempting to mount. Carriage horses were taught to park out for a similar reason...they were, in a sense, parked (like a car).

In general, saddle breeds such as the American Saddle bred, Tennessee Walking Horse and of course, the Morgan are trained at a young age to stand parked out.

To be completely honest, I think that breeds such as the aforementioned, are taught to park in modern times, more for aesthetic reasons as well as for functionality. This stance highlights the features on a particular type or horse. It highlights the top line, legs, hip, neck and shoulder of the horse being judged in the show ring, and again, it eases the whole mounting process. Though it may create a skewed picture to some, it is just how things are done and I don't have knowledge to elaborate. I do not know this as a fact, but I believe this is why. If you are reading and know more or feel that I'm wrong, please, enlighten me! :)

I've personally never been on a Morgan that hasn't been taught to Park out. Whether the horse be western pleasure, hunter under saddle, a trail horse or a horse ridden primarily in saddle seat, they were all taught to park out. As I mentioned above, most are taught at a very young age. In fact, I know with J, it is one of the first things her youngsters learn!

My former horses, both Shaker and Turkey parked out with or without cue when standing in the center of any ring, show or at home. Though parking out in the show ring is reserved for in hand and/or English Pleasure type horses, Shaker did it under saddle while lined up in our western pleasure classes. He never forgot his younger days as a fiery English pleasure horse, I guess. See below (exhibit A).

If I wanted to cue a horse to park out under saddle, I would simply tap the shoulder with my toe or whip...at least that's how I was taught. Of course, the horse has to be trained to do this...you can't just tap your horse and expect it to park out ~ but you already knew that. I'd also like to mention that if I'm turning a particularly excited horse out to pasture, I first park them out before removing their halter/lead. That way, they have to right themselves before blasting off....it's a bit of preventative maintenance and very useful, if I do say so myself!

So, there you have. My own personal explanation of parking out. I thought it would be interesting for people who aren't as familiar with the Saddle type breeds! Hope this wasn't too boring OR ignorant sounding. I'm just repeating what I was taught and have observed over the years.

So, my question is what about Arabians? I don't think Arabians park out per se, but they do have a particular stance they are taught. Stock type horses are taught to stand completely square. Any particular reason behind this? I'd love to know!

Wintery Wonderland-ish

2011-02-03T18:07:00.001-05:00

Just because I have no idea what else to post, I thought I'd post one of my all time favorite YouTube videos. I love this video because of the beginning, it's just breathtaking!! Turn up your volume to hear him SNORT :). This is a PARK horse, people! See, they're not just cooped up in stalls all the time :).

He reminds me of the beaucephalis horse statue from the Black Stallion, especially when he's trotting so beautifully in the snow. He almost suspends himself during each proud step ~ I think he is magnificent!

On another note, it's just been sooo dang cold! Last weekend I did catch a glimpse of Lady (my mom's horse) and her pasture mate Cash. I elected to stay in the warm car to watch as my mom fed the two fuzzy horses. Both seemed warm and content to NOT be man handled. Food is what they wanted, and food is what they got!

I spent some time at J's as well. By the time I got to her barn, the chores had mostly been done. J and two of her little helpers were busy dragging round bales out to the pastures, so I busied myself with Bobby Sox. For some reason that horse grows a pelt in the winter. I went ahead and trimmed his fetlocks, just enough to tone down the ice bodanglers that attach themselves to his feathering. Yes, I said feathering. He feathers right up like a GypsyVanner in the winter (maybe not that drastic). I also trimmed his very over grown bridle path. By the time I was finished, he looked half way presentable again, and NOT like a wild beast of yore. He didn't appreciate my efforts, but I still tucked him back into his freshly bedded stall with an extra carrot or two to munch on. I think he did appreciate that.

I am heading out to the barn again this Sunday, and I plan on bringing my camera. I need to do a post about all of the horses at J's, not just the usuals :).

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner

2011-01-27T12:12:00.002-05:00

I just did the drawing using one of those number generators, and lo I have been trying and trying to get the thing posted on to this blog to prove that the winner really is a random winner. Alas, due to my horrendous computer skills and lack of common sense, I was unable to get the generator posted properly. You'll just have to trust:

Without further ado:

The winner of a years subscription to either: Horse & Rider, Horse Illustrated or Equus and of course, the bumper stickers is...dun dun dun....

Commenter #2: Terry, from the Moondance Ranch blog.

Congratulations, Terry! Let me know which subscription you'd like via e-mail. Please also include your home address. jennybean79@gmail.com.

The runners up will receive some bumpage sticking.

Commenter's 9, 6 and 4.

Mikeal from Mikael's Mania

Karen from Contact

and

Lexa from Notes From a Horse Trainer in Training

For those who won the stickers, please also leave your address via e-mail so I can send out your goodies!

If you want to try your hand at creating your own Bumper stickers, for instance, if you have a farm or a particular breed of horse you like, check out BuildASign. It was a lot of fun creating those stickers!

Don't Forget

2011-01-26T10:23:00.000-05:00

Don't forget to leave a comment on the previous post! The odds are excellent - 1 in 8 at this point - that you'll win a 1 year subscription to either:

Horse & Rider, Horse Illustrated or Equus magazine, your choice!!

I plan on picking tomorrow (Thursday) around noon!!

I will post the winners on the blog, so stay tuned! I know this isn't the most exciting give away to have ever hit blogdom, but who doesn't like a good horse magazine?

1st Give Away

2011-01-24T11:47:00.001-05:00

A few weeks ago, I was contacted by Megan from www.buildasign.com/. Megan asked me if I'd like to create some personalized items to either keep for myself or give away on my blog. Of course, I chose the latter. I have to admit, I wasn't really sure what to choose on the website. I could have chosen from any great number of items to personalize; from signs, to bumper stickers. Finally, I settled on bumper stickers and those window clings. With that decision out of the way, a new dilemma presented itself. I had to design! I am not very creative, all I really knew is that my stickers and clings had to be horse themed. Once I got into the design, I actually started having a blast. I was able to surf the web to find pictures or use my own photos.

So, without further ado, I am giving away my fabulously designed (if I do say so myself) bumper stickers and clings. Each winner (of 4 will get 1 of each). I had to make this even more exciting (ha!) because in all honesty, I wondered to myself if I would want to enter this particular drawing...probably not. Though, I have to say, you should totally check out the website above, because it is just ingenious - what a great idea, I wish I would have thought of that!

Enjoy this video - it's the country in me, I guess - I loved this song as a dramatic middle schooler, and I must say, I still love it to this day!

Let That Pony Run @ Yahoo! Video

The first winner drawn will also get a subscription to their choice of the following magazines: Horse & Rider, Equus or Horse Illustrated. (My personal favorite is H&R).

So, all 8 of you, LOL!

Tell me what discipline you ride, and why you chose it:

I myself prefer western pleasure, especially on curvy horses like Morgans and Arabians. I just love that slow, prancy jog, rocking horse lope and the archy neck!

Message Boards/Forums

2011-01-20T14:57:00.005-05:00

I have never been the type to regularly check message boards or forums. Actually, I didn't really know about them until recently when I stumbled upon one after an innocent enough google search led me astray. I began to read some of the postings, and then after some time, decided that I would post my opinion.

What do you think happened?

I was completely attacked.

My opinion wasn't strongly voiced. It wasn't offensive. In fact, it was in defence of another poster who was being attacked for a silly but harmless comment she had made.

I became enraged and then felt ridiculous for even posting in the first place. I sent back a few jabs to my "bullies" and then left. Before leaving, though, I couldn't resist. I stuck around long enough to see any responses. I was called a great number of mysterious acronyms by what appeared to be one ring leader and her band of bullies.

So, a few months after that great debacle, I again found myself swimming along in yet another message board (or forum).

Again, like a moron, I posted a comment.

Attacked.

I left and will never again return to any forum, ever. I honestly cannot believe how nasty some of these people are. They need lives.

I mean, these are respectable forums people, one was about early pregnancy - no I'm not pregnant, but I found myself there because of google and its leading me astray, and the other was about horses of all things.

I am offended to say that I am totally offended...err...well, I am and I can't help it.

One woman told me to go piss rainbows somewhere else! THE NERVE!!!

So, I realized - hey! I have the perfect place where I can piss rainbows to my heart's content. Here, with all of my other rainbow pissers!!

Actually, we're not always rainbow pissers, but we definitely are, for the most part, very nice people and you know?

What's so wrong with a little rainbow pissing anyway? We need more "happy" in the world, for goodness sakes!

As a side note, nobody here frequents forums do they? j/k.

So, that's my pointless rant o' the day!!

The Trailer Incident

2011-01-19T11:42:00.003-05:00

When my parents finally conceded to my constant badgering to show, a problem besides the general cost of a show horse and the accoutrements that go with showing presented itself.

Transportation.

Paying for J to trailer us to the shows would have been too pricey. Not only that, but J and her group of riders attended only breed shows. J did not participate in any equestrian teams, nor did she attend open or 4 H shows of any kind. I happened to be on the equestrian team and I was also a member of our local
4 H group (the Arete Riders, lol), much to J's chagrin. This meant that though we had transportation to the few breed shows we attended, we had no way to get to the 4 H/open and equestrian team shows.

After what I can only imagine, was a lot of deliberation, my dad (omg, my DAD - Mr. anti horse anything) decided that a horse trailer was a wise investment. While I was at the barn working, one evening, he and my mom drove to the now defunct local horse auction (Fenton), and purchased a brand new, small, Bison straight load stock trailer.

That evening when I arrived home, my dad excitedly took me by the hand and led me to the backyard. There it sat, in all of it's Bison glory; a horse trailer! MY horse trailer - I will never forget that moment.

Anyway, I could go on about all that, but that's not really what this story is about.

Because my parents didn't own a truck, or even a large SUV at that time, the trailer was hauled by our baby blue conversion van....it was a V6 that had UNIVERSAL scrawled across the front windshield. The interior of the van was blue velvet and came complete with plush velvet seats and wood trim. It even had a TV. Again, I could go on and on about big blue, BUT this story isn't about that either.

One day, several years after the purchase of the Bison trailer, my mom and I were making our way back from a dusty and hot all day open show. I was a bratty, unappreciative teenager, and my attitude that day was made even worse by a growing hunger. It was decided that we would pull into the first fast food joint we could find on our drive back home. Meanwhile, in the trailer, Shaker impatiently bellowed; he did not appreciate being trailered alone and in a stock trailer of all things!

Finally, a Taco Bell was spotted. Mom pulled the van with trailer attached into the parking lot and slowed a bit to determine whether or not we would go through the drive thru or just pull over and have one of us go in to get the T-bell.

I bet you're thinking "what do you mean, pull through the drive thru? You can't do that with a horse trailer!"

I wasn't about to show my bratty butted, 17 year old, heavily made up faced, mint green western shirt clad, ultra suede with scalloped edged chap wearing, hair netted self in public...nuh uh, and I think my mom was just too durn tired to get out of the van, so the decision was made.....we drove our baby blue van manned screaming horse wearing stock trailered selves right on through that Taco Bell drive thru.

We tried, anyway.

This particular Taco Bell drive thru had two sharp curves that angled around the fast food building. We made it up to the first curve with no problem, we even made it around the first curve relatively well. Our one mistake was that the two right tires of the trailer were to the point where any forward movement would hike up the whole right side of the horse trailer on to the high curb of the drive thru's, now incredibly narrow driveway.

It was beginning to occur to us that Taco Bell drive thrus were not designed for horse trailers.

My mom, assuming it wouldn't be a problem to fix our little predicament, didn't figure that there would now be other vehicles behind us in the drive thru. Her plan to back up, and then straighten out was foiled with an angry honk when she attempted to back a few feet. Panick was beginning to settle in, and Shaker was really getting stirred up with his new awkward situation. We could hear his angry bellows as we decided to go ahead and order our tacos anyway, after all we were situated right in front of the order speakers, so why not? After we ordered, it came time to round the second, and most deadly curve.

My mom slowly inched forward. Embarrassed, I had slunk down into the van's passenger seat to watch the trailer in the rear view mirror. I noticed several poop balls skitter across the pavement as Shaker continued his angsty calls. Soon, we felt a great heave as the entire right side of the trailer was lifted onto the curb. It felt as if tipping were inevitable.

"MOM!" I shrieked, "we have to get out of here, we're going to tip."

Shaker whinnied loudly from the back.

"I know, Jenny, but what can I do." I could see beads of sweat forming on her brow, as my mom frantically tried to get the trailer righted.

We couldn't back out because there were cars behind us. We were only just starting to round the bend of the curve, so it was very daunting indeed to continue forward. We were completely stuck!

Shaker continued to scream, and more poop balls fell to the pavement through the small gap at the bottom of the stock trailer's back gate. What the people behind us were thinking, I'll never know.

After what seemed like hours, my mom finally gave the gas pedal one giant shove and VROOOOM, the trailer came through the curve and down to the smoothly surfaced pavement of the drive in one giant thunk. We passed the food window and slowed only to say, "nevermind," and we sailed out of that cursed Taco Bell parking lot, heaving great sighs of relief.

Shaker continued to scream his injustices all the way home.

Awarded

2011-01-17T11:34:00.003-05:00

Yay! Who doesn't love getting awards?

In2Paints from the R Lil Bit of Cash blog has awarded me, and many other great blogs with the Stylish Blogger Award.

I'll take it!!

The rules are as follows:

1. Thank and link back to the person who awarded you this award

2. Share 7 things about yourself

3. Award 15 recently discovered great bloggers

4. Contact these bloggers and tell them about the award!

I'm sure that I'm going to award bloggers that have already been awarded this...award (heh heh), but I'm just gonna' go ahead and award some of my favorite recently discovered blogs!

First, I'll start with 7 things:

1. I was born in July, I'm a Cancer and my personality definitely reflects that particular horoscope's description. Emotional, loyal, caring and moody!

2. Brian and I just started house shopping! So far it has been so much fun, but I'm waiting for that time when we start making offers (soon) and they get rejected...I'm sure that will be....not.so.fun.

3. I'm pessimistically optimistic about everything. I believe that if I don't expect much out of any situation, then the turnout can't be worse than my expectations. Meaning, I'll never be too disappointed when things don't turn out the way I envisioned them because I envisioned them poorly in the first place...does that make sense? Pessimistically-optimistic....it's the way to be!!

4. My dream job is.....a barn job. Isn't that absurd? If Brian should ever have a job where he makes TONS of money (I like to dream too), then instead of retiring, I will get a job as a barn hand. Not only is it the best exercise, but it's therapeutic. Yeah, I'm a real high shooter!! LOL.

5. I don't like Hamsters as pets. They pee everywhere and they bite! I also dislike birds as pets...why would anyone want a constantly shrieking, pooping, caged animal in the confines of their home? Birds aren't meant to be caged anyway, in my opinion that is. (I'm sorry if your a Hamster/bird owner - I don't hate them, they're just not for me).

6. I love books. If I start reading a good book, I will not put it down until I'm finished....that means, chores, cleaning, sleep, eating and everything else (besides work) have to wait. Okay, so with that said...my favorite author is Stephen King but I also love Edith Wharton and Walter Farley for sentimental reasons. I'm embarrassed to admit that I like Stephen King so much because some of his books are really out there, but I just love his stories...they sometimes really gross me out, but I can never put them down -I've read them all, too!

7. This is more difficult than I thought it would be...hmmm...

my favorite number is 17!

__________________________________________________________

Now it's time to nominate:

1. Contact

2. Ms. Martyr

3. Tammy in Texas

4. The Blog of Becky

5. Sweet Horses Breath

6. Project Saddle Sabumi

7. Dapple of My Eye

8. Dressage Pony

9. Front Porches

10. Horses are our Lives

11. Miles on Miles

12. Mixed Nuts

13. Own A Morgan

14. Notes From a Horse Trainer (In Training)

15. The Grey Horse

_____________________

Whew! There ya' have it :)

A Whopping Tale of Randomness

2011-01-14T10:58:00.001-05:00

Disclaimer: I am not good at staying on track while writing....In college I needed outlines. Lots of outlines to keep on task. I don't outline my blog posts, so I hope this isn't too hard to follow... :(

When I was about 14 or 15, and just getting into the Morgan show world, I desperately wanted to be like the other girls in J's barn. Back then, J had one of the largest and most successful training barns in my area. She had a plethora of young girls, all of them who showed at the Regional and National levels, all of them save one. Me. I attended a few of the large Morgan shows in Michigan, but spent many of my weekends at local Open shows, surrounded by Quarter Horses.

I'm not complaining about any of that though, because I learned some very valuable lessons, and looking back, I don't think I would have had it any other way. Of course, back then I would have given my right hand to go to the Morgan Grand Nationals; I rode with my left hand anyway...you know, Western Pleasure?

One of my very favorite memories of my open showing days are of the attention I received with my Morgan horses, first Turkey, and then Shaker.

Turkey was the type of horse to do it all. Poor Turkey did it all, too. We'd do Halter, then Saddle seat (no Quarter Horses in the Saddle Seat classes), then we'd go into the hunt seat classes. We would have done Western (Turkey neck reined too), but my mom made me rest the poor horse. After the western pleasure was over, and Turkey and I had had our break, we'd enter a few Gymkhana classes. Of course, we were no where near as fast as some of those gaming girls, but Turkey sure tried. It was an absolute blast.

During the shows, and after, people would stop by our trailer and ask about the horse. "What kind of a horse is that?" They'd ask. Proudly, we'd tell them, "A Morgan." What I thought was funny is the general look of disdain on their faces. "Oh," they'd say, "I've never seen a Morgan before." or "Hmmm...I thought Morgans were hot and dangerous." That always baffled me. Some people didn't like my Morgan, but others loved him ~ people sure can be honest when it comes to horses ~ downright insulting too! I discovered in those days, that people were totally off course in their opinions of Morgans....too hot and dangerous? Morgans are the most sensible, intelligent and forgiving horses I've ever had the pleasure of working with...then again, I'm pretty biased ;).

Shaker was a different kind of a horse then Turkey, though he was just a versatile. Turkey was incredibly sensible, while Shaker was a hot tamale. He snorted and pranced, but NEVER reacted. He was safe, but to the people watching, I'm sure he looked like he could blow at any moment. Not only that, but he was drop dead gorgeous. He was a high stepping and snorty horse, all curves and a deep, rich dappled bay. He resembled his magnificent sire, Troutbrook Playboy - one of the most gorgeous Morgans to ever have graced the planet (at least in my opinion, he was).

Troutbrook Playboy ~ Shaker's Sire

Shaker was captivating at the open shows. People would line up to watch him go. I'm sure they'd never seen a Morgan quite like him (if ever they had seen a Morgan). He was very high stepping and fancy in a sea of flat Quarter horses, he sure stood out. To be honest, some of the people at the open shows were not welcoming to Shaker and I. Sometimes we placed very well. When that happened, people sometimes complained to the show offices. They felt that Shaker moved too fancily for an open show, or that I was somehow cheating. I had one girl tell me that my horse was too smooth, and thus it was unfair for me to be in the equitation classes, because I didn't move. In all honesty, Shaker was as smooth as silk...but how was that my fault? To be honest, I never grew weary of that...I liked being the center of attention - good or bad. *stupid teenage pride ~ I'd be furious now*

Fortunately, most people were very welcoming (we were newcomers). Some would stand and talk to my mom and I for hours. "Where did you get this horse?" people wanted to know, and "what kind of a horse is he"? One woman, who bred and trained Arabians argued with my mom and I for a while, she insisted that Shaker was an Arabian. Finally, we had to show her his papers to prove to her that, yes indeed, he was a Morgan through and through. Don't get me wrong, I love Arabians and Quarter Horses, both are amazing and beautiful breeds, but I love Morgans more!

The funny thing is that at the Morgan shows, Shaker blended in to the other equally gorgeous Morgans. He and I did OK at the A shows...we never did exceptionally well, and I know that we weren't considered stiff competition. I'm sure it was my fault as I was the typical, I know everything about riding and you know nothing teenager...ugh, such a brat I was! We were kind of in the middle of the pack. The open shows, though, that was a whole different story.

here's where it really gets random...heh heh heh...

If you've never been, I would recommend hitting up a Morgan show. Just to see the differences. You will be surprised to learn that a vast majority of Morgans are shown in Western and Hunt and a select few a reserved for Saddle seat. There are still plenty of Saddle Seat horses, don't get me wrong...but I think a common misconception is that people outside of the Morgan breed assume that Morgans are hot tamale saddle seat horses only; when in actuality, that's simply not true. Also, our saddle seat horses do NOT wear those huge honking pads, like some of the "big Lick" walking horses. They do wear weighted shoes, but they are not elevated to the point that they look disfigured. Also, soaring is not practiced in our breed. At least, I've never heard of an incident of that nature. Many Morgans are naturally high stepping trotters - Shaker trotted level barefoot, and so does J's Contro.

I myself, am planning on hitting up a few Arabian and QH shows this next summer. I'd love to see those breeds in action. I am betting that there are some stunners there too - especially those Arabians...I love their western pleasure horses. Knowing me, I'll be I must have-ing it up all over the place....of course, to me, there's NOTHING like a nice Morgan...see for yourselves!

I love Winston

2011-01-10T15:42:00.001-05:00

I don't have anything exciting going on in my life, so I'm posting another video.

I love Winston!! He's a Grand Prix Morgan Stallion, you can read more about Winston and other lovely Morgans, here.

Driving and Horses

2011-01-07T12:22:00.003-05:00

Lately, it seems I spend a good amount of my time driving. I think on average, I'm in my car 2.5 - 3 hours a day. During the time spent in my car, I am either listening to my Satellite radio stations ( I admit that I like Howard Stern and Cosmo best), jamming to music, or just plain getting lost in thought. Often times I think about horses and the role they've played in my life.

Today, as I slowly crept down a frozen highway in my little SUV, it suddenly hit me. It started as a slow burning deep down inside and built to an inferno in my chest. This feeling isn't easily suppressed once it creeps in. It's that desperate and sad feeling I imagine everyone gets when they just can't seem to get what they want most. Gosh darn it!!! I must have a horse, now!!!

Brian, my husband, has played a big role in why I don't actually have a horse right now. Please don't misunderstand though. He has been a wonderful pillar of support for me.

As a very impulsive person, I could very easily get myself into financial trouble, and have, a time or two really wracked up my credit card bills. I am an *act now, worry about it later* type of gal...I hate admitting that, but it's true. Brian has helped me to really think about the future, and has just been so incredibly supportive of my goals to finish school (which I did last year), pay off all of my credit debt and to get my student loan payments on track...I owe a heck of a lot to that guy! He wants me to have a horse, but only when we can afford it without sacrificing our financial futures too terribly much...something I'd do in a heart beat ;).

So - as those thoughts were flowing into my body, mind and soul - it's true - it's a whole body experience, I had to work hard to once again suppress them. Now is not the time, not yet. But, soon. Soon. I hope this will be the year! In the meantime, there's always J and her collection of fuzzy, fat and funny Morgans!

On another note, on a blog that I just finished reading and must say, absolutely love, MUGWUMP, readers are able to submit their horse themed stories. Many of the stories are about the submitters first real memory of a horse.

I've been thinking about this, and I can't really remember my own first experience with horses. All I know is that horses have always just kind of been in my radar. Horses whose pastures bordered country roads, my little kid eyes peering up and out of car windows at them as we drove on by, staring and craning to watch until the horses were mere specks in the distance. Sitting bareback on the sleek red coat of my mom's mare, Mariah. My toddler legs in the splits position, as I gleefully grasped the whispy red mane in my tiny little hands.

I remember this show. I was 4 years old and clueless, the pony, Lady, was a saint and allowed me to lead her wherever I chose. I think this judge (picture above), in his early 80's polyester pants, was slightly amused or perhaps, secretly annoyed at my very young misgivings...I had to be coached and assisted through this entire show, but I had a blast. I'm so lucky that my mom is a horse nut too, she's had me near them, on them and by them since the day that I was born. Do you think that this...affliction..... is genetic?

New Year/ Videos

2011-01-06T17:02:00.002-05:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful New Year!

I had a good one, a quiet beginning and then I finished off the night dancing at a bar just down the road from my house...good times! I should note the I wasn't dancing as in stripping, just dancing to the DJ with some friends, you know, good ole' fashioned dancing...ummm...yeah...you know what I mean.

Anyhoo....I haven't had much going on in the horse front. I've been getting to the barn about once a week, but this darned bitter cold has kept me from riding. When it warms up a bit, I'll be back in that saddle though.

My barn time consists of just quality time in the presence of horses, and you know? That's enough for me right now. I turn a few stall bound horses out, bring some outdoor horses in for the night...feed, water, hay, grain, sweep and that's that.

I guess since I have nothing exciting to post, I'll just post a video or two. I admit that I know nothing...NADA, about reining, but I think love this Morgan Stallion. Albeit, the video is older, but I think this little horse proves just how versatile the Morgan horse is. They're not just prancy, hot saddle seat horses...oh no they're not ;).

Notice how fast this horse is on those rundowns (is that what they're called)? Isn't he fast? He is, right? I think so anyway. I don't really know what an excellent rollback looks like either, but his look good to me. Also, the spins. This horse spins fast, but do I know if they're proper like? Not really. Doesn't one hind leg need to remain planted? At a few points, both of the hind legs seem to flip around a bit, but overall - I think he is just plain awesome!

The next video is part 2 of a Western Dressage Clinic held at the Morgan Grand National Horse Show. Western Dressage isn't something I know anything about, really, either. But, I do think it's fascinating to watch and also, something to learn. I'm pretty sure it's applying Dressage principles to western riding, which I don't think is a new concept, but just something that seems to be coming up at more and more Morgan shows as a show ring class. I love watching this pretty horse! I must note that I have no volume on the particular computer I've posted this video from - I have no idea what the clinician is saying :(

Anyway, Happy 2011 to you! I am so excited for what this new year will bring!!

Happy Holidays

2010-12-28T13:50:00.002-05:00

Merry Christmas a few days late!! I hope everyone enjoyed their holidays, I know that I did.

I even got a horse related present, which is not common for me. I had asked Brian for a pair of winter riding boots for Christmas and I was rewarded with a pair of Mountain horse Rimfrost Riders II. Sadly, my beloved Miller's Warm Toes winter boots died last winter, so I have been desperate for a new pair.

On Sunday, I excitedly pulled on and zipped up my new boots. They felt stiff and pushed me a bit forward as I gingerly walked around my house. I persisted and wore them to the barn that afternoon with only a few reserves. It did occur to me that the boots were not designed for barn work but are meant for riding only...I'm sure they'd be excellent riding boots!

Alas, my scabbed up heels are proof of the boot's true design. I tromped around the barn for hours, turning out horses, bringing some in. Haying, watering, graining and sweeping. I trudged out to the pastures with bales of hay to spread for the next morning...my oh my how I suffered! I began limping within the first hour at the barn and by the end, I was gimping and shuffling so dramatically that I felt handicapped. Finally, I gave up and unzipped the boots down all the way past the heel. They stayed up with help from the Velcro strap at the top...let me just say that the relief I felt was dance worthy. I felt light as a feather as I finished up the evening's barn chores. I will wear the boots again, I don't give up easily and I intend to break those suckers in, scabby heels or not!

I use my winter boots as all purpose barn foot wear. I need something tall because it makes wading through snow covered pastures that much easier and I must say, I love how tall boots keep my calves warm, dry and toasty too....at least my Millers did. I also need a boot that is stirrup safe, so it must have a small enough size to fit comfortably through any stirrup and a heel...also some nice flexibility. If these Mountain Horse boots won't work for what I need, then I'll just buy a pair of Muckers and use the MH for riding only - ugh!

While at the barn that evening, a freezing cold wind whipped about, whistling through the small cracks in the barn. The heavy sliding barn doors clattered continuously against the frosty wind and the ensuing racket had the horses feeling jittery and flighty. Bringing in the mares that evening was a breeze - they all anxiously awaited the warmth of their hay filled stalls.

Turning out Casper was another story though. The poor Stallion hadn't been out in a week (not since the last time I was there), and he was more than happy to stretch his legs. He maintained his composure as I led him down the long barn aisle way. Once outside, I turned him around and set him up (Parked him out). "Whoaaa!" I demanded, as I carefully slid the chain over his nose. Just as I had the lead clasp unhooked from his halter, Casper took off. He waited until he was loose, but just barely. I will make sure to practise his patience on our next adventure, but the poor horse did his best in that blustery winter wind; especially since he was AMPED to go outside.

After about an hour, Casper was ready to come in. Here he is, NOT posing for his picture - he's a handsome boy :)

I took this picture and the resulting flash from my camera had him off in a series of comical bucks. He came back though, he wanted in!

Funny? No?

2010-12-16T15:00:00.001-05:00

I don't know why, but this picture makes me laugh. I must have a weird sense of humor because nobody else seems to be laughing quite as hard as I am. What do you think? Look closely....

I also laughed so hard at this next one that I cried. I know it. I'm odd, but it's so funny!

Loaded Tubbin

Just look at that dogs face! I can't get over it - so funny! You can see more at the ever popular website, http://www.awkwardfamilyphotos.com/ I know you know of it!

And I also like this LOLCatz....

but not as much as that loaded tubbin up there!

White Knuckles

2010-12-13T13:36:00.000-05:00

As I was scrolling through my blog reader this morning, I noticed a very common theme. Snow!

I live in south -middish - westernish Michigan (Lansing area) and the snow hit us at about midnight on Saturday. Prior to the snow, though, we had rain. Lots of rain. Once the snow hit, it didn't stop until about 3:00 on Sunday afternoon. The resulting effect was snow and ICE on the roads.

Due to a series of unfortunate events, I ended up having to pick Brian up from Detroit Metro airport at midnight last night. What would normally be an hour and a half drive one way from my home in the Lansing area, took 2 and a half hours one way. The roads were unbearably icy and snowy and a severe wind made matters worst by gusting into my car and pushing me ever closely to a slide out or worse, collision. To say I white knuckled it, would be an understatement. I left my house at about 11:45 p.m. and crawled into my bed at 5:00 a.m. this morning I felt like I should have been half way to Florida after that hideous car trip. During the little road trip, we counted 10 car accidents and 3 jack knifed semi trucks ~ crazy! We didn't see a single salt truck until our return trip home...it was about 4:15 at that point. What's up with that? Maybe it has to be warm enough for the salt to take effect...hmmm.

In retrospect, I am so glad that I had the foresight to contact my boss and let her know that I was coming in late to work on Monday. Unexpectedly, she responded by telling me to just take the day off. "No big deal," she said. AWESOME BOSS ALERT, AWESOME BOSS ALERT! That small blessing was my saving grace this morning; I woke up just before noon - ahhhhhhh!

On another note, I did ride this weekend. Saturday morning, I saddled up poor bewildered Gypsy and took her for a frigid spin. I've been trying to work on neck reining with her, but I always second guess myself with that particular bit of training. I do a lot of circling, keeping my hands close together and while pulling her around, I push the outside rein onto her neck so that she associates that pressure with turning...of course I use a lot of leg aid too. Still, it just seems like a slow process and she doesn't really seem to be getting it...I guess time will tell. My goal with her is to get her trained enough for J to give lessons on her...it would be nice to show her, but ultimately, I just want her marketable and use able for J or anyone else who would potentially get her. She's coming up on 17 years old, and that just scares me...my sweet old girl.

Turkey Time

2010-12-09T10:50:00.001-05:00

I got an e-mail yesterday from the former owner of my former horse, Turkey.

This person owned him just before I did, and she found me after putting in Turkey's registered name (Turkey Hill's Esquire) into Google, which brought her here to my blog.

The e-mail was a very nice surprise. I've always wanted to know more about Turkey's past before he came to be with me. I got him when he was 15,16 or 17 (I cannot remember how old he was exactly), and I knew he had some kind of extensive past prior to me because he was very VERY well trained. He was a push button, pattern perfect do ANYTHING you ask of him kind of a horse by the time I came around.

Anyway, it turns out that before I owned him, Turkey was a Saddle Seat equitation horse. In fact, he carried his previous owner to a World Championship in Saddle seat Equitation in the mid nineties! I never had any idea about that. When he became mine, something I remember being beyond ecstatic about, I got him and just did my own thing - riding, and generally attempting to spoil his grumpy butt, I think he would rather have been left alone though. I rode him mostly hunt seat, but showed him saddle seat in a few open shows too....I really had no idea what I was doing in my borrowed saddle seat suit, but Turkey took it all in stride.

Anyway the second I got the e-mail, I responded. Enthusiastically I went on and on, probably giving way too much information (as per usual)....ugh. I probably should have waited a few hours before responding, but I was excited...(I am) excited to learn more about Turkey's (apparently) illustrious past!

Sadly, I had to break the news to her that Turkey is no longer alive, that was not an easy thing to do.

Anyway, I am hoping that she will share some pictures of him with me. I no longer have any of the professional photos of Turkey and I as they were lent to another trainer (Jeff) when he had some clients interested in buying Turkey. Stupidly, it didn't occur to my mom and I that copies would have sufficed...blast it all anyway! I'd love to see Turkey in his glory days!

To the left is Turkey at about 16 or 17. This is before I knew anything about showing...I painted his mostly light colored hooves black for goodness sakes! Nevertheless, I love this picture of him!

NomNomNom

2010-12-08T14:24:00.000-05:00

With the cold weather we've been having this week, I've been cold and for some reason, insatiably hungry. I don't know what that's all about, but I have to say that as a result of my gluttony streak, I've discovered some very delicious things.

below are 3 things that I am lovin', just in case you're interested:

1. Samosas - Indian food - get them at Indian stores.

2. Fun Stix - Light, wafery and soooo flippingly amazing! Best of all they're 100 calories for 2 stix!!!!!

3. The Show Cabernet (I haven't tried the others). I'm new to red wine drinking, I've always been more of a white wine kinda' gal, but white wine is more fattening so....a girls gotta' do what a girl's got ta do! It's moderately priced at about $19.00 a bottle (that's moderate to me), but I've been finding it on sale for $13.99 as of late. Yum!

I guess I am posting about food because lately, that's what my life has centered around. Depressing! I guess it could be much worse though - after all it's the holidays.

I want to ride this evening, but it is so darned cold that I will have to wait for this cold snap to break before getting my fanny back in the saddle.

Hmmm...I guess that's all I have to say for today...what about you? What are some of your current favorite snacks/drinks?

Free Horses

2010-12-07T11:26:00.003-05:00

Sunday afternoon, J, my mom and I headed way out into the country to see the 2 mares that are being offered for free. If we decided not to take them, they will go to a very nice Quarter horse farm just down the road from where they are now.

We arrived to find a very pretty little farm. I will let you see for yourself, because it is being offered for short sale for...it sickens me to say, $259,000.00 or something like that...pennies, just pennies.
Below is the listing from Realtor.com.

SPACIOUS OPEN RANCH W/ SPLIT FLOOR PLAN MASTER BEDROOM AND BATH ON ONE SIDE AND TWO BEDROOMS FULL BATH ON OPPOSITE SIDE. ENCLOSED PORCH OFF BACK. KITCHEN HAS BREAKFAST NOOK AND OPENS TO GREAT ROOM.THREE OUTBUILDINGS ON PROPERTY AND FENCED AREA FOR HORSES. 48X30 HORSE BARN WITH 6 STALLS, TACK ROOM , WATER AND UPPER LOFT AREA. 2 ADDITIONAL OUTBUILDINGS, ON HAS SEPARATE METER FOR ELECTRIC.

Beds 3 bed Baths 2.5 bath
House Size 1814 sq ft Lot Size 13.88 Acres
Property Type Single Family Year Built 1996
Style: Ranch
Stories 1
Garage 3
•Approximately 13.88 acre(s)
•2 total full bath(s)
•1 total half bath
Master Bedroom is 16x12
Dining room is 15x10
Kitchen is 15x12
Basement is Unfinished
Community horse facilities
Attached parking
Forced air heat
Approximate lot is 654X220X526X874
Lot features: Farm
Existing Structures: Horse Barn, Pole Barn
•Cooling features: Central Air,Cooling
Dining room
Fireplace
Exterior Construction Brick, Vinyl
Interior Features Sump Pump, Great Room, 1st Floor Bathroom, Master Bathroom, Second Bedroom is 15x10, Third Bedroom is 11x11, Great Room is 23x15, Breakfast Area is 12x07
Exterior Features Deck, Porch, Road Frontage is Paved

Here are pictures:

Wow, right? I think 5 acres of this are hay...drool! Yeah, so this is pretty much what you can get in Michigan right now. Come one come all! It's actually a very pretty state with the Great Lakes and all ;)

Anyway, the mares were nice, but not for us. J needs a well broke kids horse for lessons and the broke one is a bit too much of a horse. She was trained for roping/sorting type stuff. According to her owner, she has been trained by some pretty big named trainers....me being me, I can't recall who he said, but I recognized the name.

The older mare, the mother of the younger mare, is a registered QH and her daughter is out of some Dun colored QH stallion in Michigan (can't recall who the owner said). The daughter (5) is not registered but is eligible for it.

So without further ado, here are the very bad pictures that I took of the horses.

(above)The mama - she seemed like a nice solid horse!

The daughter - This picture does not do her justice.

Her head is much prettier in person - she has a nice big soft eye and is very big boned - she is a TANK!!!!! She is 15:2 and all body - those stubby little legs.

All in all, the girls were very nice, but not for me. As I mentioned above, their owner already has another nice home lined up for them. I think that would be better for the both of them as I don't know the first things about reining/cutting/sorting, though someday, I'd love to try.

Look at that bum!

Sheesh!

I know that it must be hard for the current owner to have to get rid of these girls. It was evident that he truly loves them. They are both well taken care of, in fact they are FAT, and they seemed calm with great ground manners. I truly wish the best for them! If for some reason they have nowhere else to go, well, I guess there's always J.

Good Grief

2010-12-03T11:00:00.001-05:00

Over the past two years, I have been offered 6 horses. By offered, I mean for free.
I've turned them down for one reason or another; usually due to financial constraints.

One of the horses, Lady, went to my mother and is doing very well.

Lady and my mom

The crazy thing is that every single horse that's been offered has been under the age of 10, either registered or of a good quality and all but one are broke to saddle and well behaved. These are horses that have a market, albeit a small one. They are all but one, stock horses. One was a beautiful Morgan mare whose registration and heritage were lost. Getting that information would be next to impossible.

Most recently offered, just this week actually, are two registered Quarter Horse mares. One is 5, one 12. The 12 year old is saddle broke and according to her owner, a very nice horse. The other, is green broke but very sweet. Both are over 15hh and registered. They are being given away because their owner has lost his job and is about to lose his house through short sale. My mom and I are going out to look at them on Sunday; I will be sure to take lots of pictures and find out more about them. Sheesh! My entire life I've waited for someone to just give me a horse, ANY horse, and now that I can't really have one...they're literally falling into my lap every time I turn around.

To be continued on Monday (I'll have pictures and more information)..........................

Color and Some I Wants

2010-12-01T11:30:00.004-05:00

Isn't he lovely? He's a Morgan Stallion, I believe, whose picture I found on:

http://www.rainbowmorganhorseassoc.com/. Unfortunately, I couldn't locate who he belongs to. Either way, pretty!

I have always loved seeing unusually colored Morgans, but of course I only appreciate the nicely conformed ones. It does a breed no good to have nicely colored yet poorly put together horses, now does it? Fortunately, most of the horses I see on this site are nice.

Click here to see some more stunning examples! You have to scroll down the page a bit to see the actual photos.

J has a few uniquely colored Morgans of her own, see Highlights in the picture below She's cute, but not fully broke yet. She's only green broke...perhaps I'll put some saddle time on her this winter...we shall see, we shall see. J has quite a few mares that need some training, actually. If only I lived a little closer to her :(.

___________________________________

My husband and I have both agreed that we won't be making any big purchases until we've gotten a house. We're currently saving up for a down payment, you see.

Unfortunately (or fortunately), I'm desperate for horse ownership and my husband is desperate to own every Klipsch speaker he can get his hands on.

We have been good though, I basically tell him no when he asks to drop $1,000.00 on two noise makers, and he's been awesome at telling me absolutely not on buying a poop maker (which in all fairness does cost a lot more in the long run than speakers, but still).

Today, he sent me this e-mail titled:

"I want, I want, I want"

http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/accessories/542148304/klipsch-wf-35

They are sooo freaking cheap!!! I just need two of them and they have two on clearance!

Typical!

So, I responded:

"I want, I want, I want"

http://morganshowcase.com/Listing.php?HorseName=Hollybrook+Domino&Page=Photo&Order=1

Some things are worth waiting for. Think HOUSE! (or think horse, then you can think Klipsch).

Ahhh...I'm starting to get some leverage and a nice little angle. He he he!

Grumplepuss

2010-11-29T13:05:00.001-05:00

Well, it must be said. Plain and simple, I have been a royal curmudgeon for the past week or so. I've been so grumpy and so downright surly that I can't even stand myself...that in itself serves little purpose other than making me feel even more ornery. Ironically today, MONDAY of all days, I find myself feeling just a little bit better. I am in better spirits, but not 100%, that will take another day or so I think.

I attribute my mood shift to finally being able to get to the barn yesterday. Even though I spent my time there bringing in grumpy horses, and then riding Gypsy while freezing my hands off. I suppose knowing that I wasn't the only ill tempered beast in the barn made me feel better. I suppose it's true that misery loves company.

Gypsy was a total pissy mare yesterday and made her opinions known by swishing her tail angrily every few steps while jogging. I kept hearing a shhhwsh...trottrottrot...shwiiiiiiish sound. Sure enough, Gypsy was a wringing that tail of hers! I am wondering if the saddle pad I was using was irritating her, it was cheaper than the one I normally use. Also, I had a different bit than the one I normally use so it could have been just her expressing mild discomfort, then again, it could just be plain old grouchiness.

I have to say, the horses were so miffed yesterday that old Ceaser, who is normally a crotchety old man, threatened to kick at one of the young ladies when she made an attempt to halter him up for a lesson. Needless to say, Ceaser got a spanking for that one as kicking should NEVER EVER be dealt with lightly.

Ah well, I suppose there's a time and a place for everything. Normally I'm pretty even keeled with my moods. I'm usually happy and in good spirits, but once in a while, I guess I have to suffer from the blues.

With that said, I still had a very thankful Thanksgiving. Thankfully I have a wonderful family, great friends, health, a job, and yummy food at my beck and call *that might not be such a blessing judging by my scale*; irregardless, I'm thankful for all of those things and more!

I hope everyone had a great holiday weekend! Good luck to one and all this Christmas season ~ BAH HUMBUG, I say ;).

Thank You

2010-11-23T12:23:00.000-05:00

Last weekend was a terrible weekend. Losing my Grandpa has been harder than I expected. Yes, he was 91 years old. Yes, there is a small amount of comfort in knowing that he had a long, good life. Still though, my heart aches for my family's loss.

The funeral was heart wrenching, as I imagine all funerals are. My grandpa was buried with military honors; something I know that if he could see (and I hope he could, from somewhere wonderful), would make him smile. The taps, however, were almost my undoing. Have you ever been to a funeral with Military Honors? It's something beautiful, but very, very VERY tearful.

Anyway, I want to say thank you for your heart felt comments on my earlier post. It really and truly means a lot to me. I find that writing is so therapeutic. After writing that post, I felt just a little bit better. If anything else, it was my own personal tribute to a wonderful man. Thank you for allowing me to share that.

Unfortunately, I had absolutely no contact with horses over the weekend. Something that would have been very nice indeed. I hope to ride Gypsy soon, and I will be sure to take pictures to share!

I hope you ALL have an absolutely wonderful Thanksgiving!

Gypsy and I, 2009

P.S. make sure to hug your grandpas if ya' got 'em!!!

Grandpa

2010-11-20T11:59:00.003-05:00

(Debbie Downer alert, Debbie Downer alert)

My grandpa who was so blessed to have lived 91 years, passed away somewhat suddenly on Friday morning. He died while sleeping, having lived a full life, surrounded by many people who loved him. His daughter, my aunt, was by his side.

For years now, I haven't really had my grandpa. He had dementia which brought him back to his childhood years. Not so much that he thought he was in the 1920's again, but more like he was a kid himself. Toys, chocolate and games were his delight. He was sweet, silly and forgetful in his last years.

Somewhere in his mind, he had forgotten who I was; though I think he knew he was supposed to know me, it was there in his eyes. Though my name he hadn't uttered in a decade, the youthful eyes that had read me books as a child, told me that he knew, and that he was sorry.

He was born in 1919. That is something that has amazed me since I was a child. Sometimes I'd look at him and just think of the things he has witnessed. Prohibition and the Great Depression! Women couldn't vote when he was born, the advancement of cars and technology, Civil Rights. In the 1960's he watched as his oldest son, my father, went to fight in Vietnam as a Marine; just as he himself had gone off to fight with the Army during World War II.

While fighting, just a young man himself, younger than I am now in fact, my grandpa was captured by the German's. He was marched across much of the country, forced in to train cars with hundreds of other prisoners, smooshed together; he suffered frost bite and more. He was kept in a German concentration camp in Poland, and though it's hard to imagine the awful things he must have gone through during that time, he survived and came home to start his family with his wife, my grandma, Lottie.

Something tells me his army days were not only the worst days of his life, but also, some of the best. It was something that he rarely spoke of while his mind was still strong, but in his last years, he spoke of it often; as if all the memories he had somehow repressed came bubbling out like a frozen stream thawing out in the warm Spring sunshine.

He sometimes spoke of the terrible things he'd seen during the war, but sometimes he'd talk of his comrades and friends. "They called me Curly," he'd often say, "because of my curly hair.". In some ways, I think he was proud of what he'd survived, but also, I know that that war changed his life in ways few can understand, I suppose that is something only other veterans can know and understand.

When I heard that Grandpa was sick, that he was dying, memories of him sprang into my mind.

all of a sudden I'm a blonde curly haired child sitting on Grandpa's lap, tucked under his right arm as he holds a book out. "Look," he'd say pointing to the picture of an ancient statue from some Babylonian period.

"It's a scary man," I'd say, hiding my eyes and giggling. He'd then gasp and quickly turn the pages, feigning that he too was frightened of the scary man in the book. It was a game we'd often play, he "accidentally" flipping to the scary man page, and then both of us hiding our eyes, laughing and screaming as he quickly turned away.

Now I'm a little older, my grandparents lived next door so often I'd run over there to visit. Today, I'm in the kitchen with my cousins, watching Grandpa peel an apple. He was so good at peeling those apples that he could peel the skin off in one, long spiral. My cousins and I would bicker about who would get the skin, and quick as a flash, grandpa would pop that skin in his mouth whole and swallow it down while my cousins and I laughed.

I'm coloring, grandpa is teaching me how.

I'm learning to read, he's patiently listening as I read him the story of "Little Bear," I believed he was really interested, though I'm sure he must have been bored silly.

Grandpa is in the breezeway, playing poker with his brothers, Jack and Vaugn. I'm not allowed to bother them.

Grandpa's soft voice singing sweetly to me "Genevieve, sweet Genevieve..." as my cheek rests on his shoulder, I'm sleepy and just about to fall asleep. this memory is probably my sweetest of him. He sometimes called me Genevieve, I guess that was my nickname.

The last time I saw Grandpa was just a few months ago. The entire family was over at their house for some reason, I don't know why I can't recall. Grandpa was feeling pretty spry, because he was walking about, saluting (something he has always done) and joking around with the family (one thing he never lost was his sense of humor).

As I was about to leave, I suddenly found myself alone with grandpa. We were standing by a window looking out at the two flags, the American flag and below it, an Army flag waving wildly in the wind, just outside. "See that," he said to me "that's an Army flag," he said. "Yes, grandpa. I know, because you were in the Army, right?" I replied.

"I was?" he asked me.

"Yes, grandpa. You fought in a war, and you're a hero." I told him. His eyes lit up, "Yes, I did fight in the war." he said "I'm a hero and that's my flag.

"Yes, you are." I agreed.

We sat there for a while watching the flags. Then quietly, he turned to me, saluted and marched off to join the rest of the family.

A Place for Everything and EVERYTHING in its Place

2010-11-17T12:16:00.003-05:00

My husband Brian is a total neat freak.

Unfortunately, I have a tendency to leave things laying around, which I've always done. I'm trying to get better, but it is what it is. Anyway, all my mess really is, is maybe a coat draped over the bar stool, my purse set onto the dining room table; and then in the bedroom, maybe my pajamas on the floor or a rubber band or two (those things seem to multiply) and my over night bag that I am constantly packing and unpacking. It is nothing major.

For quite some time now, Brian has had this awful habit of taking all of my stuff and throwing it into a corner by my side of the bed. He does this when he decides it is time to clean up. Now, don't think for one minute that Brian doesn't leave stuff lying around. For instance, his shoes are always laying in the living room, he leaves snacks and candy out on the counter, his computers are all over the place and he leaves his over night toiletry kit hanging in the bathroom until I put it away, sometimes a month later. Our house is quite clean, but you know, we sometimes just have a few things laying around.

Last night I prepared my outfit for workfor the next day (today). I took out a dress, tights and boots, folded them nicely, and placed them on the office chair in our bedroom, all nice and ready. This was at about 10:00 at night. I took a shower, then Brian took a shower and as he was finishing up, I noticed that my outfit was missing from the chair. Brian had taken my outfit, boots included, and thrown it into the corner along with a bunch of other things (my overnight bag that I was in the process of packing, pajamas, etc.)

Ohhhhh but I was mad. I decided to silently fume as I didn't really want to get into it. Knowing that I was silently fuming, Brian just couldn't stand it. He kept cajoling me and telling me that he didn't throw my outfit (he did as it was lying crumpled beneath a pile of other items).

The thing is that I don't throw his stuff. If it bothers me, I put it away - boots in the closet, hang the clothes or drape them over his clothes bar, that kind of stuff.

I was so angry, so at about midnight, I began putting EVERYTHING in the house away. His and my stuff. I hung up every jacket, I made him hang up his jacket that he was wearing today. I put away everything in the kitchen - pots, pans, candy, snacks (I hid one of his things in the fireplace - LOL!) I put everything away in the bathroom including his overnight kit, shoes, blankets folded - his tools, every single item of clothing, bags, everything - that house is spotless.

Meanwhile, Brian laid in bed watching me. Finally he said "I think you're overreacting."

Truth be told, I was, but it sure felt good. I hope he learned his lesson...I am so going to get on him every time he leaves something laying around. I still can't decide if I want to throw his stuff in a corner or if I should put it away...what do you think?

I Rode a Horse

2010-11-16T13:50:00.000-05:00

On Sunday, I dusted Gypsy off and took her for a spin in J's indoor arena.

Gypsy is so wonderful, even though she's really only been ridden a handful of times. She sets up beautifully in the bridle, she naturally just hooks right over and carries herself well. It only takes a small pull on the rein to get her to set back up. Her jog is extraordinarily slow and soooo smooth. Anyway, we worked on neck reining as she currently only knows the direct rein...she did very nicely.

J sat and watched as I worked Gypsy and she said that she wishes Gypsy's canter were further along because she looks so nice under saddle. Sigh, so do I J, so do I.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I've been looking for a rocking horse to give to my baby nephew, Dean, for Christmas. My budget isn't too high, so I can't afford a drool worthy Harrod's Rocker, but I'm sure we'll find something cute enough. I prefer the wooden varieties with the yarn mane and tail or a nicely made fabric one....cute.

Look at some of these rocking horses, though. Aren't they unbelievable? Don't you want one?

Here's the website these gorgeous toys came from.

Oh Dear, Oh Deer!

2010-11-15T12:19:00.001-05:00

Late Saturday evening, as Brian and I were driving home from visiting friends, we came upon a deer.

The deer was lying in the center of the road. The deer was dead. The deer was very big and had just been hit. In fact, the woman who hit the deer was in the process of turning her car around so that she could get the deer removed before other motorists hit it. About the time the woman had parked in the ditch is about the exact same time Brian and I hit the deer.

It was raining and we were on Grand River, a busy road that cuts its way across the state of Michigan from Detroit to, well, I don't even know, but it's long. Anyway, the part of the road we were on happened to be in a rural area, no businesses or towns for quite some time. We were just driving along at about 55 mph when all of a sudden, A DEER. There was no time to react so up and over we went...we caught some serious air too....totally Dukes of Hazzard style, only we weren't in the General Lee, but Brian's beloved Mercedes *another reason why it's a crime that I don't have a horse...right? RIGHT!*

We hit the pavement hard on the far side of the deer and then quickly pulled off to the side of the road to assess the damage. The Radiator was completely torn apart, and the car was not drive able, so insurance and the police were called.

Here's the thing though, we don't know many people where we live. The ones we do know were either at bars drinking (and couldn't come get us) and the other one, our brother in law, lived 30 minutes away. The accident happened in a very rural area about 25 minutes from our home.

We were told by our insurance provider that the police would be able to assist us in getting home. The wrecking crew could only get us about half way home to their office, so that was a no go. Naturally, we counted on the officer who assisted us to at least get us to a gas station or somewhere where we weren't so vulnerable (instead of on the side of a busy road with no lighting, in the rain, in November, at midnight with nothing but cornfields for 10 miles in either direction).

What do you think happened? Well, I'll tell you. The officer refused to assist us. He told us that he could not offer us a ride anywhere because
1. he was only one of two Sheriffs on duty in Ingham county
2. he had another accident to get to (the woman who actually hit the deer and was parked 100 feet from us) and
3. he had no room in his car (BS, because I saw with my own eyes that he had a full back seat open and ready ~ not that I wanted to get back there, but hey, I would have taken it at that point).

I can understand that, but he could have given us a lift to the nearest well lit and covered place, or he could have given us the number to a taxi or something. All he did was get into his car and drive away, leaving us alone, in the dark, miles from anywhere on the side of the road...annnnnd, I was wearing my new high heeled boots!!!!! The outrage I felt was great! Can you imagine the trouble he would be in if we were struck by a car and killed? Ohhhhh....I almost want to complain, but I'm not really a complainer *disclaimer: I complain, I just don't complain to officers*.

We ended up getting ourselves to an MDOT station a while down the road (you know, where they house the salt trucks and maintenance equipment). There we sat in the cold waiting for our saint of a brother in law to drive us home. All in all he must have taken an hour out of his evening to drive our butts around...poor guy! To top it all off, we have a $500.00 deductible because apparently hitting a deer is an at fault incident....Oh DEER!

Hello, Goodbye (Courbette Edition)

2010-11-12T11:13:00.000-05:00

Months ago, while I was still on my "must buy every nice horse tack item I can, so that when I get a horse I already have what I need" kick, I purchased a very nice, brand new Courbette Weymouth bridle.

Why? Well, I guess I thought that one day I might need one.

Never mind that the bridle is a padded, BLACK Weymouth bridle (and my saddle is dark brown), and never mind that I didn't have a horse either. Never mind that most Morgans wear a Cob size, and the bridle I purchased was Horse sized. Never mind any of that. What matters is that I won the auction and that I now own an actual Courbette Bridle. Seriously, I think I'm a horse tack label whore, I never owned nice tack in my younger days, so now I have this thing...I must own nice tack, even if I don't exactly own a horse...sigh. I also own a very nice VOGT bit, something I purchased during that same kick, mentioned above...I won't be selling that though, I sometimes lend it out so technically it's being used, just not by me :(.

...I seriously just spelled whore, horror. Luckily I realized my err and fixed it. I think I'm showing early signs of dementia...but I digress!

Anyway, months later I realize that I must now sell my beautiful Courbette bridle. It has been sitting in my bridle bag just wasting away, and it's too nice for that. The Bridle is over $400.00 brand new, but since I got it for such a great price, I am selling it for what I paid...actually a bit less then, but I'm hoping someone will bid it up...not looking likely.

So anyway, if you or anyone you know is in the market for a very nice, new with tags, Courbette Weymouth Bridle (Horse Sized), bid away! At this point, it appears I'm the only one whose actually viewed my Ebay ad, so you won't have much competition! It breaks my little heart to sell it .......but I must for the betterment of my own horse lovin', tack buyin', money wastin' self!

Hot to Trot

2010-11-10T16:14:00.000-05:00

Honestly, there is nothing exciting going on in my life right now. That's a good thing, but it doesn't make for good blogging topics.

I guess I could write about my ridiculous hour and fifteen minute commute to and from work, but believe me that's not interesting. Thank God for Satellite radio, is all I can say about that.

Hmm...I could write about how my mom, grandma, J and I were going to go see Secretariat tonight, but had to cancel because my mom hurt her back....poor thing. She was doped up on pain meds when she called to tell me, and she kept saying over and over "yeaaaahhhh...huh huh, I'm on pain meds....." Gee mom, I couldn't tell. But really, I hope she's feeling better soon, back pain is some of the worst pain there is.

Lets see. What else is going on? Oh, I quit working out a few months ago when I started my new job. I planned on starting back up as soon as I acclimated to the hours, but haven't been able to find a gym that I like. Well, I sure did a stupid thing this past week.

I decided to make an appointment with a personal trainer so that he/she could give me some pointers on how to workout to get the results I'm looking for. So not knowing what to expect, I set up a free consultation with Brian, the owner of a local personal training gym.

The consultation went well. Brian had me doing all sorts of exercises to determine my stamina and strength, and he took some measurements and we had a nice talk about what I'm looking for. Brian told me the prices ($69.00 a session - wowza) and we discussed options. I told him that really, I just wanted to stop in from time to time for pointers and motivation. I was hoping to come in by appointment maybe once a month (of course I'd work out in the meantime on my own).

I set up an appointment and paid my $69.00 for our first session. I was hoping to get a really nice hard core work out and learn some great tips. Well, that's not what happened at all. I paid $69.00 to sit down for 1/2 an hour with a different trainer. During that time, I allowed that trainer to take pictures of me in my sports bra ~ say it aint soooo, I am still smacking myself for that one! Ugh, I was so annoyed when I left that I didn't even say anything...I just threw away $69.00 on nothing because I'm too stupid/timid/nice to say anything. Well, all I can do is learn a lesson from it. I could call and complain, but ...well, it all comes back to the too timid thing again. Why, oh why!?!?!

I feel better after venting, whew. Now, on to some fun things!

I love retro commercials.

The commercial below (Stetson) always made me want to live out west, somewhere like Colorado or Wyoming. Then, the camera pans and I'm guessing New York City pops into view. So, really? people ride around in what could only be Central Park in the dead of winter in the middle of the night? What's up with the spare horse too?

When I was little I absolutely loved the movie "Hot to Trot" with Bobcat Goldthwait. Oh, yes I did! I thought it was hilarious. Do you remember it? Below is a commercial advertising the movie.

Bobby's Hair and a Nice Horse

2010-11-05T11:01:00.001-04:00

Yesterday I headed out to J's after work to help out with evening chores. After finishing up, I brought Bobby out to put some conditioner in his mane and tail and to give him a nice curry. His mane and tail are terrible, prone to breaking and flaking skin at the dock and crest. Some time ago, Bobby caught his tail sock in something and completely ripped what little tail he had off. He was left with a flimsy shag of hair shooting off his dock like a tiny little draft horse. Not such a good thing in the Morgan show ring and not good for marketing him either...some people literally turn horses down if they don't have the goods in the tail department. That astounds me, but I guess it is what it is. Anyhow, his tail is now just about touching the ground, that is when he's relaxed and his dock is lowered...hmmm...regardless, progress is progress.

When I was through with Bobby, I headed over to J's house so that we could drool over her horse magazines. This is something we both like to do occasionally. The only thing that I don't like about it is that unlike me, J is a total horse collector. I have the ability to look at horses and thing "ohhh...one day I would love a horse like that," while she is the type to say "Hey, Jenny, e-mail this horses' owner tomorrow and make an offer!" In fact, right at this moment she is scheming to purchase horses for lessons as well as show...ugh! She's a great horse owner, I just think she has more than she needs right now, just my humble opinion.

So, as I was perusing the most recent issue of The Morgan Connection, I came across this horse:

Normally, I don't pay much mind to saddle seat horses (English Pleasure, Park and Classic); not that I don't like it, because I do, it's just not a discipline I've really gotten in to. I'm more of a western/hunt kind of gal. Regardless, this young horse is A-MAZ-ING! Both J and I were drooling over him. He's a youngin' so I'm very excited to watch his show ring career unfold. He won the Grand National Champion 3 year old park saddle this year ~ exciting indeed. He is kept at a lovely farm in Ohio, they've got some amazing horses including some Saddlebreds and Hackneys. Of course, I'm partial to the Morgans in their (beautiful) barn the most.

The Many Misadventures of Daisy

2010-11-04T13:13:00.002-04:00

A few weeks ago I posted about Daisy my aging cat. She has been put on pills, twice daily for her hyper thyroid and since that time, she has been doing wonderfully. Brian and I have noticed that she has all but stopped her up chucking, and she even seems quieter and more content. That is until this morning, but I'll get to that later.

Now, to explain this cat a bit more. Daisy has always been a very vocal thing. She meows for food, for constant supplies of fresh water (we're talking 3+ times a day) and also, just for the sake of meowing. Daisy and I have always lived a happy coexistence together. There are times where she annoyed me, but overall, we were happy. Then Brian (my husband) came along.

Growing up, Brian never had pets. He didn't know much about cats, so Daisy has been doing a bang up job in educating him. For instance, Brian didn't know that cats could meow so much before Daisy came into his life. Brian also didn't know that cats, or at least Daisy, got sick (puked) frequently as well. I think that the day Daisy puked on Brian's lap might have been the day that he decided he disliked cats. Her incessant meowing didn't help either. According to Brian, he was sitting peacefully on the couch minding his own business, when Daisy casually strolled over from across the room, perched herself on his lap and yakked all over him. I think he thinks that she schemed it up just to piss him off. Now, you and I know that cats don't just sit around plotting all day...or do they?

A few years ago, Brian and I purchased a new mattress. This mattress was a long awaited present from ourselves to ourselves. Up until its arrival, we had been sleeping on a sagging double bed that had seen its glory days during Brian's college years at UofM (go Blue)! We searched high and low for the best mattress we could find. Finally, we plunked a healthy chunk of change down on a mattress and eagerly awaited for its arrival into our bedroom. At long last the glorious day came! We slept like babies on our new, most prized belonging...our wonderful, cloud like pillow top mattress.

A week or so after we received the new mattress, as Brian and I were climbing into bed, I noticed that the mattress was a bit damp right about where I lay my head (just under the pillow area). Because I often go to sleep with wet hair, I thought that it was just leftover dampness from where I had slept the night prior (I know that is bad too, but normally I use a towel to protect the bed).

Anyway, I eased myself into my sleeping position and took a nice soothing deep breath.

In through the nose, out through the mouth, in through the nose, out through the...."What's that smell?" I asked Brian.

"Nothing, Jen. Go to sleep." he mumbled back.

I bolted up right, clicked the bedside lamp on, much to Brian's crabby protestations, and frantically began patting the mattress where my head had laid just moments before, gingerly I sniffed my hand. "PISS!" I yelled. (Crude, I know). Daisy had peed on our new mattress. Why? I don't know, but she did it. She peed on my bed once, years before that just after I left to go to college. I believe that is when Brian's dislike for cats in general turned to full out hatred for cats, and Daisy in particular. He was now convinced that cats were evil, and Daisy was the center of it all. Needless to say, he was not a happy camper.

After a long while of bickering, I was finally able to convince Brian that in fact Daisy was not evil, but that she was simply a cat and made a mistake. I promised him that she would never pee in the bed again. He said the next time she does, she's out! Cat pee is nasty stuff, but Daisy is my girl and she won't be going anywhere, I replied. Foruntately, Daisy has not peed anywhere but her litter box since. She must know.

The past year or so, Brian and Daisy have been living relatively peacefully together. Daisy doesn't go near Brain, and Brian ignores Daisy. I've even seen him petting her a time or two when their paths occasionally cross. Brian is the one who expressed the most concern for Daisy when she began dropping weight, so I know that deep down he must like her, or at least not hate her quite so much. But then this morning, things took a turn for the worse.

First I have to mention that Daisy absolutely loves eating the pill pocket treats that her pills are slipped in. She has taken to moaning for them morning, noon and night. This morning, she awoke very early to begin her meowfest. She wanted a fix, or so I thought.

"Meoooow, meowmeowmeow" Daisy said, as I got up to get ready for work. Grumpily, I began brushing my teeth when I heard it. The telltale vomit moan. "Mew, meow, MEEEEEEoeeeeeeewwwwwwww, mowrmowrmowrmowr...roo roo rooooooooooo. Mo..momomomoooo...hukhukhuk.."

I ran into the living room to scoot her off the rug (her very favorite place to deposit), but she wasn't there.

"Morooooooomoroooo--boonnbooobnoonnnooonoooo" Daisy said, from...behind Brian's huge flat screen tv.

"oh crap" I whispered, trying to keep Brian from this new turn of events.

"moroooooo" Daisy moaned..."hackakakakak...."

I ran lickity split for the tv, peered behind it and there Daisy sat, on top of Brian's big expensive speaker thing, in position to vomit on Brian's expensive electronic plugger inner doohicky.

"DAISY!!" I yelled. Foruntately I was able to flop her off of the doohicky in the nik of time, she got sick behind the tv, but luckily it wasn't on anything important. Whew...that was close Daisy.

And here, we had been making such headway.

Pretty Morgans and Rally

2010-11-03T11:48:00.003-04:00

EYE CANDY, EYE CANDY, EYECANDY

This is a different horse (below)

___________________________________________________________________

Over this past weekend, Brian and I drove to DC to visit my very best friend, Laura and her husband. Laura owns a doggy daycare in the DC area as well, so it was fun checking that out!

On Saturday we headed downtown via Metro to the Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Keep Fear Alive.

Rally'n

The Rally was great; there were people there of all different beliefs and views but everyone wanted the same thing for the country. It was literally the most peaceful, friendly and accomodating crowd. There were over 210,000 people and it was unbelievable to be a part of. People were crammed into every nook and cranny of the Mall; from the white house all the way down to the Monument. Amazing. We were kind of midway through the pack, and though we couldn't see much, we did get to hear some amazing bands (The Roots, Kid Rock, Cheryl Crow, The OJs, Tony Bennet

That evening we went back downtown to Adam's Morgan where I witnessed some of the best costumes I've ever seen.

BEHOLD!

Pauli D...eh? eh? He was a riot!

Maybe I'm easily impressed, but that's one darn good Goonies costume. Notice mama' in the back? L.O.L (period, dot, exclamation !)

After finally finding a bar that wasn't too packed, we were able to kick back and have a few drinks too.

Finding a taxi that would take us all the way home at the end of the night was a whole 'nother story though. I think we finally hit the beds by 5:00 a.m. and I must say that I am no spring chicken anymore...I am STILL recovering and it is Wednesday. Ahhh...good times!

The Good the Bad and the UGLY

2010-10-26T12:27:00.001-04:00

So, what do you notice about the two photos above? I can tell you, in case you don't want to be "rude".

One is that Bobby looks absolutely pissed off. See his stink eye? Look at his jaw, he is totally grinding his teeth in this picture. Two, look at me. I look tense, annoyed and angry. These two photos are cropped off of photos from the same show. I'm riding Bobby, just in case you didn't figure that part out ;). These photos were taken from our last show together in the Spring of 2009 (Michigan Morgan Showtime).

It was an awful show, a show that took the love of showing completely away from me, and I'm guessing, Bobby too.

During this show, J was miserable, I was miserable and Bobby was miserable. I didn't have enough time to properly work the horse in the months leading up to the show. Bobby had also developed some very bad show ring behaviors such as bolting into the center of the ring and jiggiing, which he did in abundance at this show. In fact, at one point we had an absolute outburst in the middle of a class. It was embarrasing to say the least, and my fault. I didn't ride Bobby with ANY skills at this show, and I have them too, what I did was rely on aids that only showcased my inability to see an unhappy horse and an unhappy me. I am NOT that kind of a rider, or at least I wasn't.

So, what have I learned from that show? Well for one, I will never take an unconditioned horse into a show ring again. Also, I'm not showing again if my heart is not in it. Shame on me, SHAME SHAME SHAME! I've also learned a few other things such as not to be a big fat push over. I never wanted to go to this show, but I allowed myself to be guilted/talked into it. My fault, nobody elses!

Here are two more examples from the same show. I have to laugh at my "Debbie Downer" expression here! Ugh, painful, I tell ya', painful!

Above are photos of Bobby and my happier show days. He looks so happy in all of the pictures and I look calm, poised and best of all, HAPPY. Also, that must have rubbed off on the judges, because only a few years ago, we won...a lot! I think that I need to get myself back to that happy place again before I show. I am totally getting there, so there's hope for a show or two in 2011.

Now I just have to start working a horse!

Shopping, Casper and Sid

2010-10-25T11:25:00.000-04:00

What a gorgeous day yesterday was. Around noon, rain clouds and dreary gave way to sunshine and warmth with temperatures in the mid 70s! What a day to ride, I felt the riding bug the second that sun peeked out from the clouds.

On my way to J's, I stopped off at a local Outlet mall. I planned on grabbing a birthday gift for my friend Laura, but I had hopes of finding myself a little sumpin' sumpin' too. Unfortunately, a little sumpin' sumpin' turned in to a little over $200.00 worth of clothes and shoes. Nine West and J Crew were the culprits. I got some great deals, but I'm still a little upset about it...what a waste of money! I have to say that I rarely go shopping and I really did need some new shoes for work (I've only got a few pairs of raggedy heeled shoes and boots)..I can pretty much justify anything :).

Anyway, after my retail therapy, I headed to the barn for some horse therapy. I started off by bringing in a few geldings. As soon as they were in, I grabbed Casper and brought him outside. He hadn't been outside for 2 weeks, so he was very anxious to get going. He was a good boy and patiently waited for me to release the lead line this time.

After Casper was turned out, I decided to go ahead and ride Sid. I haven't been on Sid in months. This is partially because over the summer, the Jr. Exhibitor who had been showing Bobby, also took an interest in Sid. In fact, I believe she was and may still be interested in purchasing him. I think I mentioned this before, but she decided not to take Bobby to Nationals, and since making that decision, she has not been out to ride. J does want her to come back and ride, and I have to say, I do too. She is a great rider and both Bobby and Sid benefited from her regular riding sessions with them.

N E Way, I pulled Sid out and after a bit of grooming and tacking up, took him out to ride. He was such a good boy...really, he's a point and shoot kind of a horse. He just sets right up and goes. I like the feeling of having a high archy neck out in front of me, and Sid definitely has that. He is on the choppy side, and his canter is hard for me to sit but I have excuses for that. The excuses are that he's small and narrow, so his stride is short and choppy AND I have nothing to grip with my legs :). J told me I was doing the belly dance during his canter; I admit, it was hard for me to find the rhythm, but I kept my butt in that saddle nice and tight, belly dancing and all! (My issues with him in the past were his still studdy nature, but yesterday, he was a perfect gentleman...I swear, he's just fabulous to ride).

After putting Sid away, I went out to bring Casper back in. Oy Vey! Casper was a disgusting dirty mess. He spent his entire time out running the fence line and hollering for the mares who were two pastures over and about 5 acres out ~ what a stud muffin he thought he was! Finally, I caught him and while leading him back to his stall, he let out the loudest, most obnoxious scream. I really discourage allowing Stallions to behave that way while being led, so I had a time correcting him. My ears are still ringing, but I finally got him to listen to me and we returned to his stall where he finished off his hay in between bouts of hysterical bellering. MEN!

Casper in all of his glory last winter

That is a big horse!

2010-10-22T14:22:00.006-04:00

Morgans tend to be smaller statured horses in comparison to some of these gigantic Warmbloods and certain other breeds. I'd say the norm for a Morgan ranges from 14.2 to 15.2 hands. Of course there are exceptions to this rule, but for the most part they're not huge horses, which is just fine by me!

It seems that people are starting to breed 'em bigger as of late. I've been perusing websites like this and this for many a year and I've really noticed that the there are more and more Morgans at 16 hands and even this one that is at a HUGE 17 hands. Here is his feature page.

I have never heard of a Morgan of that height before. I can't even really imagine it!

Anyway, I guess I just wanted to pass this along. A 17 hand Morgan, wow!!

Daisy's Thyroid and Horse Crazy

2010-10-20T11:59:00.006-04:00

Yesterday I took my cat, Daisy, to the vet for a checkup. I've had her since my high school graduation (1998). She was a gift from my best friend, Laura.

Over the past few months, my husband Brian and I have been noticing that she's been dropping weight (I originally spelled it wait...really???). She's always been a (for lack of a better word) pukey cat, but she's never had an issue maintaining a healthy body weight, until recently.

Anyway, a few weeks ago, I began slowly switching her food over to a high protein food that I purchased at a "natural" pet store near my house. Daisy does seem to be getting sick less and less, which is good, but she was still dropping weight, so.....vet time!

The vet told us that she suspects Hyper Thyroid. She came to this conclusion based on a few things such as: Her slightly elevated heart rate, drop in weight and her age (12). A blood sample was taken and $140.00 later, we were on our way.

I have to say though, that I felt like the dumbest cat owner, ever.

Did you know that:

Cats sweat through their paws when they're nervous? (apparently dogs do too, whodathunkit?)

and

There are tons of different calico patterns and varieties. I didn't know that Daisy was a Tortoise Shell DILUTE Calico, until another client pointed that out to me.

In a few weeks we'll know more about why Daisy is dropping poundage so quickly. Hopefully it is her thyroid because according to the Vet, that is the lesser of the evils of potential causes.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On our way back from the vet, Brian was telling me about a mutual acquaintance of ours who recently graduated from Equine Veterinary College at MSU. She moved down to Florida earlier this summer to begin her new job as a...well...Equine Vet. Anyway, last weekend while she was up visiting, she told Brian that she was quitting her job and moving to Seattle to be a small animal vet. According to her, horse owners are "too damn crazy and I can't take it anymore."

Well, I have to say I was surprised to hear that, for a second. Then I started thinking back on all of the horse owners I've known and worked for throughout my life. Does the term "horse Crazy" have a deeper meaning? Think about it! LOL. I'm horse crazy, but am I horse CRAZY? Yikes, I hope not.

I am only generalizing as I know that the vast majority of horse owners are wonderful AWESOME people, like my mom and all of you! I's just sayin'! Regardless, I can't wait to see this girl and drill her on all of the juicy, scandalous and annoying shenanigans that drove her to such extremes!

I'm thinking that in reality, it's probably the hours and sheer lack of equine vets that drove her crazy.

An Unwanted Milestone for Gypsy

2010-10-18T11:02:00.003-04:00

On Sunday, I received a text message from Marie, a boarder at J's farm.

The text said "Hey, do you want to go on a trail ride this afternoon?"

I replied "Yes, I would love to."

We set up plans to meet at J's around 4:00. As I prepared to head out to J's, I kept running back in forth which Morgan I would like to ride down the trail. Of course, I am extremely fortunate to be able to ride J's horses. She has been very kind in allowing me that privilege, and I am thankful for that everyday. Without her, well, I wouldn't have the privilege of being around or ON horses without paying lots of $$$$$.

I wasn't sure if J planned on joining us or not, so that left Gizmo out of the options. Gizmo tends to be J's first choice for a trail mount as he's kind of been there done that and J cannot afford to be dumped off of a horse (she has Rheumatoid Arthritis).

Unfortunately Contro, another good trail horse came up from the pasture lame the other day, so he was out of the running. The last time I took Bobby down the road, he bucked and balked for the majority of the ride - emmm...no on Bobby. That left me with Snippy, the ancient QH gelding and Gypsy, who has never once been on a trail ride or down the road.

I decided I'd go ahead and take Gypsy. Since the day I started her under saddle, at the ripe age of 13, she has been a total sweetheart. Never once has she acted out, though I can say that I don't think her favorite thing in the world is being ridden, she's always willing to do it for me and she tries her heart out. Not only that, but she is smooth and very comfortable to ride, like a big old couch or an old skool Coup DeVille.

I trudged out to the pasture to drag Gypsy in. She hasn't been ridden, worked with or groomed, really (I'm not gonna' lie) since August, so she was N.A.S.T.Y. Her golden coat was stained from dirt and mud, her mane had mud in it, her tail was dirty and her bridle path was overgrown. She was also downright obese from a summer of pasture grazing and hay guzzling. Oh my!

I spent a good 45 minutes currying her and getting as much filth out of her mane and tail as I could. I saddled her up, bridled her up then spent about 5 minutes lunging her, just in case. Once the other 3 riders were ready, I mounted up and we headed out. I must say that with Gypsy's stains, she still looked like a total pig; light colored horses - SIGH!

We went down the Lakeland trail, an abandoned train track that was converted into a half paved, half grass path years ago. The trail is busy and caters to bikers, hikers with and without dogs as well as equestrian traffic. Gypsy was a total superstar. She was definitely nervous, but she crossed over a scary set of train tracks and a noisy paved bridge with fast running water beneath it without a problem. On the trail, Gypsy was a bit startled by the seemingly constant stream of people on bikes that crept up from behind us, but after a mile or so, she settled down.

The only issue I had with Gypsy during the entire ride was when we came to a wooden foot bridge. The other horses nervously crossed, but Gypsy was initially having NONE OF THAT. She put up a decent fight, and when she started hinting that she was going to rear, I decided to dismount and guide her across. There were quite a few bystanders waiting to cross the bridge at this point, and with an almost panicky horse I didn't want to make a bigger scene than we already were. While on foot, I began trying to coax Gypsy across the bridge, still she was having none of it. She popped a few minor rears, but had made some progress by inching closer and closer to the bridge. She was trying very hard for me, that much was clear. Finally, one of the other riders came back over the bridge to help me out. She and her horse got right up behind Gypsy and began pushing her forward gently from the back. Gypsy hesitated, gave me a terrified look, lifted her tail to shoot a stream of diarrhea (sorry for that visual) and very carefully placed her right hoof onto the first wooden board of the horse eating bridge of doom.

"SNORRRRRT" Gypsy said, as she took a 2nd step, then a 3rd. She went across slowly and nervousy, but she did it. I praised her the entire way across, and couldn't help to chuckle at her a bit too. The entire way across the bridge, she was picking her feet up very high, kind of like some horses do with a full set of polo/shipping wraps on. On the way back, she crossed it while being ridden. She did attempt to bolt across the bridge for a second, but I was easily able to set her straight.

Overall, I am so proud of her. She's only been ridden a handful of times in her life, she's only been off of J's farm once before this ride and she was just so good. She tried so hard and trusted me enough to go on that ride, crossed two bridges, dealt with dogs, cars and bikes and she barely gave it a second thought. I know she was terrified, but she did it anyway. I love Morgans and I really love Gypsy, she's such a great testament to that breed!

Not Very Exciting

2010-10-14T15:59:00.005-04:00

Horse updates:

Went to J's after work on Monday to help her with chores. I do this sometimes if I can't make it out on a Sunday, for my own horse fix and also because I'm a huge pushover and can't say no to her. Yes, I do this for free. Yes, it's an hour away from where I live. Yes, I'm an idiot!!!!!

Anyway, I make a point to turn Casper (J's stallion) outside when I'm there because a. Nobody EVER turns him out, including J and b. I think that is plain wrong! Casper MUST go outside at least a few times a week for his own sanity!!!! Casper is actually a pretty well behaved stallion. He is interested in mares, but he listens to his handlers and responds to reprimands. I do have to lightly reprimand him to pay attention on most of our outings, but it's usually nothing more than a few light tugs on his lead shank.

Since I hadn't been to J's in a little over 2 weeks, that meant that poor Casper had been holed up in his stall for that time frame. He had only been out to be led to another stall so that his could be cleaned...is that wrong? I think it is!! Needless to say, he was a little amped. He behaved well, considering. I led him out to his pasture with only a few minor rears and tiny blast off attempts. I corrected him and we continued forward until we were inside the gate to his pasture. I could just tell that it was taking all of his strength to keep from running off, he was HAPPY HAPPY to be outside.

"WHOA", I sternly told him as I slowly moved my hand up to undue the lead chain. This usually works with him...it's all about the intimidation factor. Just as my hand nicked the clasp of the chain, Casper wheeled around and attempted his escape.Unfortunately/fortunately (depends on how you look at it), I didn't let go of is lead, even though he was now pulling me across his pasture; him backing at a frantic pace, head up, eyes bulging and me yelling "whoa, whoa, whoa!"
I don't know why, but I have this death grasp thing on leads when horses pull these stunts. It usually results in the horse stopping, usually, but it leaves my arm feeling like it has been ripped from its socket, and my hands stinging from rope burn. OUCH!!! Why I don't let go, is beyond me. I think it's because I want to make sure that horse in question doesn't pull a stunt like that again, so I hold on so as to dole out the appropriate scolding afterwards ;).

Casper was actually pretty good. In fact, two of J's mares are much worse when they occasionally pull those "run away" stunts. Luckily, my arm and hand remained in tact, and I was able to scold the now ashamed looking Casper. I made sure to set him up (park him out) and I spoke sternly to him for a bit. When I was sure he wasn't about to pull that stunt again, I smoothly undid his lead line and let him rip. He flung him self around and galloped around that pasture until he couldn't gallop anymore. Then he went about sniffing poo and curling his lips, a Stallion's 2nd favorite past time, I suppose.

On another note, I have been visiting my mom's horse, Lady here and there. She is as fat and sassy as ever, look at that rumpus!

Brideless - Morgan Style

2010-10-11T13:17:00.001-04:00

If Wishes Were Horses

2010-10-06T11:54:00.006-04:00

The Morgan World Championship Horse show is just about ready to start. The show is in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (OKC). I have never been to nationals, and truthfully, I don' t know much about it. Check here for more details if you care to learn more.

What I do know about the Grand Nationals is that they are expensive. Some trainers are hauling their client's horses in up to a week in advance (from what I hear). This will cost them an additional $100.00 a day PER STALL!!!! (from what I hear). Many people ship in from all over the country too, New York, California, Maine, Vermont, MICHIGAN - I don't even want to know what that would cost. Then there are trainer's fees (assuming you're going with a trainer). I think some charge $100.00 a day; plus lodging, plus classes, plus feed for horses and self...I am guessing that on the cheap end you would spend upwards of $4,000.00 and on the high end - gosh, $10,000.00+ to go to this show and compete. Many people go and compete at Nationals. I would LOVE to as well, but to be honest, I can not imagine EVER having that kind of money to spare on a hobby (well I could, but convincing my husband to is a whole 'nother story).

My husband and I do alright. I am going to be straight up honest here. B and my combined gross earnings a year are in the very high 5 figures. We are doing alright, not poor by any means, but not loaded either (I wish). We live in Michigan, where housing is very budget friendly. We both have car payments, and I have student loan debt. That's it! I still cannot comfortably afford a horse. I mean at that income, I can't afford a horse let alone pay tons of money to go to a horse show! What in the world are these people doing to afford that? I can't imagine that every single person that goes to Nationals is loaded...am I missing something?

On top of that, we are looking to purchase our first home. We got approved (based on our income debt ratio) for FAR more than we're comfortable paying a month. Like $100,000.00 more! I have no idea who comes up with this, but really? I wonder if this is part of the reason why our country is in such a housing crisis? People are getting approved for loans that they truly can't afford. I'm happy that B and I realize this and are not about to go purchasing some huge house that we have NO business owning at our age or status in life, but is everyone that in tune to their wants vs. ability to afford?

I guess there is no real point in this post. I'm just kind of voicing my thoughts. I simply don't understand how to comfortably afford all of that. I would love to show, but I just can't bring myself to spending ALL of my money on it. I could probably get a horse, but then I wouldn't have savings. Horses are so darned expensive if you actually care for them properly, meaning vetting, teeth, good quality feed and what about emergencies? YIKES! Oh gosh, I am in a frenzy about this, can you tell? LOL.

Dirty Job

2010-10-04T10:50:00.005-04:00

Over the weekend, I made it my mission to ride at least 1 horse.

Did I? Well, sort of. Does a pony ride count?

On Sunday, my mom and I went over to ride Lady. After we groomed her up, got all of the darned burs out of her mane and tail, we saddled her up. As my mom was putting the bridle on her, it literally disintegrated in her hands. The leather cheek piece just broke away and the poor old bridle was rendered useless. Lest you think that we're just using rotted and nasty tack, we...well, I guess in the case of Lady's bridle, we were. It was given to my mom to use temporarily until she could make it to the tack store to purchase a new one. I guess laziness won out in this case. Woops. Since Lady was already saddled, we threw her halter back on and my mom led me around. It was silly and kind of fun, actually. Hey, I said I was going to ride, and I rode...sorta'.

After visiting with Lady, I drove over to J's barn. I figured I'd just ride one of the Morgans. Pshhh, I should know better. I got there at about 4 pm, and noticed immediately that the stalls were an absolute mess. J was not home, so I decided to go ahead and clean Casper and Tory's stalls since they were the worst.

J's farming equipment is antique. She uses a spreader that must have been assembled in the 1950's and two large honkin' tractors, one from the '40's and one from the '70's power it. Because most people don't actually want to drive those tractors to bring the spreader into the barn for stall cleaning, it (the spreader) is parked just outside the barn doors with a big ramp so that the cleaner in question can just roll on up and dump their load into the spreader. It is hard, labor, but it does the trick. I also might add that it creates amazing muscle tone in the upper arm, ab regions.

J owns a beat up version of this tractor.

J owns a version of this spreader. Hers is more beat up and apparently the chain the operates the manure getter outer is busted.

Anyway, I noticed that the ramp to the spreader was laying on the ground and NOT on the spreader like it usually is. When I'm determined to do something, by God, I do it. By myself, I managed to lift the heavy metal ramp up, around, and onto the spreader. I'm not going to say that I didn't curse or even whine a bit, to myself of course, but I got it on there oh yes I did! As I was struggling with the ramp, and even as I dumped my first wheel barrow load of Casper poo into the spreader, I had this nagging feeling that perhaps the spreader may be broken. It looked okay, but I am no spreader expert.

As I was just peaking the top of the ramp with my 2nd load of Casper poo, J pulled up waving her arms and shouting "NO, Jenny, it's broken. Don't dump." Woopsie daisy. This is a perfect example of good intentions gone wrong...this is the story of my life! Anyway, J was very good natured about it, she and I rigged up a plan to get the stalls cleaned. We used a tractor with a plow on the front of it and dumped the manure into the plow from the stalls and then drove the manure out to the respective manure pile at the back of J's property. I cleaned Casper and Tory's stalls as I had planned and felt great as I tucked both horses into their clean sheets for the night. Tory showed her appreciation by immediately dropping a huge load onto her nice fresh shavings - mares!

So, I didn't get to ride at J's but soon, I swear it, I will be back in the saddle soon! Today, I am sore sore sore....I think cleaning stalls is a better work out than actually working out is. It was a dirty nasty job, but somebody had to do it! ;)

10 Random Facts

2010-09-30T11:47:00.008-04:00

I know this is so boring...I am trying to post more. I really do enjoy blogging, but I think I'm in a rut. I figure if I can just post, more ideas will come to me. This is totally unoriginal, but here I go anyway - 10 random facts about moi! I hope you other bloggers post some random facts too :)

1. I babble incessantly, giggle, stutter and fidget when I'm nervous. I know that it makes me look like a total ditz to those who don't know me, but who really cares? I know I don't. It makes me seem bubbly and sweet even though, deep down inside, that's not always true.

2. I never pollute. I don't even toss my gum out of the window while driving, a fact that drives my husband nuts.

3.I always use my turn signal, even when I'm the only one on the road. Seriously, don't you hate it when someone turns into your lane with no warning? The Golden Rule applies even when we're driving people! I am probably a little on the nit picky side with this, but I can't stand rude drivers and it seems there are more rude drivers than not.

4. The sound of horses chewing their grain always makes me hungry too. I usually crave Mac N' Cheese - how bizarre, how bizarre (remember that song)?

5. 6. and 7. I am super nostalgic. I love flipping through old pictures and reminiscing with friends (I'm sure it's an obnoxious trait). My favorite music is classic rock because it brings back memories of my child hood. Certain songs bring back certain memories...

"Sailing" Christopher Cross - Lake Michigan, late summer, getting ready to watch Puff the Magic Dragon at my God mother's condo.

"Material Girl" Madonna - playing Barbies with my next door neighbor Sarah, in her basement, dreaming about being older.

"Listen to the Music" Doobie Brothers - My parents are young, like really young. I'm little and at a BBQ, swinging and playing in the dirt. My parents are with their friends, laughing and having a good time. It's evening and I'm happy and tired.

"Mouth" Bush - my first date, the movie "American Werewolf in Paris". Rainy in the parking lot, we held hands on the way to my car. He didn't kiss me.

"Waterbed Hev" Heavy D - Cruising the strip in my best friend Laura's Dodge Ram, eating wedges from KFC and meeting boys.

and so on and so forth....I think this one constitutes as 3 answered since there's a lot of random ;).

8. I can't stand the word vehicle. It reminds me of my cheesy driver's ed teacher who wore polyester bike shorts and made us watch horribly outdated movies about driving. He pronounced the word VEEE HIIIICK AL. Ugh! ha ha ha, how's that for random?

9. Apparently I really do grind my teeth while I'm sleeping. Jaw problems, OUCH!

10. Sometimes when I'm on a long car trip, I watch out the window and imagine myself on a horse riding along the highway, jumping the road signs. Sometimes I'm just posting really really fast to the rhythm of the tunes on the radio, of course!

Mixing it Up

2010-09-29T12:29:00.005-04:00

I admit it, I like mixed breed horses. I'm not saying that I think everyone should just go on out there and start breeding their x's to y's. No. I think that when done very carefully and with good selections of both sire and dam; AND with a goal for the resulting foal, a cross bred horse can be an amazing, athletic, healthy and competitive mount. Since I love the Morgan horse, I am certainly interested in Morgan crosses as well. Here are a few amazing Morgan crosses:

Morgan x Freisian

Okay, I'm already a fan of the Dutch Harness Horse, and I am loving this cross! Look at this horse trot!!!!!

Here's another gorgeous Morgan cross. I'm not sure what he's crossed with...a warmblood?

Of course, there's the Morab. I do like this stallion...he has the Arabian refinement and some of that Morgan brawn and style.

It is actually NOT easy to find a nice representative of a Morgan cross out there in internet land. I know they are out there too. I wonder if there are Morgan/TB crosses? I wonder how that would turn out? My guess is just so so. I don't think we need any more crosses, really, it's just interesting to see the results. I would LOVE to get my hands on the Dutch Harness Cross, that's for sure! DROOOLING.

Snipper Doo

2010-09-10T11:46:00.005-04:00

Even though he's probably up there with one of my favorite horses at J's barn, Snippy might also be the death of me.

Snippy is J's 31 year old Quarter Horse gelding. He is the size of a Cadillac Seville, trained within an inch of his life, and still occasionally gives bronco rides and dirt parties to the little kiddos that take lessons on him here and there. I just love that horse, though. He just has that piss and vinegar look in his eyes that makes me do it...love him, that is.

The first time that Snippy almost killed me was a year or so ago. Snippy and a few other old timer geldings are pastured together in what is called "the gelding pasture." The gelding's pasture is attached to the barn yard area which has 2 other gated pastures attached to it. Each day the horses are sent out to their assigned pastures and closed off from the barn yard area so that nobody is able to paw, bite or tear the barn area apart (as horses tend to do). Anyway, on this particular day, I noticed the Snippy was just desperate to get up into the barn yard. He was pacing frantically back and forth and just working himself into a lather at the closed gate leading into the barnyard. It was hot and the black flies were out, so I decided that I'd go ahead and open up the gate to let the old boys in for some relief.

Good ole' Snipper Doo

I trudged out to the gate, and like an idiot began to push it aside for the geldings to come on through. Like a bolt of lightening, Snippy took off, hurled him self through the only partially opened gate; knocking it out of my hands and flinging it towards my awaiting head *BAM*!! Ouch, it hurt and gave me a black eye as well. Thanks Snippy! It was my fault, of course. I don't know why I didn't move Snippy back before opening the gate, I guess I just didn't feel threatened by a horse I'd never seen move faster than a snail. Apparently he can move when he wants to. He ran up to the barn entrance and waited for me patiently. I swear he knew exactly what he had done. The look in his eye said "Ha! You shouldn't have done that."

The next time Snippy was out for my blood occurred last Sunday. I was in a hurry, but had told J that I'd help her out with chores. Of course, being in a hurry is not the smartest thing when dealing with horses. Mistakes are easily made, and my jittery nerves were making me drop lead lines, knock things over and well, allow the wiley Snippy to outsmart me.

Again, it was a warm day and the black flies were out and about. Snippy, as he was the previous summer, was pacing the gate to get inside. "ah-ha" I thought to myself as I walked down the barnyard to let the boys up, "you won't be busting my face with gates this time, old man." Smartly, I grabbed hold of Snippy's halter before pushing the gate in. Well trained boy that he is, he backed willingly as I pushed the gate far enough back to allow the boys to enter the barnyard. Before letting Snippy go, though, I noticed that familiar look in his eye. It said "I wouldn't do that if I were you."

I swear it did!

I released Snippy and watched as he turned on a dime and cantered on up to the barn door. Except....he wasn't heading to the barn door, was he? Nope - he was making a bee-line for the open gate beside the barn door. The gate that leads out to the open. He was making a run for freedom. Like an idiot, I didn't notice that someone had left the gate open. In fact, that gate is almost ALWAYS closed. Not that day though. Snippy was too far ahead of me by the time I realized that he was on his way out. I knew that it was too late to stop him. I ran just as fast as I could to keep the other horses from escaping. I got to the gate, latched it, then turned around to see Snippy heading towards the paved road the borders J's property at a fast trot....way faster then I've ever seen any QH trot, in fact. I would have laughed had it not been so terrifying.

"SNIPPY!" I screamed, but to no avail. Snippy trotted down to the road, alongside the road, cars passing and all, around a roadside small pasture that J has up front, then back down the other side of J's horse shoe shaped drive. He never slowed and continued to trot - me following way behind, until he entered the far side of J's humongous barn and right on back to the end of the aisle where he had no where else to go. There he waited, that same devilish gleam in his eye, for me to catch up.

Most horses would have stopped at some point to graze on J's lush, overgrown grass, but not Snippy. I am not kidding when I say that that horse has motive in every thing he does. Maybe that's what keeps him alive? The old coot! I suppose that's why I love the horse. He just has more personality in one hoof then most horses do in their entire bodies.

Another funny Snippy story is that he can escape his stall. His stall literally has to be chained shut or he'll make a break during the night and ransack the grain bins. He has no teeth, so he's unable to eat anything but watered down hay cubes, equine senior and pellets, but he sure tries anyway! Gotta' love him!

Biding My Time

2010-09-09T11:23:00.004-04:00

Almost every day, there are several websites that I peruse during down time at work, or wherever.

One is Morgan Showcase. On this site I basically just daydream about horses I wish I could buy, usually said horses (that I would love to have) are way outside of what I would ever spend on a horse ($20,000+); but sometimes I actually come across a horse that is in my would be budget, though, that makes my little heart flutter.

Normally I am totally attracted to red-chestnut-sorrel horses with a bit of white. I'm also partial to more curvy, baroque Morgans with chiseled heads and fine throats...not too cresty, but enough that they're no where near ewe necky. I like necks that are set on high and nice, perky little ears...is this making sense? Ha ha.

Anyway, to get to my point:

isn't he adorable? I want, I want, I want, now, now, now. I think this young gelding is too cute - he's priced well - not super cheap, but something I'd be willing to shell out, I think. By the time I'm 100% ready to commit to buying a horse, this little guy will probably already be sold.

That's okay though, I'm a professional horse shopper at this point! There are many more horses for sale out there, I'm just biding my time :).

How I Really Feel

2010-09-07T11:27:00.002-04:00

There are so many things I'd like to say about a certain someone on this blog. I don't, though. For one, this blog is linked to a popular and awesome Morgan horse blog called Above Level, and I don't want anyone who may know of me (as remote a possibility as that may be) to know exactly who I'm speaking of. I don't honestly think that many people read what I write, but you just NEVER really know.

The thing though, is that the person I wish I could write about has had a huge impact on the way I feel about riding and showing right now. Whether it be negative or positive, I'll leave that for you to figure out. All I'll say is that I did not show this year, though I had many opportunities and I rode only a small handful of times on my beloved Morgans.

It's not all bad, in case that's what it sounds like. This person has also had an amazing impact on my riding abilities. I speak about them in a positive light as well, but the past few years have been rough to say the least.

I want to voice how I feel so badly, I know that my blogging buddies would have some great advice, but SIGH all I can do is write about how I want to write about someone. That's all I can really say :(.

With that said, when I get a horse I am going to go to a show barn where there is great camaraderie, positive attitudes, and affordability. Does that even exist?

Weddings, Baby Showers and Birthdays, Oh My!

2010-09-01T11:48:00.006-04:00

I love weddings!

Well, it's been some time since my last post, so if anyone reads this - thank yeh'!

This summer has just been a whirlwind of one thing after another. If it's not a Bachelorette party, it's a wedding. If it's not a birthday party it's a BBQ. If it's not a baby shower it's a camping trip...so on and so forth. I am NOT complaining, though, it just left little time for blogging and sadly, horses.

To recap, I have had to postpone my dressage lessons. It's not that I didn't like them, because I did, it has more to do with money. In August I began a new job. The new job (with more of this $$) has been good thus far, but I'm wayyy in between paychecks. It has been a good month since I've been paid and I just cannot afford much of anything right now, especially a 25 minute riding lesson for $40.00...what!?!? I know. But they're worth it to me; T is awesome! Not only that, but between all of the crazy summer happenings, I have no time for riding...it's crazy, but true. Ever since I hit my mid to late twenties (and now thirties) it has been nothing but weddings and baby showers all summer long. Not to mention, all of my friends are having their big 3-0 birthday parties ~ old fogies that we are ;).

I have not really been riding the Morgans lately either. No time. I've only ridden Lady, my mom's horse, 3 or 4 times but I can tell that my mom has really done a lot with her. She is jogging much slower and though she isn't very steady, she's getting there. There is talk of my mom and dad getting a horse trailer, so that should be interesting *yay*!

I wish I could say that I got a horse this summer, but I haven't....yet, anyway. What I did get is a new car. I traded in my 2003 Dodge Neon for a 2010 Mariner Premier - I am LOVIN' it, too!

Now that I'm settling in to my new job, I hope to be posting much more. I need to get back in to riding on a regular basis so that I have something to post about :).

I hope everyone has been having a wonderful summer!!!!!

Girls of Summer

2010-08-09T12:36:00.011-04:00

Lady and Cash listened intently while I told them about the Morgan mares.

Can you guess what this picture is? The weeds aren't the only overgrown things at J's barn!

At 20 years old, Tory is still wary of my intentions, especially if we break routine. If she isn't going out to pasture then back in again, something must be up. She wasn't so sure about my little black camera.

Angel, you look like a big white pig!

Angel Eyes - she's got an angelic name and a bratty attitude. Angel is Gypsy's daughter.

A better view of Angel's filth.

Angel doing her best wild mustang impersonation.

The always curious Highlights can't resist checking me out for treats. "Hold still Highlights. Let me take your picture!"

Tia Maria stops for a scratch! Notice the Palomino trend?

Lady the Quarter Horse isn't so sure she likes this whole Morgan thing. "Don't worry, Lady. You have my heart too!"

Video Series

2010-08-04T16:09:00.002-04:00

As I was wasting time, sifting through youtube, I came across a series of Morgan promotional videos from the 1980's. I started watching the first of four, and found myself laughing at, well, the 80's. Then, by video two, I was sucked in by Midnight Magic.

Enjoy!!

Yesterday

2010-08-02T15:28:00.009-04:00

Added - Diablo earlier this Spring - first days of training. (Photo by S, Diablo's trainer).

I stood there watching Casper for a moment. I had just turned him out and his excited antics were fun to watch. Casper is a stallion and is turned out alone, so he was thrilled that two pastures over, a few older geldings and Diablo, the resident 3 year old were out enjoying the fresh air. Casper went bucking and snorting down the fence line then turned to come back up, bucking and snorting the whole way. I scanned the gelding field to be sure that the other horses weren't upset by Casper's outrageous shenanigans. They all stood on their hill, grazing. Diablo, the young buckskin, looked up from his vantage point atop a hill, and stoically watched as Casper thundered back down the pasture line; though he watched intently, he never moved. I took my little camera out of my pocket hoping to get some good pictures for the blog. I shot a few blurry images of Casper, but he remained in the back of his field, so it was difficult. For a moment, I thought about getting some pictures of Diablo, he looked so beautiful standing there, but changed my mind; it was too far to walk.

Satisfied that the horses were all content in their pastures, I turned my attention to chores. I wanted to clean out one of the outdoor water tanks, hay the mares who waited impatiently in their stalls, water, and possibly clip a few bridle paths before bringing Casper and the geldings back indoors. I scrubbed the water tank and filled it up in about 15 minutes; had the mares hayed, watered and was just about to grab a horse out for clipping when I decided to check on the horses again. I wanted to be sure that Casper hadn't worked himself into a lather. Sure enough, there Casper stood, his normally alabaster coat darkened from sweat.

"Oh Casper," I scolded as I grabbed his lead and brought him to the wash rack to be hosed off. I noticed that the geldings were ready to come in for dinner as well; so after I finished with Casper, I began pulling in the boys. One by one they came, Snippy, Ceaser, Abe and Gizmo. Diablo was still standing on his hill; knowing that he can occasionally be a stinker to come in, I decided to do a few more minor barn chores in hopes that he'd meander on up when he was ready.

As I was just about to grab a horse to clip, Dave showed up. Dave occasionally helps J out with farm chores, and he was there to make some fence repairs.

"Are all the horses in from the pastures?" He asked.

"Yes, they...oh wait, Diablo is still out there. Hang on and I'll go get him." I answered.

"That's okay," Dave said "I can go out and chase him in for ya'."

I waited at the barn door and watched as Dave made his way out to Diablo toting a red lunge whip in his right hand.

"Diablooooo!" I bellowed, in hopes he'd decide to come on in without much fuss. Knowing Diablo, I wasn't surprised when he made no effort to move. Odd though, he wasn't grazing and he was still standing in the same spot. He watched as Dave came in closer, but still made no efforts to move.

Oh no, I thought - Oh n....

"Jennny" Dave screamed "Get out here! Diablo is hurt....I think he broke his leg...."

I ran. I ran so fast, but slowed as I approached the horse as not to frighten him. Diablo stood, calmly watching. About 50 feet in, I saw that every muscle in Diablo's body was tightened, drying sweat still clung to his chest and neck. I saw that his right front leg was messed up somehow. Still, I had hope. Maybe he's got a knot or a kick. As I moved in closer, cooeing to him, I saw the extent of his injury. Fighting the urge to vomit, I softly grabbed his halter and began speaking quietly to him.

"Oh diablo. You are such a good boy. You are so sweet. You are going to be okay." I said.

I turned my attention to Dave "Get J, tell her to call the vet and that they need to get out here NOW! RUN!"

David ran. I stayed with Diablo. I looked into his eyes and hoped to God he was in shock. I prayed that he couldn't feel his injury. I prayed the vet would come fast. I prayed that he wouldn't have to suffer. I continued to pet his sleek neck. His eyes were clear, and he watched what was going on intently. He didn't move, but he had stopped shaking. I began to silently sob. He was so beautiful.

After some time, J appeared from around the barn. She walked slowly, the phone in her hand. I stood quietly watching her approach her sweet, young horse. Knowing that she knew - it was bad. She stopped at about the same distance I first noticed Diablo's injury. I told her she may not want to see it. I cried.

Upon seeing J, Diablo grew restless. For the first time, he made an attempt to move. I will not describe this, because it is the worst thing I have ever seen. This injury. The sight of him struggling, his foot dangling precariously - attached only by -.

We cried. J and I stood waiting for the vet. Feeding him handfuls of freshly picked green grass. Keeping him calm, trying to decide if Banamine would be better or worse - what can we do to ease his pain? Nothing. Looking at this beautiful young horse, calmly standing there with the most horrific leg injury I have ever seen - ever! He looked back. He neighed. The vet came.

"Please," J said "just end his suffering." The vet said nothing, just shook her head upon seeing the leg.

The sun came out from behind a cobalt cloud, casting rays of light across a picturesque pasture. Birds chirped softly from far away trees, purple melted to pink as Diablo took his last breath on that horrible hill.

Miss Kitty

2010-07-30T10:57:00.007-04:00

When I was around one year old, my family acquired a kitten - one mean-mammajamma'-of- a- kitten. The mean kitten was so mean that neither my parents or the vet could determine the sex. The kitten was white, fluffy and had small black spots all over - "it" was beautiful. She was given the name Miss Kitty - a kitten that beautiful had to be female.

When the time came to spay Miss Kitty, we were shocked to learn that Miss Kitty was a Mr Kitty. By that time, we had already been calling him Miss Kitty for so long, that the name had stuck.

When I was four, my brother Curtis was born. I'm sure that one of the first things he learned as a child was to fear the wrath of Miss Kitty. Miss Kitty terrorized my brother and I. He'd chase us, claw us, bite us - he enjoyed it immensely too, I'm certain of it. At bed time each night, my brother and I would be paralyzed with fear; we knew that Miss Kitty knew when it was time for us to trudge to bed. He (Miss Kitty) would position himself at the crux of the long hallway leading to our bedrooms. His tail slightly twitching, his paws ready for massacre. Slowly, Curtis and I would inch toward the hallway of certain doom. We'd peep our eyes slowly around the corner to see if, indeed, Miss Kitty lie in wait. Almost certainly, every time, there he lay. Near the end of the hall, positioned perfectly in between my room and my brother's lie the cat, his eyes glowing like the fire pits of hell, waiting patiently for his prey.

"M-m-m000000000000m!" I would whimper "Miss Kitty is in the hallway again.." My brother still clinging to the back of my Bon Jovi nightgown could only ever nod in agreement, his wide terrified eyes glued to the cat. His fear of Miss Kitty was always much greater than mine.

Annoyed that our parents felt it necessary to laugh at our plight, my brother and I would wait impatiently for rescue. We could not understand the bravery of our parents. They could walk right up to that evil cat, and pick him up like it was no big thing. The cat would emit an annoyed mew, but never offered to bite or savage them the way he did my brother and I.

At night Miss Kitty was locked in our basement. Through our vents Curtis and I could hear Miss Kitty meowing. To us, they sounded like blood moans - his daytime terror turned to night time dread. His meow wasn't right, either. They were more like long low pitched howls. "mmmmmoooooooooooowwwwwwwwnnnnnnnnaaaaaaoooowwwww" he would roar. Over and over - the sound of it echoing through the vents made a haunting sound. I'd lie there, eyes wide open, praying he wasn't making his way up the vent in a quest for vengence. (of course it wasn't that frightening, but you know, dramatic effect and all).

As Curtis and I grew older, I found the trick to Miss Kitty. Confidence. If he saw a trembling, sweaty mass coming toward him, his sensors alerted attack mode, and then you'd best run. However, if you confidently approached him; your head held high - he was confused and not sure how to respond. Though his rippling muscles were surely always tensed and ready for battle, you could pick him up just under the front arms and render him harmless for a brief time. To Curtis' horror, I used my new found mastery of Miss Kitty to his detriment.

"If you don't (whatever), I'll throw Miss Kitty on you!" I'd threaten him. My hands outstretched with an increasingly pissed fluffy white cat, claws primed for carnage, dangling precariously over Curtis' gangly 10 year old body.

Sometimes I'd chase him around the house with the cat; it's a wonder my brother even speaks to me these days. I don't know why I turned on Curtis in such a way, he was always a sweet little brother. Never annoying, always passive. I suppose I was just a nasty little pre-pubescent thing. God knows my hormones went insane for a brief period - just the memory of it gives me chills. For a few years I most definitely resembled Shelley Marsh, from Southpark - I acted like her too - ohhh the memories my family must have.

Anyway, back to Miss Kitty. As Miss Kitty aged, he tamed down immensely. His once fluffy hair was dull and lifeless and his rippling warrior muscles were flaccid and weak. Miss Kitty must have known that he no longer held court of the meanest cat around, because he actually became friendly.

They always say the mean ones live the longest, and Miss Kitty held true to that saying. On his 21st birthday, Miss Kitty's reign of terror ended. He died in his sleep, still the king of his castle! Despite all the terror he wreaked in our household, his death was very sad for us all. The funny thing is, through all of the many pets we've had, cats, horses, dogs, birds and rabbits, Miss Kitty is the only one who still haunts my dreams. I bet that's just the way he would have liked it, too.

Bits, Hoggle and Winnings

2010-07-27T10:18:00.007-04:00

As I was browsing E-bay for snaffle mouth western show bits for Miss Gypsy, I came across this gem.

This is very obviously not a snaffle mouth bit. It is, in fact, a Spade Bit. Though it looks like a torture device, I don't know enough about Spades to fully judge. Not only that, but I've never actually seen a spade for sale in a tack shop nor do I know of anyone who uses one. Please click the link above to read more about this fascinating bit and where it originates from, it's pretty interesting!

Look at it! Isn't it amazing? I've never seen a bit like it. I do have a bit fetish anyway, I could become a bit hoarder, really. I love the detailed, sterling silver bits the most - yum! I could just hang them in my house, I guess I'm like a bird, or a gypsy, or Hoggle from the movie Labyrinth. Remember him? He loved sparkly things.

Yikes, maybe I'm not Hoggle.

Anyway, I like bits. Here is a picture of the mouth piece of the same spade bit. Kind of scary to look at, but learn more about them before judging, please.

On another note, here's proof that I did actually win money for my costume contest.

Just after I won the money, I folded the envelope carefully and stuck it in my purse. Over the course of the evening I reached into my purse several times for money and or to whip out my camera for pictures. At some point, the envelope containing the money must have fallen out of my flimsy purse. I spent much of the night crawling around a very crowded bar looking for the envelope, but alas, found nothing. The only consolations I have are that 1. I didn't have that money to begin with and 2. maybe whoever found it, needed that money more than I did...I hope that's what happened, anyway. Behind me are friends, Kerri, Lisa and the 7 months pregnant, Susan. Can you tell which one is Susan? (P.S. Susan did not drink and there's a no smoking law in Michigan bars :)

Three Horses

2010-07-26T10:27:00.002-04:00

I rode 3 horses yesterday, THREE! First, I rode Gypsy, and felt really off. Sometimes when I get on a horse, I just feel really connected - those are usually great rides, I feel very solid in the saddle Yesterday just wasn't one of those days for Gypsy and I. I rode in J's Fabtron saddle, and I felt like the stirrup fender was sliding all over the place, I felt like a sloppy, ugly rider. I was also riding Gypsy for the first time in a shanked bit (a Tom Thumb). It's a first step in her neck reining training, and because Gypsy has such a very soft mouth, I worried. She did alright with it, but just alright. She definitely had her head too far down and I had difficulty with keeping light pressure on her mouth and getting her to keep the correct pace at the jog. The black flies were just eating her alive as well, so distraction was another key in the bad ride factor for us. I really have a hard time training a horse to neck rein anyway, so I'm sure that added to the poo factor. I worked on Gypsy's canter quite a bit, as well. The last few times I've ridden Gypsy, her canter had been markedly improved. I had been able to collect her just a bit, and the gait felt much more relaxed, controlled and a bit slower - all good signs of progression. Yesterday, I took it easier on her since it had been a while from our last ride. Ugh, she lurched in the canter and we barreled around like a bunch of lunatics. I did quite a few trot/canter transitions until I felt that we had made some progress and then ended on a good note. Of course I made sure J and the other rider were back in the barn before we began our cantering, it's embarrassing. I know we made quite a bit of noise despite my efforts to keep the attention away from us. With me bellowing CANTER, CANTER and EASY and Gypsy pounding the dirt like a whole herd of horses and not just one - of course Casper was bellowing in the pasture behind us, too. I know we must have had an audience at some point. She was a good girl, though...I know my not-so-great ride is only owed to my lack of consistency - I will just have to keep it up and I know we will get there!

I rode two more horses for a potential buyer. As I was tacking up the first horse (Gizmo), the mother of the prospective rider (a 12 year old girl) was telling me about her daughter and how when she was 6 or 7 she had a terrible accident which rendered her terrified of riding until now. The girl is still very timid and scared, but her love of horses finally won out. Anyway, the woman said that the girl took a fall off of her horse and her foot became tangled in the stirrup. She said the girl was being dragged behind the horse, each time the hind hooves came down, they came down on the little girl's leg. In the end, she survived, but she had a hoof nail embedded in her leg; I didn't ask, but I imagine her leg(s) were broken as well - Freakin' YIKES - I'd be scared too. I really think this girl is brave for getting back in the saddle! Gizmo was good but was deemed to be too much for the girl. Gizmo has a tendency for minor spooking. I'm talking very minor spooking, but still, this girl needs a dead broke, old, steady eddy.

The next horse I rode was Sid. Now, for real - Sid is not a horse for a beginner right now. I've already spoken enough about his issues. He's easy and sweet enough, but would just be a bit much for someone who is a nervous rider or inexperienced. They could ride him fine, but he is just a stinker when it comes to other horses. I made sure to tell them this as I mounted up on the already bellowing Sid....UGH! The potential buyers had their trainer with them, so I kind of hoped he'd like the horse for himself. He did, and hopped up on Sid the second I got off! Sid is looking so darn good. Since his gelding surgery he has leveled out immensely. His once heavily crested neck has slimmed down and he is so much more proportioned. He has three amazingly lovely gaits, and he just hooks his neck right over into the most perfect head set. His lope is slower than I can walk - a real rocking horse lope - a-maz-ing! I'm not sure what S, the young trainer thinks after his ride, but I would love to see him back in the show ring (Sid, that is).

So, that's that. Oh, I also won an 80's costume contest, lost my winnings almost immidiately after getting them and celebrated a friend's bachelorette party over the weekend too. Pictures to come :).

Bor-ring!

2010-07-23T12:24:00.006-04:00

Thank you for the birthday wishes everyone! Even though I spent my birthday sans horses, I still enjoyed myself. I spent the weekend camping up north with my parents and husband. Although we had torrential downpours on my actual birthday (the 18th), I was still able to soak up some sun on the other two days.

Even though I haven't had much time with horses this summer, I am hoping to start back up with my normal riding schedule this week. I spoke with J this morning, and she and I discussed the Fun show (which is put on by the MJMHA) and occurs the weekend of September 3rd & 4th. My mom decided that she'd like to bring her Quarter Horse, Lady, to the show too. It's a HUGE HUGE step for my mom, but I know she and Lady will have a blast. It's a FUN show, after all.

J asked me if I'd like to take one of her horses, it doesn't matter who, but they need Coggins and shoes, so I need to decide quick. I told her that if I wasn't too busy with my mom and Lady, I'd like to take Gypsy to the show again. Last year I had a ball in our hunt seat classes, and this year I think it would be fun to take the behemoth of a mare into some Western Pleasure classes. I just need to start working her regularly again!

I have to say that at times, I really do miss showing horses. I miss the camaraderie, the excitement, that feeling of connecting with your horse as you pass by the judge; best of all, the feeling of accomplishment after a great ride. There are so many fun things about it. I know I was just getting frustrated with my current situation (I've blabbed about that before). Showing someone else's horses is just not something I would like to do on a regular basis. There's too much pressure! With that said - if things go well with Gypsy this fall and winter (and I don't have a horse of my own), I can see myself getting sucked into showing that mare at smaller Michigan shows. The big difference between showing Gypsy instead of Bobby or Contro, though, is that J has no interest in selling Gypsy. Gyps is actually a pulled out of the pasture, semi-retired broodmare. I know that if the economy picks back up and the horse market is going strong, J will probably breed her again. That's her job, really, showing is just an after thought. I just decided on a whim, that I was going to start her under saddle and show her...hilarious, really! GO ME!!!

Dressage, Birthdays and Fond Farewells

2010-07-15T13:08:00.005-04:00

I had a Dressage lesson on Sunday, actually the first one in weeks. Just as I pulled up to the barn, I noticed that I had forgotten my helmet. BLAST! I definitely did not have enough time to go back and get it, so I hoped that T would just allow me to ride without one, or that perhaps she'd have a spare that I could use. Normally, I always wear a helmet, but they are not required at J's for adult riders, so on rare occasions I ride without...I know, I know. Anyway, T was incredibly kind because she allowed me to borrow her very expensive, fancy helmet. I don't know what brand it was, but it was light weight, and my head stayed cool even when my body was melting into an oozing mess on the floor (it was that hot)!

I rode C (Chessy is her nickname) again, and I really really enjoyed the ride. I don't know if it was the magical helmet and its fancy powers or what, but this was the first lesson that I truly felt like I connected with what T was saying. We did circles, shoulder in, leg yields, flying lead changes and extended trots across the diagonal (I can't remember what that's called - lengthening strides???). Usually, T has to slow me down so that she can explain something to me, but this time the lesson was fluid. I did fairly well with my aids and I was able to go from one thing to the next without stopping. It was cool, and I really can't wait until my next lesson, which is.....in........2....weeeeeeekkkkkksss....bah!

This upcoming weekend I will be camping. Unfortunately, I also have a birthday this weekend. It's my birthday, which is even worse. I will be 31 - thirty one!?!? I seriously still feel like an 18 year old in my head. I can't understand how 31 came so fast; one moment I was crying about turning 25, and now look at me! I'm still not over turning 25, and I'm 31. I need more time to get used to this aging thing - it's horrifying! Anyway, the weekend after this, I have a bachelorette party up north, so not much horse time on my agenda this month.

Bobby and I - I was 24 here - GASP - where has the time gone?

In other horse news though, both Bobby and Sid have left J's for a time being. They are both at a Jr. Rider's house where they are being ridden regularly. I've spoken about the Jr. rider before, but she has high hopes to take Bobby to Nationals this year, in Oklahoma. Very exciting! I made sure to give Bobby a big old smooch before I left the barn on Sunday evening. I don't know when I'll see him next and I'll miss him. Sid just needs the mileage - he's a good boy, and I know it will be good for him to be with Mar, the Jr. Rider. J says that both will be back at her place in the Fall (so long as they're not sold in the meantime). I love that old Bobby horse, but I am so thrilled that he is being used and put to work like he needs to be! I truly hope he finds himself a nice young girl to spend his days with.

Cousin G Rides a Morgan

2010-07-14T12:43:00.005-04:00

I am just not in a blogging kind of mood this week. I don't know what it is. It started on Monday. I got to work (my usual place of blogging - I'm not going to lie), and started in on my duties. My job duties on Monday take about 5-20 minutes before they are complete, and I'm left to my own devises. I logged on to blogger, and read all of the blogs that I'd missed over the weekend. That's usually when I'll be inspired to write, but the inspiration never came. I clicked off the Internet and stared, fiddled around with some filing, finished that, then came back to stare at my outlook inbox; sighing deeply, forlornly wishing for e-mails. Nothing. I guess I am just getting antsy to begin my new job (mid-august). My current place of employment is great, don't get me wrong, but it's gotten so slow. Many people are taking paid time off, and there's frankly not much to do..I'm getting despondent here, and that's no good.

Anyway, enough about that. On the horse end of things, last weekend I actually rode THREE different horses! I know :). Gypsy, Contro and my Sunday lesson, at long last!

On Saturday, my little cousin G was in town from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. She's 14 years old and has her own horse at home, though she doesn't show and has minimal experience. She had never been on a Morgan, so I was more than excited to give her the Morgan experience. I called J, who said that I could bring G over to ride, but she (J) wouldn't be there. This was bitter sweet for me, I knew that J would be a great ambassador for her Morgans, but she would surely put G on the 30 year old Morgans and not the fun, Morgany Morgans. With J gone, I had my pick of the horses, Contro!

We ended up riding Gypsy first, then as G was finishing up with Gypsy, I pulled Contro out to take him for a quick spin. After watching G with Gypsy, I wasn't certain she'd be able to ride Contro. Even though Contro is 17 years old this year, he is a quick little bugger. He has a naturally very high stepping trot, and he gets sort of Saddle Seaty if you do anything hastily. G doesn't know enough about riding this type of horse, in fact she'd never ridden in an English saddle (hunt seat or other wise) so I just thought I'd at least let her see him; he's gorgeous to watch under saddle. As I was riding around, she told my mom that he looked too fast for her taste, but she sat on Gypsy watching Contro with her mouth open, I had an idea.

G riding Gypsy

Trotting

After a bit, I brought Contro into the center of the ring and clipped a lunge line to his bridle. I told G to hop up on him and that I'd take her for a "pony ride" so that she could at least say she sat in an English saddle. She hopped up and after I gave her a few pointers to calm her down, we set about at a slow walk down the rail. It took her a few awkward minutes to really get a feel for the slick saddle beneath her, but once she settled in, I could tell that she was excited.

"do you want to trot?" I asked her.

"Well, okay. Don't let go of the lead, though." she answered nervously.

I began to jog slowly beside Contro, and being the good boy he is, he followed along at a slow, smooth jog beside me. G got a startled look on her face, she had never posted before, so I told her up, down, 1,2,1,2,1,2,1,2 and sooner than you'd think, she grasped the concept. Posting, unlike sitting the canter, came easy for me when I was learning, it's a natural rise, but I've also seen plenty of people really struggle with it too. G has a very natural, soft post and with practice, she'll do just fine. Anyway, after jogging half the arena, I thought I was going to die, so I walked Contro and G into the center. I sent Contro out just a bit on the lunge line and explained to G why I was doing that.

"it's too hot, I'm too out of shape, and I might die if I have to keep jogging with you," I explained between gasps.

Before she got onto Contro, I overheard G telling my mom that she had only cantered on her horse twice. I mean what a travesty! When I was her age, that's about all I did with my horse - canter, canter, canter! Anyway, seeing this as my opportunity, I quickly told G to prepare for a canter. She looked nervous, but was willing. She trusted me. I gave her the instructions to sit deep in the saddle and to keep her heels down. She also seems to keep her spine and upper body too stiff, so after telling her to relax and have fun, I signaled Contro to canter.

Normally, Contro picks up his canter with perfection, especially on the lunge line, but he must have sensed that this girl needed a good saddle seat Morgan trot before her cantering debut. Contro picked up a beautiful above level trot, his head up and his tail flagging. G sat atop, looking confused.

"Canter!!!" I firmly told Contro.

Up his knees flew, higher than I'd ever seen them go. I thought to myself that maybe he might make a nice English Pleasure horse, even in his old age. Finally, he swooped into a beautiful, slow rocking horse canter for G. Around he went, once, twice before I sensed that G had had enough. Like the sweet boy he is, Contro gracefully slowed to a nice flat walk. G looked bewildered for a moment, then a huge smiled exploded onto her face.

"That was fun!" she gushed, as I patted Contro on the shoulder and signaled G to dismount.

I know that putting G on such a horse was on the risky side, it's always best to play it safe. When I was 14, though, I know that an experience like that would have stuck with me for life. I hope it does for G, too.

After our HOT day at the barn, we hit the pool. According to G's mom, she hasn't stopped talking about her day with the Morgans yet!

Did You Know?

2010-07-09T09:51:00.009-04:00

**That 90% of today's American Saddlebred Horses carry Morgan blood? Read about that, here (http://www.morganhorse.com/).

**That Morgans were a foundation breed in developing the American Quarter Horse, Tennessee Walking Horse, American Standardbred and the American Saddlebred *see above*? (click here to read about it).

Morgan, Jubilee King was also registered as a Quarter Horse under the name "Yellow Jacket"

**A very popular horse weather vane was modeled after Black Hawk, an 1833 Morgan who was known to be the fastest trotting horse in his time, click here for his pedigree and to read more about him, here.

**The Morgan horse is the state animal for both Vermont and Massachusetts.

**The Modern Morgan horse is among the most versatile of horse breeds. The breed excels in all known disciplines, including: Parade, western pleasure, reining, hunter pleasure, over fences, sidesaddle, driving, FEI, Endurance, trail, eventing, Saddleseat; some are even gaited for those who prefer a smoother ride! See here for more versatility information!

**A popular brand Kohler (you know, the Bold Look of Kohler; the commercials!!??) Anyway, there is also a Kohler Morgan Horse farm; you put this one together....anyway, one very well known horse out of this stable is HVK Bold Look - check out this amazing farm and it's history, here!

**I know I've already posted about this guy, but a popular clinician Eitan Beth-Halachmy (I think he coined the term "Cowboy Dressage") rides his beautiful Morgans; how could you not want a Morgan after seeing this!?

**The University of Vermont with the UVM prefix is a Morgan horse farm (also a national historic site) that is dedicated to the preservation of the Morgan horse:

The paragraph below is taken from the website (http://www.uvm.edu/morgan/):

"The UVM Morgan Horse Farm is dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the Morgan Horse through breeding and selection. Designated as a National Historic Site, the farm is also home to significant Morgan history and a variety of educational programs. For over 50 years, the farm has provided educational experiences and training for students and visitors while perpetuating the Battell, Government, and UVM bloodlines. UVM Morgans are prized as superb pleasure horses for recreational use and as foundation broodstock."

**Morgans are found in a variety of colors. At one time, you'd be hard pressed to find a Morgan that wasn't Bay, Brown, Black or Chestnut. These days, there are some very nice Morgans in Palomino, Silver Dapple, Buckskin,Perlino, Creme, Pinto, Grey and Dun **etc**.

**Morgans go to the FEI - READ ALL ABOUT IT, HERE

Disclaimer: if I'm mistaken or if anyone has more interesting information to contribute, please do let me know :).

Another Boring Vacation Post

2010-07-07T14:12:00.021-04:00

I am such a huge HUGE nerd because every time I think about St. Louis, I get this song in my head (From one of my favorite movies ever). Anyway, sometimes I catch myself humming or singing it out loud as I wander about all tourist like - ICK - someone just put me out of my misery!?!

Anyway, Brian (AKA B), Madigan the dog, and I (along with Brian's very pregnant sister and her husband), spent 3 whole days in St. Louis. Imagine my glee, we even went to a FAIR (not the World's Fair, though). We actually spent the holiday with my in-laws who temporarily live down there, and also own a home in Michigan and, eh ......it's a long story. Anyway, I've posted a photo log of our exciting adventures - I'd love it if you followed along!

DAY 1:

Everybody spent the day swimming in the in-laws pool - nice, as it was HOT and Steamy in St. Louie. Afterwards we spent some time in one of my favorite cities ever, St. Charles. I just love St. Charles. It's very quaint yet stylish (there's some fun nightlife there). It's right alongside the Missouri river, and just a really nice place to visit! We had lunch there in a restaurant called Quintessential - YUMMY! After lunch, we shopped around a bit then headed for home for some pool time.

Later that evening we went to a Cardinal's game. Even though I'm a true blue Tigers fan, I had fun watching the beloved Cards beat the Brewers! Before the game, the US Army Paratroopers 'chuted down into the stadium, that was kind of patriotic and befitting of the holiday weekend. It was cool! See the pics below. We also got a suveneir as we entered the stadium. Umbrella hats called Brock a brellas - I was super ecstatic about that, but I'm not posting the picture of me in it.

DAY 2:

The next morning, I coerced Brian to take me to the St. Louis Botanical Gardens. Even though I had been there the previous year, I liked it so much that I really wanted to go again. Everyone else stayed home and stuck close to the pool, because it was HOT and HUMID! Unfortunately, Brian's dad let him take his Porsche - YIKES! Sure, it's fun to sit and even drive around in this car, but Brian likes to accelerate quickly and drive all crazy like. Nobody under the age of 45 should be allowed to drive cars like that, that's all I'm sayin' 'bout that! I spent much of that drive clenching the door handle and trying not to scream. I much prefer "natural" horsepower to artificial!

The darned red car - Ugh! It's an awesome car and really fun, but it freaks me out on the highway!

This statue is pretty funny - this is one rubbery looking lady....she's skinny and fat - very bizarre (and I liked it).

The Botanical gardens are so cool. They are huge and have just about everything, from Chinese gardens to English hedge mazes. I love this pool - don't stare directly at my pasty legs though...yikes!

After the gardens, we hit the pool with our hot dog, Madigan!

DAY 3:

On our final day, Brian and I (everyone else stayed at the pool) went to the zoo.

The Penguin house was my favorite exhibit. It is wonderfully cold in there and best of all, you can literally get so close to the penguins that you can touch them (not sure if that's actually allowed), but there's no real wall to prevent someone from reaching over and petting. This Penguin was a foot away from me, just floating like a lazy loaf. He'd look up at me, then turn slowly and shake his nubby little tail feathers at me. Then he'd spin around and do it again - so cute, I was very tempted to give him a squeeze, but of course, resisted!

Like Stephen Colbert, I'm no fan of Bear; however I felt sorry for this big Grizzly bear. He paced back and forth in his corner and was, I'm certain, hot as heck!

Brian cooling off with his pop - he had on his crabby pants at this point, but I took his picture anyway. Ain't he cute? LOL - he was a really REALLY good sport about taking me site seeing.

My parting shot. I wanted a picture of the both of us together, but I'm too shy to ask strangers to take our picture, so this is what we did. Can you tell I'm trying to look skinny? Arms slightly out and legs lifted! I know the tricks, now I just have to make it look less obvious.

Our last evening was spent in St. Charles at the 4th of July festival. All I am going to say about this festival is that there were A LOT of Mt. Dew drinkin' folk there. You can take that how you want to. The fireworks were splendid though; I enjoyed that part immensely!

I'm really excited for this upcoming weekend. I am going to have a lot of horse time, so finally something exciting to be blogging about :).

Happy 6th of July

2010-07-06T14:01:00.002-04:00

Here's a patriotic themed Morgan video for a belated 4th of July post! I hope everyone had a safe, fun and sunny holiday weekend! I spent my 4th in St. Louis, MO. I'll have another post and some pictures to post later. I still have to upload and photo shop :). This video is awesome in its 1996-ness. I would have been just so jealous of the girl in the red sequin shirt (aboard the western horse). How about that hair? This was during my "mint green" show days, so it was the style. Nonetheless, it's a very cool video.

A Little of This

2010-07-01T10:02:00.006-04:00

Lately I feel as though I'm running out of horse related ideas to post about. I mean, I can only post so many times about my former horses before even I get bored. I am not saying that I have a very interesting blog, don't get me wrong, I know that even my husband refuses to read it. Which if I were to get started on that tangent, I'd start telling you how I read his boring pharmacology papers often enough. He also enjoys showing me the Powerpoint presentations he creates at work - oh the humanity. You. Have. No. Idea! The least he can do is ACT interested in horses! LOL, uh oh, I got myself started on this tangent!

Where am I going with this post? What am I trying to say? Oh, yes. I need some new fodder to ramble about. I need a HORSE to ramble about! Hopefully this will change in the near future. Recently I was offered a position at the company I used to work at (in Southfield, which is like an hour from where I live *YIKES*). What this position would mean is a pay increase of about $17,000.00 a year, but also a long-ass commute. Is it worth it? Can I make that commute? Well, that's what I've been asking myself the past few weeks. I've determined that, yes, I can do this. This extra money and great position will not only give me the extra money it will take to pay off my student loan debt, get a new car (which I'll be needing shortly AND hopefully a horse *yes, please*; but it will earn me some priceless experience that I can use for any future positions (you know, climbing the corporate ladder and all that jazz). Can you tell that every career choice I make is centered on when and if I'll be able to afford a horse? Never mind 401ks and medical!! LOL. I am not trying to jump to far ahead of myself here, but things are looking good ~ Think horse for me, please!

With that said, here is a picture of one of my former horses. DRUMROLL PLEASE -------> Shaker! I don't think I've posted either of these pictures yet, but I can most certainly be wrong. To my great excitement, I found both of these pictures tucked behind another show picture in an old frame, the other day. Of course, I immediately set about scanning them and uploading them to blogger for just this purpose - you're welcome!

Ahhh - the good old days of riding for the blues. Here we are after somehow miraculously duping the judges in a Novice Western Pleasure class at Michigan's Futurity Show. 1996 ~ I still have that mug too :) How do you like my 2nd hand MINT GREEN ultra suede show outfit? It had 4 different shirts, little patent leather matching bow ties and some hand made mint gloves (don't forget that mint hat). I loved that outfit, LOVED IT! It was custom made for the girl who owned it prior to me, and we bought it for a fraction of the price after she was done. After I finished with it, I think it went to a young girl who was getting started showing Arabians...I wonder if it's still minting it up somewhere?

This was one of my favorite blues! J absolutely refused to let me show Shaker in Hunt Seat. Against her protestations, I entered Shaker in a Jr. Exhibitor Hunt class at a small show, anyway. We won against maybe 5 other riders. I felt so vindicated! I never did show him hunt again after this; in retrospect, he would have made a pretty good little hunt horse...oh well. *Note* I am wearing only a hunt cap (not a certified helmet) in a Jr. Exhib. class. I didn't know it was against the rules. Also, my saddle is a $150.00 tack sale purchase and the hunt coat a $40.00 tack sale buy! (I still have the saddle and hunt coat).The bridle? A raw hide cheapy. Don't get me started on those $100.00 dress boots, oh the LOLs!

Horses of the past

2010-06-29T12:29:00.003-04:00

Red Julio, "Leo" - American Quarter Horse

I was 7 when my mom purchased Leo. He came to be the my first for many things. My first buck, my first canter alone, my first solo trail ride, my confidence builder, etc.

I wish I could remember more about Leo, he succumbed to a bad bout of colic when he and I were only 9. I remember it breaking my little heart.

Anyway, here's one of my favorite pictures of the two of us.

Doesn't he look gigantic? This was taken the day after Halloween. That year, I was Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz; see the tousled braids? I was such a rag-a-muffin, especially on horse riding days. Those were the days of hurling my self out of bed at the mere mention of a horse, throwing on any mismatched pair of socks that were most near my clutching fists, jumping into whatever pair of jeans and shirt were crumpled closest to my bed, and scrambling into the car to head to the barn...ahhhh, the memories!

Bo-Rinnnng

2010-06-28T09:47:00.003-04:00

YAWN, I don't have much to report on horses right now. I haven't ridden in over a week, actually.

Last Sunday (June 20th), I started feeling a little under the weather. My throat felt scratchy, and I felt that tell tale achy feel you get when the flu or something else is settling into your system. Anyway, my symptoms escalated that evening and I grew sicker and sicker with a virus all week long. By Thursday, I was positive that this was the end all of sicknesses, I was simply never going to get better. Friday, more of the same. My frustration was starting to peak at this point, I NEEDED to get better as I had to help at a friend's bridal shower (an hour away from my house) and attend a wedding the next day. Saturday, still sick I sucked it up and did what I had to do. Finally Sunday, I felt like myself again - that was one nasty bug though, I do not recommend it! Why are summer bugs the worst anyway? It's simply not fair!

Anyway, with that yuck behind me, I was able to head out to J's barn to see the horses yesterday afternoon. I would have liked to ride Gypsy, but my mom came with me and she had to be back home at a reasonable hour, so we spent our time holding horses for the farrier and doing chores. Nothing exciting, but nice nonetheless - any horse time is good time spent, in my book. J was there, and she and my mom chatted it up for a while, while I fed the horses. Let me just say that Morgans are EASY KEEPERS!!! Whew, J's horses are F.A.T. fat! Of course, there are a few exceptions, but jeez. She really doesn't need to give them grain, yet she insists. I pretty much doled out a handful to some of those tubs though - one in particular (Gizmo) is simply obese. I gave him a handful and he was just put out over that. He remained positioned in front of his feed box, nickering until I shut out the lights and left. I know he was wondering where the rest of his grain was. What a fatty McGee!

A Freaky Story

2010-06-23T09:42:00.012-04:00

A few posts back, I mentioned that my mom was cornered in her apartment by a "serial killer". Becky (from the hilarious and awesome Blog of Becky), requested that I elaborate on the story. This is all speculation, and something that occurred to my mom after the fact.

When my mom was in her late teens (in the late 60's), she lived in the Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti area of Michigan. She worked two jobs to support herself, one at a bowling alley and the other at a nearby Burger King. She was just at that age where she wanted to live on her own, but probably in reality, should have stayed at home just a smidge longer. Anyway, on this particular day my mom was running late. She was leaving the bowling alley and was rushing to get to her second shift at BK. She did not have a car, so she was running along the sidewalk when a car pulled up along side her.

"do you need a ride?" the handsome young man in the car asked her.

My mom looked him up and down carefully. She noted that he was clean cut, handsome wearing a sweater vest, penny loafers and he seemed intelligent, so she accepted his offer.

The young man drove my mom to her apartment so that she could change into her BK attire. When they arrived, he asked her if she'd like him to wait for her so he could drive her to her next destination. Because she was in such a hurry, and the man seemed so nice, she again accepted his offer.

"Why don't you come up and have a seat in my living room while I change," my mom offered. (Sigh, can't you just see where this is going? How easy of a victim was she?")

My mom and the man entered her apartment. As my mom was in her room changing, he commented about a poster stuck to the living room wall. The poster said:

" If I do my thing and you do your thing.
I am not in this world to live up to your expectations,
And you are not in this world to live up to mine.
You are you, and I am I,
and if by chance we find each other, it's beautiful.
If not, it can't be helped." (how 60's)!

The man asked if my mom if she followed the poster's saying. Casually, she answered yes as she finished up changing and came out of her bedroom. She looked up and there he was, buck naked with his clothing folded neatly beside him.

"I'm just doing my thing!" he told her.

"What the He!! are you doing?!?!" my mom yelled.

Luckily, on their way to the apartment my mom had mentioned that a police officer lived upstairs from her. Right off the bat, after entering her apartment, the man heard a noise and asked what it was. My mom told him it was probably the officer upstairs moving around.

Upon discovering the naked stranger in her apartment, she began screaming at him to leave or she'd run upstairs and alert the cop. When he wouldn't leave, she bolted out of her apartment and up the stairs to the cop's apartment. As she was knocking on the officer's door, she could see down the open staircase to her apartment. She saw the man leave. He was mostly dressed except for his you know what that remained uncovered. After he left, my mom called her sister to come pick her up. She quit her jobs and moved home.

A while later, this man was arrested for the murder of young girls in the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti area. My mom says he looks very much like the same man who offered her a ride. His name is John Collins, and he is currently serving a life sentence in Marquette, Michigan. Though my mom isn't certain (and never will be) that it truly was John Collins that night in her apartment, it sure makes for a good story. Also, please don't EVER accept a ride from a stranger like that - YIKES!!!!!! There is actually a book out there somewhere that tells the horror story of this man's deeds. It's a good read if you like scary, mystery type books. It's called "The Michigan Murders". By Edward Keyes.

John Norman Collins ~ The Michigan Murders

P.S. My mom would like me to add that this was over 30 years ago, and things were different then. There wasn't as big a scare of strangers as there is now ~ but still, YIKES!