Reflections

Posted on July 28, 2015 by Exechorseluver

The two plates, numerous screws, two large incisions and the first of at least six casts. It is bleak.

The two plates, numerous screws, two large incisions and the first cast. It is bleak.

A year ago today, I sat in the waiting room as Lauren went through surgery to repair her crushed arm. The day she finally got out of the hospital we received the news my mother’s death was immenient.

Fifteen years ago today, Ally, Lauren and I moved from Florida to Texas. I clearly remember the drive and the Kenny Chesney CD that played over and over. The three of us started a new life here with three dogs, two cats and a fancy Rugged Lark mare.

These times here have taken their toll yet developed us into the people we are today. We have struggled emotionally, financially and physically. I would have never dreamt as we slept that first night on the floor in our rented Sugar Land house in the sweltering July heat (our furniture was en route and Reliant Energy had not gotten our electric service started) where we would all be today. Life certainly is crazy ride.

Still as I reflect on all of this, my throat catching and eyes brimming with tears I know deeply and intuitively we have survived, grown and even conquered. The events of this past weekend, although simple family things, just make it clear to me.

Ryan, Lexi, Riley and Amber

My daughter, Amber, who was in college in Florida when we moved to Texas, just completed a wonderful vacation with her husband’s family. They enjoyed sun-lit days and evenings as a big family, bonding as you can only do, when daily duties and responsibilities melt away with the southern sun. I delighted to see so many terrific pictures with this family and grandchildren who are so dear to me. They are happy. They are healthy. They are blessed.

Ally and her family are nearby. I regularly get to see them and feel their joy in life. Ally had some hard road to walk. It has not come easy for her at all. But she is now close to college graduation. She supports her amazing girls and husband, finding a domestic peace that evaded me.

Kendyll and Jordyn spent the night with Lauren and I this weekend. It is always a time filled with laughter, nonsense and animals. Sunday morning we went over to help our friend who just got out of the hospital. She has a daughter Jordyn’s age and the girls have known each other since they were little. Kendyll feel in love with their tiny (heightwise) pony. I don’t think Kendyll has ever been so thrilled.

Kendyll being taken for a ride by Abby. Oh, my goodness she was pleased with herself!

Jordyn, Kendyll and Abby.

Our cleaning team surrounding the estactic Kendyll.

Our cleaning team surrounding the ecstatic Kendyll.

Lauren and I had one of our rare weekends when we were both home. The heat index was sky-rocketing and we were hanging out in the house with a gaggle of dogs. But it was a rewarding time as Lauren is finally able physically (after her arm) to get back to college this semester. We were discussing her future and it is going to be just fine. A year ago we would not have imagined that it would take this long to get her back to normal.

Reflection is an important tool for assessing where we were, where we are and where we might go. It is also important to maintain as life catches us unaware or unprepared or unwilling to move forward. Sometimes reflection invites perspective that we may not have done what we wanted to do but we have done so much more.

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Thank you to all you who journey along with us, thanks for riding along.

Summertime

Posted on June 23, 2015 by Exechorseluver

Lexi and Riley having a little summertime fun.

Summer came cautiously into Houston after weeks and weeks of rain and unseasonably cool temperatures. Between the high humidity and sudden blazing temperatures, it was like walking ill-prepared into a rain forest. I anxiously awaited a colorful bird swooping down from on high or a snake to slither over my rubber boots.

It certainly had not felt like summer previously with all the grey days and wet nights. I saw a picture of my daughter in Denver with the kids in swimsuits and I was momentarily confused-are they on vacation? where are they? Then it occurred to me it was summertime-kids out of school-all that stuff that goes along with that.

And so it is. Jordyn headed off to horse camp last Monday. She is seven years old and yet a pro in so many ways to the horse world. But for the very first time, she loaded Snowboy into the trailer all by herself. I guess she really is growing up.

Jordyn actually loading Snow by herself headed off to camp.

The plan was for the pony to stay all week at camp and Jordyn to go out each day to ride. That got derailed by Tropical Storm Bill who thought he would make a run through the already wet soaked area with some high winds and more rain. Snow came home Monday night as we braced for the next onslaught of water. Thankfully, that ended up just being a drill. Although we are now restocked with water, batteries, and junk food to get us through any storm. Snow got back on the trailer Wednesday morning and Jordyn really enjoyed the week.

Lauren rides jumpers. We train with a hunter/jumper trainer. This camp was run by a dressage person who does eventing. Jordyn came home with the announcement that she was going to ride with Nancy Lindsey (a classic dressage instructor). If Jordyn had ever actually jumped or hunted anything, I would be more impressed with her decision to change disciplines. Right now at the trot, there is not much difference. Still I appreciate she is open to new things.

Trainer Holly told us Snow had been an all-star. I was rather surprised as he can be difficult to get to do anything beyond a walk at home. Again, it was good news that he performs when he goes new places as it bodes well for a horse show. Camp was an absolute win for Jo. She can’t wait to ride and spend even more time with the horses.

Meanwhile, back at the barn, our summer student, Mia, was looking for a horse to ride for the Greater Houston show. Once again, as she has done multiple times before, our vet, Lynn Criner, offered up her pony, George for Mia to use for the remainder of her stay. Some of you might remember Dolan that she shared or Rusty that took Lauren to the EAP. Must be nice to have horses just hanging around your pasture that are show worthy without much tune-up. Mia literally had been on the pony once before jumping on to school at the horse show grounds. Ready, set, show!

Mia and “Just George”, borrowed from Lynn Criner had a great first show.

The pair had a good weekend in a big class of horses, ranking well in the hack (as a pony against horses that is no simple feat) and taking a third place over fences against a field of 20. What a great little pony!

Isabel continued with her success in the jumper ring, seemingly getter better every show.

Alex and Lauren had missed their show in Waco and just wanted to get Mickey and Feather back in the show environment. I was proud of both riders as they set out with good rounds and great times to earn Grand Champion in both their respective divisions.

With everyone off at the horse show, I was on barn duty, including cleaning stalls and mowing. I had a full- throttle intro to summer heat.

I drank a ton of water and just kept moving. The dogs kept me company at the nearly empty barn with everyone off showing. I was totally physically exhausted by late afternoon. I checked my fitbit and found out why. Wow, a lot of steps even for a Sunday at the barn.

The Fitbit doesn’t lie. Makes me tired to look at it.

Our boarder, Jo Ann, bought a new horse Saturday after much searching. A Rugged Lark bred horse, Kisses, seems like she will be a nice addition to the barn. Jo Ann is temporarily side-lined following surgery but I know she is anxious to be out at the barn with her new girl.

Catch My Kisses showing off in the pasture.

Mia’s mom, Wendy, came for dinner Sunday night. I am an okay cook but everything I put on the table that night sucked. The meatloaf was under cooked (we ate the edges). The potatoes were like paste. Jordyn announced the peas were still frozen. But we laughed so hard and had the best time. Just think if the food had been good.

Summertime is here. I am willing to put up with some heat and humidity in exchange for less rain. We are a mere half mile from the Bravos River that continues to rise as water flows down from up north, Heat evaporates water. I am good with that.

Thanks for riding along with our adventures-let me know if you want to come over for dinner some night. I am sure it will be outstanding!

Losing my friend Dee

Posted on June 10, 2015 by Exechorseluver

There are people in your life right now that you visit with on Facebook or by text on a regular basis, maybe you even call them on the phone. You take it for granted that they and you will be around forever. I had a great friend like that in Dee McMaster. We did not always agree. She told me things I did not want to hear. She challenged me to be better, smarter and have nicer horses. She applauded my triumphs and consoled me for my losses. Honestly, her passion sometimes was too much for me. I do not like confrontation and just want everyone to get along. Watching and reading about Dee’s latest activities sometimes left me tired.

My life is a crazy combination of a job I work, a business I love, my family that I cherish and my animals that fulfill me ( and not necessarily in that order). I understood why USEA rule changes bothered her. I was perplexed along with her when her banana bread was stolen from her freezer (btw- it probably was THAT good!). But sometimes I just did not understand the fight. It seemed there was a lot grit in this strong women and when she was determined to do something, she accomplished it, taking no prisoners.

Dee had back surgery. It should have helped but I am unclear if it did. Still she carried on, feeding, cleaning stalls, cooking wonderful food. And always caring for her horses and others. She would stay up long nights ‘just in case’ a mare might foal. Her foals were products of serious study. Which sire and mare combination would give Melissa the best chance of that top Rolex horse? Dee intelligently evaluated mounds of data to make the perfect foal. Some on the farm, right now, born of her knowledge and intuitive wisdom, just might carry on in her name to that winner’s circle.

Dee complained of being tired, of being hurt and of not sleeping. I know a little about those things as well suffering pelvic fractures, two replaced hips and five rotor cuff surgeries in less than ten years. Especially in the heat, you hit the wall with pain and lack of sleep and wonder if you can even make it back to the house.

But neither the pain or the chronic fatigue took away the pride Dee had in her daughter Missy and her riding accomplishments. While she would be the first to tell you that recent times had been rocky between them, she would quickly acknowledge that she only wanted the best for her talented daughter. Nothing less was acceptable.

Her son Jeremy was born with some serious issues that led a hospital spokesperson to recommend he be sent away to a state home. As in lock away the baby and never see him again. Although he has had his own difficult challenges, this son of Dee’s has accumulated three degrees and recently sat for his law entrance exams. Sounds like that mama bear grit is happily at home in this brilliant young man, too.

And of her granddaughter, Codi, Dee thought she hung the moon. No child could have been loved more intensely or appreciated so much. From running track, to beautiful paint work, to top grades at a tough school, Codi has come to win. Her passion for life mimics her grandma’s.

It will be a long time before the pain eases for me and I quit scanning Facebook for a new message from Dee. I could count on her learned opinion on anything I cared to ask her about. I have struggled as Dee has over the years to raise my family and care for my animals. It is normal to dream about situations that can help you out of the endless financial drain. I certainly have dreamt of winning the lottery. Dee dreamed of winning the lottery but she had a whole list of people she would help when she did. And I have no doubt that she would.

Dee did not wake up this morning to start another brutal hot Florida day on the horse farm. She will never see those babies whose existence she pondered so deeply grow up. Nor will she get to see Jeremy as a lawyer helping kids just like him find better lives because mom’s did not believe in them, like Dee did. And that day when Melissa finally makes it to Rolex, Dee will be a whisper in wind and guide over fences. And Codi, must cherish every wonderful memory of her grandma, because their will be no more.

I’ve seen fire and I’ve seen rain

I’ve seen lonely times when I could not find a friend

But I always thought I would see you again…

May the lord bless you and keep you forever now, Dee.

Melissa with Roy.

Codi so proud on Ellie Mae.

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I am trying to help this family with funeral expenses for their mom and grandma. Give if you can. Pass this on to others that might be able to help. Thank you.

http://www.gofundme.com/deemcmaster

No worries-Be Happy

Posted on May 28, 2015 by Exechorseluver

Signifying how far away everything was from this strip of sand I stood upon.

Out on the seas away from phones, Internet, Facebook and demands of life, I can step back a bit and relax. In fact on this last day at sea, I have sequestered myself in my tiny room. I have been here mostly in the dark, with light from my IPad reading the new Coburn novel and trying to stay calm.

Television, CNN out of Atlanta,has been telling horrific stories of the rain in Houston. We do not know what we will come home to find. We had service long enough in Mexico to learn the farm had been hit hard again with several inches of rain. The electricity which also runs the water well in rural areas had been off for hours when we reached our farm-sitter, Libby. She has definitely gotten to experience the overwhelming responsibilities of running a horse farm in the worst of situations.

The television stories of destruction and death are cycling through the news reports. I shudder each time I hear the story anew of the washed away death of the cheerleader/prom queen/treasured daughter. I hear the reporters say that theses events only occur every 500 or 1000 years, and yet they have hit all these places at once. I do not understand.

I have seen nothing but blue skies and tropical sun for the last four days. I think I just sat on a primitive beach with the softest sand I have ever encountered facing the most brilliant sea I have ever seen. I have been blessed to run my toes through the sand of a lot of the world’s best beaches but yesterday in the remote far side of Cozumel was incredible.

Powered white sand beaches, a tiny building with only a generator to keep the lights on and the drinks flowing

Hard to believe cars and homes are floating away at home. We arrive early tomorrow and will be off in the first wave of passengers. I have two more vacation days ahead but have established a long list of must-do work items for both Thursday and Friday.

I hear my new mare is lame with a swollen ankle. I hope to God it is not serious. I hope it was not a snake bite garnered in the deep, wet grasses of the lower pasture. I hope the flooding was minimal and the electricity is powering through the lines

Others are planning and booking their next cruise. I will not leave home again for a long while. I have enjoyed the diversion but am ready to take up the fight again. As I lie here, my stomach and chest are clinched in anxiety. So much I need to do and so much I cannot control.

As this last day ends on the high seas I will pack my things and prepare to disembark in the morning. For now I will read a little longer, say prayers for those who have lost so much in these horrible floods and give thanks for this time with my family.

Rain, Rain, GO AWAY!

Posted on May 21, 2015 by Exechorseluver

Several more inches of rain fell this afternoon.

I have lost count of the number of days we have had. Definitely double digits of days past, each with rain, thunder and lightning. Perched as we are upon the sandy bluff above the Bravos River, it has taken a lot to effect us. Just as the days of rain are now measured in double digits (maybe 18 days maybe 22) the inches that have fallen from the dark skies can also be measured in the same double digits. Five inches the first day. Then it was three more the next day. Day after day rain of biblical proportions has fallen. Each day I am hopeful that the rain is over.

My girls decided that I needed a vacation so we are getting out-of-town for a few days. It has been two years since I left town for fun. I am looking forward to spending time with Lauren, Ally’s family and the her in-laws but am understandably concerned about leaving the farm. Especially leaving the farm when the forecast continues to be full of rain forecasts.

Piper, Jordyn’s pony, is out on trial. Piper has turned into a pretty quick little pony and hope Kendall who is to be her new mom, can deal with her. We are down a few more horses due to recent sales so it at least is not so overwhelmingly full right now.

I continue to enjoy my new paint mare, Nova Mae. She and I are getting stronger together. My legs are not the legs of Cindy the rider of long ago. But I feel with practice I will be able to live up to my horse’s expectations. She is a little weak at the trot and needs to continue to build up endurance and muscle. But she is just doing great and I think I have finally found that perfect horse I was looking for!

I hope all of you have a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend. May God watch over all of those that have gone before us and served this company so well.

The rain has done good things for my flowers.

A year ago…

Posted on April 17, 2015 by Exechorseluver

Lauren excitedly standing in front of the house one year ago.

A year ago I awakened to the news that my 90-year-old mother had spent the night at the hospital ER while I slept blissfully unaware only three miles away. It was moving day a year ago and my phone was on the charger in my car. A year ago, with that horrible break, my mom started her final spiral toward her death in August.

A year ago, we moved the horses from their six acres in Wharton to their newly built barn in Richmond. There were four of them, Bruno, Feather, Mick and Snow. The movers showed up right on time and everything was moved to the new house. I don’t believe I ever went back to the little green house.

The original view down the pasture to the barn.

The original view inside the barn with cow troughs.

A year ago, there was so much to be done with planting flowers, running fencelines, buying a tractor, creating an arena, welcoming our first boarders, and falling in love with our new farm. It has come a long way. While Lauren and I were pretty visionary, thinking up ways to utilize the space in the existing barn to the max, we didn’t even begin to imagine that another barn would be built and that today we would have 15 horses on the property.

Horses have come and gone both mine and boarders. I have a friend who does my stall plates. I think we have ordered almost 20 stall plates in the last year with all of the changes. She always wonders where we are putting all the horses. They just keep moving around I tell her.

Our pastures and arena have been re-defined a few times over the past year as well. New jumps have come to live with us, both ones we have purchased and those that have been made. Lauren has learned a lesson in don’t make anything you do not want to jump!

A year ago, while we were scrambling around to get my mom more comfortable with her broken arm, while meeting the moving people at the new house and getting the horses settled in, up in Colorado my filly Betty Sue was born on this day. I never dreamed that such an elegant yearling would be in my pasture a year later or we would be working to breed her grandmother to Flagmount’s Freedom, Feather’s great sire. In fact, I had never even heard of this Colorado breeder. I feel we are fast friends now.

One year ago, newly born Betty Sue

Happy Birthday Betty Sue!

A year ago, we didn’t know Bruno, my mom and my step-father Jim, would be leaving this earth bound for heaven. I am thankful for not knowing. Likewise we didn’t know the joy these new friends and boarders would bring to our lives either or the closeness that would grow within my own family with Ally’s family so close by.

A year ago, I couldn’t imagine riding a horse without pain but two new hips later, I can. My daughter followed her grandma’s lead and shattered her arm this year but it is finally getting back to normal day by day as well.

A year ago, Feather had won ONE blue ribbon. Now she has conquered the Zone 7 Finals as grand-champion and pulled off grand-champ at Pin Oak as well. What a distance she and Lauren have come, in spite of adversity.

A year can be a lifetime or it can be a building block for the future. I somehow doubt (and secretly hope) that I will ever have a year quite like this one again.

What a year, what a glorious, horrible, amazing, troubling, grief-filled, elation-filled year! Thank you for always riding along with us and sharing it all!

Time Hop

Posted on April 5, 2015 by Exechorseluver

Mr. Kid and I the last day of his life. Still sound under saddle at 32 years of age.

The Time Hop feature on Ally’s phone reminded her that on Friday, it had been exactly one year since I had given my 32 year-old horse, Kid, his last good day and then had him euthanized. Kid had been my best boy most of these Texas years from 2003 forward when I first talked Sarah into trusting me with her barrel horse that was ready for retirement. Oh, how I loved that horse and how he changed our lives here. Leading to a new boarding barn where we met life-long friends, where we became part of something good.

I was so proud of Kid. He was the absolute picture perfect quarter horse, not the halter-bull-dog type (as my daddy would have said) but the racing quarter horse. Standing almost 15.2 hands and running about 1000 pounds of lean, perfect muscle. He was the fastest horse running barrels on the Houston non-pro circuit at age 20. That is pretty fast. He could also jump, take the kids for a ride or be the best behaved horse in the barn or trailer. But make no mistake about it, he performed best for me and he was all my boy. Lauren never had any success riding him, at least not after she past age 12. I guess he considered her fair game then and he tested her all the time.

Looking swell at 30.

Since Kid has been gone, I have been on the search for a replacement. I had Bruno back then, but never really rode him much. I got Betty Sue and love her dearly but am not going to be riding her any time soon. I thought the mare Kalani was my ticket back to having my own horse again, but that ended badly (except that she went to a great home).

Honestly (and don’t tell anyone), I haven’t really enjoyed riding for at least the last three years. My hips, pelvis and knees hurt so much ten minutes into saddle time, that it wasn’t much fun. In fact, by this last fall, I had essentially quit riding. Then I had my other hip replaced. I couldn’t ride then.

But some pretty great things conspired to happen all at once. First, I have ridden four days in a row now, and it doesn’t hurt! I mean it is like a miracle. Second, I found this ad for a mare named Nova who was born on January 19th. Some of you will get this instantly. My favorite aunt and my Godmother was named Nova. Nova is an unusual name and yet this will be my second horse to carry this name. January 19th was my father’s birthday and I don’t have to tell you what that means to me. I was looking for signs and these were good enough for me.

Nova, a paint mare, registered as Investment Art, is a pretty good-looking girl.

The other things that were imperative in my next horse, was good training and a quiet nature. This mare has both in spades. She also stands a solid 16.2 hands, so might be brought along to jump a jump a two.

What I did not realize at all until Ally’s phone Time Hopped us, was that I had just negotiated a deal to buy Nova, exactly one year to the day from when Kid took his final steps. We will see what life has in store for me but I am really hoping this mare lives to be the same 32 years old as Kid, and I am able to ride her every step of the way.

Happy, blessed Easter day to you all!!

I love the flaxen mane and tail!

The more things change

Posted on February 28, 2015 by Exechorseluver

Jordyn, about two, riding in her first barrel race on Drifter with my Lauren and Lauren & Kallyn Davang

If you have not been to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, I dare say you have not been to a rodeo. Every spring, for over three weeks, the Rodeo takes up residence in NRG Center. It includes all the traditional rodeo events but also carnivals, shopping, tremendous food and lots of fun for all. And while our barn is now focused on the English disciplines of Dressage, Hunters and Jumpers, my roots are in ranching, barrel racing and Quarter horses.

I love rodeo time and enjoy that the schools and businesses in the Houston area get caught up in rodeo theme as well. Businesses declare it Rodeo Day and many come outfitted in wildly patterned cowboy boots that sit in the closet for the rest of the non-rodeo year. Schools have Rodeo Day as well and the kids force their parents to buy new boots (last year’s are outgrown) and western shirts. Fortunately for my granddaughter Kendyll, there is no lacking of horse/rodeo themed clothing available to her as handed down by sister Jordyn.

Kendyll, a little over 2 1/2, with Jordyn’s same little western shirt and Jo’s boots.

Kendyll is older than Jo was in the picture above, but they are both still getting indoctrinated in the “cowboy” life as I would put it. When I was a kid growing up outside Chicago, there were not many opportunities to don my cowgirl boots and head anywhere but the barn, certainly not to school. I loved Colorado and cherished my summer-time there where I got to dress like a cowgirl 24/7.

But I feel even in Colorado, where spotting someone in jeans and boots is pretty commonplace, official rodeo days don’t happen at the schools. I came to Texas by happenstance. Unless you don’t believe in happenstance and then that is a whole other discussion. The girls and I came from Florida as I was recruited for a job here. I never dreamed I would live in Texas but I have to say many things about it have brought me back to my Cowboy and my momma’s Oklahoma roots.

I have looked all over (although not out in the cold garage) where I would probably find a picture of my sister, my mom and I. My sister and I were little, like three and five maybe. We were at Elk Falls Ranch. My sister and I had on nifty aqua blue skirts and vests with fringe. We had on cute white cowgirl boots. I know you will miss seeing that.

My family has been dressing like cowboys (girls) for many generations now. As Jordyn and my other grandkids continue the tradition, I find it comforting and wonderful that these horse based traditions are being passed along. The grandkids represent the third generation to ride recreationally. Clearly, people have had horses as a necessity going back thousands of years. But this family has chosen to ride and live (in spite of the English direction we have taken in recent years) like the cowboys that came before us, still cherishing a well built horse and a comfortable saddle. Texas helps us remember our roots.

As Marcel Proust said, and I remember from my suffering days in European Literature, “the more things change, the more they remain the same”. It is so true. Ride on.

My daddy-my first Cowboy love!

Using your head

Posted on February 23, 2015 by Exechorseluver

The skid marks from a a big green jump standard on Jordyn’s helmet.

I knew it was bound to happen, that it was just a matter of time. Piper, Jordyn’s new South Carolina ride, is a cute pony and a nice mover but still pretty green. While she is not overly spooky or difficult to ride, she is a little inexperienced. I think we ended up being good owners for her as Jo can ride her but the pony still needs instruction, which Lauren can give her.

Jo had gotten pretty used to heading to ring with horse Mickey and trotting for an hour or two. Sometimes fast and sometimes slow, Mickey was not interested in breaking into a canter with his young rider. Piper, on the other hand, is not so laid back. I figured if Jo kept taking her faster and faster at the trot it would just be a matter of time or weather or barometric change that gave Jordyn her first taste of a canter off the lounge line. I didn’t have to wait too long.

Friday night, it was Jo and I at the farm. Everyone had come and gone for the day. I was working on some stuff at the barn and Jordyn had headed to the arena to ride. About 30 minutes into their ride, I heard a terrifying yell and looked over to see Jordyn and Piper cantering around the arena. This would have probably worked out okay as Jordyn was sitting the canter very well and Piper was not misbehaving, at least not passed cantering when she was supposed to be trotting. But Jordyn was pretty freaked out. She continued to scream and periodically pull the reins back but Piper was responding more to the screams than the reins. I was unable to do anything but watch them canter around. Anyone who has ever ridden knows the canter is much easier and comfortable to ride than the trot, but it is way faster, a preamble to a gallop and a run. Jordyn has not discovered the joy of the canter yet, just the fear of going fast.

Finally the pony made a sharp turn at the end of the arena and headed straight for the big jump at the center. I yelled at Jo to turn her away from the jump. I have no doubt this little, talented pony would have jumped the three-foot jump if Jordyn had not moved her away from it. Jordyn tugged at the reins and the pony swerved to the edge, knocking Jordyn off-balance and swinging her head directly into the heavy, green jump standard.

There are moments that stand still in your life and this was one of them. I knew she was not dead as the screaming had continued in earnest. Sneaky, our Corgi, (she says she is a doctor) and is extremely compassionate, got to Jordyn on her short legs before I did. I would just like to say that while Sneaky gave Jordyn many encouraging licks and prods, Jordyn just yelled at her to get off of her! Sneaky, just trying to take care of her young owner! No apppreciation, there!

I was pretty happy when Jo sat up on her own (no broken back) and clearly her jaw was intact and working. While I would discover that Jordyn had road rash from her tiny cheek, down her shoulder, to her hip and on her arm, the most impressive thing was her helmet. Just recently we had moved up to this helmet as the fit was not right on her old one. If she hit the jump hard enough to implant the paint into the helmet, I sure do not want to ever see what her little head would have looked like without it. I am having visions of a squashed melon.

i have always said after years working ER and in the medical field, you can fix anything but a broken brain. I know you have heard it before but here it is again–wear your helmet!

Just do it. Do you want to have a squashed melon? I didn’t think so.

_________________________________

Piper stood quietly by Jordyn as she laid on the ground. Jordyn got back on Piper and rode her around for a few minutes. The following day she rode her in the morning on her own and then with Dev for her lesson. Jordyn is a brave,courageous little girl. She was bragging to anyone that would listen about how she cantered all by herself.

Oh, and she is very lucky, too!

GG Jim-A Life Well Lived

Posted on February 16, 2015 by Exechorseluver

My mom and Jim-2012

My step-father, Jim Foust, died yesterday at age 97 and three/quarters. I know you probably think that is not surprising but believe me this was one person for whom advancing age never seemed to touch. My grandkids, his great grandkids, called him GG Jim, great-grandpa Jim after Jordyn first coined that name for him.

Glenn Taylor Foust (Jim), was born in 1917. And has remained all 97 of these years pretty much aware and remembering the details of his great life. My mother met Jim first as Dr. Foust. He was her OB-GYN in the 1950’s as she was pregnant with first my sister and then I. In essence I have known Jim all my life since he cared for my mother and delivered me into this world. Pretty crazy. And while he was part of bringing me into this life, Jim saved my life once, literally, as well.

My family moved off to Chicago for many years as Jim continued to have a thriving practice in Denver. When my family returned to Denver in the 1970s, my mother was once again a patient of Jim. My dad died in 1991 and as my mom embarked on a life of her own, Jim was doing the same having lost his wife as well. They met again walking in a Denver park. Before any of us had time to think about it, the two of them were heavy into a relationship.

I remember Jim and mom coming to visit my family in Florida in the mid-1990’s. Ally was taking horseback riding lessons and Jim went along with me to watch. He filled the time telling us stories of being in the cavalry. Have you ever met anyone that served in the U.S. Cavalry? Jim was an excellent horseback rider and had pictures of himself jumping four-foot or larger jumps on huge thoroughbreds. My dad was a horseman but Jim actually had done the things that Ally and subsequently Lauren would compete in.

I was an avid swimmer, competing for over ten years. Jim had been an outstanding swimmer and diver as well (not something I did well). It was another thing we had in common. As the relationship deepened between Jim and my mom, I was very happy for her to have found such a love again. They were married in 1997. I think they both made each other very happy. Not many of us get such second chances.

Jim had a place in Tucson and I remember so many terrific times with the family there. Over dinners he would tell us stories of his hunting adventures in Alaska. To this day, I believe there are still trophy animals in one of the Denver museums that Jim hunted, killed and had shipped back to Colorado for display. He had amazing times hunting on horseback in wild, completely untamed country. Jim was great golfer as well and won tournaments at Cherry Hills in Colorado along with many in Arizona and other locations. He was still swinging a golf club even in recent years.

I realized a little late in Jim’s life that I had missed a tremendous opportunity in my journalistic endeavours. I wish I had been able to devote some time to Jim and to hearing his life story, from birth to the war, to medical school and training, to his wild adventures in some of the real frontiers of America. I think his story would be one from which we could all learn a little something.

For my children, especially Lauren and Ally, Jim was the grandfather they knew best. I do not say that to disrespect their other grandfathers, but because of my mother, Jim was so much more involved in their lives. Jim cheered all the girls on from childhood and as they grew into adults. I am sure even today the kid’s pictures still grace the walls (and refrigerator) of his home in Tucson.

Jim, Jordyn and Bruno. 95-year-old Jim wanted to ride him. I said no.

When Jordyn came along both mom and Jim were her biggest fans. Jordyn made a lot of trips to Denver and there was a deep and special love between the three of them. Jim was great with all the great-grand kids and seemed to have a special rapport with them. Maybe it was from having delivered so many babies, he appreciated how special they were. He carried a little book which held all the names and birth dates of his family from young to old. He would read the roster off for me, telling me a little about each one.

Jim with young Riley.

Jim was my step-father. He loved my mother and I. He cared about my children and grandchildren. In many ways, I feel he was one of the last of his breed, of the tough, but wiry and resilient type that met challenges head-on with his usual surgeon like decisiveness. It is the end of era for me. It is the last part of my momma that was left. I think it is ironic that he died on Valentine’s Day-he was such romantic and blessed my mother with flowers so often.

God Speed, Jim. You were one of a kind and brought so much love to my mother and my family. I would tell you to rest now in peace but I doubt you are slowing down even for a moment as you embark on Heaven and all its delights.

Glenn Taylor Foust, Jr

May 18, 1917-Feb.14, 2014

A life well lived

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