Season’s End

Posted on November 24, 2013 by Exechorseluver

The weather changed from balmy 80s to wind torn, rainy 40s in the matter of an hour. For awhile on Friday morning, it appeared we would not being heading to the final horse show of the season or anywhere else. The rain accumulated quickly, flooding our side yard. Lauren, alone at home with responsibility of loading Feather and getting her to the show was agitated and anxious. Feather did not want to load, standing ankle deep in water outside the trailer. But she did and off they went.

Abby and Jordyn, Leadline and horse buds, bundled up against the damp cold

Saturday after a visit to my mom’s, we headed to the show. This season has been remarkable for Lauren. She and Feather started their first show in the hunter ring jumping just over two feet. They have grown, matured and taken their bumps. Yesterday, Feather showed in the three foot jumpers. As they went clean through their last round, I did a double take at the clock. The winning time was 17.403 and Feather clocked in at 18.003. And I swear she looked like she was strolling around the ring. We even had commented she looked pokey. Guess not! Lauren will close out the season today.

For the second time in 15 years (and the first time I was flat on back with a broken pelvis) I am not with Lauren at a show. Two rounds of drugs later, the shingles have taken over my life. My blisters are gone but the pain continues unabated. I am beginning to wonder if I have not finally and completely destroyed my bad hip. I could not go to show and be on my feet. I know my show family will look out for Lauren. I pray God keeps her safe.

my momma and I at the home’s Thanksgiving celebration

Also, today was the Thanksgiving dinner at the nursing home. Ally came with Jordyn and Kendyll festively dressed. I do not know how Elmcroft managed to do it, but they had an excellent hot dinner for so many happy generations of people. It was a good day for my mom and all of us blessed enough to share it with her.

Jordyn loving her great grandma!

I am hoping for some good news soon that Lauren and Feather had a good day and are safely headed home. Wherever you are today, stop for a moment and give thanks for your wonderful family and dear friends. I know I did.

Pixie goes to a barrel race

Posted on October 12, 2013 by Exechorseluver

Kendyll taking the final ride out of the arena on Pixie with Sarah leading and Lauren alongside.

It was a fast and furious start to the weekend as we headed out with the empty horse trailer this morning.

It has been six weeks since German Riding pony, Pixie, went off to trainer Sarah Sumrall for some basic training. We were eager to see how she was doing. But to complicate life a bit, Ally was signed up as a volunteer for Jordyn’s school fund-raiser. Luke and Jordyn were signed up for a fishing tournament. Baby Kendyll had no one to watch her.

It is a three-hour round trip from our farm to Sarah’s. We picked up Kendyll and her car seat, iPad for Mickey movies, multiple cups of juices, snacks, diapers and a couple of bags of assorted stuff.

The weather was ominous, with banks of dark clouds following us as we drove criss-cross Houston. The rain was pouring down as we pushed through Rosenberg but the sun broke through again as we made it to Sarah’s. Kendyll watched some Mickey Mouse Club House. We played a fun game where she coughed, then I coughed, several times. She is very cute!

Sarah rode Pixie for us and what was a halting, evading pony, who had never cantered for us, was now a smooth, mature pony with three lovely gaits. I wanted to cry when I first saw the little roan pony break into a lovely, flat kneed canter that would be the envy of the hunter ring. Sarah reversed directions. Pixie picked up the correct lead without issue and cantered several nice circles. Pixie had learned to back and halt quietly. Quite impressive accomplishments for a pony I had trouble moving from a walk to a trot.

Pixie loaded easily into the trailer and we headed to a barrel race! Sarah is an outstanding, top barrel racer with a great reputation in Houston. I idly suggested taking Pixie out of the trailer when we got to the fairgrounds and put a sign around her neck saying “Pony For Sale! 45 Days Professional training by Sarah”. I could have probably sold her in ten minutes flat. But we were at the fairgrounds to see a truck we had found for sale on Facebook.

We had been looking for a new truck. We have a Chevy 1500 with a small V-8 engine. A friend posted an ad for a Chevy 2500 with a diesel engine. It is an older truck than mine but has fewer miles. Lauren and I are very excited about owning it. All the details should be worked out next week. It is such a nice truck and will allow us to pull the weight of 1500 pound Bruno, 1200 pound Feather and 1100 pound Mickey all it once. Right now, it is strictly one at a time in the trailer.

The new “older” truck!

I had told my friend at work that I had bought a truck online. She laughed at me and said,”you bought a truck on eBay!” No, I told her, I bought one on Facebook!

Busy morning, with horses, grand kids and a new truck to come! The rains followed us on home but the accomplishments of the day were not tarnished.

Thanks for riding along and huge thanks to Sarah for doing such a great job on my pony.

Fear of Flying

Posted on September 24, 2013 by Exechorseluver

Six year-old Jordyn flew from the back of Feather at a gallop in the first part of August. (See post https://exechorseluver.com/?s=feather+bolts ). Thankfully, she survived the hard fall with some road rash, bumps and bruises, at least physically, but mentally the already timid rider retreated further into her walk-only safety zone.

Having Jo fly off Feather, while I held the lunge rope and looked helplessly on, was one of the worst experiences I can remember. Honestly, I was no more willing to have that experience again than she!

We brought Snowboy home and from her first night when they were reunited, her family has pushed her to trot. I have been noticeably quiet on the subject. It seemed that the more we pushed her to trot, the more reluctant she became. Snowboy is pretty reliable but he is not being ridden much, actually just the few rides Jordyn gives him and an occasional outing with me. I am not exceptionally sure that all would go well if they did trot. He wants to head back to the gate (and towards the barn-what pony doesn’t?). Jordyn has to work to keep him at the far end of the arena. And due to travel and illness on my part, Jordyn has not gotten down to ride as much as I would like either.

Monday is the regular day to ride. We had a lot of rain over the weekend so I did not know if they would be able to ride or not. I had a late meeting so arrived at the house to find Ally and her girls already here.

I do not believe that Snow had been ridden in over two weeks. I do believe he has already gained weight in the work-less, eat-more environment of Granny’s farm. I could barely get the girth around to the first hole. I guess we will have to schedule some more exercise for him.

Jordyn focused on her riding and Kendyll focused on her walking!

The weather is turning toward fall and temperatures were just in the upper 80’s last night as we got out to the arena. Kendyll walking sturdily now, thinks it is just a giant playpen for her amusement. Ally stands by horrified as the little one puts sand, dirt, rocks and other disgusting things in her mouth. Ally and Lauren pretty much grew up at the ballpark, at least there are not cigarette butts to find in my arena. Ally was not really consoled over that observation as Kendyll put Kona’s sand covered tennis ball in her mouth.

I had set up poles for Jordyn and Snow to practice going over and turning around. Jordyn was handling Snow better and he had not gotten away with any of his usual pony exploits. However, this could be the harsher bit (a Kimberwick) Lauren installed on his bridle as much as increased riding brilliance from Jordyn, hard to tell, but it was going better.

About 30 minutes into the ride, Jordyn asked me if I would come hold onto to Snowney’s bridle so she could trot. I was quite surprised although just matter-of-factly said okay and walked up to take hold of his reins. I asked her not to say anything to her mom or Lauren until we got going. And with no preamble, off we went. Granny jogging along as Snow started to trot. She asked excitedly, “Can I tell my mom?”. And she did, with both Ally and Lauren riveted between being excited to see Jordyn finally trotting and wanting to laugh at me as I jogged my way through the deep sand trying to keep pace with the white pony.

“You are even posting!” Aunt Lauren exclaimed as we continued around the arena. And she was. The little girl who had been thrown so hard into ground from the back of a horse just a short time ago was confidently posting down the diagonal line. Granny was still holding on, but just barely. Jordyn was steering, posting and controlling her pony.

Personally, I feel it was important to let Jordyn decide when she was ready to try again to trot (and then to do everything in my power to make it a safe, positive experience). I hope she can get down to spend the night and just get out in the arena to “play” on Snow. That is how confidence is gained.

Kendyll wanted her time on the horse’s as well and next time I will be sure to bring the helmet out for her.

Baby Kendyll riding with aunt Lauren.

I am proud of Jordyn! I have a framed quote from John Wayne (if you don’t know who that is ask a parent). It says: Courage is being scared to death but saddling up and riding any way.

Thank you for riding along and keep us in your prayers.

Sleep, or lack thereof

Posted on September 16, 2013 by Exechorseluver

The rain continued to fall in parts of Colorado’s front range. As a native Coloradan, albeit one who has now spent 20 some years in the south, where rain and floods are common occurrences, it was a little strange to continue to encounter road closure after road closure as we attempted to make our way to Greeley for my great-nephew’s high school football game.

After over an hour of winding through back roads only to be blocked yet again by a solitary man in a utility truck, Amber gave up and headed home. It was illustrative of the path of our weekend, the path of my life in general these past few months. Driving to no where while encountering obstacles at every turn.

Both my nurse practitioner daughter and environmental safety husband work. The children, Riley and Lexi, two and four, have a compromised resistance to childhood illnesses, complimented with some life-threatening allergies. It is a rare night that both sleep through the night. My first night, Lexi came down with stomach flu. I fortunately travel with ear plugs and slept through the dreadful onslaught to the tiny girl’s tummy and the subsequent destruction of bed clothes and sheets. But Amber was up multiple times to aid, clean and console her child.

I remember back in Florida, I used to teach a class to prospective parents with one of my favorite OB-GYNs. I discussed planning and preparing for a new baby along with all the financial aspects (insurance, hospital stays, what to buy). One thing I always suggested was buying several crib sheets because into every child’s life comes a night like Lexi had.

Last night Riley came down with the stomach bug. I pray I do not get hit. I had forgotten the dulled eyes and lack of life look that comes from days, weeks and months of sleep deprivation. I know my daughter, Ally and friend Cayla experience it too. Amber is fortunate in so many ways, but sleep just doesn’t seem to be on the agenda for the next few years.

I am a little ridiculous about my own obsession to sleep, perhaps peppered by having done shift work at the hospital years ago coupled with three children spread out over 12 years. Lauren had some serious health problems as a child and sleep was always a luxury. For whatever reason, I am compelled each night to calculate my available sleep time. Not long after I get home from my day at work, visit with my mom and barn chores, I am preparing for bed. I realized at Amber’s I have not watched a prime time TV show at least since moving my mother here.

I will happily sleep in my own bed tonight, surrounded by my favorite dogs, ear plugs in place, hoping for eight-hours of sleep.

—————————————————————–

I did, of course, come down with old fashioned stomach flu. What a miserable time. Perhaps tonight I will sleep. Glad to be home with all my animals.

Colorado Family

Posted on September 13, 2013 by Exechorseluver

I returned to my Colorado homeland amongst the worst storms and flooding in years. It seemed like a sign. I was looking forward to the fall splendor in the mountains and what I can see with the limited visibility is more like another Houston storm. Streets are blockaded, the entire county of Boulder is just “closed”.

I have not been here in over a year since I moved my mom back to Texas with me. I have been lucky enough to see Amber and her family several times but I have not been here. Lexi and Riley are both at the ages where they change a lot-two and four, respectively. Also, one of my last trips here, the family wolfhound suffered a horrific injury and had to be put to sleep. I had seen pictures of my new grand dog, Nellie, a female Irish wolfhound but had not met her.

Immediately, as I entered their home I was greeted by this huge, beautiful girl. I had owned a male wolfhound as had Amber, but this was our first girl. She was a wee bit shy. But she was huge! At least as big as either of our previous males, she measures almost seven feet (seriously!) from her nose to the tip of her tail. I don’t think she is done growing.

Riley with Nellie

She also has a sweet, calm, loving demeanor. No matter if the kids were crawling over her or rolling along on our rain soaked walk, she was a champ. I saw a year’s worth of photos of the dog! It was wonderful.

The sun is starting to peek through, Lexi, Amber and I have all had pedicures, and I am looking forward to a couple of nice days with my Colorado family.

/>

with my grand dogs Bailey and Nellie

Feather Bolts!

Posted on August 3, 2013 by Exechorseluver

Mickey does not appreciate Jordyn!

We have tried to get by, furthering Jordyn’s riding experience using the horses we have here. It has been okay. There have been times like above, where she has pulled too much in their mouths. There have been times when the horses have been either too stubborn or too fast. But we got by okay, until Jo went off to horse camp at Miss Dianne’s. Then she learned to trot.

Jordyn has her own pony or I guess you could say, we have a pony, Snowboy, that we have had for years but Lauren can no longer show (and has moved past anyway in skill level) that we have lent to Dev to use for his beginner students. Always with the caveat that he would come home when Jordyn was committed and ready to ride. Honestly, she probably has been for some time, but I have dragged my feet. We have five horses at our house now. Five to feed, exercise, shoe, vet-well, you get the idea. I did not need one more mouth to feed, etc.

Jordyn came down Thursday night to ride. Lauren was riding Bruno. I had Pixie saddled up. We saddled Feather for Jordyn. Mickey was big time lame so there was no riding him.

No where in any horse planning book would it suggest to use such a young horse for such an inexperienced rider. Jordyn got on. She immediately had Feather walking around the arena and even successfully over the trot poles (which takes a lot steering and planning). Still I was reluctant to let them go on while I got on Pixie. I kept stalling. I was worried big Bruno would get moving pretty fast and stir up Feather. I wanted to be close by if anything happened.

Jordyn wanted to trot. It is all she wants to do. I was afraid. I should go with my gut feelings. I suggested putting her on the lunge line like we had Mickey. I kind of forgot that Feather was not a great lunger-Mickey has years of experience-Feather is terrified of whips and things moving behind her. STUPID!!!

Feather also has a trot that is not the simple western jog of Mickey but a big, flowing trot of a larger horse. Things went okay for about one minute. I held the lunge line and moved Feather forward from behind. Jordyn was squealing ‘trot, trot!” and Feather obeyed. But immediately Jordyn started bouncing in the saddle (not the smooth trot she was expecting) and Feather flat a** panicked! I think Feather thought Jordyn had become a leopard which had pounced on her back. I was still holding the lunge line and watched terrified as Feather bolted into a gallop. In huge strides, she ran in the sand around as I stood helplessly.

I will give Jo credit as she hung on for at least five or six laps around our little lunge circle. I finally got my wits about me and shortened the line to pull Feather to a stop. When I did, Jordyn went flying off the tiny English saddle and landed screaming on her side.

As a mother or grandmother, there are few worse moments than when you see the young one bounce from the saddle. The praying starts in earnest! PLEASE let her be okay! It was five of the worst minutes of my life as Jordyn lay in the sand. Feather came tentatively over as if to say she was sorry-she just freaked out.

Jordyn, thankfully, is fine. She has road rash from the sand on her face, chest and shoulders. She has a sore back. She has an impressive bruise on her leg. But she was tough and determined and okay!

I do not have a horse that is safe for Jordyn to go to the next level beyond a walk with. Regardless, of the extra work, it is time. Time for Snowney, the white pony, to come home to Six Meadow Farm. Jordyn’s birthday is September 4th. He will be her birthday surprise.

They say God protects small children and fools. I am grateful on both counts.

Trotting

Posted on July 26, 2013 by Exechorseluver

Lauren on Mick and tiny Jordyn on her Snowboy-2008.

Five year-old granddaughter, Jordyn, spent a week at Miss Dianne’s horse summer camp. While there she overcame her fear of trotting (probably instilled in her by pushing her too far, too fast, on horses that were too much). See a common theme here? Jordyn, like most intelligent beings, resists fear. I know there are the adrenaline freaks out there who no matter their age, love to be scared, but most of us do not enjoy the feeling of being out of control in a situation.

Jordyn has spent a lot of time at the farm but the most consistent, regular time was when she was 18 months to two years of age. Ally had just started back to work, was going to college and needed some child care help. Jordyn came a couple of days a week and spent the night for several months. There was lots of time to get on the pony. Snowboy was still here then (and he will be back one day soon) and Jordyn loved nothing better than that pony. We could saddle up Snow, throw Jordyn up and Snowboy would reliably trudge around the arena behind Mickey for as long as Jordyn wanted to ride and she never wanted to get off.

She trotted then in her little saddle on her white pony. Not a lot but enough. Fall turned into winter, my workload increased, Lauren was in school and Jordyn started regular day care.

Snowney went off to Uncle Dev’s (as Jo calls him), really Lauren’s trainer. He has been used as a lesson pony there for a few years now.

Jordyn would sporadically come and ride but we never had the consistent days like we did before. When we tried to push her on to doing something other than just walking, invariably our show horses or young ponies would not provide the stable mount that was needed. They were either completely reluctant to do anything or hyper-sensitive to being asked for more speed. Jordyn got a bumpy, scary ride. She wanted off the horse now and no more trotting-ever!

We made a real attempt at regular lessons in this last year but new babies, shoulder surgery and broken arms got in the way of our best intentions.

I thought horse camp might be just the catalyst that Jo needed to push her to the next step in riding but riding a small pony and getting on a big horse are two different deals (I am resisting the urge to say animals, here!). I did not know how she would do when she had to sit, trot, steer and hold the horse back simultaneously.

Jordyn was anxious to come show us what she had learned at camp. She had been down to the house a few times since camp but rainy weather had kept us off the horses. Finally, the time had come to see Jordyn trot.

The best I had to offer for her to ride in my barn was Mickey. The semi-retired jumper living a life of ease, he has not been worked consistently at all in the last months. Mickey can be very nice to ride. I would put beginner adults on him and expect he would behave. But Mickey can assess a situation pretty readily. Horses can read their rider. And Mickey is certainly a pro at taking advantage of any situation. A 45 pound child would be no match for him if he decide to buck, take-off or act up. How re-assuring that was!

Still, Feather at six, was the next choice and I had no idea what she would do if asked to trot by a little bug on her back. Most likely she would be lazy but if she did trot, it wouldn’t be near as easy to ride as Mickey. I flat ruled out Bruno (for obvious reasons, like Jordyn might die) and Kid (he would walk great, any faster he would be difficult to control or could just seize up and take his final breath from the exertion). Pixie is still in the evil pony stage of life. Pretty reliable for me at the walk and trot but handy with a duck of her head or a quick buck. Yeah, it had to be Mickey.

While Ally was at physical therapy, still re-habbing the broken arm, Jordyn, Lauren, baby Kendyll and I (shadowed by Kona and Lula) headed to the barn while the heat index still tipped over a 100 degrees. Mickey was saddled and bridled. Jordyn got on her helmet and half-chaps. It was time!

Mickey walked around the ring, wanting to head back to the gate but Jo was doing pretty well keeping him on the rail at a walk. Lauren confided in me that she had ridden the tar out of Mickey earlier in the day and had been greeted with some bucks. Now, Mickey was just being stubborn.

I watched Mickey, watching his ears twitch and his tail switch. I was afraid he was a kettle waiting to boil over. I did not want to see Mickey take off and dump Jordyn to the ground. I could be assured that Jordyn would be done with this whole trotting at Granny’s farm thing if she took a hard fall. Who could blame her?

So, I decided to let Jo trot first on the lunge line where I could handle Mickey’s stopping and going. She could focus on learning to accept the motion of the trot, gain confidence in her seat and start learning to post. Keeping control of Mickey would be in my hands instead of hers.

I clipped on the lunge line, told Jo to say ‘trot’ when she was ready and off we went. Mickey started off in his old-fashioned western jog (the perfect confidence builder). Jordyn excitedly yelled at Lauren to watch her trot. And she did, around and around, pushing her little heels down and shoulders straight.

Lauren and I exchanged spots, she on the line and me with the baby. Jordyn trotted some more, absolutely delighted to be accomplishing what she had said she would do. We sweated in the hot sun, waiting for Ally to get back from PT. We didn’t want to go in before she got to see Mickey and Jo in action.

Finally, about the time Mickey was past sweating and starting to foam a little from actually working, and the two black dogs were dying of heat exhaustion, Ally pulled in. Jordyn’s mom was thrilled with Jo’s riding. She quickly videoed Jo and Mickey so she could share the accomplishment with Jordyn’s dad later.

I now have a trotting granddaughter! It was a big day for her and no doubt one she will be building on readily in the future. Mickey, I hope your brief retirement was sweet, because there is a new little girl who is going to want a lot of rides!

Jo trotting around and around!

Up and down at the Farm

Posted on July 16, 2013 by Exechorseluver

Kona jogging along the hay bale wall as Lauren and I walk along.

After spending most of last week, scared and concerned for Bruno, Sunday was a little bit of a let-down from the huge emotional roller coaster we had been on.

But life had continued during our hard Bruno week. I managed to get momma’s hair, finger and toe nails done on Wednesday. It was a little difficult to maneuver her up into the big chair, her smiling face was enough thanks.

I saw the orthopedic surgeon Wednesday, too. My MRI results were much as I feared. But I will take my time, doing therapy, swimming, and trying not to use the bad arm more than I have to do.
The doc told me the rotator tear takes six months to heal. So, I am halfway through it. He told me swimming was great but not freestyle. Each time I swam, I started out doing free. Then my shoulder ached the rest of the day and night. When I swam next, I only did backstroke and breast. I easily swam my old workout. Maybe not in my old time, but using both arms every stroke. It was pretty inspiring. Just need to slow down and work what I can.

Jordyn finished up her camp at Whipple Tree, trotting along, both under saddle and bareback. Definitely a resounding success!

About a year ago, I told the story of Amber’s family losing giant Irish Wolfhound, Miller in a tragic accident. Today, their new pup, Nellie, celebrates her first birthday. Sadness grows into bright smiles over time.

Sunday, Lauren went off jet skiing with Blake. I spent some time with mom, cleaned around the barn and worked several hours on office stuff. It all went more easily with no interruptions. I got my work done and was off to bed.

Lexi when she first met Nellie. Both grew a lot this year.

Happy Birthday, Nellie!

Horse Camp-Rewind

Posted on July 12, 2013 by Exechorseluver

Lauren’s camp with Dianne in 2005. Who can name everyone in the picture?

When we moved to Texas, Lauren was just a youngster. She had ridden in Florida but was not very accomplished. Ally had taken lessons for several years, been away to horse camp and had her own horses. Lauren hadn’t quite found her place in the world and had struggled with the move, me working so much and just being the new kid. I got the great idea that horse camp, like Ally had attended in North Carolina would be a great thing for her.

The only thing was money was very tight and the type of high dollar overnight sleep away camp that Ally had attended during better times in my marriage was not an option for this new to Texas little girl. We had just gotten our horse, Kid for Ally and I. Lauren was ten that summer. We were at a feed store and saw a flyer for a camp at Whipple Tree Farm. It had great pictures of girls and horses having fun. It was 15 miles from our house (in case things didn’t go well) and it was amazingly inexpensive (at least compared to the NC camp).

That first week at Whipple Tree literally changed Lauren’s life. Mickey came soon after as an extension of what she learned in that first week of overnight camp. The fancy camp that Ally attended in North Carolina had horseback riding. But there were scores of other activities as well. It had horses, but was not a horse camp. WTF (Whipple Tree Farm-what were you thinking?)was first and only a horse camp. The kids rode maybe six or seven hours a day and went back out at night to ride bareback under the stars. Maybe on Wednesdays, there might be a swimming excursion, but it was total immersion horses from start to finish.

I remember Lauren returning to our boarding barn after her week at camp. I had never seen any rider improve so dramatically. While she was barely trotting before, she cantered off with ease on Kid, who has never been a beginner’s horse. She was more confident working around the horses and told me new things about riding English that I had not known.

She went to camp in July, we bought Mickey from the rescue in September and all the two of them did was continue to climb the ranks of the equestrian world.

I think it is also worth noting that every single girl in the picture above, some now wives and mothers, are still in our circle of life (kind of Lion Kingish, but oh, well!) At the very least we are all friends on Facebook and I can tell you pretty accurately what they are doing now. I think that says something about these special girls who were part of the days at Whipple Tree.

I contacted Dianne about accepting Jordyn into the day camp program this summer although she was only five years-old. Seven is the usual starting point. But Dianne knew Jo had grown up with horses, was mature for her age and could handle the rigors of camp-or I convinced her all that was true.

When we told Jo about going to camp at Miss Dianne’s-she told us it would be the best week of her life. Pretty high expectations. Jordyn had taken some of her first horse rides at Dianne’s and was just about six months-old in this picture bareback on pony Dusty.

Jordyn totally at home on pony Dusty.

First day of camp, Jordyn was nervous. Lauren was going to spend the day her but Ally texted me to call her and give her a pep talk. She was assigned to ride Dusty again, who we all remembered but of course, meant nothing to her. When Jo was two she would eagerly trot around on her Snowney pony. She spent a lot of time at the farm then and rode consistently. She has not trotted by herself in years (and she is only five). Dianne did not know about the trotting apprehension and in the moments Lauren walked away from the ring the first morning, Dianne had Jordyn trotting along. She had to tell me she used a crop, too!

The second day Ally got there, Jo told her, just go on mom, my best friend is over there. Ally was excused.

So, in our rewind Whipple Tree Farm (and total deja-vu for me) a week at the WTF riding camp has also changed Jordyn as a rider. She has trotted long and hard each day. She has unsaddled her own pony, washed him down and put away her gear. She just wants more! She told me some the of girls “were CANTERING, granny!!” which is what she aspires to do next.

Tomorrow is the last day. But Jo is already planning lessons and shows. Not sure what we will do with her Snow pony yet, but am so glad she LOVES to ride. I do not know if it was the greatest week of her life or not, but it served as a pretty good one for me. Thank you Dianne for all you relentlessly do for these young riders, day in, day out, year after year, to teach them that a horse is their most special companion and their barn friends truly are forever friends.

Jordyn with Dusty today-handling him like a pro!

Marking Time

Posted on July 7, 2013 by Exechorseluver

Kendyll Paige with her first birthday Mickey Mouse cake

I guess somewhere after the invention of the calendar and sun-dial, someone figured out that things, people, animals, trees even insects go through a life cycle growing, maturing and changing. I am certainly not the one to work you through the details of that. I do know that for many centuries we have been rather reliably (in some cases) been marking time from the birth and onward of those we love.

I have old bibles of my father’s family that steadfastly record the birth, confirmation, marriage and death of the family members. Some go back to Ireland. My dad was born in 1912 and would have 101 now if he was still alive. My youngest grand-child, Kendyll was born July 5, 2012 over one hundred years after my father. That is a little crazy for me. One hundred years of life experiences are shared by the three of us. Imagine all that has changed in that time.

Today was the celebration of Kendyll’s first birthday and it was a big extravaganza with a huge waterslide (that I do not think Kendyll even went down-but I could have missed it), lots of friends, food, good times and happiness. Lauren had a horse show and we mis-read the schedule. We thought her ring started at 10 am which would give us plenty of time to ride, trailer the horse home and get back to the party. Instead, the schedule read “not before” 10 am. Wow, big difference. The first classes didn’t even start in the ring until almost noon.

So, Lauren and I were late and rushed. When we got to the party, it was in full swing with cars lining the street. Ally, although we told her not to, had waited for Kendyll to have her cake until we got there. We were grateful. Jordyn (the doting big sister) was standing by Kendyll’s high chair ready for some cake demolition.

Kendyll needed no explanation or warm up pitch. She got right to cake and tore it apart. I really don’t think she ate very much but smashed cake abounded.

Next, after a little hose down, Kendyll was ready to take on the presents that so many had graciously brought. Mickey was a common theme. Lauren and I got her a Disney magical stable for princesses and their horses, that Amber had helped us find. It looked pretty fun.

And although we were late and missed a lot of activities, what I did not miss which means the world to me, was Kendyll first couple of steps. At least Ally told us they were her first steps. Doesn’t matter as I was so pleased to be there and be part of such a milestone.

Happy Birthday little Kendyll! I hope you learn all these stories of your family and your life and pass them down to your grandchildren one day as well. You could start with how you waited for Granny before taking those first steps just to be sure she was included in all the big family events.

Kendyll unwrapping her presents.

Exechorseluver

The life and times of modern day horse woman

Category Archives: Grandkids