Fast Times

Posted on February 4, 2016 by Exechorseluver

sandboot

Lauren has finally returned from her trip to The exotic and yet achingly familiar place of her birth in Florida. Evidenced by her boots left lying on my kitchen counter her first night home, the farrows of her boot’s sole lined with fine, white Florida sand, she walked (and rode) many miles during her stay at the Wellington Equestrian Festival (WEF).

And we have missed her. As much as Ally stepped up to perform an outstanding job on everything at the barn and the farm, we were all glad to know Lauren was home. Ally was in many was a better manager and keeper of my clan than Lauren but in the way a new, eager (not yet exhausted and broken) employee steps in at the holidays to work retail. I know we will miss the little extas that Ally provided us with while she was our barn manager.

From Ally’s perspective, the whole event climaxed on her last day to cover Lauren with an extreme bloody horse injury, and Ally was eager to hand the muck rake back to her sister. But I also feel that Ally learned a few things in this process.

Like how much work was really entailed in this job of her sister’s. The sneak attacks that hit you just when you think the day is done and a horse goes down to colic or rain drives all the horses back to the barn just as you have completed turn-out. Nothing like walking a mile in someone else’s shoes to appreciate what their life is really like!
Blood has never been Ally’s thing. Any mention of following in her other sister’s footsteps to be in the medical profession have always fallen on deaf ears. But when Ally had to handle literally buckets of blood she did so readily (although she did gag a lot) and Thank God she was there!

Lauren, likewise, learned a bit about the real lives of top equestrians. Through her days circulating through Grand Prix Village (on an actual imported Grand Prix horse) or working as the trainer’s aide, she learned immense amounts about hard work. And not just her work either. The riders she saw had worked years and years, lifetimes in the saddle, to be as good as they were. She learned there were no short-cuts to fame.

cate

catky

You all have read about Lauren’s friend Caitlyn. You can search this blog for stories of Caitlyn’s many horse shows (Harrisburg, Washington Invitational, Maclay rounds, West Coast Talent Search) and hundreds of rides right here in Texas. Lauren is a couple years older than Cate but Cate has spent way more time in the saddle and at the big shows perfecting her art than Lauren has. In all my years in the horse industry, while I have known many to ride at WEF, I have never had a real relationship with anyone who won at WEF. Like, I have never really known them-they were a top rider that I had heard about in the media.

This is exactly what Caitlyn and her horse Ky did! I was thrilled to hear of them winning a class-how exciting is that? But to come back and place high enough to win the whole division and be GRAND CHAMPION AT WEF, well, that was quite the way to end the show.

A ride with all the other grand champions on Sunday, in the International Ring, was the icing on the cake. To ride in the arena where so many greats of sport had ridden before her was unimaginable thrill.

On a side note for those of you that like the star factor, Mary Kate Olson (yes, Full House Mary Kate) rode against Caitlyn in her division. She rode not one horse, but four of the best horses that money could buy, but Caitlyn was there to win and had the experience to do so.

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Finally, back home with Maui Jim and friends, I told Lauren how good he had been. No eating FitBits or chewing shoes. I wasn’t missing my glasses either. I thought we had finally passed over puppyhood and he was getting to be an adult.

Then I got this text:

bible

We will let you know how the power of God is effecting Maui.

As always, thanks for riding along!

Little triumphs

Posted on January 21, 2016 by Exechorseluver

Busy, busy times for me and the family right now. I am on several big projects at my real job and traveling a lot. I landed to a windy 18 degrees on Monday which is about 60 degrees colder than I like.

But I am ever so grateful at this stage of my career to be doing something I love. It is a little triumph to go forth each day excited about the projects I am doing and people with whom I work.
Lauren is headed off to Wellington, Florida this week to spend some time with friend Catie at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). WEF is a 12 week international competition where your favorite Olympic hero might be shopping in the grocery store with you (Hello Ian Miller!) or show up at the local restaurant (McClain Ward, table for two?).

What an amazing opportunity! Another triumph for the kid from Wharton who just wants to ride.

And speaking of horse triumphs, my mare Nova should be back to sound after some vet magic from Dr. Criner.

Actually this will be more than a little triumph. I had continued to work my girl and things just weren’t right. A few X-rays told us she had been hurting and now she can be pain free. I am so excited to have this special girl back working just when I should be getting cleared to ride.

Additionally in little triumph category it has been several weeks since poodle Maui Jim has eaten or destroyed anything important. Last night Lauren and I were on the phone (I was still out of town) when I heard a horrible crash and the sound of broken glass.

We have a free-standing staircase in our living room. For months now we have talked about getting my old headboard out to the garage but it hasn’t moved from its position on the wall opposite the stairs.

Last night as we visited on the phone, Maui came racing through the living room making a galloping turn around the stairs and catching the head board with his foot on the way by. What I heard was the sound of the queen sized headboard smashing into the back of the stairs with enough force to knock the shelf displaying all Lauren’s Zone Final pictures cascading to the ground.

I guess the triumph here is at least he didn’t eat another FitBit or my glasses. Lauren hauled him off to his kennel to think about what he had done.

Rising two year-old Betty Sue has hit 1000 pounds and grown out of her second halter. She got a brand new halter with her name on it! Little triumphs!

Finally, as a rider in any discipline as you get better and more educated about your equestrian sport you tend to trade in equipment for more technical, better made models. Lauren has definitely gone down this path starting with a synthetic Wintec saddle, moving to some low cost but name brand models on to higher priced models. Yesterday after selling her saddle of three years she received her dream saddle.

We tested it out tonight to see if it would allow Feather’s wide shoulders enough freedom when they jump. And it did-well, that’s actually in the category of a big triumph!

Thanks for riding along my friends. Stay safe and warm!

Cindy has a man friend??? Let’s check him out!

Posted on November 13, 2015 by Exechorseluver

Quiet, private and peaceful? Somehow I don’t think so.

I know. This is a difficult statement to conceive of after some 18 years of being divorced and not having a man friend, which is even more ironic as my ex was always certain I was going to divorce him and run off with one of the doctors I worked with at the time.

But yes, I have re-ignited a relationship with a friend of mine from long ago. You know Facebook is a marvelous thing. You can check out how people have aged and what they are doing. It seems to have worked for us. Which is even more amazing given the crazy pictures I tend to post with me standing in water troughs or with tutus on my head. Could be why it has taken 18 years to get a date.

Anyway, so we have been planning this little get-to-know-you again trip for a while now. I wanted it to be low-key. And even though, Lauren is off to the boyfriend’s most weekends, I confirmed that she would be gone. I wanted some quiet, private time to introduce the six dogs and gazillion horses to a non-farm person before adding in extra people. In fact, I had it all planned out perfectly.

Then Ally called this week to ask what time they were coming over on Saturday. I searched my mind to remember what we were planning on Saturday. “What are we doing?”, I asked. “We are coming over to meet your new boyfriend”. Not what I had in mind. Then she reminded me that her husband had volunteered to fix our horse’s run-in shed on Sunday. They would all be there all day and could I babysit Jordyn and Kendyll for a while? Why not?

One of my favorite boarders told me they might just be there Friday night when we get in from the airport, just in case we need help getting the horses out. Oh, and she is going to whip up her famous Tortilla Soup so we can have dinner all ready when we get back to the farm. Gee, perhaps her family can set the table and dress as waiters and serve us wine. (Honestly, I love the soup and am very grateful, but wow!)

Meanwhile, I learned that another one of my boarders and her boyfriend will be there Saturday to build jumps. We need new jumps. It is very nice of them to help out, but this weekend? The mower guys called to re-schedule to Saturday as well. That will be so peaceful. Looking out over the green pastures with the mowers and weed eaters running in the wind coupled with the electric saws and hammering. Idyllic.

Awesome. Lauren told me that she and Blake needed to come by because Blake was going to install the electric gate opener (which has been in a box in the garage for almost two years). Really? “When is that going to happen?”, I asked. “Oh. on Sunday. We have Dev coming to do lessons too!” Lauren told me.

I think that should only be about six riders and their families hanging out on a fine Sunday morning as Luke builds my run-in shed and Blake installs the gate opener. I feel pleased that everyone is so sweet and cares so much. This is truly a monumental event.

I finally gave up and planned a nice picnic type lunch for Sunday noon. Ally’s in-laws want to run by as well but they will wait until Thanksgiving.

Three year-old Kendyll was over this morning as I getting ready for work and doing the last-minute cleaning of the house. She was happily standing in my shower stall surveying what I was doing. “Maybe when my new grandpa comes we can put on our bathing suits and take a shower. Then you can go get cupcakes and we can have a party!”.

You know, Kendyll, we might as well. Let me know if anyone else wants to run by and check out the new boyfriend. We will be at the farm.

Fountain of Sorrow, Fountain of Life

Posted on November 9, 2015 by Exechorseluver

Sherre with her beloved dogs, Nordic and Doc. Photo courtesy of Morgan German

Sherre told me a few years back that she had cancer. I knew immediately and without doubt it would kill her. Not nice words or thoughts, for sure. Sherre even got a couple of reprieves, after all, she was a fighter. But this last time cancer came for her, I knew her time was running out.

Am I telling you how wonderful I am because I know that cancer can and will take whatever life it can? No. I have worked with oncology patients and most recently radiation oncology patients, plus my family is riddled with cancer. I know by now there is almost a direct correlation to how nice, thoughtful, kind you are and how fast the cancer takes you down.

In my experience, cancer kills the very best, before their time, before it is just. Maybe it is a way to get the rest of us from being so complacent. If cancer kills the finest of us, shouldn’t the rest of us get on the band wagon and find a way to beat this monster down?

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Lauren and I met Sherre one day at a horse show. We had our Corgi, Sneaky, for about a year and were looking to breed her to a fine male and have at least one litter of puppies. We spotted a beautiful Corgi at the show and we walked over to introduce ourselves to Sherre. She told us all about her Corgi, Nordic. He was destined to be neutered but Sherre said she would consider letting him sire one litter before that took place. We agreed we would call Sherre when Sneaky was ready.

Lauren and I walked away from the elaborate stall drapes and high dollar horses that Sherre worked with back to where we were still showing Mickey in hunters. We did not know much about this new “A” show world but we had just made friends with someone who was certainly at home in this environment.

Time came for Sneaky to be bred and off to Sherre’s we went. First, to her beautiful home where she made us all feel comfortable ( as Nordic chased Sneaky around in vain) to the barn where she worked which was built with standards much higher than those used to build my home. But never once did Sherre make us feel uneasy or unwelcome. We told her our dreams of getting Mickey solid at the 3’6″ jumps and she encouraged us. She talked with Lauren and give her tips. In the end, Nordic and Sneaky never consummated their love affair but Sherre was to be our friend forever.

I talked Sherre into doing a clinic at the barn Lauren rode at in those days. It was so well attended it took us all day for her to coach almost 60 riders through their paces. Lauren and Caitlyn Epperson attended. It was a day about getting back to riding fundamentals. Sherre taught traditional riding and it worked.

When Lauren wanted to attend the USEF Emerging Athlete Program, Sherre wrote a recommendation letter for Lauren. It meant a tremendous amount to us.

And through the years, no matter how busy Sherre was with her own riding and her own students, she always took time to visit with Lauren. Sherre would spot Lauren in the warm up ring and I would see them deep in conversation. She would encourage Lauren during her Mickey days and applaud her progress as Feather moved up through the ranks. She was the best possible mentor Lauren could have.

I was always so thrilled to see her white blonde hair blowing in the wind as she took a moment to bolster my daughter’s confidence just by her few simple words.

Our Bruno came from friends of Sherre’s family in New York.

Then came Bruno Sims into our life. Bruno, a huge OTTB, came into our life from Sherre via our trainer Dev. He had hoof problems I thought we could heal. Sherre and I had long conversations about the choice I was making to send him to Texas A&M for surgery. In the end, he did not live to grow old. But he fought and we fought to keep him alive and sound. I suspect that Sherre was concerned about this free horse that in the end cost us so much. But she gave us a tremendous gift with Bruno. He was one of kind. We loved this giant horse like no other.

When the cancer took hold, it didn’t change Sherre except maybe to make her kinder and more patient. She held on to her internal and external beauty as the disease ravaged her core.

Sherre was an avid reader of my blog. I did not know that until Feather’s first horse show at the GSWEC. Lauren was taking Feather in to do the baby greens in the East Arena, Cookie was talking to judge. Feather caught their movements out of the corner of her eye and shied away from the judge’s stand. It was then I recognized Sherre as the judge as she said “Easy, Feather! It is okay, Feather”. Apparently, Sherre had been reading along in the blog and knew that the horse announced as Flagmount’s Irish Freedom was my Feather making her debut in the ring.

Sherre’s passing has brought a fountain of sorrow to this horse world and this horsewoman. Yesterday, the activity ceased at the Great Southwest as the trainers learned of her passing. Nothing seemed to move, time stood still. She was the best of them in many ways.

But Sherre has left us a fountain of life as well. A simple daily challenge I will try to meet to be more kind, patient, caring, and full of life. Each day we are given opportunities to help someone brighten their day. Simple opportunities to share the fountain of life.

I am so happy that Nordic brought us to Sherre and Sherre brought life and color into our world. I will be forever grateful.

Fountain of Sorrow, Fountain of Life- Sherre Sims

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When we met Sherre I felt she looked familiar. She was the quintessential equestrian, classic in her look and clothing, but it was more than that. When I saw her truck, I remembered. Did you ever see this?

(you may have to paste into your browser)

I remember Lauren being a teenager when this came out. We were even inspired by this ad. To be professional horsewoman (and a beautiful one too!) and trailer your horses to shows-to be able to really live the life-that what this ad meant to Lauren and I. We never dreamed the beautiful lady from the ad would end up our friend.

Joy

Posted on October 17, 2015 by Exechorseluver

At three years of age, Kendyll is a wild woman! But a beautiful one.

There is something about this picture that reminds me of my long-departed sister, Betty Sue (no, not my horse). Her hair was long and similar in color to Kendyll’s now. Probably my family that is still around and remembers her as a child would not agree, but there is something here in Kendyll’s eyes, in her expression, that shows strength and determination and my sister had both. It takes me back in time and yet, secures me tightly to my future, this granddaughter is special as all of mine are.

It has been a run of several weeks of gorgeous weather and clear, cloudless skies. While this is doing little to preserve what is left of my pastures (which desperately need rain), it starts and ends each day with fresh beauty. The clear, star-filled sky as I got out early to feed and the dropping sun as the day ends again, an orange ball in the sky.

With this wonderful weather we have been spending a lot of time riding. Lauren because Zone Finals are upon us and the rest of us, because it is so lovely. A couple of nights I rode horses back to back after a long day at work. I galloped for the first time in several years, trusting my mount (Mickey) and myself (as I get stronger) to hang tough.

The arena, while dusty, seems to be drawing us all to ride.

I have been busy taking photos. Even today as I gave lessons I snap photos while my student trudges on. Did you know I am giving lessons now? It is actually going pretty well and I haven’t killed anyone yet.

Allyson is back on Snow after taking a few years off and it is like she never missed a day. Isabel planned out a tough course for them and they did great. Isabel is getting a lot practice as she has been moving up on Prosecco. They are jumping higher with tougher courses. I think she wanted to pass along her experiences. And in what is probably the crazy jumping picture of the year. I caught Prosecco jumping like a frightened cat literally off the ground and over the jump. This has to be an all-star photo!

OMG!!! Crazy jump photo of the year with Isabel and Prosecco!

Speaking of a little nuts, Mickey is headed to Zone Finals with Alex for his fourth time. We have him on some new meds and he is doing so well. He is jumping well and moving like a young horse.

Mickey and Alex get their ride on.

We have been pushing Mickey to jump higher and wider to meet the demands of the big show. He is responding well. The jump above had a wide enough spread that after jumping it successfully, they found the jump was wide enough for Alex and Mickey to stand inside of it. Now, we just need to get Lauren and Feather to jump Mickey in the middle of the jump and we will really have something!

Another milestone for me passed this week with the one year anniversary of the arrival of Fargo and baby Betty Sue. Betty Sue was only six months old when she arrived from Colorado. Fargo is in foal to Feather’s sire and she has grown a little too!

Betty Sue, tiny next to Fargo, a year ago.

Pregnant mama Fargo, me and tall Betty Sue.

The dogs are always a big part of any day and we caught a couple candid’s of them.

Sammi Dee has settled in so well to life here. But a girl does need her rest.

Alex took this one! I have a couple more dog photos to finish up. Gotta go get horses out for another cloudless night. As always thanks for riding along! Come visit us!

It’s all fun and games until someone has to wear the cone!

Allyson’s five-year old sister Gabby spending so calm time with Maui Jim.

We had joy

We had fun

We had seasons in the sun

A Week in the Life

Posted on October 2, 2015 by Exechorseluver

What am I doing now? The Ergonomic specialist stopped by my desk with a few tips.

Seems there is never a dull moment in my life whether I am at work or at play. The company I work for employs an ergonomic specialist that ensures we are sitting properly at our desk, with the best support and tools.

I think she found me to be a “special” case as I had many ergonomic challenges. Just changing the direction of my keyboard and a few things on my computer have led to better days at the office.

One of her most important messages was that we all need to get up and move around more. Of course, there is an app you can use on your phone to remind you to get up. For me, the “special’ case, I was told to get up from my desk and lay down on the floor. I was given a noodle-like a form one that you would use to float on in the pool. I am to put that under my back and roll around.

How great it is to be wallowing on the floor of your office filled with Millennial employees like a giant turtle on its back. From the pictures you can see that I am not that joyful regarding this process. However, I must note that day by day I am a little less knotted up and stressed filled.

So when I am not lying on the floor at work on a foam noodle, I have had a busy weekend with being a horse show mom. We had not been to a show since last March and it was great fun to catch up with everyone and see what they are doing and who they showing now. Lauren and Feather moved up a division to the High Amateur Adults at 1.10 and 1.15 meters. It was their first time ever to compete in that division. The 1.10 meter went well with the pair picking up a third place ribbon. Feather has jump and Lauren has skill but it will take some more time in the show ring for it all to flow well.

Up and Over–

Feather up and over the donut jump.

This week I have also been spending extra time trying to get yard work, pastures, and grounds trimmed, mowed and ready for fall. It has been much cooler in the evening and we have enjoyed working with Betty Sue. We are working on baby horse things like being tied and cross-tied. We have also had fun just hanging out with her and enjoying her quirky personality. At 17 months she measured a solid 14.3 hands and almost 800 pounds.

Most evenings have been quiet at the farm with Lauren and Isabel riding their horses and ponies. The new Mustang Kit is coming along well. Lauren and I were gratified the other night to see the neighbor who had to give up these horses drive by on the road above the farm. He slowed down to watch Lauren work his former pony. I hope he is pleased with her progress, but I feel he might be. This Welsh and/or Quarter pony is certainly no longer looking like any kind of rescue project. In fact we cut her food back as she is bordering on chunky these days!

Looking pretty well fed these days-our rescue pony Jete’.

Speaking of chunky, my friend was showing me a picture of her dog Teddy. We decided that coupled with a picture of lean, young Maui it could be a Weight Watcher before and after ad.

Rubanesque Teddy and lean and sweet Maui Jim

Kendyll has been spending the early fall mornings with her momma, Ally, working at the farm. This morning she called Betty Sue and Nova over for some pets. Then she had to bring her play pony Buddy over for a picture with Nova as well. Wish I had been home to spend time with them.

The horses have their fly masks on to keep the flies out of their eyes. Kendyll is pretty

Looking forward to weekend! You all enjoy the fine fall weather and thanks for riding along with us!

The Heat Goes On

Posted on September 23, 2015 by Exechorseluver

Newcomer Sammi Dee is taking over the job of watching the horses in the arena. Lula is ever loyal at her side.

For three days last week, I went without air conditioning. The highs were in the 90’s and the lows in the mid-70’s. I kept thinking I would figure out a way to make the A/C work-because I am qualified as an A/C repairman-right? Well, no. I was afraid it would be expensive and I was afraid it would take a long time. And of course, it is just outside the home maintenance policy we bought when we got the house.

While not sleeping, I had quality time to speculate on how much heat a long-haired, curly poodle gives off when nuzzled next to my right side or in contrast, two small dachshunds coupled with a big Doberman on the other. I would like to point out they were sleeping fine. I had time to practice my training session for work and re-organize the tackroom in my head. Lots to do as the you lie awake, too hot to sleep, too stubborn to call for help. Friday morning looking at the weekend ahead, I couldn’t take it any longer and called the repairman.

By Friday afternoon, late, I had cool air flowing, less money in my checking account. I was ready to go outside to do some work as I knew it would be cool on the inside when I returned. I slept well (finally) and was up for usually early feeding of the animals. But Lauren and new boarder Amanda were right behind me as they headed off west to pick up Amanda’s horse.

Patch with new buddy Hershey.

We have known Amanda and Patch for some time and know they will make a nice addition to our barn family.

I spent the day with the usual weekend chores, mowing, cleaning, riding and filling troughs. In spite of the greatly improved temperature inside, it was about 95 by noon. I decided to get out the dog’s black trough which they had enjoyed in the summer to splash around in and get wet. I went to pick up the upside down trough and got quite a surprise. A small (yet certainly big enough) water moccasin was resting under the trough.

My boarder who is a veterinarian was at the barn with her husband. Apparently snakes of any kind are not included with animals she has an interest in and I got the feeling she would be just as happy if her husband didn’t come see the snake either. I stopped Lauren as she was leaving for the weekend (showered, in nice non-barn clothes) for her to come kill the snake but she also declined. It has been pretty dry since the monsoons of early summer and we have not seen any snakes. Finally, I was contemplating going to the house for some boots to wear as part of my snake killing outfit, when Paul (the vet’s husband) came to help me out (plus, he was wearing boots, so clearly he was the best one for the job).

First, I had to lock up all the interested but misguided dogs and then I lifted the trough away and Paul succeeded in killing the snake. Another day on the farm!

Hiding away in the dirt and leaves. Glad he did not get the dogs, horses or any of the rest of us.

Having gotten through this harrowing experience it was time for me to clean up and get ready to receive visitors. As you may remember (and I believe there is still a video link on this site to see them re-united) for a while our pony Snowboy, went to live at
Dev’s (or combination of Dev’s and Freeman Ranch). Jordyn was young and didn’t need a fulltime pony and Lauren was too old to compete on a pony. Well. Snow being the gracious guy he is formed his own group of admirers. Isabel competed with Snow for a while before Processo. Another Snowboy follower was Allyson. She had always enjoyed the gentle white pony, in spite of having fallen from him and badly breaking her arm. I had kept up with Allyson’s mom and Allyson was ready to come back to Snow and resume her lessons.

I had never seen Allyson ride and knew it had been a few years since she and Snow had ridden together, but I needn’t have worried. Allyson listened to my long lament about getting Snowboy to canter and expertly rode away at a lovely canter, clearly not needing any of my advice.

I hope they come back many times-I have lots of horses this girl can ride.

Sunday it was hot again but still cool inside. Jordyn came over and we did our weekly fence ride-where we ride the fence line and look for the horse’s missing fly masks. Always a good time!

Alex and MIckey-just about perfect.

Leaping lizards!

Dev had lessons as the temperatures cooled slightly toward dusk. It appeared everyone had a good ride! Lauren and Alex are headed to the show this week with Feather and Mickey. Both horses were jumping well and appear to be ready to go!

Love this shot! So much energy!

Feather skipping along, literally off the ground on all four feet.

As always thanks for riding along!

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A big shout out to Caitlyn Epperson who was in California this past weekend competing for USEF Talent Search. With her horse, Ky, they put in some great rounds and well-represented all of us back here in Texas. Great Job, Cate!!

Summertime Gone

Posted on August 25, 2015 by Exechorseluver

I feel like summertime has just began but based upon the photos that are rising up on Facebook and in my own messages, it is clearly the start of yet another new school year. In Texas, there is no marked change of weather to indicate time to return to school has arrived. I remember late August days in Chicago when the wind would pick up and the temperatures drop forcing us out of the community pool and out shopping for sweaters.

Shortly, in much of the US, there will be brilliant leaves falling from trees and the first frost descending on the land. Last year, we did not have a frost. Period. No temperatures below 32 degrees. Usually the true summertime weather hangs around until Halloween or so.

It used to be in Florida I would pride myself on turning off the air conditioning by November first and not turning it back on until May first. We were close to the ocean and got that ocean breeze but here I am lucky to turn off the air for Christmas Day. I am sure the warm weather year around is a blessing. But it is one I struggle with by the start of the new school year. I mean really how many days of changing your clothes three times because they are soaking wet can you take (and for those of you who have not lived in the humid south, we are not talking about getting caught in a rain storm although that is always a possibility as well).

We were able to let all the girls out together for the first time-and everyone got along!!

The mares grazing on the late summer grass and subsequently being rained upon.

But as much as I complain, the cold is harder on me than heat, so I trudge along. In spite of the weather, which included several strong thunderstorms this week, life at the barn continues. This week saw Libby with her healing broken hand climb back aboard Cody for the first time. She also had a brand new saddle. One specially made to fit Cody and keep Libby in the saddle and off the ground. After so much pain, it was delightful to see the joy on her face as she took an inaugural spin around the arena.

Dev was back for the first time in many weeks as well, healing from his broken orbital and subsequent surgery. I haven’t sat back in the shade of the deep porch and watched lessons for some time. The arena was perfect and horses spot on.

Jordyn made some progress on her riding as well. It has always been one step forward and two steps back for my first granddaughter. It has taken some urging, begging, threats and praise but Jordayn finally trotted off through a series of cavellettis and some Xes. This is a precursor to trotting over jumps and a transition she needs to make to move on.

Jo and Snow with Kona, Kena and Maui-barn dogs extornaire!

Jo and Snow with Kona, Kena and Maui-barn dogs extraordinaire! Look at those dirty, giant paws.

Jordyn headed off to third grade this week and remarkably has the same teacher as last year. While second grade at the new public school brought tremendous anxiety to Jordyn, this year’s first day went smoothly and easily.

Riley entered first grade this year and is a top student. He looks pretty GQ in this picture from “Meet the Teachers” night.

Handsome Riley meeting his first grade teacher in Denver.

Summertime heat may be here to stay for a while but fall will soon begin again. As always thanks for riding along!

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Lauren and I send our heartfelt sympathies and prayers to the Figenshaw family as they attempt to grasp with the new realities of their lives. In a horrible instant, while taking daughter Meg (whom we have known since Whipple Tree days) off to college, Meg and her father Paul, were hit head on. Paul did not survive the accident. Meg has a broken neck, collar-bone, ribs, arm and pelvis. Having lost my sister in a head on wreck, I know the anguish of loss.

Lord make your face to shine upon and give them strength to carry on.

A moment can change everything. We are so deeply sorry for your loss.

Inspiration-by Jo Ann (sounds like a line of greeting cards)

Posted on July 21, 2015 by Exechorseluver

Jo Ann and Mickey- a pretty good lookin’ pair.

I met Jo Ann when about five years ago when Jordyn was two. I had gotten talked into helping out announcing at a horse show and if I did, they would find little Jordyn a horse to ride in the leadline class. So one of Jordyn’s first horse show experiences was with Jo Ann’s then 27 year old, black, OTTB named Hershey. He was perfect for her.

Later when Jo Ann was looking for a place to board her old man, Hershey (then 31) and her superstar Quest, our vet Lynn, recommended our place to Jo Ann. It has been a good fit. Due to a series of adventures, good and bad, Jo Ann has been left without a regular horse to ride, Hershey was saddly too old and Quest moved on to greener pastures. She came back to riding dressage with Nancy Lindsey and my go-to pony, Snowboy.

Not to give out state secrets, but Jo Ann is older than I am by a few years. And we all know I am really old. Jo Ann and I have had some serious run-ins with medical professionals but while mine have been orthopedic hers have been some fairly critical medical issues. In fact it seems a little more than a month ago Jo Ann had some pretty important surgery.

I am a fairly competitive person. That may be an understatement. I used to be a competitive horsewoman and spent my childhood in lessons and shows. By the time I started college, I was pretty done with all that. I rode because I enjoyed riding. I did some shows off and on through the years but usually to prove I could or to help Ally or Lauren out by riding their show horse prior to them riding.

I have been watching Jo Ann as she has continued to ride, in spite of not having a horse right now, in spite of the heat, in spite of her medical issues and had a little “A HA” moment. Jo Ann has worked her way up to riding Lauren’s jumper, Mickey. There is something dynamic and exciting about watching this cow-bred Paint, excel at something else he was not bred to do. He was never bred to jump and he has soared. He was never bred to bend and float and now Jo Ann has him doing dressage. What a special guy he is!

I have been riding my new horse Nova pretty consistently and wanted to take a lesson with Dev once I got her going pretty well. Of course, part of it was me-the getting going part. Coming back from the hip replacement surgery and my nine other orthopedic surgeries in this decade have made my muscle tone and strength not what they were. So, that was a good excuse as well. I had told Dev that I would do a lesson this last weekend, but wouldn’t you know it-Nova came up lame. Reason enough to put that off until she was better.

Wow.

But watching Jo Ann on Friday night, Competitive Cindy (that is like Malibu Barbie), said to herself, “You know I could do this! This lesson thing-I could be open to criticism, praise and getting to be a better rider. I could do it!”

Mickey and I doing just fine.

Sunday, for the first time in 40 years, seriously, 40 years, I took a horseback riding lesson. And I did just fine. And I did it on Mickey. Who did his best for me (at least mostly). So, what is the big deal? For 40 years, I have been content to listen to other riders, to read books and articles about riding, to watch clinicians and videos but I have not be willing to put myself out there where the focus as direct and on me-specifically.

Canter, please.

I had watched my friend Jo Ann take lessons. Honestly, at first I really thought she probably couldn’t ride that well, I mean she was old like me. But then I watched her turn in better and better rides on a variety horses and I had learned that if I wanted to get better and get serious, I had to learn more.

We never quit learning or getting better. Sometimes we have to be brave enough to face the criticism that may occur when we step out into something new. I did not even get criticized during my lesson (George Morris was not available for a crtique). Instead I got nice words about my position and quiet hands along with suggestions for doing things even better.

And to you- Jo Ann-Thank you for the inspiration. You will see in these videos what a lovely rider you are. Bravo to you, for hanging on and moving forward. I believe you showed these kids around here a few things as well.

As John Wayne reportedly said, “Courage is being scared to death and climbing up into the saddle anyway”. I am glad I climbed up in the saddle again to learn.

As always thanks for riding along!

Lauren and I taking a lesson together-first time ever. She is on Owen.

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!

Exechorseluver

The life and times of modern day horse woman

Category Archives: Life on the farm