Cold, again

Posted on April 18, 2013 by Exechorseluver

The roof extension on the barn-just in time.

I hate cold weather. It is why I live in the south. I am originally from Denver. Why would I choose to live here if I could live in beautiful Colorado? Because I hate to be cold. I hate snow. I hate temperatures really under 60 degrees.

It is mid-April. If I am expected to pay my taxes, I expect the weather to be gentle in return. We have had some beautiful south Texas spring days but suddenly in the course of an hour or so, we went from balmy, warm to bone-chilling cold. And I have mentioned I don’t like that?

One of the ladies that purchased our pony, Mimi, had a horse fall with her several weeks ago. She was hospitalized for several days and now has a hardware store of screws and pins in her leg. She learned today what a fall in barometric pressure feels like in broken bones. It was not good. My body aches on good days. On a day like this when the barometric pressure just drops away, put me to bed and wake me when it rises.

As long as I am complaining, I want to mention my horse’s blankets. All the horses have a little wardrobe consisting of light weight sheets, medium and heavy weight blankets. Bruno’s blanket could be used as tent for several boy scouts, it is that big. I am particular about my blankets. I have two Weatherbeetas (that is a real name) brand turn-out blankets we bought for Mickey and Kid in 2003. I wash them, mend them and store them each year. Yes, they have lasted nine seasons. I had ordered replacements this year (moving to Rambo brand blankets and hoping they last as long).

I had already washed and dried each horses multiple blankets (sending a lot of water through our septic system). They have to washed one at time. If I try to take them to the laundry mat, the owner runs me off at the door. She knows how tough horse blankets are on a washer. All had been stored in the little green shed behind the house, in plastic bins with each horse’s name on them for next year. It is a long process to get everything clean but we were done for this season.

We are headed to a show this weekend so we have been studying the weather. It will be 47 degrees tonight and 40 degrees tomorrow! Everyone has their own blanket rules but ours is-if it is under 50 degrees we blanket. I am not getting the washed blankets dirty!

We went on a scavenger hunt of sorts. Trying to figure out what blankets we had in the tack room or not “put away” that each of the four horses could use for what I am sure (please, God!) is the last cold front of the season. Well, we didn’t have another plan for Bruno. Lauren went and retrieved Bruno’s old (yet, clean) blanket from the shed. She got one from the miscellaneous blanket box that used to be Snowboy’s that wasn’t washed this year. Kid will wear that. It might be a little short on him, but it will be okay. Mickey had an extra mid-weight blanket in the tack room that I had missed in my obsessive clean-up (thank goodness). That left Feather with nothing but clean blankets to wear. We decided since she would be at a show this weekend, we would break out the new blanket. She would not have a chance to get it dirty and it would look nice at the show.

With everyone now blanketed for the night, I am especially grateful we got our new roof extension completed. The driving force behind the extension was to provide shade during the blistering summer months and it will but tonight it is keeping the rain driven by strong northern winds from blowing into the stalls. Standing in front of the stalls the weather is almost bearable with a jacket, turning into the unprotected corner with the northwind blowing, let’s just say this southern transplant girl is not at all happy!

A girl, a horse and a dog

Posted on April 12, 2013 by Exechorseluver

Lauren, Feather. Kona and the big Texas sky.

There were few things, actually not any, that I wished for and enjoyed more as a girl than my horse and my dog. It is nice to see some things survive generations and technological changes.

It was a beautiful day today (a why-you-live-in-Texas day) and Lauren got Feather out to work before going for a lesson tomorrow at Dev’s. I was hanging out with Kona, throwing his tennis ball with my good arm and snapping some pictures. Lula joined us and there were a couple of times she spotted the ball before Kona. She would hustle it back to me while Kona was running through the arena still searching for the ball. She may be old but she still has game.

But Kona got tired of my pathetic throws and decided that Lauren would be the answer to better ball playing. Off he charged to take Lauren his ball. He really didn’t understand why she could not grab it from him as he dropped it (a little difficult as she was up in the saddle!). I have to say for young Feather, she was completely undaunted by the ape-like dog running up and down the arena with her. We shot some video and Kona even cantered along for several strides before loosing interest in the horse.

Waiting for the throw!

Kona got several good romps retrieving Lauren’s long throws as she sat up high on her horse. In the end though, he just couldn’t understand why if he dropped it as he was supposed to do, Lauren couldn’t just throw it again.

The sand covered tennis ball dropped expertly at Feather’s feet.

Oh, a girl, a horse and a dog, life is good.

Protection?

Posted on March 19, 2013 by Exechorseluver

We have had the wild dogs attack and kill our cats. Now, Mickey has sustained numerous injuries at the hands (paws, claws) of something. I do not have a big property, just six acres. While we are out in the country with a sparse population spread across farmland, we certainly are not out amongst the ‘big spreads’ of ranching Texas or the 1000 acres of midwest farmlands. I expect some deer, coyotes, foxes, and other ‘wild’ life but except for the domestic dogs gone wild incident we have not had any real issues with wildlife.

Apparently, I do now. Or I might. Which really is almost as bad. I do not know, nor will I ever, exactly what happened to Mickey. But I feel I must take some action to prevent a repeat of what he has endured.

Does this look scary to you?

So, I looked around to see what my neighbors have used to keep their livestock safe. The answer is donkeys. Seriously. I talked to my friend and vet this morning. She urged me to get a donkey. I said “Mickey will be mean to the donkey”. She countered with “Mickey is in no shape to mean to the donkey!” I must concede that is a good point.

In researching the donkey as a protector thing, I find much has been written on this subject. Apparently, it is not so much that donkeys know they are ‘guard donkeys’ but more they come to associate themselves with their herd (be it cattle, sheep, goats or horses). Many donkeys dislike (hate was a word used in an ad I read today) and are aggressive toward dogs, coyotes and foxes and provide indirect protection for other domestic animals. Donkeys have exceptional hearing, a keen nose and excellent vision. They can use all these senses to detect intruders to their pasture. They will bray, bare their teeth, chase and attempt to kick and bite. The downside is they may also chase deer, bears (that is okay with me), strange livestock, humans and other intruders in a similar fashion.

Now, if there is some monster cat hybrid thing slipping into my pasture at night, I doubt the donkey would fare any better than Mickey. But I bet the neighbors and I would hear the attack. I can hear the neighbor’s donkey braying a couple of miles away. The article I read also stated they are best suited to protection in small, level pastures. Well, that is exactly what I have.

My vet, Lynn, told me not to get attached to the donkey. If they get sick, founder (hoof problem) or other ailments, you do not treat them like a horse (no, driving to A&M with the donkey!). She told me I could find them for free or little money on Craig’s List. She was right.

There were many ads to choose from offering whole families of donkeys. Apparently, people get donkeys and they breed like cats. Donkey birth control must not be an emphasis for most ranchers. Everyone’s ad said they had too many. I was attracted to the ad for the nine year-old gelding (a male that can’t make babies) who was halter broken and would load in the trailer. I thought the trailer loading aspect would be a good perk as well. I think Lauren and I will go see him on Saturday.

I was not interested in the “three donkeys-you catch-you haul” ad although located closer to my home. I had visions of Lauren and I racing around a pasture being chased by crazy donkeys. And if we did manage to catch one, trying in vain to get a braying, kicking, teeth baring animal in my nice trailer. No thanks! Some of the ads showed really cute mini donkeys, but I think if the point is protection, size is important.

These two are free but must stay together. Looks like trouble!

Lauren and I will discuss it some more. But I think a pasture protection donkey is in our future. Do you think they make signs that say “this pasture is protected by a Donkey Alarm System“? This should be the start of all kinds of new stories as we learn how to handle a donkey with our herd of horses.

We have a date with this full size donkey named Jack on Saturday. Bet he comes home with us!

Weekend Wrap-up

Posted on February 26, 2013 by Exechorseluver

Feather is perfect (to my eye anyway) over this jump.

We had the first horse show of the year at Pine Hill-which is known for its Eventing venue. Many of Feather’s Flagmount relatives have soared over the cross-country courses and jumped well in the rings. We were here to do the hunters-which is judged on style, conformation and correctness. It is subjective, the judge picks who they like best according to class criteria. Lauren has been in the jumper ring (speed wins!) for several seasons now except for Feather’s two shows last fall so it was a big change for us.

We got there Friday with Kona in tow, and Feather was pretty quiet. By arriving on Friday we had a day to school her in the ring and let her settle in before actually “showing” on Saturday. We had never taken her to any outside ring to show in and this would be a test of sorts, to see how well she could handle the stress and strain of new people, places and issues. She settled in well. Lauren was jumping a little defensively-waiting for the hot mare to jump out from under her. At one point, Dev told Lauren, you are doing five things and they are all wrong! Once Lauren relaxed and trusted Feather everything was fine. The hot mare never showed up, just a quiet, easy to ride mature mare. Schooling was over-the show would start Saturday.

Back in Wharton, we went to the Milam Street Coffee House to hear the Davang family of Lauren, Chelsea and Jeff sing. I have known these friends for many years. I had no idea they were so talented. Lauren (Davang) and her sister, Chelsea, both gave several solos with material from country to jazz. It was great! So many times, I have opportunities to go places and just don’t try to get out to do new things.

Saturday dawned cold and clear. Kona was outfitted in Kena, the Doberman’s, zebra jacket. At one point little Abby volunteered her pink hat and Kona was adorable! Kona did very well never creating a problem or barking at other dogs or horses. I think I finally have a horse show dog! He slept in the back seat of the truck quietly there and back (and no throwing up like Kena always does).

Oh, Kona!

Lauren and Feather had solid trips over fences. Each time they got a little better and more relaxed. I cannot express the progress they have made from last fall. Their lines are more fluid and jumping is more consistent. We are still chasing a blue ribbon but ended up with two-thirds and two-fourths. I think their flat round was really great.

We had a tired mare as we went to load her in the trailer to head home. She did not even think about refusing to load. I think she was thinking instead of her friend Mickey and laying down in her own stall without all those noisy show horses.

We learned our pony Mimi was at a barn our friend Holly also trained at. She had seen the other trainers working with Mimi. Holly told us the little pony was doing fine. We haven’t heard a word from the people who are trying her out so it was good to know she is doing well.

Jim continues to get better and should be going home from the hospital soon. He has had a lot of company with many members of his family making the trip to Arizona to see him. Of course, for much of the country this week, a trip to Tucson for any reason would be a great idea.

This is Jim with his grandson Tanner Foust whom some of you might know from the TV show “Top Gear”.

Yesterday, Lauren and I stripped stalls, hauled out many wheel barrow loads of manure and then brought in a couple hundred of pounds of shavings to re-do each stall. Personally, I need another day off to catch up from my weekend!

Endings and Beginnings

Posted on February 17, 2013 by Exechorseluver

For the last time, the grey girls make their way to the pasture. Mimi’s all-star trot should take her to the big time.

Endings and beginnings are always bittersweet for me. I love my animals too much to not be emotionally attached to them. I swear they take a piece of my heart each time they move on. But I am also convinced that my life with animals is one hundred times richer for their presence.

We have had pony Mimi up for sale. I knew she would not be one to stay. She is young and inexperienced and Jordyn, at five, is too young and inexperienced for them to make a show team. Lauren is too old to show ponies. Yesterday, two ladies from Lone Star Sporthorses were coming to take Mimi for a two-week trial. This is common in the horse world. If the horse is older, you want to make sure that he is sound and sane when you get him away from his mothership. But Mimi is young and pretty much, what you see is what you get, so I expect her to stay with this new home. If she comes home, they didn’t know what a three year-old pony was all about, because she is pretty good one.

Jordyn spent the night on Friday and Lauren was going out-of-town so when we let the horses out on Saturday, we knew it was likely to be the last time Mimi would spend with her best friend Feather. They trotted happily, blissfully out to the back pasture, caught in a picture in a trot that shows both of their breeding and conformation. It was Lauren’s last look at the little pony who brought the joy of riding back to her life. In the uncomplicated world of pony riding, Lauren had re-gained the love of a simple gallop down the fenceline. She had learned some things from that pony too! Like, how to growl at a bully and make a horse respect you.

After Lauren left, Jo and I completed our chores. Jordyn knows the routine and can muck a stall with the best of them. I told her how her mama used to clean stalls as a teenager to make extra money. Jordyn just was amazed. Like as a job, she asked. I said yes, like a job. Jordyn has her lesson on Saturday morning. I was stalling a bit because all the horses were way out in the back but as we dumped our wheelbarrow of manure, little Mimi picked up her head and watched us. We called to her and in she came. I asked Jo if she wanted to ride Mimi one last time. Mimi was reacting to cold morning air and was a handful as I saddled her. I was a little concerned about how this lesson would go.

We went out to the arena and I lunged Mimi first. She was running, bucking and pulling. I let her blow off some steam. When I thought she was ready, Jordyn got on, but I did not let loose of lead rope. But I shouldn’t have worried. Mimi settled in and gave Jordyn a great last ride. I let them loose on their own, and they maneuvered over poles, turned and stopped as asked. In fact, it was the best Jo has ever ridden. Of course it was.

Ally came with Kendyll a little later. Kendyll loves to see big Bruno. He had his head out over the stall and Kendyll would just giggle and laugh whenever he blew his soft breath on her.

The people for Mimi got here right on time. I got her from her stall, kissed her little nose, told her to be good and watched her load easily into their trailer. I think she will be a grand pony! I will keep you up on all her progress.

Feather floats and flys

Posted on January 30, 2013 by Exechorseluver

The standards (what hold the jump) are five foot. Feather is clearing this with ease.

After multiple false starts and problems due to weather, blown tires and other misadventures, we finally got Feather up to trainer Dev’s today for the first time in many months. In fact, except for schooling at the show grounds, Feather has not jumped for at least three months.

Promptly, as we got out to the ring, other horses started running in the pasture, they spooked Feather and Lauren went off. It was not an auspicious beginning. Dev set some grid like jumps (three in a row) and the first couple of times he set them low. Feather and Lauren were still getting adjusted. Feather is much lighter to handle than Mickey (think barely touching your reins versus seriously pulling your horse around) and you have the difference between the two horses. Plus Mickey is super experienced and this is all new to Feather. But after the second time through, no matter how Dev raised the jumps, Feather floated over and flew across any jump in her path. It was all pretty amazing!

We will take it slow with her but had been wondering for the entire year we had her if she could “really” jump. The furthest Mickey has ever gone is the Low amateur division. Today after their all-star ride, Dev didn’t say “if” or “maybe”, he said you have a horse that can do the “highs” (the next division above the lows) if not more.

As Roger Craeger sings, “Things are looking good around here”.

Feather’s One Year Anniversary

Posted on January 19, 2013 by Exechorseluver

Friends of ours, the McMaster’s had an amazing horse, Prince, from a Texas Irish Sport Horse stallion, Flagmount’s Freedom. Melissa took that horse and increased his value by tenfold. Part of it, was that the Flag horses can really jump and have amazing temperaments. I heard that the McMaster’s had a young Flag mare in Florida that had some issues but was in my price range. I talked to Lauren to see if she wanted to spend her money to buy this horse sight unseen. Prince was enough for me to know that we had a good chance to own an incredible horse if we took a chance on her. No part of the journey from Florida to Texas was easy-broken down trucks and numerous delays. But once we saw Feather, we knew she needed to grow up some, gain some weight and learn to trust us. You will remember major issues with this horse and trailer loading. And issues because she was just plain scared. But it has been a year now. I was surprised and pleased by a post on Facebook by my daughter, Lauren. It is shown below along with some special pictures commemorating Feather’s first year at Six Meadow Farm.

Lauren Davis on Facebook–About this time last year I got news that there was a Flag baby for sale. My mom was SO excited because we knew what a great horse Prince was and thought if Feather was half the horse he is we would have gotten a deal. So I talked with Dee and got my savings out of the bank to buy my first ever “warm blood”. Dee then told me that she thought every horse had someone they were meant to be with, and …boy was she right. I could not be more thankful for the opportunity to bring this mare along and could not have found a horse that challenges me daily in the best of ways. Feather has brought back my love for riding because with her there is no pressure and with every mile stone or achievement we grow closer. This year has been a bumpy road but I would do it all over again, looking forward to a wonderful 2013 season with my Flag baby and many thanks to Dee, Melissa, and my mom because without them I would have never met this amazing horse.

Before she left Florida, young and dark grey with lots of dapples. She had yet to grow into her head which appeared oversized for her body.

One of their first rides. Feather was slow and cautious. Not what we had expected. Most young horses are hyper and little nutty.

Good jumpers learn to “bend” so you can easily adjust them through and around a jump course. It starts with the young horse and Feather was an eager learner.

I have enjoyed riding her as well. She is sensible beyond her years and has carried the our toddler friend, Miss Z, who worships her along with Jordyn for many safe rides.

A year later Feather, aka Flagmount's Irish Freedom, is a show horse. What all she will do in her career is pure speculation at this point. But she and Lauren have come a long way in this first year. We cannot wait to start the 2013 season.

A year later Feather, show name- Flagmount’s Irish Freedom, is a show horse. What all she will do in her career is pure speculation at this point. But she and Lauren have come a long way in this first year. We cannot wait to start the 2013 season.

What a blessing she has been. I love seeing her siblings (half and full) looking just like her and doing so well in the Eventing world. What a beauty she has become!

I rarely take big chances. Buying a horse and shipping it to Texas from Florida was an unheard of adventure for me. At some point, you just have to say, if not now then when? And put yourself out there to succeed or fail but at least give it your best shot. I will never regret my immediate yes to Dee on that day a year ago when this journey started. Like Lauren, I have no big expectations, but I am still hoping for some nice surprises! Happy anniversary to Feather and Lauren. Could be the best money she will ever spend.

Life Goes On-

Posted on December 23, 2012 by Exechorseluver

Bruno has been taking center stage the last few days but today was a day to catch up with family and friends. Of course, I have been seeing my mom each day, a couple of days the visits have been a little rushed but I have gotten over each day. It seems like there is something in the water there with all the residents a little more on edge and nuttier than usual. One man had searched endlessly for his wife when he first came to the facility but finally had been settling in pretty well. Last night he was going door to door (and opening each door without warning) looking for the dining room. Twice he walked into my mom’s room as I was helping her dress for dinner. The third time I just asked him if he wanted to wait and walk down with us. He said okay and sat down on my mom’s bed to wait. In loud stage whisper, mom looked at me and said, “Do you think he is going to break it?” I told her I hoped not.

Tonight one of our favorite residents was distraught over some men that were coming into the place and scaring her. I am pretty sure it could have been the man we just talked about so I asked if she wanted to stay with us for awhile. She asked Lauren over and over if that ever happened to her (that men had scared her). Then she started rearranging Lauren’s hair. Another lady was convinced her room was on fire and was rushing down the hall with her purse intent on evacuating the facility. It is hard enough to get Lauren to go with me and I doubt she will volunteer for a while after tonight.

Micenzie looking focused and determined on Mr. Kid

Today my friend Cayla and her family came down to let their daughter ride. Jordyn was here and Caroline came with her daughters, Arianna and Abby. All the horses, including Mr. Kid got saddled and ridden. Everyone switched around a lot but I think young Micenzie rode the most horses. I saw her on Kid, Feather and Mimi.

Arianna trying out Lauren’s Mickey. I’d say it went pretty well!

We thought Arianna was bringing her horse to ride. Lauren and I had discussed the possibility of her trying out Mickey to do jumpers on this year but were afraid since he had not been saddled in almost three weeks that he would scare her and act stupid. But they pulled in without the trailer. It was one of the cases where things just seem to happen-the whole man plans-God laughs thing. Arianna ended up doing great on Mickey and he acted like he had been working and jumping every day. Lauren jumped Feather for me. It was great to see their progress.

Arianna and Lauren exchanged Christmas gifts. Lauren got the beautiful white and gold OTTB saddle pad which I hope one day soon Bruno proudly wears into the show ring.

Arianna's present to Lauren and Bruno. The beautiful OTTB pad (photo from their web site- www.ottbdesigns.com )

Arianna’s present to Lauren and Bruno. The beautiful OTTB pad (photo from their web site- http://www.ottbdesigns.com )

On the Bruno update side, I had told my friend Kathy that I was a little freaked out about what I had gotten myself into with this horse and the huge responsibility he would be for sometime. I want to share what she told me.

“This will be the worst part because you are at the beginning. Time flies and each day that passes moves you closer to realizing your dream. Any investment requires that you sacrifice something; usually money and time. Its the sacrifice that makes the reward so sweet. Hold on to the excitement of what they (Lauren and Bruno) can be.”

Well said, my friend, and I needed to hear it. Tomorrow morning we will head back to TAMU for another visit with Bruno. It will be day five for him.

Amber and family come on Christmas day. So much to look forward to-wishing happy times to all of you. Enjoy the blessings of this season!

Holiday Pictures

Posted on December 10, 2012 by Exechorseluver

Mickey, Feather, me, Kid, Mimi, Lauren and Bruno in the one moment when they all stood still.

The last time I got the great idea to do Christmas pictures on the horses, it was 1999. Amber was home from college, Ally was becoming a beautiful teenager and Lauren was six. I didn’t have three horses so we borrowed a couple from our barn friends, the Detweilers. Lauren, in a certain odd foreshadowing, was up on the biggest, grandest horse, named Magnum. He looked a lot like Bruno.

Ally on Soleil, Amber on Ginny and Lauren on Magnum.

Despite all our plans that day to get a great picture, the one captured here was not that simple. Amber is a superb athlete but not necessarily a horse lover. She has ridden some but was not all that comfortable, bareback up on Ginny. Lauren was way too small for Magnum and we are lucky she did not fall off during the photo shoot. Ally was the only one confident and secure on her favorite ride, Soleil.

I have not sent a horse Christmas card since then. Lauren and I wanted to do that picture this year with our band of horses all together. First, obviously we needed a photographer. My dear friend Linda Potter volunteered and we started to seriously think we might be able to pull it off. Have I mentioned that Mickey HATES Bruno? Or that Feather kicks ol’Kid every chance she gets? And the chance of getting them to line up, five horses with just the two of us to handle them, well, it was minimal at best.

First, we had to decide on outfits. In our original picture we choose garland and red and green shirts but thought with standing in front of the horses, the garland wouldn’t really show. Then we found Santa hats at WalMart and modified them with elastic straps. The horses were not impressed with their hats and pretty much refused to put their ears forward in the desired position. For little Mimi, we found a candy cane headband that was darling on her little head.

Oh, little Mimi, the devil wore candy canes!

Lauren and I picked out matching shirts (what is a Christmas card without matching holiday wear?) . I sewed the elastic to the hats, Linda agreed to meet us and we were ready to go. Except we had a monsoon of a rain storm a couple days ago and everyone was covered with mud. We spent an hour or so cleaning everyone up and finding old leather halters to fit all the horses so they would all match. Thankfully, Mimi came with her own little halter or I could not have found one to fit her. Through all this preparation we kept watching the sky. It looked like rain was going to come down again. Don’t forget the whole Bruno cannot get his foot wet thing. If it rained at all, even if it cleared off, we were done.

Linda arrived ready to photograph us. I headed to the arena with Mickey and Feather. Linda actually went and got Kid. Just to get the three of them lined up was chaotic. Kid had taken a couple of hard kicks from Feather earlier and wanted no part of standing by her side. We were doing pretty well until Lauren approached the arena with Bruno and Mimi in tow. We had put a stud chain on Bruno (a chain that goes through the halter and helps control the horse). Why we did not put one on Mickey is unclear. He is the bolting, pulling, bully and that’s just under regular circumstances. Today, he was out to KILL Bruno and was going to do his best to get at him. My nice little line scattered. Lauren had her hands full with Bru and Mimi and I was getting pulled around by Mickey. Feather just wanted to run away. I dropped Kid’s leadrope and just let him fend for himself.

What a mess!!

But in the end, we got a good shot. I will get Christmas cards out this year! When we finally got back to house after chasing Kid down as he wondered away in his Christmas hat, Lauren looked at me and asked why the dogs weren’t included in the picture. Gee, I don’t know Lauren, maybe because we barely survived this photo shoot with just the horses. Oh, holiday pictures, we will look back on this and smile!

Come Backs

Posted on November 11, 2012 by Exechorseluver

Come backs are a tough thing. There have been a lot of top athletes that have attempted come backs after injury or retirement. Try to name the ones that made it. I am not coming up with much of a list.

Mickey and Lauren have always been a great story. Mickey certainly was never bred to jump or compete at the USEF level. My daughter has learned to win and lose on Mickey. Each win greater for the twenty times in between when they did not place,

This morning Mickey was jumping well. They looked good. Then we went back to the stalls and just waited for Finals to start. And we waited some more. The anxiety increased for Lauren and the hours wore on. By the time she got back on Mick and headed to the warm up ring to get him ready for the Final, Mick was not jumping. He was refusing jumps in the warm up ring-never a good sign. Dev dropped the height of the jump and he still wasn’t jumping. It did not go well. When Lauren got to the Finals ring, she had tears in her eyes. If Mickey is not jumping well in warm up, chances are high he will not jump well (or at all) in his round.

It was rough from the start. It did not smooth out. By jump number eight, he stopped. Lauren neatly slid off to the ground without messing up her white breeches and walked out of the arena. Zone Finals for Irish Midnight and Lauren were done. It was a disappointing end to what could have been a great come back story.

Mickey will now go into semi-retirement. He just is not consistent and safe at the height they need to jump. He has served my daughter well. I have no complaints.

We are enormously lucky to have two fine young horses here at the farm that can all be great horses for Lauren. We have so much to look forward to with these terrific horses. Mickey has been Lauren’s go to guy for so long, it will take a while to get used to seeing her on new mounts. But I will not miss seeing her on the ground after Mickey has decided not to jump a jump.

Like most come backs, this one was not entirely successful (they did win some rounds at the show a couple weeks ago and did well yesterday). I am grateful for the many wonderful times Mick and Lauren have had. He will forever be part of our family. I suspect he will help some other young riders start out over fences. I will always be grateful for all he did for my girl.

Exechorseluver

The life and times of modern day horse woman

Category Archives: The horses of Six Meadow Farm