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!!

Mustang Love

Posted on September 14, 2015 by Exechorseluver

Kit and Isabel

Kit, our newest boarder at Six Meadow Farm, has come a huge distance and yet in other ways has just moved down the road. Originally from some of the remaining wild horses in Oregon, Kit somehow made her way thousands of miles south to come to live on my neighbor’s property.

Some years and bad times, brought Kit to her next turn in the road which was my farm right down the street. Horse lover Isabel made the decision with her family to aid and abet this little mustang mare who was seized by the sheriff’s office, then bound for the kill buyer, a crowded painful ride to Mexico and a brutal end in the unregulated slaughter house to be processed into meat.

As my father always told me when I wanted to buy this horse or that horse, that it was not the price of the horse itself (at least back when he and I were buying horses) but the cost to keep it, care for it and provide for it for all the years to come. In the case of Isabel and Kit, there was no price to buy this horse. Our Pultar Road neighbors went out to the auction and waited most of the day to get this Mustang and a Quarter horse pony out of harm’s way, bidding back to back with kill buyer until the little horses were not worth their weight in meat (literally). Our neighbors brought them home to us.

Isabel had done her research on how much the keeping and nurturing of the horse would cost her over a year’s time. But like most new horse owners, the minute Kit got off the trailer at our farm, one could almost visualize the bills starting to mount up. First, as Isabel assessed her, she saw a lot of scrapes and cuts. The sheriff had gotten the horses to auction too late to be auctioned with the horses and they were sent down the shoots with the frightened cattle. Our pony held up pretty well but Kit was a mess of torn flesh including a gash on her back leg.

Kit’s feet were in bad shape as well. By Saturday the farrier arrived to help out Kit, but declined to work on her as he was concerned about her cut leg and the fever he felt sure was racing through her bloodstream. Nothing about this was good news to Isabel and her parents. Meanwhile, our pony Jete’ was starting to shine like a new penny, having her feet trimmed up and we were discussing who was going to ride her first. The comparison between to the two rescues had to make it even harder for Isabel to understand what in the world she had been thinking when she signed up to rescue the Mustang.

To add a little more insult to injury, Isabel was now our employee, cleaning stalls, hauling feed and water and sweating, a lot. Most suburban teenagers do not have what it takes physically to knock out 14 stalls in 95 degree heat. But Isabel stuck with it. It was one more way to pay her Mustang’s board bill.

Our pony went off with saddle, bridle and rider into the arena like they had just stepped into the show ring. While there were a few mistakes, the pony clearly knew what to do and had been well-trained.

Meanwhile, Isabel followed up with vet to learn there was no temperature, the leg would heal fine but oh, boy did this girl’s teeth need some work! For those of you old enough to remember there used to be a series of books about a girl named Pippi Longstocking. Pippi could pick up a horse in one hand. She was super strong. I often think of our vet Lynn as the Pippi Longstocking of vets. As a female in the large animal industry, it has helped Lynn to smart, fast, lean and strong. Most horses are no match for her technique but this Mustang, was not letting anyone look at her teeth. A little medication later, the teeth were taken care of, but Lynn urged Isabel’s mom to get some PROFESSIONAL training help as her daughter could be hurt. More money out the door and it sounded like more was going to be spent.

Meanwhile, our pony was on perfect ride number two over in the arena. I attempted to help Isabel with the bridling issue only to learn this Mustang mare was not planning on opening her mouth for me any more than she was for anyone else. I gave it a good try-but Kit won.

We started talking about alternatives to traditional bridles like hackamores or bosals. I think Isabel was just watching money run out of her wallet. Originally, her plan had been to do some fund raising both at her school and on-line. Money was just trickeling in for the mare and her care.

But I did see them make progress. The first days, the water hose sent Kit to outer-space but by this weekend she was quietly standing in the wash rack while the water ran full force. She had become quieter and easier to handle each day as well. In the dark before dawn as I brought the horses in to eat, I would put my pony away first. Kit stood calmly in the hallway until I was ready to walk her back to her food. The terror in her calls to our pony, Jete’ , the moment the pony disappeared from sight, reduced and started to cease as Kit became part of the mare’s pasture.

I also think that it helped immensely for Caroline and Arianna to come by with pictures and stories of their Mustang, Ellie Mae, that many of you have seen on the show circuit. She is a glossy, beautiful mare who has won many blue ribbons in the ring. But Caroline showed Isabel pictures of Ellie Mae as she had arrived, skinny, banged up and looking nothing like the adorable mount she is now.

This weekend I put together a hackamore (it works without a bit by putting pressure on the nose of the horse) for Isabel to try on Kit. As her father stood looking a bit concerned I urged Isabel to go ahead and saddle up Kit. We would go take a test ride. I had seen nothing in this horse to indicate she would be crazy or spooky as long as we left her teeth alone. Isabel eagerly agreed and we headed off to the arena.

As I stood closely by and Hugh ran video on his phone, Isabel mounted the Mustang for what was probably the first time in at least five years. The little mare accepted Isabel on her back and walked quietly around the pen. It was a big first for the two of them.

Lauren on Jete” and Isabel on Kit for the first time.

Last night both Lauren and Isabel saddled their ponies and they took their first ride out in the big arena. It was a pretty fine moment.

Isabel has set up a “Go Fund Me” to help her offset the costs (and the continuing costs) of supporting her rescued Mustang. I know we have all been asked to support this and that cause and we probably could use money for our own horses. I have not used this blog as a fund rising vehicle in the past. But something about the determination of this 15 year-old girl to help save this Mustang has made me respect her grit, strength and vision. When she first heard about this mare in need she set out to devise a plan to help. I would ask you to help her help the Mustang. Let’s watch this mare blossom!

As always, thanks for riding along! Send a dollar or ten if you can!

http://www.gofundme.com/savekit

Rescue Initiated-Rescue Complete

Posted on September 4, 2015 by Exechorseluver

The rescue team of Jo Ann, Olivia, Alex, new pony Jete’, Lauren, Lainie, Hugh, rescue horse Kit and Isabel. Oh, and Kona photobombing the shot.

There are all those dog, horse, cat (insert animal) rescue books out today that claim the animal just “found” the person. Then they all had a wonderful happy life thereafter. I don’t believe in fairy tales, or all rescue horses are happy and the perfect fit. I have lived in the real world of animals too long. Where my majestic Bruno (an OTTB) is euthanized in my back yard after we suffer the anguish of trying to save him. I have brought home too many “rescue” cats and dogs that later were clearly not the right animal for my family or our lifestyle and had to be re-homed or died on the highway.

Maybe all rescue animals go to heaven but the road to hell is stock full of “rescues” gone wrong. I think it is in the nature of a lot of us to want to rescue animals. It makes us feel superior and needed. It makes us feel important. Often we do not think about the long term obligations of the rescue animal that may have a long life to live.

So, with all that negitivity, how did we come to be lined up in the front yard, holding two rescue horses? I guess that doing the “right” thing can be pretty compelling.

There might be 15 homes situated on our little bluff over the Brazos River. Most of us have horses, cattle, goats or other livestock and probably all of us have dogs. Our one neighbor lives in a nice, newer home at the top of road. Since we have been here, about a year and a half, we have never seen him. But we have seen his band of five horses. These horses are notorious for breaking out of their pasture. Often they would be seen grazing on the long grass next to the road. That was a good plan because their pasture was overrun with weeds and as our weather has gotten more and more unpredictable this year, the horses have looked worse and worse.

The man, Martin, lost his wife a few years ago to cancer and he is elderly. I think the heart just went out of him as he dealt with overwhelming grief and increased dementia. I did not call the sheriff, but someone on the street probably did as I drove home a few weeks ago to see the sheriff’s horse trailer lined up on the road. I knew the horse’s were being seized.

About ten days ago, Isabel came up to the house and told me a woman was there to talk to me. She introduced herself as my neighbor, Pauline. It is a sad fact that we do not get out and meet our neighbors in this busy world we live in. I immediately knew her place as she described it. Pauline told me that she and dressage instructor neighbor, Nancy were going to take three of the worst of the Martin’s horses and try to save them instead of having them face euthanasia. Those three horses were elderly and horribly emaciated. Then she asked me if I could help out possibly with the other two horses, both mares, one a younger pony and one a middle-aged Mustang. She said both had been rideable at one time.

My immediate thought was no, we cannot take on another thing. It has been a rough year for us after starting the new business, dealing with surgeries (mine and Lauren’s), closing out all my mother’s debts and the difficult weather. A couple of the boarders were standing by and I asked if they could help. Finally, I asked my buddy Jo Ann, always considerate, generous and with a huge heart if she would go hall and half with me on the pony’s expenses and we high-fived in agreement. Of course, I was still trying to sell pony Piper that had not been a fit at all for Jordyn and I don’t know what I was thinking but there we were, agreeing to take a sight-unseen pony while relief washed over Pauline’s face. I asked Lainie if their family might be interested and I got a resounding “no”. I get it. Paying board on an unknown, untested rescue horse is hazardess to your heart and potentially your pocket-book.

Later, Lainie’s teenaged daughter, Isabel came to me in the house to ask questions about the mustang mare and how much it would cost to keep her. She wanted to know if she could work off some of the board and expenses. I told her maybe a $100 a month or so.

Well. by the next day, Lainie’s family was adopting the Mustang mare. Lainie said she had never seen Isabel so determined (and Isabel is a focused, strong-minded individual on a normal day). They had discussed it as a family, and we worked togerher to come up with a plan to allow Isabel to own her first horse. It was a big moment in her life and one I know she will always remember.

Kit arriving, a little thin, a little worn but pretty quiet and eager to please.

And then we waited. Due to county protocols, the horses had to be quarantined and then sent to an area auction. The auction was set for yesterday. The danger of a horse auction is always the “kill-buyer”. He is looking for horses to buy to transport to Mexico for a horrific death at the slaughter house. Our neighbors had agreed to ante-up the auction cost of the horses if we would agree to give them homes. We expected the horses to move through the auction about noon. At noon, there was still not any sign of them. Pauline called me around 1:30 to say the transport to the auction had been delayed but they thought they would be arriving shortly.

Finally around 3:30, we got the news that the two mares had been secured and purchased. But what I thought would be a couple of hundred dollars a piece turned into almost $1000 when the kill buyer went bid for bid with our neighbors. Horse meat goes for about a $1 a pound. A six hundred pound pony brings $600. I was so relieved, I cried when I heard they were in the trailer and headed home to us.

Amidst the happy gathering of rescuers, family and friends, the horses arrived safely. The pony backed out to Lauren’s waiting hands and was dubbed with the name Jete’-meaning movement or flight. I hope she learns to take flight over the jumps but who knows, at least she is safe. And in the usual way of ponies, she looked no worse for wear. She looked well fed and stocky. No wonder the kill buyer wanted her-she was a meaty girl.

Alex and Lauren holding Jete’ as they wait for Kit to unload. Of course, Kona is on the job making sure all is going well.

Isabel and Kit were introduced and both seemed to glow with happiness. One at finding her first horse and one at having finally her own person.

Thinner than the pony but with a happy expression and an interested look.

We will see how this all works out in a few months or years. Mickey, Snow and Cody all came from the rescue and grace our barn. They have been with Libby and us for over 12 years now. We will see how these ladies do. I bet they get a lot love and groceries and second chance on life.

Thank you for riding along! And a big thank you to these new neighbors of mine who put animals first. Thank you Gil and Pauline. It is a happy day at Six Meadow Farm.

jete’ gleaming in the evening light after a thorough clean up by Alex and Lauren. Looks like a show pony not a rescue. Wow!

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.

Colorado

Posted on August 15, 2015 by Exechorseluver

I had a last-minute opportunity to head off to Colorado with my granddaughter Jordyn to spend the weekend celebrating the birthdays of my Denver grandchildren, Riley and Lexi.

I am a Denver native and a lover of the Rockies. While I have not lived in Denver for over 35 years I have always made several trips a year “home”. Until these last years, when I moved my mom to Texas and now with her gone, I have not been here since my mother’s funeral last August.

It was with some apprehension I agreed to join the celebration of the birthdays of Riley (6) and Lexi (4). I wanted to see my Colorado grandkids but was already reeling a bit from the first anniversary of my mother’s death and I knew a visit to my mountain home would emphasize not minimize my memories of my family.

Jordyn and I headed off yesterday afternoon. Arriving at my daughter Amber’s home, while things had changed it all felt so familiar. Much of my mother’s furniture makes it home now at Amber’s house. I was greeted by the sight of our family dining room table with the oil painting from Brussels placed prominently upon the navy wall. So many memories of holiday meals and family gatherings filled my mind.

The sight of Nellie, the current Irish Wolfhound in residence at Amber’s, brought memories of our big dogs from before. Jim always loved posing for pictures with the noble dogs. Nellie is a big girl with one of the best temperaments I have seen.

It was nice to sit down to a family dinner or pork roast and pasta. It has been a long time since Lauren and I have bothered with a real meal. I had forgotten how nice it was to enjoy great food and lively conversation.

Today preparations for the party started early (although not feed the horses at 4:30 early). The giant bouncy house arrived, then the caterers and then the guests. It was a beautiful day filled with fun, friends and family.

I guess returning home means starting new memories. Memories I will have to cherish in the future. Colorado said “welcome home”.

Abby and Jordyn

Posted on August 9, 2015 by Exechorseluver

Jo on Snow and Abby on Ellie Mae-back riding together again.

Jordyn and Abby have known each other almost from birth. Jordyn is about six months older than Abby but Abby has always been bright enough and quick enough to not only follow Jordyn but to lead her. Sometimes that was not good, especially when they were three and four years old and known “shop” at the Equestrian Center boutiques, promising Caroline or I would be back to pay for whatever they had picked out (I have to say they usually had extremely good taste-I didn’t always want to purchase a $100 sweater for Jo).

Both Jo and Abby has older role models in their aunt/sister and the millions of kids they watch at the shows that they should be top-notch riders now by age seven. But both girls are equally skittish. Trotting fine one day and reluctant to move forward the next. We can easily blame that on some super-duper falls they have taken that have made them leery of anything Caroline or I promise. fair enough. It was great this last weekend to have a horse date without aunt or sister in tow, just the little girls to ride their ponies.

Abby, Lauren and Jordyn at Pin Oak 2013

The girls showing off their bows.

The have enjoyed lots of fun times but have not actually entered a horse show except for Leadline. We are hoping to remedy that in September where they will step out on the rescue ponies for the first time on their own. That should be an event to remember. I am glad these girls have had each other, to play with, to love horses with, to support one another and drive each other on. It is a special friendship.
Abby and Jordyn a couple of years ago in the cold at the horse show.

I hope one day these two make the Junior Riders team. But it is just as likely they could walk away from all this riding stuff their families do and just say it is not for me. It can be scary, and overwhelming. but I hope they stay friends and continue to build on their early relationship.
Off they go.

Reflections

Posted on July 28, 2015 by Exechorseluver

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ryan, Lexi, Riley and Amber

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

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

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

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

Jordyn, Kendyll and Abby.

Our cleaning team surrounding the estactic Kendyll.

Our cleaning team surrounding the ecstatic Kendyll.

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

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

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

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.

Summer Working Students

Posted on July 7, 2015 by Exechorseluver

Isabel, Lauren and Mia looking like professional equestrians headed off to learning event.

Many barns with top trainers and riders have summer working students that come and essentially work for free in return for proximity to such amazing learning opportunities. Okay, so our little backyard barn does not house a resident trainer or a hot-shot rider to motivate the working student to spend grueling hours under the hot Texas sun, but apparently we have some draw as two students joined us this summer for a four-week program. The program (I am being generous here) was designed (thought up one night in response to the impending arrival of the students) to aid the students in learnIng multiple facets of the equestrian business, from running a barn smoothly to greater insight on the horses they ride.

Mia on my horse, Investment Art (Nova)

Mia, formerly of Houston, returned from her current home in Malaysia (I bet my working student came further than yours did) to spend the time under Lauren’s tutelage and took up residence in our home.

Isabel and Prosecco Classico on course.

Isabel, a boarder, from Katy, Texas, came daily to work, learn and sweat with the group.

Both girls have trained with Dev Branham and continued riding multiple mounts for him during the summer program. Timing was such that everyone got a shot at showing as well. The Greater Houston Hunter Jumper Show conveniently was scheduled mid-program. Dr. Lynn Criner helped out with offering up her pony-Just George for Mia to show.

It wasn’t all work! From left, Alex, Isabel, Mia and Jordyn having some fun at the GHHJA show.

Next year, if we do this again, I have advanced plans of much better ways to incorporate time and teaching to the working student. But for this year, I put together some opportunities interspersed with amble time for riding, barn management and hopefully some fun. Several days a week the girls had responsibilities for horse turn-out, cleaning stalls, barn management and arena perfection.

Discussion was had over variety of feeds, hays and type of work that the horses were doing (or not). Pasture management including important things how/where manure is dumped and pasture rotation was an ongoing subject. Certainly there was never a shortage of opinion or feedback about pasture assignments (horses, just like people {or dogs}) like and respect others in varying degrees.

We set up some other educational sessions as well. Dr. Kendrick Govan did a tremendous job helping the ladies build a perfect barn first-aid kit. Additionally, she walked them through what a lameness exam in a horse is meant to show and basic first aid tips. The group was very complimentary of Dr. Govan and what they all learned.

Likewise, the girls spent a day auditing the Emerging Athlete’s Program sponsored by USEF at Katy Equestrian Center. After listening to American Olympic Gold Medalist Joe Fargis work with the riders in the program the students and Lauren raced home to recreate his course in our arena. When trainer Dev arrived and questioned the unique course, I told him to ask Mia or Isabel to explain the point to of this particular course. Without hesitation, Isabel clearly articulated to Dev what the horse and rider would gain from riding it. I call that a big win. (I would note that course pretty quickly got changed-it was pretty tough to handle.)

Tony’s Timber Ridge Farm

A trip north to the beautifully built and appointed barn of Tony Font was a fun educational outing provided by trainer Trapp O’Neal with the help of Caitlyn Epperson. Trapp, a rider and trainer of Grand Prix horses, aided the girls in understanding basic horse anatomy and how it plays out in the jumping ring. The girls were asked to evaluate several horses based upon the criteria they had just learned. Caitlyn also did some jumping demonstrations which were case in point. It is doubtful that any of these students will be jumping around a Grand Prix course any time soon (or ever) but it is always fun to see inside the world where you have been a spectator in the past.

Mia modeling the new helmet visor. A lot of shopping was included for the students-just ask their parents.

Four weeks of summer fun which included a lot of laughter, fast food and shopping when the group was not hauling dirt to fill the rain-soaked pastures, working another horse in the hot, humid environment of summer in Houston or dragging the arena yet again in the endless circles of perfection. A heartfelt thanks for all that you accomplished this summer. I would call our first working students, Mia and Isabel, amazing, intelligent, and hard-working. I saw them get tougher, stronger and become better horse-woman. I am grateful they came to learn, to work and to grow with Six Meadow Farm.

And to all of you, thanks for riding along!