Aspey went home up north today. The boys are wondering what is going on. She loaded in the trailer without hesitation. The ponies spent most of the afternoon standing by the fence looking to see if she was coming back. Such silly ponies.
Buddy and Elias are still VERY interested in Lacey. She is STILL in heat! Abner is entertaining a nice couple who needs a companion for their older horse. He would be the perfect match. The final arrangements aren't complete, but well on their way. And he might be moving just a few miles down the road!
I just got a new saddle for $100 on craigslist. I ordered a girth, saddle pad and breast plate and they just arrived - yes, I love ebay, too. It is a abetta endurance trail saddle - they sell for around $350 brand new. It's in very, very good shape. I'm thinking it will fit both Elias and Buddy!
Well, once the weather forecast clears of all the rain, I'm headed out riding again. Guess this week of school vacation is going to be house cleaning time while the girls are home. Sigh. Happy Campers, NOT!
Enjoy your weekend :)
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Friday, April 17, 2009
Hay, Hay, Hay
It's a beautiful day and I'm inside doing laundry and cleaning the house. A sick teenager at home. Another teenager trying to spread her wings and expand her horizons. Need to go to work in about 45 minutes. Would love to go for a ride, but don't have the time. Then I looked at the weather forecast for next week. Showers, showers, showers. Good grief.
The news is depressing in the horse world. Hay is at an all time high. More and more horses are coming out of the wood work in dire and desperate need of help. Money is tight. Rescues are full.
I sent out an email to a bunch of groups I belong to - a question that I posed and will post some of the observations in a later post. Then I found out that there was a meeting of many people out west and some of the answers I was looking for were there - I will post that link, also.
So, warm weather will be here soon. It is SNOWING in Colorado today. Won't complain about a few showers next week.
The news is depressing in the horse world. Hay is at an all time high. More and more horses are coming out of the wood work in dire and desperate need of help. Money is tight. Rescues are full.
I sent out an email to a bunch of groups I belong to - a question that I posed and will post some of the observations in a later post. Then I found out that there was a meeting of many people out west and some of the answers I was looking for were there - I will post that link, also.
So, warm weather will be here soon. It is SNOWING in Colorado today. Won't complain about a few showers next week.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Time to Ride
Well, I went for my first ride Saturday. Went on my old horse, Buddy. Who turned 28 this spring. He walked quietly - almost having to prod him - the whole way out, about 2 miles. Then he JOGGED the whole way back. Ohy, vey. My sides are killing me. Still.
He did wonderfully. I haven't ridden him since October 2008. He was mostly worried about leaving Elias with his girls... the reason for the prodding all the way out. Once we got to my friends house, he didn't want to stand and wait for me to visit. He churned up her drive way dancing in circles for the 5 minutes we talked. Then he proceeded to jig and jog all the way home. I did make him stop and stand for a few seconds - at road crossings. Up the big hill. Near the fence with the flag blowing. He was wonderful. Went through the huge puddle up to his knees without pausing.
I had been having a bit of a time with myself. Psyching myself out. I finally found a nice day with nothing on the schedule and just told myself to do it. Now, I wasn't putting myself in any danger. I knew my horse, knew he was trained well and the worst he would do was turn a few circles not wanting to go away from his girls. I just had to get over my hesitation.
Then, my good friend, Lisa, called me. Want to go riding? SURE! She has an older horse, a comfy, couch like horse. I love this horse. I would have taken this horse if it weren't for the fact that I had just agreed to take Elias in November. He is a very sweet boy. He was good, also. We went out for about 2 hours on Monday. We haven't ridden since our last ride Thanksgiving weekend. Holidays, hockey, basketball, work, children, keep us both very, very busy.
Dakota is such a mush monster. I love him. We went riding, he needing a little prodding on the way out, but was well in the lead on the way back. To the point that I made him stop a couple of times to let Lisa and her mare catch up. It was nice to visit, catch up on our lives and the happenings with the kids, the husbands.
We have plans two weekends from now to go to Everything Equine in Essex Junction, VT. It's not as big as Equine Affair in Springfield, Mass, but it's Vermont's version of a horse extravaganza. We are going for the day.
Just to let you all know how serious we are about this horse thing, I went on line to see if I could order tickets for Equine Affair in November. Not yet. Lisa went and made our room reservations last week :) I guess we are both thinking ahead.
My big purchase I am planning on making at Everything Equine is a new bridle for Elias. Buddy's does fit him, but I have to mess with the buckles and it takes a lot of time and a lot of finger strength that I don't always have. He needs his own, anyways.
So, I'm planning on riding Thursday, supposed to be a nice day and warm. I might just ride Elias around the pasture and around the house by the gravel pit. I need to build up my confidence in him. I'm sure he will do just fine, but I need to work out my butterflies.
Kinda a bit not so cavalier about riding. I'm going to be 43 this year and I don't bounce so well. Used to be, have helmet, will ride. I'm a tad bit more selective about the horses I ride now. Older and wiser. With a new helmet :)
He did wonderfully. I haven't ridden him since October 2008. He was mostly worried about leaving Elias with his girls... the reason for the prodding all the way out. Once we got to my friends house, he didn't want to stand and wait for me to visit. He churned up her drive way dancing in circles for the 5 minutes we talked. Then he proceeded to jig and jog all the way home. I did make him stop and stand for a few seconds - at road crossings. Up the big hill. Near the fence with the flag blowing. He was wonderful. Went through the huge puddle up to his knees without pausing.
I had been having a bit of a time with myself. Psyching myself out. I finally found a nice day with nothing on the schedule and just told myself to do it. Now, I wasn't putting myself in any danger. I knew my horse, knew he was trained well and the worst he would do was turn a few circles not wanting to go away from his girls. I just had to get over my hesitation.
Then, my good friend, Lisa, called me. Want to go riding? SURE! She has an older horse, a comfy, couch like horse. I love this horse. I would have taken this horse if it weren't for the fact that I had just agreed to take Elias in November. He is a very sweet boy. He was good, also. We went out for about 2 hours on Monday. We haven't ridden since our last ride Thanksgiving weekend. Holidays, hockey, basketball, work, children, keep us both very, very busy.
Dakota is such a mush monster. I love him. We went riding, he needing a little prodding on the way out, but was well in the lead on the way back. To the point that I made him stop a couple of times to let Lisa and her mare catch up. It was nice to visit, catch up on our lives and the happenings with the kids, the husbands.
We have plans two weekends from now to go to Everything Equine in Essex Junction, VT. It's not as big as Equine Affair in Springfield, Mass, but it's Vermont's version of a horse extravaganza. We are going for the day.
Just to let you all know how serious we are about this horse thing, I went on line to see if I could order tickets for Equine Affair in November. Not yet. Lisa went and made our room reservations last week :) I guess we are both thinking ahead.
My big purchase I am planning on making at Everything Equine is a new bridle for Elias. Buddy's does fit him, but I have to mess with the buckles and it takes a lot of time and a lot of finger strength that I don't always have. He needs his own, anyways.
So, I'm planning on riding Thursday, supposed to be a nice day and warm. I might just ride Elias around the pasture and around the house by the gravel pit. I need to build up my confidence in him. I'm sure he will do just fine, but I need to work out my butterflies.
Kinda a bit not so cavalier about riding. I'm going to be 43 this year and I don't bounce so well. Used to be, have helmet, will ride. I'm a tad bit more selective about the horses I ride now. Older and wiser. With a new helmet :)
Sunday, April 12, 2009
An Essay for Animal Rescuers
People who work animal rescue are some of the strongest, most courageous people that I know.
They see and experience things that most people don’t even want to hear about.
They often stand strong for themselves, for the animals, and for those around them and shed their tears in private after the rescue is complete.
At times they are ridiculed for their decisions to stand up against the cruelty of man and are chastised when they choose to speak out against hideous forms of animal cruelty that is prevalent in our society today.
This essay is to help our friends in animal rescue keep a good attitude, be compassionate toward the people who do not know how to be compassionate and to keep focused on bringing peace and kindness to our world on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves...
If you worry that you have not made a difference, you have; for only those who do not worry about it have not.
If you feel overwhelmed, if the weight of their problems is too heavy to bear, remember it is a shared burden and the strength of numbers can accomplish much.
If you think society and government are blind, it only serves to remind that we need to change one mind at a time, one law after another.
We effect change by cooperation, not by isolation.
If you consider that we cannot save them all (and what difference does one make?), you ought to know the joy of the one who is saved.
Mourn those we cannot save; it is a eulogy to their being.
Do not let their loss be in vain.
Be kind to yourself; remember your needs and those of your family and friends of every species.
Strive to be happy and healthy.
You are needed.
Achieving balance in life is a lifelong struggle.
We who help those who do not have all that they need should be among the most grateful for what we do have.
Be proud of your accomplishments, not your opinions.
The quality of your efforts is more important than the quantity.
Forgive your own deficiencies--sometimes your caring is sufficient.
Everyone can do something; it is up to you to do the thing you can.
A kind word and a gentle touch can change a life.
If anger wells up within you because people are the problem, remember your humanity and that people are also the solution.
Concentrate on specific needs, pay attention to the individual--they make up the whole.
See beyond the unlovable, the unattractive, the impure and the wounded - see that their spirit is as deserving as the rest. Help them heal.
Their eyes are windows to their soul and the mirror of your sincerity.
All species, all beings, share this Earth in a chain of life.
Care more about what makes us alike than what separates us.
Policies, rules and regulations are not infallible. Apply them judiciously, interpret them wisely.
No decision based purely on money is ever the right one..
Listen to your heart. Sometimes we have to do that which we are most afraid of.
Be true to yourself and your beliefs.
Family may abandon you, friends may disappoint you, strangers will ridicule you. People shun what they do not understand. Help them to understand - kindly, softly, gently.
Those who do not respect all life are to be pitied.
Often the wrongdoer is as in need of help as his victims.
Forgive, then teach by example.
Educate yourself or you cannot hope to teach others.
No action based in hatred is ever right and anger drowns out wisdom.
Yours may be a voice crying in the wilderness, make it a voice to be respected.
Listen more than you talk, be courteous and reliable.
Learn to ask for help.
Never waiver from the truth.
Know that it takes a lot of strength to cry.
And with every defeat, we learn.
All Creation celebrates that which is in its own best interest.
The Children are our hope - nurture them.
Nature is our legacy - protect it.
The Animals are our brethren – learn from them.
Your rewards will not be material, but they will be meaningful and the courage of your convictions can survive anything.
We are small boats cast adrift on a cruel sea, but someday the tide will turn toward a safe harbor.
No matter how dark the storm clouds, or deep the pain of heartbreak – never forget: We are their heroes.
Copyright © Jim Willis 2001
They see and experience things that most people don’t even want to hear about.
They often stand strong for themselves, for the animals, and for those around them and shed their tears in private after the rescue is complete.
At times they are ridiculed for their decisions to stand up against the cruelty of man and are chastised when they choose to speak out against hideous forms of animal cruelty that is prevalent in our society today.
This essay is to help our friends in animal rescue keep a good attitude, be compassionate toward the people who do not know how to be compassionate and to keep focused on bringing peace and kindness to our world on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves...
If you worry that you have not made a difference, you have; for only those who do not worry about it have not.
If you feel overwhelmed, if the weight of their problems is too heavy to bear, remember it is a shared burden and the strength of numbers can accomplish much.
If you think society and government are blind, it only serves to remind that we need to change one mind at a time, one law after another.
We effect change by cooperation, not by isolation.
If you consider that we cannot save them all (and what difference does one make?), you ought to know the joy of the one who is saved.
Mourn those we cannot save; it is a eulogy to their being.
Do not let their loss be in vain.
Be kind to yourself; remember your needs and those of your family and friends of every species.
Strive to be happy and healthy.
You are needed.
Achieving balance in life is a lifelong struggle.
We who help those who do not have all that they need should be among the most grateful for what we do have.
Be proud of your accomplishments, not your opinions.
The quality of your efforts is more important than the quantity.
Forgive your own deficiencies--sometimes your caring is sufficient.
Everyone can do something; it is up to you to do the thing you can.
A kind word and a gentle touch can change a life.
If anger wells up within you because people are the problem, remember your humanity and that people are also the solution.
Concentrate on specific needs, pay attention to the individual--they make up the whole.
See beyond the unlovable, the unattractive, the impure and the wounded - see that their spirit is as deserving as the rest. Help them heal.
Their eyes are windows to their soul and the mirror of your sincerity.
All species, all beings, share this Earth in a chain of life.
Care more about what makes us alike than what separates us.
Policies, rules and regulations are not infallible. Apply them judiciously, interpret them wisely.
No decision based purely on money is ever the right one..
Listen to your heart. Sometimes we have to do that which we are most afraid of.
Be true to yourself and your beliefs.
Family may abandon you, friends may disappoint you, strangers will ridicule you. People shun what they do not understand. Help them to understand - kindly, softly, gently.
Those who do not respect all life are to be pitied.
Often the wrongdoer is as in need of help as his victims.
Forgive, then teach by example.
Educate yourself or you cannot hope to teach others.
No action based in hatred is ever right and anger drowns out wisdom.
Yours may be a voice crying in the wilderness, make it a voice to be respected.
Listen more than you talk, be courteous and reliable.
Learn to ask for help.
Never waiver from the truth.
Know that it takes a lot of strength to cry.
And with every defeat, we learn.
All Creation celebrates that which is in its own best interest.
The Children are our hope - nurture them.
Nature is our legacy - protect it.
The Animals are our brethren – learn from them.
Your rewards will not be material, but they will be meaningful and the courage of your convictions can survive anything.
We are small boats cast adrift on a cruel sea, but someday the tide will turn toward a safe harbor.
No matter how dark the storm clouds, or deep the pain of heartbreak – never forget: We are their heroes.
Copyright © Jim Willis 2001
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)