So little time...

so many... books!
In real life, I am a part-time Assistant Librarian :) And the Library Director has done a very, very bad thing... she has re-arranged all the books in the library. This means every time I go to find a book I have on my list to read, I find a new book that I want to read... so I was up until 4 am (yawn) trying to finish the book I was reading because I just couldn't put it down!!!

so many... soft ball games!
Both my girls play softball - for different schools. Yes, it sure does make it interesting. But it is a nice way to sit in the warm sunshine (ok, most days, when it isn't windy and cold) and enjoy the out doors and visit with friends you haven't seen all winter because we all have been hibernating next to the wood stove.

so many.... chores!
I was cleaning the barn last weekend and put my allergies into overdrive. I was sick in bed for 4 days. I'm finally human again - my daughters don't agree, but my husband does :)

so many... horses :(
There are so many horses out there looking for good homes. Fortunately, there are many nice, sensible, sound, honest working horses out there it is a buyers market. Many people can't give away their husband-safe, kid-safe horses. They just can't afford to board, feed, etc. Looking for a horse? Have the knowledge? Have the means, even in this economy, to keep them? You don't have to look hard. Horses with issues are showing up even more. If you don't know horses, have someone you do know go with you. Someone you trust and who will be honest with you and not get you in over your head. Heard a few of those stories around, also.

So many... ROCKS!
I live on the edge of a state gravel pit. Seriously. We grow rocks around here better than most people grow, well, anything! It's one of the spring chores that I love to see most of all. If my teenagers give me a hassle and don't want to listen to Mom, out to the fields to pick up rocks!!! It's a wonderful conditioner for them for softball. They are NOT allowed to chuck them at each other or the animals. That is big, big trouble. Then they have to clean the dog pen and help with wood. Great attitude chores!

So little time to ride. Sigh. Too many things. Clean the house. Feed the dogs. Clean the bird cage. Wash the dishes. Fold the laundry. Hang out the towels. Pick up the kids from softball. Go to work. Pick up the truck from the garage. Clean the stalls. Fill the water tanks. The list is never ending.

However, if you are looking for something fun to do this weekend, check out the Everything Equine event in Essex Junction, VT this weekend. Saturday and Sunday. It's not even close to the big even in Mass in November, but it's a nibble at the edges of the good weather to get you pumped up for the riding for the summer! I'll be gone all day Sunday with my good friend and riding buddy. We are leaving early (yawn) Sunday morning and making a full day of it. It will close at 4 pm, but we plan on stopping for dinner, just the two of us, before heading back home to play Mom for the week! :) I can't wait!

It's a sad state in the horse world...

My boys are so glad they belong to me. I'm sure there are others out there - I know quite a few - whose horses are well cared for and loved. However, my in box is OVER full of sad news. The mustang sanctuary out west who has dead horses all over the place. Others struggling to survive and no means to feed them. (There are rescuers out there helping them, thank god.)

The pony in Maine who went from very good to the fire, to, well, maybe the frying pan? Depending on what you read and who you listen to, this is a man trying to do something for an emaciated pony, who might have a spotty record of taking care of his horses himself. This does not harden me to the fact that he is going all out to take care of this pony, but what about the others in the pastures out back who aren't in dire straits but might not be far behind? I hope the care and attention this pony receives rubs off on the others in his care.

Then on to the Polo Ponies. O.M.G. In the International Eye. Ok, forget the international eye. Someone cared for these guys. The grooms, the riders, the vets, someone. (Ok, let me enjoy my little bubble of innocence - let me believe that someone did care for each of them.) I am proud to say that, nationalities, views, teams aside - all the pictures that I saw (and yes, I do realize that we don't ever see EVERYTHING), everyone was pitching in and caring for the ill horses.

So, before I head back to bed with my hot water bottle and my box of puffs plus with lotion, I have to say two things...

ONE: If you know of any animal that is being neglected, abused, tortured, abandonded, PLEASE, PLEASE! report it!! If you can't find someone in your area who will take it seriously, contact me. I promise you that I will find someone to help you.

TWO: If you can help, even $5 - contribute to a REPUTABLE, honest rescue. If you need someone to help you find one, I will be more than glad to help. The economy is struggling to raise, money is still being guarded and people are still not loosening the proverbial belt to any degree. Help when and where you can.

I'm off to bed. A full day tomorrow and my head still feels like it's going to explode. The rain is a good thing, but the pollen count, the chickens, the birds, and my allergies are killing me. Sinus head ache, runny nose, watery eyes, etc. Good old chicken soup and warm tea and a box of kleenex - they are my constant companions for the last couple of days.

Good night, horses. I hope you all have warm shelter, plenty to eat and clean water. Leave my bubble alone, will you. I want to sleep tonight!
Lynn :)

One down, two to go....

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 :)

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.

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 :)

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

O. M. G. !!!!!

Enough already. If I hear or read another report on someone who has neglected to FEED their animals or provide the animals in their care with WATER, I'm gonna rip what little hair that is left on the top of my head OUT!!!!

Don't get me wrong. I can completely understand the economy and the tightening of the hypothetical belt, but not FEEDING your animal - for an EXTENDED period of time - is unexcusable. There are those out there, I KNOW! that if you are in that bad of shape, they will come take your animals if you call for help.

Just this week I have had the priviledge of hearing of a CONVICTED ANIMAL NEGLECTOR gave up more animals to a rescue.

Just tonight I read another email about a Thoroughbred OWNER who is accused of neglecting and not feeding ONE HUNDRED SEVENTY SEVEN HORSES. Hello. He doesn't look like he has missed too many meals in the last few years. But somehow, a few of his horses showed up at auction looking like hell and found a wonderful rescuer who took them in.

Another rescue took in 17 horses in North Carolina from three different locations - one of them being a RESCUE!

People. I. Just. Don't. Get. IT.

If you can't take care of an animal, give it to someone who can. If you can't take care of yourself, don't even think about taking on the care of an animal...

I have been taking care of my friends horse while she is dealing with some major issues. I knew when I took this horse in that she might not be able to pay for the care at some point in time. That day came about a YEAR AGO! If you drive by my house, I can guarantee you one thing. I can guarantee that every horse in my field looks just as good as the next. Her horse has NEVER not been fed. NEVER not been watered. NEVER not had it's feet done. NEVER not been wormed on a regular schedule. I have not done all the spring shots yet, because I can't afford them all this month... however, I will work on one each month until they are ALL done.

I don't care how much I have to tighten my belt. Ok. I haven't missed too many meals, either. But when it comes to the horses eating first, the dogs eating first, they get fed each night BEFORE I do. Ask my kids how anal I am about that.

I just can't figure people out. If you need help, email me.... rescueahorse@comcast.net If I don't have a direct resource for the help you need, I WILL FIND IT FOR YOU! The only catch is that you can't add more after we have taken some. If you have means, donate to the rescue that helped you. Don't go get another dog. Another horse. Another cat.

If you want something to sit on the counter or on the back porch, GET A ROCK!

Any animal, I don't care how small, large, cuddly or awesome you may think it is - it is a BEATING HEART! It can and does feel pain, cold, hunger, sickness.

I'm going back out to the barn. To hear my horses - and the horses that aren't mine but live at my house - munch on their hay, while standing in their stalls with clean shavings and clean buckets of water. People suck. Horses rule.