Hi All!
Been fairly quiet around here, well, except for the slopping noises of marching thru spring mud & guck! All the horses have started to shed, and that's such a beautiful thing!
We have a new addition to our horse family. A yearling paint gelding named Ace joined us last Sunday. He was a freebie, and supposedly has a sore rear foot, but we really haven't seen much signs of it. The owner stated that she, her vet, and her farrier all felt that he would come out of it. He's a nice boy, but right now he is a little "shy" around us humans. Randy has been working with him almost daily since Sunday to bring him around.
I brought Gus home from Kari's yesterday. I do believe that he's happy to be home....or it could just be me...ha ha....
I'm off to the clinic tomorrow - 2 full days of many hours of instruction....I'm so looking forward to it. Though Gus & I probably aren't in as good as shape as we could be, I think we are as ready as we were going to get for only the end of March. I really wish I could video tape most of it.
I'll post after the clinic, and hopefully have some cool stuff to talk about, otherwise, why did I pay that $400????
Friday, March 23, 2007
Monday, March 12, 2007
I Didn't Ride.....
Sunday was beautiful - and though hard to swallow, I spent most of it at CHURCH...lol... My niece, Heather was baptized at the River of Life Church in Portage on Sunday. If I was to be a firm believer and go to Church regularly, I think it was fun and "modern" service....though as the hours drug on, I couldn't quite control my restlessness, and fidget....I think alot of the kids were probably more contained than I was.
We got home around 2ish, and I told Kara that we had to go over and visit Gus, and Kara said she wanted to ride (wow)....so packed up her little saddle and helmut and off we went. So, I was in the rare position with my child, where I was the observer and not the participant.....it feels strange, but I was very pleased to be there. Gus was very well behaved and packed her around like a trooper...in fact she had a hard time getting him to move! There was a neighbor shooting "guns", and though I was a little nervous, Gus handled it all well.
As by looking at the pictures, it's time to move her stirrups DOWN...she hasn't ridden since last fall in her saddle, and her legs have grown considerably!
Kara even jogged Gus
. This is really the first time that she's been on the length of the lungeline. And steering mostly on her own. Kara will start riding lessons at Jessica Cole's soon. Where she will learn how to ride English style first. I firmly believe that learning to post and ride in that discipline - teaches more balance and leg position and strength, than in a western saddle. Too many kids just grab the saddle horn when things are not going "right", instead of learning to use their legs and bodies, and THINK!
So, I was the proud mama, snapping pictures... ha ha....
Friday, March 09, 2007
Monday, March 05, 2007
The Animal Auction
On Saturday I was lucky enough to go to Leudlow's animal auction. Cindy, a current boarder, had heard that there was going to be a paint horse for sale there and wanted to go check it out. Carol who owns Griffin from the barn, and Tanya (Cindy's friend and a past client of mine) also came along.
Too say we had a lot of fun is an understatement, as Cindy was carrying baby goats around and I myself was bidding on Wilbur the pig, and 2 mary "lambs". Of course, I wouldn't go over $5.00 so I did not buy any critters. Though, I was really tempted to buy that darn pig....I could smell the bacon....
On the sad subject of the horses attending the auction....they were a stellar example of why some people should not be able to breed their horses....sigh.....there were 2 registered quarter horse fillies, both coming 3 years old this summer. Neither could lead or tie or were friendly, as they were frightened by the environment they were shuffled in and were more than positive that the human beings staring at them were envisioning the evening meal. They were not horribly thin - they obviously had food, but their hooves showed that it had been some time, if any, that they had been trimmed, and they were definitely showing signs of some serious worms. One filly had serious clouding in one eye, and when I finally could get closer to it - I'm sure there was sight loss. When they came through the auction ring, they didn't even bring a bid of $25.00 And sad to say, they were not worth the $60.00 that the auctioneer bought them for.
Cindy was really eyeing the one filly and when the bidding started, I told her that her hospital bill or deductibles were going to be much higher than $60.00
So the paint gelding that was there was in about the same shape as the 2 fillies (as they came from the same place) - however someone in his short life had spent the time to teach him to lead and tie. And that human's might still be predators - that we were NOT going to really eat him. This gelding is also registered and very colorful. Cindy had named him and kissed him well before the bidding started. Cindy had never been to a "horse" auction (and we'll just call it that loosely"), and I bid on the horse for her. Cindy now owns a 2 yr old registered paint gelding for a mere $95.00 I will have to post some pictures of him here. She has a bit of project for herself, but I think there is some promise here.
We picked up the paint horse on Sunday afternoon and he loaded fine and came off the trailer pretty good. Unfortunately after he got off the trailer, he dragged Cindy to the nearest snow pile and promptly started devouring snow....Cindy took him to the water tank and he submerged his face and didn't come back up for air for some time. It appears that they didn't even bother to give this animal a drink of water, for who knows how long.... We took him a bunch of hay, and I'd have to say the horse hasn't moved from the hay or water tank. There is no other tracks in the snow.....sigh....
On other farm news - it is terribly icy around the barn - so all be careful!
Gus & Charisma are both riding well. Randy came over with me and rode Gus for a little bit too.
Until later!
T.
Too say we had a lot of fun is an understatement, as Cindy was carrying baby goats around and I myself was bidding on Wilbur the pig, and 2 mary "lambs". Of course, I wouldn't go over $5.00 so I did not buy any critters. Though, I was really tempted to buy that darn pig....I could smell the bacon....
On the sad subject of the horses attending the auction....they were a stellar example of why some people should not be able to breed their horses....sigh.....there were 2 registered quarter horse fillies, both coming 3 years old this summer. Neither could lead or tie or were friendly, as they were frightened by the environment they were shuffled in and were more than positive that the human beings staring at them were envisioning the evening meal. They were not horribly thin - they obviously had food, but their hooves showed that it had been some time, if any, that they had been trimmed, and they were definitely showing signs of some serious worms. One filly had serious clouding in one eye, and when I finally could get closer to it - I'm sure there was sight loss. When they came through the auction ring, they didn't even bring a bid of $25.00 And sad to say, they were not worth the $60.00 that the auctioneer bought them for.
Cindy was really eyeing the one filly and when the bidding started, I told her that her hospital bill or deductibles were going to be much higher than $60.00
So the paint gelding that was there was in about the same shape as the 2 fillies (as they came from the same place) - however someone in his short life had spent the time to teach him to lead and tie. And that human's might still be predators - that we were NOT going to really eat him. This gelding is also registered and very colorful. Cindy had named him and kissed him well before the bidding started. Cindy had never been to a "horse" auction (and we'll just call it that loosely"), and I bid on the horse for her. Cindy now owns a 2 yr old registered paint gelding for a mere $95.00 I will have to post some pictures of him here. She has a bit of project for herself, but I think there is some promise here.
We picked up the paint horse on Sunday afternoon and he loaded fine and came off the trailer pretty good. Unfortunately after he got off the trailer, he dragged Cindy to the nearest snow pile and promptly started devouring snow....Cindy took him to the water tank and he submerged his face and didn't come back up for air for some time. It appears that they didn't even bother to give this animal a drink of water, for who knows how long.... We took him a bunch of hay, and I'd have to say the horse hasn't moved from the hay or water tank. There is no other tracks in the snow.....sigh....
On other farm news - it is terribly icy around the barn - so all be careful!
Gus & Charisma are both riding well. Randy came over with me and rode Gus for a little bit too.
Until later!
T.
Monday, February 12, 2007
Yearning for....
I know that I have more than most and less than some....but.....I'm really hoping to get the indoor arena up this summer. We've had business "requests" for boarding that have went elsewhere due to not having an indoor to offer. But most of all, is the fact that I have one horse at a trainer, and now Gus is at Kari's boarded only because of the lack of our own indoor arena. I moved Gus over on Saturday, and went and rode Sunday and today. Though a bit nippy, it was still about 20 degrees inside and it was soooo nice to ride. Even though Gus was more than a bit NAUGHTY...lol.....
So, I'm in the dilemma of having to borrow around $60,000 to make it happen. This would make the mortgage on the farm around $225,000. A hefty sum it feels to me, but darn it, people all over the freaking country are buying $350,000-400,000 homes.....how do they do it? I've explored the business aspect, as in what I would have to have for total number of outside horses to pay for it, the raise of current rates to account for more amenities, and the limitations of only 13 acres....sigh..... My overwhelming fear is A: I dont get the horses/clients here and B: people dont pay their friggin bills....
So, I'm still waffling.... Randy of course says to pull the trigger and just build it....but then he rarely concerns himself with if the bills are paid or paid on time or credit card balances....so he's not much help....sigh..... though, I'm sure if I said I wanted to go buy a $15,000 reining horse, he'd having something to say about THAT!
I know that no one can help me make this decision......I just want my Mom to tell me YES or NO...lol....
So, I'm in the dilemma of having to borrow around $60,000 to make it happen. This would make the mortgage on the farm around $225,000. A hefty sum it feels to me, but darn it, people all over the freaking country are buying $350,000-400,000 homes.....how do they do it? I've explored the business aspect, as in what I would have to have for total number of outside horses to pay for it, the raise of current rates to account for more amenities, and the limitations of only 13 acres....sigh..... My overwhelming fear is A: I dont get the horses/clients here and B: people dont pay their friggin bills....
So, I'm still waffling.... Randy of course says to pull the trigger and just build it....but then he rarely concerns himself with if the bills are paid or paid on time or credit card balances....so he's not much help....sigh..... though, I'm sure if I said I wanted to go buy a $15,000 reining horse, he'd having something to say about THAT!
I know that no one can help me make this decision......I just want my Mom to tell me YES or NO...lol....
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Worry Wart....
So, I haul Gus over to Jessica Cole to meet with Dean J - farrier to investigate his cracks in his heels of his front feet. Dean J is an awesome farrier - whom I used for 4 years when I lived at the barn on Military Rd. I haven't used him since (almost 7 years) as we moved and Dean J became the resident farrier at UW Madison Vet Hospital. Jessica Cole has been fortunate to be one of the few barns that Dean J still does "house" calls to.
Dean had wonderful things to say about Roman Miller, our current farrier, and stated that he was doing an excellent job with Gus's shoeing and feet conditions.
A little background on Gus, is that he has had contracted heels for about 2 years. When Roman came to our barn a year and 1/2 ago, he suggested going with a Natural Balance shoe. In about 6 months we saw marked improvement on Gus and his contracted heels. This last year, I have been battling re-curring Thrush in Gus's front feet. This is a common problem with a horse with contracted heels, as there is a deep crevice for the bacteria to thrive. Its seems once the Thrush goes away, it comes back in about 3-4 weeks and we go thru it all over again.
This past July, Gus was having some right sided issues, mostly evident at the lope. When Roman came out mid-August - Gus was unlevel on his right foot - it was lower than the left. Roman put a very small wedge pad under his shoe to balance him back out. In time, the hoof should catch up and we can take it off. That did solve his problem and Gus was back riding like a million bucks. The wedge also seemed to be improving some of the contraction in that heel, and after another re-set we saw some positive growth. The decision was made to leave the Natural Balance shoes on for the winter.
In the last couple of months, Gus has had small cracks or "fissures" running up from this frog area into his heel. These have gradually gotten bigger and more of a "concern" to me. This is what prompted me to haul to Dean J - and get that all important "Dr's second opinion".....Sigh..... I'm happy to report that this is "cosmetic", and is a result of the on-going battle with Thrush. Dean J states that the cracks is where the infection "broke", and that there is positive live tissue and it will go away in time.
So the most important thing that I learned yesterday is in regard to treating Gus's chronic thrush is to basically throw away the "over-the-counter" thrush medicines. Dean J states that most are too caustic and drying - causing additonal problems (aka cracked heels)...and to buy some plain ole iodine at the drug store....His remedy for Gus is to soak small cotton balls in iodine, and pack them in the crevice areas of Gus's hooves. Sure sounds simple to me....can't wait to try it! And lesson here is "if its not broke, dont fix it".....
I also got to see Charisma work yesterday. I'm very happy to report that after being there for only a little over a week, she is very content and quiet, and is learning to learn.... can't ask for more than that!
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Kara & Horses
Last night as we were in the driveway alongside the new pasture - Gus was running alongside the car...I hollered to Kara - and said " look at Gus loping along side of us!"...Kara laughed and then asked me if Gus was "HER" horse.....hard question to answer, as it feels like forever that I've wanted to hear her say something like that. Alas, I answered her that "No, Gus was not her horse, he was the whole family's horse". Kara made a big sigh and looked disappointed at that. I then told Kara that if she really spent time with Gus and learned to ride and liked it, then I would give Gus to her then.
I hope that was the right answer......
Friday, January 19, 2007
Machinery Dependence.....
To my stall boarders: I'm sorry the stalls are not very clean right now... The manure spreader was full - and Randy went to take spreader out Wednesday night. HOWEVER - the main component necessary to running the tractor was missing....your right - it was the KEY!.....Sooooo, no starting of the tractor..... I didn't clean stalls yesterday .
Randy did come home yesterday after work with a torch and a propane tank and proceeded to melt the snow under the tractor in search of the KEY.... He started up the torch when I had 3 horses left to bring inside....you can imagine the the funky noise and lights as the tractor is parked right along side the barn, fairly near the back door. I asked Randy to cease & desist until I could finish bringing in the horses. After I had everybody in, he started the torch back up....wow - what a way to light up the night and get EVERYONE in the barn stirred up....I went thru and shut up the stall drop-downs to ensure no one could escape...lol...
Now, Randy was SUCCESSFUL in finding the small key (which has prompted him to want to install a toggle switch on the tractor), and took out the spreader of manure. So now the spreader is empty for use. BUT the stalls have went 2 days, and it is now Friday. The plan is to let them go today - and Saturday morning have a strip it party....and I will have lots of clothes on....ha ha... Most people know I'm picky about the stalls and being clean....but its been a bit of vacation to just let them go!
Charisma leaves tomorrow to go to Jessica Cole's for training. I'm praying that she's not a freak about being moved to another strange place, but I have full confidence that Jessica will handle her fine. I did call her past owner, as I still had not received her registration papers and its been almost 3 weeks since they cashed the check. I left a message to her about that, and she called back this week and told me she was sorry to have "forgotten" them, and was wondering if she had settled down yet. I have not returned the call at this point, as I have a feeling that she knew Charisma was like this and didn't disclose that to me (even though I specifically asked if she had any "vices"). Well, too late now, and hopefully she is a complete star under saddle, and we can "deal" with her stall weaving when she is upset. Luckily she doesn't seem to do it ALL the time.
Well, if anyone wants to come to the "strip-it" party tomorrow.......
Have a good weekend!
Randy did come home yesterday after work with a torch and a propane tank and proceeded to melt the snow under the tractor in search of the KEY.... He started up the torch when I had 3 horses left to bring inside....you can imagine the the funky noise and lights as the tractor is parked right along side the barn, fairly near the back door. I asked Randy to cease & desist until I could finish bringing in the horses. After I had everybody in, he started the torch back up....wow - what a way to light up the night and get EVERYONE in the barn stirred up....I went thru and shut up the stall drop-downs to ensure no one could escape...lol...
Now, Randy was SUCCESSFUL in finding the small key (which has prompted him to want to install a toggle switch on the tractor), and took out the spreader of manure. So now the spreader is empty for use. BUT the stalls have went 2 days, and it is now Friday. The plan is to let them go today - and Saturday morning have a strip it party....and I will have lots of clothes on....ha ha... Most people know I'm picky about the stalls and being clean....but its been a bit of vacation to just let them go!
Charisma leaves tomorrow to go to Jessica Cole's for training. I'm praying that she's not a freak about being moved to another strange place, but I have full confidence that Jessica will handle her fine. I did call her past owner, as I still had not received her registration papers and its been almost 3 weeks since they cashed the check. I left a message to her about that, and she called back this week and told me she was sorry to have "forgotten" them, and was wondering if she had settled down yet. I have not returned the call at this point, as I have a feeling that she knew Charisma was like this and didn't disclose that to me (even though I specifically asked if she had any "vices"). Well, too late now, and hopefully she is a complete star under saddle, and we can "deal" with her stall weaving when she is upset. Luckily she doesn't seem to do it ALL the time.
Well, if anyone wants to come to the "strip-it" party tomorrow.......
Have a good weekend!
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Brrrr.......
It was very cold doing chores this morning....I bundled up and headed out at 6:30 to feed all 20 horses - which is quite a few when its only 2 degrees... As I was doing the chores, in my over-alls, boots, gloves, hat etc...marching thru the bit of snow with wheelbarrow filled with hay - and broke out into a sweat....who needs Curves??? I just need to spend about 20 minutes a day pushing the wheelbarrow thru the snow...ha ha....
All the horses were happy to see me, which is always nice...there are 8 horses in the barn, and even with the low temps - the 2 buckets that are not heated only had only a little bit of ice...I have 6 heated water buckets - which I love even if they give me just a little bit more work in the AM's - as I go thru and empty and unplug them for the day. It just doesn't seem to make much sense to have them plugged in all day when no one is in the barn. But it does add another 5 minutes to my crazy mornings.
The outside horses were in good spirits this morning too, so they were more than prepared for the cold snap this week than us humans.
I am anxiously awaiting time to ride. Gus leaves in 2 weeks to go to Kari's - and I will start riding him every day to get ready for the "clinic".. I dont want to spend $400 to go with a fat horse and a fat me.... Lee Barthel, who just brought her show horse before Christmas, is going to attend the clinic with me, so we can split gas costs. We decided to haul in each day vs staying overnight, as Germantown isn't that far away.
I spent some time looking at show schedules last night...and its hard to see which way the summer is going yet in January. I have about 6 NBHA shows that I want to attend for sure, and a barrel bash in the end of October. I want to go to more NBHA & 4-D format shows this year vs going to BHSA or open shows. With Sammy already running at the top of the 4-D division with little seasoning and exposure, I'm hoping to see some 2-D times by the end of summer. Shelley & I are going to ride share when we can, and Amanda Coyle has also expressed interest at ride sharing to some shows with me too. So hopefully can save on the gas bill when I can.
This is Kara's last year to ride as a "leadline" rider - as the ages is 6 & under. So will probably get her to as many of the BHSA pleasure shows for her to ride in that class. She will be riding Gus again. And I hope that Randy will be showing Gus mostly this year, and I will be riding Charisma. I'm hoping that Kara will be showing more interest in riding by the end of summer. I've been anxiously awaiting that to happen...I've done my best to tone it down and not push for her to ride....
All the horses were happy to see me, which is always nice...there are 8 horses in the barn, and even with the low temps - the 2 buckets that are not heated only had only a little bit of ice...I have 6 heated water buckets - which I love even if they give me just a little bit more work in the AM's - as I go thru and empty and unplug them for the day. It just doesn't seem to make much sense to have them plugged in all day when no one is in the barn. But it does add another 5 minutes to my crazy mornings.
The outside horses were in good spirits this morning too, so they were more than prepared for the cold snap this week than us humans.
I am anxiously awaiting time to ride. Gus leaves in 2 weeks to go to Kari's - and I will start riding him every day to get ready for the "clinic".. I dont want to spend $400 to go with a fat horse and a fat me.... Lee Barthel, who just brought her show horse before Christmas, is going to attend the clinic with me, so we can split gas costs. We decided to haul in each day vs staying overnight, as Germantown isn't that far away.
I spent some time looking at show schedules last night...and its hard to see which way the summer is going yet in January. I have about 6 NBHA shows that I want to attend for sure, and a barrel bash in the end of October. I want to go to more NBHA & 4-D format shows this year vs going to BHSA or open shows. With Sammy already running at the top of the 4-D division with little seasoning and exposure, I'm hoping to see some 2-D times by the end of summer. Shelley & I are going to ride share when we can, and Amanda Coyle has also expressed interest at ride sharing to some shows with me too. So hopefully can save on the gas bill when I can.
This is Kara's last year to ride as a "leadline" rider - as the ages is 6 & under. So will probably get her to as many of the BHSA pleasure shows for her to ride in that class. She will be riding Gus again. And I hope that Randy will be showing Gus mostly this year, and I will be riding Charisma. I'm hoping that Kara will be showing more interest in riding by the end of summer. I've been anxiously awaiting that to happen...I've done my best to tone it down and not push for her to ride....
Monday, January 08, 2007
Charisma
I actually made time to work with Charisma this weekend. This is the first time since we brought her home after Thanksgiving that I have done anything with her besides lead her outside and brush her on occasion.
I started with some basic round pen work and she did very well. She was extremely sensitive to the whip - to the point that all I had to do was pick it up and she'd take off at a run. I wouldn't say she was frightened of it, but she certainly understood that whip=go.. so I spent considerable amount of time desensitizing her with the whip. I've been a fan of Clinton Anderson for quite a few years and really believe and understand most of his concepts. BUT some of its easier said than done! lol... Charisma really hated having me move the whip over her head...she would take off running. Ok - Clinton says to NOT take "it" away, until the horse stands, then remove the scary object at that point. Soooooo, picture me holding the line, the whip swirling over her head, and her running away....the difficulty here was trying to hold crazy said horse and keep whip moving, which was just at that point making her go faster...ha ha.... it eventually worked, and I think I only tied myself up 3 times, and only whacked myself in the head once.... This was Saturday. She was much much better on Sunday. Her ears were flat back on her head, but she stood for it.
My boarder, Cindy, was there riding and her fiancee stood on the fence and watched Sunday's session with what I felt was a great deal of interest. He asked some very good questions and really seemed to understand why I would want to desensitize her to the whip (which even I know sounds a little backward). No mind you, that HE is a beginner, and only has ridden a few time.
By my end session with Charisma on Sunday - she was flexing on both sides really good, grasped the idea of yielding her hind quarters, was reversing by me switching hands on the line, and would stand for the whip being moved all over and swung over her head. She never got sweaty, crazy or silly. I am pretty impressed with her at this point. Plus what an athletic little thing she is. She could slide to a stop and roll back faster than a lick. Plus she can lope a circle around me on a 6' length of rope....COOL....
I started with some basic round pen work and she did very well. She was extremely sensitive to the whip - to the point that all I had to do was pick it up and she'd take off at a run. I wouldn't say she was frightened of it, but she certainly understood that whip=go.. so I spent considerable amount of time desensitizing her with the whip. I've been a fan of Clinton Anderson for quite a few years and really believe and understand most of his concepts. BUT some of its easier said than done! lol... Charisma really hated having me move the whip over her head...she would take off running. Ok - Clinton says to NOT take "it" away, until the horse stands, then remove the scary object at that point. Soooooo, picture me holding the line, the whip swirling over her head, and her running away....the difficulty here was trying to hold crazy said horse and keep whip moving, which was just at that point making her go faster...ha ha.... it eventually worked, and I think I only tied myself up 3 times, and only whacked myself in the head once.... This was Saturday. She was much much better on Sunday. Her ears were flat back on her head, but she stood for it.
My boarder, Cindy, was there riding and her fiancee stood on the fence and watched Sunday's session with what I felt was a great deal of interest. He asked some very good questions and really seemed to understand why I would want to desensitize her to the whip (which even I know sounds a little backward). No mind you, that HE is a beginner, and only has ridden a few time.
By my end session with Charisma on Sunday - she was flexing on both sides really good, grasped the idea of yielding her hind quarters, was reversing by me switching hands on the line, and would stand for the whip being moved all over and swung over her head. She never got sweaty, crazy or silly. I am pretty impressed with her at this point. Plus what an athletic little thing she is. She could slide to a stop and roll back faster than a lick. Plus she can lope a circle around me on a 6' length of rope....COOL....
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Truck Whoas ( oh Woes)
After several weeks of silence from Hill Ford - we got a call today that we can pick up our truck tomorrow... complete with a newly rebuilt engine....they replaced, gears, pistons, rings, bearings, and other more complicated pieces that I can't recall off the top of my head.. Anyway, lets hope that we no longer use a quart of oil to go to the friggin gas station...haha..... After all, we just spent $17,995 on the damn thing...and that is of course considered a cheap truck....but not to me!
Thankfully, the whole engine deal only costs us $100.00 - lets bless that warranty thing! And the fact that I said lets drive the damn truck every day of that 3 months....he he....
Though previous dealings with Hill Ford had always left a bad taste in my mouth - I have to give kudos to the Service Dept there - they were excellent and very willing to do what it took to make it right. So heres to hoping its right....I think we've got about 2 days left of that warranty!
Thankfully, the whole engine deal only costs us $100.00 - lets bless that warranty thing! And the fact that I said lets drive the damn truck every day of that 3 months....he he....
Though previous dealings with Hill Ford had always left a bad taste in my mouth - I have to give kudos to the Service Dept there - they were excellent and very willing to do what it took to make it right. So heres to hoping its right....I think we've got about 2 days left of that warranty!
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Who invited the FLU for New Years?
For several years now, we have gotten together with Shelley and the Bandt's for New Years, and have rotated houses every year. This year was hosted by the Bandt's. We needed to pick up Bo from his Dad's in the Dells and had him by 6:30. On the way to Bo, Kara said her stomach felt sick. Well, she was watching her new DVD player and I didn't know if that might make her feel queasy. She said that maybe she was hungry....I told Kara that we would eat when we got to the Bandt's. Let me just say she was NOT hungry... we got into the Bandt's house, where Kara promptly threw up all over the living room....and I mean ALL OVER! It's bad enough when they get sick on your OWN carpet, much less anyone else! YUCK....course a bucket or bowl never came until it was too late....and my ownself happened to already be parked on the toilet anyway.... so we get everything cleaned up, and lay her down. We did manage to eat dinner, but Kara was sick again, so we went home. We were home before 9 pm. Kara was sick all night and pretty much slept all day New Years Day.
Of course, I had to catch this silly bug, and was sick all day Tuesday - HOWEVER - due to year end closing and payroll, I had to go to work anyway....now that was nasty.....I left early, and got home about 4:30 and went to sleep, and didn't get back up until 6 this morning. I feel much better today....thankfully!
So much fun ringing in the new year!
Of course, I had to catch this silly bug, and was sick all day Tuesday - HOWEVER - due to year end closing and payroll, I had to go to work anyway....now that was nasty.....I left early, and got home about 4:30 and went to sleep, and didn't get back up until 6 this morning. I feel much better today....thankfully!
So much fun ringing in the new year!
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Christmas is DONE!
Well, we survived christmas...the weekend was long and too short at the same time.
My thoughts were with the Cummings family as Kelzon has joined horse heaven. Shyla impressed me with her maturity in the difficult situation that it was. And I was glad I was there to offer what little support I was able to.
As far as Christmas joy at our house - it's hard not to have any with a six year old present! When I got back from my now 11th trip to Wisconsin Dells to pick up Bo on early Christmas morning (only 5 more to go!) - Kara was anxiously awaiting us to open gifts. Though Santa was generous - there were not as many gifts under the tree as in some years. Santa has tightened his belt and refuses to charge Christmas any more to the credit card!
Kara stated last night before bed that she had a great Christmas and Bo seems very pleased with his gifts - so what more is needed?! Bo was happy to get an MP3 player, and once I figured the damn thing out, pretty much had that stuck in his ear the rest of the day. Also most of the family has figured out that he loves golf - so Bo has lots and lots of golf balls for Shadow to fetch.
Randy & I had agreed to not exchange presents....though he really didn't keep his end of the deal, taking the kids shopping on Saturday and getting me a few things...which was sweet, but now decidedly lop sided on the gift exchange meter. So, I have a gift card to TSC - so he might have a few new jeans and socks! So romantic....lol...
My thoughts were with the Cummings family as Kelzon has joined horse heaven. Shyla impressed me with her maturity in the difficult situation that it was. And I was glad I was there to offer what little support I was able to.
As far as Christmas joy at our house - it's hard not to have any with a six year old present! When I got back from my now 11th trip to Wisconsin Dells to pick up Bo on early Christmas morning (only 5 more to go!) - Kara was anxiously awaiting us to open gifts. Though Santa was generous - there were not as many gifts under the tree as in some years. Santa has tightened his belt and refuses to charge Christmas any more to the credit card!
Kara stated last night before bed that she had a great Christmas and Bo seems very pleased with his gifts - so what more is needed?! Bo was happy to get an MP3 player, and once I figured the damn thing out, pretty much had that stuck in his ear the rest of the day. Also most of the family has figured out that he loves golf - so Bo has lots and lots of golf balls for Shadow to fetch.
Randy & I had agreed to not exchange presents....though he really didn't keep his end of the deal, taking the kids shopping on Saturday and getting me a few things...which was sweet, but now decidedly lop sided on the gift exchange meter. So, I have a gift card to TSC - so he might have a few new jeans and socks! So romantic....lol...
Monday, December 11, 2006
Killer Rabbits
"Aunt" Shelley gave Kara a rabbit for her birthday. When the rabbit - who is now named Hopscotch - came to reside at our home, he was a loving and friendly bunny.
I went to pick up our sweet rabbit, and risked having both wrists slashed with the the sharp knives coming from those thrashing back legs. Who knew that rabbits can turn into superman in a blink of an eye? Me, who usually has no trouble controlling a 1,000 lb horse had all I could do to hold on onto a stinking rabbit!!!!! What's wrong with the scenario? I will have to sign up for bunny lessons from the Harvey's....sigh.... I did get Hopscotchs home clean - so will have to find out a strategy for next time and take some lessons...ha ha...
Also had Charisma out this weekend - she is slowly settling into her new home. There were a few days of worry that I had bought a physcho horse, but I think she's going to be ok. I had her in the cross ties, cleaned all 4 hooves, saddled and lunged her (there was some bucking but nothing unexpected with the warm day), and left her tied for an hour at the round pen., and all was good.
My sister Jena was out again yesterday and took Sammy out for another trail ride. I think this is going to be good as Jena really can't afford to own a horse, and Sammy really can use getting out of the arena and trail ride...so maybe this will work out for both of us.....though I did holler at her about letting my good lead rope drag on the ground.....that big sister thing just snuck out....he he..... Sometimes I don't think I'll grow out of that.
Many of the boarders were out this weekend enjoying the weather. It was nice seeing everyone out enjoying there horses.
I went to pick up our sweet rabbit, and risked having both wrists slashed with the the sharp knives coming from those thrashing back legs. Who knew that rabbits can turn into superman in a blink of an eye? Me, who usually has no trouble controlling a 1,000 lb horse had all I could do to hold on onto a stinking rabbit!!!!! What's wrong with the scenario? I will have to sign up for bunny lessons from the Harvey's....sigh.... I did get Hopscotchs home clean - so will have to find out a strategy for next time and take some lessons...ha ha...
Also had Charisma out this weekend - she is slowly settling into her new home. There were a few days of worry that I had bought a physcho horse, but I think she's going to be ok. I had her in the cross ties, cleaned all 4 hooves, saddled and lunged her (there was some bucking but nothing unexpected with the warm day), and left her tied for an hour at the round pen., and all was good.
My sister Jena was out again yesterday and took Sammy out for another trail ride. I think this is going to be good as Jena really can't afford to own a horse, and Sammy really can use getting out of the arena and trail ride...so maybe this will work out for both of us.....though I did holler at her about letting my good lead rope drag on the ground.....that big sister thing just snuck out....he he..... Sometimes I don't think I'll grow out of that.
Many of the boarders were out this weekend enjoying the weather. It was nice seeing everyone out enjoying there horses.
Friday, December 08, 2006
Busy At Work
yesterday, I was busy at work, watching the live feed for the Paint Vegas Show. They were running the Open Gamblers Choice Trail. I tell ya - it was a hoot. They were running a fairly tough course as a timed event. I think they had 3 minutes (hard to tell as I have volume turned down, I was "working") and they assigned each obstacle points - and I think they could do each obstacle 2 times. It was really fun to watch - some of those trainers had a hell of a handle on their horses thats for sure. It was like watching a fast action trail class. I could get into that!
Kara brought home songs to practice for their Kindgarten christmas ditty. I thought I'd share the 12 days of Christmas - the puppy/dog version.... She's adorable singing - but I keep screwing up the song with the original version...ha ha...
Christmas is only 16 days away....scary.... we are putting up the tree and decorations this weekend. As we go thru town on our way home from school - Kara comentates on ALL the houses decorated with lights, and compares it to our boring unlighted residence (cuz Mom's the grinch).....soooo bending to the pressure.......course knowing myself, and if I have to hang lights on the house to appease my spoiled 6 year old, then I'll be hanging lights around the barn. Ha! Of course Randy's idea was to hang lights and tinsel all along the new fence around the drive... Course he doesn't open the electric bill either!
I'm going riding this weekend....even if its bareback around the round pen...I haven't rode in weeks and weeks....
I talked to a Paul Huettl last night about taking lessons for myself... he sounds fun...will have to go try him out.... Also, am on the list to go to the Mark Shaffer clinic and the Ed Wright barrel clinic this summer..... I better start putting paper in my coin jar to help pay for all my wants...hehe....
Kara brought home songs to practice for their Kindgarten christmas ditty. I thought I'd share the 12 days of Christmas - the puppy/dog version.... She's adorable singing - but I keep screwing up the song with the original version...ha ha...
Christmas is only 16 days away....scary.... we are putting up the tree and decorations this weekend. As we go thru town on our way home from school - Kara comentates on ALL the houses decorated with lights, and compares it to our boring unlighted residence (cuz Mom's the grinch).....soooo bending to the pressure.......course knowing myself, and if I have to hang lights on the house to appease my spoiled 6 year old, then I'll be hanging lights around the barn. Ha! Of course Randy's idea was to hang lights and tinsel all along the new fence around the drive... Course he doesn't open the electric bill either!
I'm going riding this weekend....even if its bareback around the round pen...I haven't rode in weeks and weeks....
I talked to a Paul Huettl last night about taking lessons for myself... he sounds fun...will have to go try him out.... Also, am on the list to go to the Mark Shaffer clinic and the Ed Wright barrel clinic this summer..... I better start putting paper in my coin jar to help pay for all my wants...hehe....
Thursday, December 07, 2006
It's been a while................
Ok, I was re-introduced to the "blog" way of life recently....after reading the help menu's - I found my blog page again.... and realized it was over a YEAR ago since my last post....wow...time flys.
In the past year, the farm has really grown - there are now 16 boarding horses here...with 6 horses arriving October 1st. The tack room has shrunk incredibly! We are looking at ways to organize, and will probably build more tack lockers as time allows. I heartily welcome the new owners & horses to our busy lives, and hope they enjoy their horses as much as I do.
It was a sad decision to sell Nemo this fall, especially with all the special time working on his injury all summer. I hope that he has a good caring home. With the sales, I found ourselves down to ownly 2 horses - Gus & Sammy - who at this time, feel they won't ever be sold. We were short a horse for Randy, which as I ususally have no specific reason to search for horses for sale, led me on a frantic (well any excuse will work), search for the right horse on a very limited budget.
Well, to be proud of me, I didn't impulse buy - and didn't buy the first critter I saw... we did settle for a younger horse do to our financial restrictions. We brought Charisma home this past Saturday. We bought her from Chris Corrus in Richfield, WI (yes, actually bought a horse that was residing in Wisconsin) - Chris was the breeder - owning the mare and the stallion. Charisma had never been in a horse trailer before Saturday and loaded like she'd done it a million times. She was very good to unload, though she wasn't all too sure about the landing.. Charisma is having some difficulty settling in, and is very upset about being stalled at night. I'm hoping she works through this, as a future show horse, she will need to learn to be inside more, and the patience of being tied to a trailer for hours.
I have a stall reserved at Kari's (who has an indoor) for February and Charisma will be going to work, and hopefully we will see what's under the hood, so to speak.
I suppose I should go to work - as I'm already at work, and should be doing something more productive....ha ha...
until next time - and lets hope not more than a year from now.
In the past year, the farm has really grown - there are now 16 boarding horses here...with 6 horses arriving October 1st. The tack room has shrunk incredibly! We are looking at ways to organize, and will probably build more tack lockers as time allows. I heartily welcome the new owners & horses to our busy lives, and hope they enjoy their horses as much as I do.
It was a sad decision to sell Nemo this fall, especially with all the special time working on his injury all summer. I hope that he has a good caring home. With the sales, I found ourselves down to ownly 2 horses - Gus & Sammy - who at this time, feel they won't ever be sold. We were short a horse for Randy, which as I ususally have no specific reason to search for horses for sale, led me on a frantic (well any excuse will work), search for the right horse on a very limited budget.
Well, to be proud of me, I didn't impulse buy - and didn't buy the first critter I saw... we did settle for a younger horse do to our financial restrictions. We brought Charisma home this past Saturday. We bought her from Chris Corrus in Richfield, WI (yes, actually bought a horse that was residing in Wisconsin) - Chris was the breeder - owning the mare and the stallion. Charisma had never been in a horse trailer before Saturday and loaded like she'd done it a million times. She was very good to unload, though she wasn't all too sure about the landing.. Charisma is having some difficulty settling in, and is very upset about being stalled at night. I'm hoping she works through this, as a future show horse, she will need to learn to be inside more, and the patience of being tied to a trailer for hours.
I have a stall reserved at Kari's (who has an indoor) for February and Charisma will be going to work, and hopefully we will see what's under the hood, so to speak.
I suppose I should go to work - as I'm already at work, and should be doing something more productive....ha ha...
until next time - and lets hope not more than a year from now.
Saturday, November 26, 2005
High Pines Farm
WOW!
Our older trailer sold yesterday - we had a couple come down from Canada and buy it.
There's a big load off - making a trailer payment is one thing, making 2 payments is another!
Our older trailer sold yesterday - we had a couple come down from Canada and buy it.
There's a big load off - making a trailer payment is one thing, making 2 payments is another!
Sunday, November 20, 2005
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