Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Madison, Madison Let Down Your Tail. . .
Rapunzel has nothing on my mom's pony Madison. After I broke my wrist I could not keep up on her tail care. It was left in a braid, but got full of burrs. One of my goals this year is to actually get rid of all the burr dock.
As you see her tail looked dreadful.
It took me two days, lots of careful combing, and bit of Main-N-Tail Detangler. After the first day I had managed to start to undo the braid and get the bottom half of her tail detangled. I banded the bottom half and pulled it up. I started off day two with this:
I sprayed the sections I was going to work on. Then groom the rest of her for a bit as I waited for it to dry. Then I held the tail and pull a few hairs out from the burrs with a comb, a few strands at a time. Finally an hour later I had this:
Now why would I go though all this when it is totally impractical and I could just thin the whole thing down to a normal looking tail? Well who hasn't wanted a real life "My Little Pony?" I have and so has my mom. It is her pony. So even though it is a major pain sometimes, I keep her tail looking like this just so I can take it down and let my mother enjoy looking at this tail.
She gets such a kick out of it and when I say I want to cut it, she just sighs and says, "Oh okay." Well I don't have the heart. If it makes her happy what I can I do.
Today I have to wash her tail, which is another chore. Once I get it all washed and conditioned it goes back to the braid and bagged. Luckily the best tail care you can do is handle the tail very little.
I took one last photo of the braid before I put it up just to see how long it really is.
As you see her tail looked dreadful.It took me two days, lots of careful combing, and bit of Main-N-Tail Detangler. After the first day I had managed to start to undo the braid and get the bottom half of her tail detangled. I banded the bottom half and pulled it up. I started off day two with this:
I sprayed the sections I was going to work on. Then groom the rest of her for a bit as I waited for it to dry. Then I held the tail and pull a few hairs out from the burrs with a comb, a few strands at a time. Finally an hour later I had this:
Now why would I go though all this when it is totally impractical and I could just thin the whole thing down to a normal looking tail? Well who hasn't wanted a real life "My Little Pony?" I have and so has my mom. It is her pony. So even though it is a major pain sometimes, I keep her tail looking like this just so I can take it down and let my mother enjoy looking at this tail.
She gets such a kick out of it and when I say I want to cut it, she just sighs and says, "Oh okay." Well I don't have the heart. If it makes her happy what I can I do.Today I have to wash her tail, which is another chore. Once I get it all washed and conditioned it goes back to the braid and bagged. Luckily the best tail care you can do is handle the tail very little.
I took one last photo of the braid before I put it up just to see how long it really is.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Sunday Stills
Sunday Still this week is a day in the life of . . . me.
We could only choose 4!! Well that is tough, it has been a long week.
It started off with this. Morning and night for a goat. She is doing well now. Thankfully I am done giving shots for now.
Every morning starts off with hay, it ends with hay, and has some hay in the middle. I drive the lawn tractor and deliver hay to the horses and goats.
No matter what I do I have diet coke. It is a bad habit, I know but it is every where. Here we have some in the barn. I would love to say that I had to go in the house and bring the coke out for the picture, but no, it was already there.
Finally I had to do some work in the pasture. I got lots of help from Abby, Sophie, and Dominick. Dom is trying to figure out how to spread the seed, Sophie is checking to see if I have enough seed down. I think Abby was making sure that the lawn tractor was working properly. LOTS of help from those three.
We could only choose 4!! Well that is tough, it has been a long week.
It started off with this. Morning and night for a goat. She is doing well now. Thankfully I am done giving shots for now.
Every morning starts off with hay, it ends with hay, and has some hay in the middle. I drive the lawn tractor and deliver hay to the horses and goats.
No matter what I do I have diet coke. It is a bad habit, I know but it is every where. Here we have some in the barn. I would love to say that I had to go in the house and bring the coke out for the picture, but no, it was already there.
Finally I had to do some work in the pasture. I got lots of help from Abby, Sophie, and Dominick. Dom is trying to figure out how to spread the seed, Sophie is checking to see if I have enough seed down. I think Abby was making sure that the lawn tractor was working properly. LOTS of help from those three.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Driving #5 and Riding #2
I did not post about my driving lesson last week. Oops
I drove Corrie. She is a nice mare, but not the most cooperative. She has a bit of a stubborn streak. If you ask her to move up she will take one step with her front feet, but refuse to move her back. She really cracks me up! I actually like her.
We had a good drive until a German Shepard puppy, around 7 mos, came running up to us barking. Corrie spooked a bit. R put on the brakes and I handed of the reins. He kept tell me I could have handled it, which is probably right, but I had to make a quick decision. All in all it went well believe it or not. After that we went and talked to the woman with the dog, he had slipped pasted her and she was mortified. Corrie calmed down and then went about driving.
All in all it was a VERY good experience. It was a spook but we all ended up calmer than when we began. Frankly a spook with someone else there is great. I felt more confident, afterward that I could handle it.
Today I rode again. I rode Drew. Nice horse, not Bill though and I just have to get used to him. I was hoping to trot, but Drew had a little spook. Nothing big, but it was enough to put me on edge again. It was good though. I survived it, I didn't get off, I helped Drew to face what he was afraid of. I am learning how R. had his horses trained. We had some good discussion about training. We don't always see eye to eye, but we do mange to understand each other, or at least accept, the other's point of view.
Both of those spook were invaluable lessons. I am starting to remember that spooks happen. They happen all the time. As R. said once, when driving you may have 100 run aways that never happen because you catch it in time and defuse the situation. It is the same with a spook. Catch it in time and you can defuse the situation. Where I used to think I need to find a horse that doesn't spook, what I really need to find is the courage to deal with that spook and keep it under control.
Mean while back at the ranch:
Kinsey HATES needles. I mean I really should not be surprised, but I was hoping that I would be able to do shots on my own with her and that just is not going to happen. Luckily it was just a matter of finding a way to work with her. She needs to have her eye shielded. She can't see it, it was okay. The vet did a little neck twitch and then she was okay. No butt shot though, so we had to do one in the chest. We even got a coggins out of her.
Ropes don't seem to be a be deal with her either. So that is really encouraging. I would really like to get her working on the ground very well before I send her off. I am hoping to start ground driving her. I think that will be good for the both of us.
I was hoping to send her to a trainer in a few weeks, but unfortunately I had some terrible vet luck this week. It is goat related so I won't mentioned it here, but it put a damper on some future plans. I am going to keep riding and driving lessons though and maybe in a few months I can send her.
I drove Corrie. She is a nice mare, but not the most cooperative. She has a bit of a stubborn streak. If you ask her to move up she will take one step with her front feet, but refuse to move her back. She really cracks me up! I actually like her.
We had a good drive until a German Shepard puppy, around 7 mos, came running up to us barking. Corrie spooked a bit. R put on the brakes and I handed of the reins. He kept tell me I could have handled it, which is probably right, but I had to make a quick decision. All in all it went well believe it or not. After that we went and talked to the woman with the dog, he had slipped pasted her and she was mortified. Corrie calmed down and then went about driving.
All in all it was a VERY good experience. It was a spook but we all ended up calmer than when we began. Frankly a spook with someone else there is great. I felt more confident, afterward that I could handle it.
Today I rode again. I rode Drew. Nice horse, not Bill though and I just have to get used to him. I was hoping to trot, but Drew had a little spook. Nothing big, but it was enough to put me on edge again. It was good though. I survived it, I didn't get off, I helped Drew to face what he was afraid of. I am learning how R. had his horses trained. We had some good discussion about training. We don't always see eye to eye, but we do mange to understand each other, or at least accept, the other's point of view.
Both of those spook were invaluable lessons. I am starting to remember that spooks happen. They happen all the time. As R. said once, when driving you may have 100 run aways that never happen because you catch it in time and defuse the situation. It is the same with a spook. Catch it in time and you can defuse the situation. Where I used to think I need to find a horse that doesn't spook, what I really need to find is the courage to deal with that spook and keep it under control.
Mean while back at the ranch:
Kinsey HATES needles. I mean I really should not be surprised, but I was hoping that I would be able to do shots on my own with her and that just is not going to happen. Luckily it was just a matter of finding a way to work with her. She needs to have her eye shielded. She can't see it, it was okay. The vet did a little neck twitch and then she was okay. No butt shot though, so we had to do one in the chest. We even got a coggins out of her.
Ropes don't seem to be a be deal with her either. So that is really encouraging. I would really like to get her working on the ground very well before I send her off. I am hoping to start ground driving her. I think that will be good for the both of us.
I was hoping to send her to a trainer in a few weeks, but unfortunately I had some terrible vet luck this week. It is goat related so I won't mentioned it here, but it put a damper on some future plans. I am going to keep riding and driving lessons though and maybe in a few months I can send her.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Rock My World
Just for fun I wanted to show off my stallion. Oh yeah baby, I have a stallion! And here he is:
What a big stud, huh? Rocky is a miniature horse. Don't worry he is not used for breeding. I have had Rocky since he was 4 mos. old. He is now 5. Believe it or not, he has not grown much since I got him. I believe he is 27 in tall. Slightly taller in the winter with all that hair. Rocky is just one of those horses that really stole my heart. I may be a mare person but this little stud has squeezed in there too. It's all good, he isn't that big anyway.
I got some miniature horses after I sold my ottb. That was when I was starting to notice I was more concerned around my horse than I used to be. I was hoping to drive some. I have Ike, you have seen him, but Rocky is just too small for me to drive. My thinking was smaller horse less fear. It was true too.
Rocky is actually a well bred lil guy, but he has two major flaws. When he was just a tyke, before I got him, he got a burr caught in his eye. He still has a little ulcer on that one eye. It causes him to have limited vision in that one eye, but has not caused him any other problems. It is another reason that I chose not to train him to drive. His other major fault is a low tail set, not desirable in the mini world.
I am doing some clicker training with him. He is learning to target and eventually I want to teach him to rear. One of the few horses I would even think of training to do that trick, but since even when he rears his head hardly reaches my shoulders I am not too concerned about it. Plus I have no plans to ever sell this little guy. Heck I figure if I ever have to live in an apartment again I'm just going to call him a big dog.
Actually miniature horses are a great if you have developed a fear of riding the big guys. There is actually a lot you can do with a miniature horse. From halter and driving to in hand trail and jumping classes. Miniature horse eat a whole lot less then the big guys and don't need as much room, although you better have good fencing,
minis are terribly cleaver and can open gates. Plus they are as cute as the dickens!
Miniatures were originally bred for pit ponies and small mounts for children. Unlike ponies, minis normally have very good temperaments. Yes there is some Shetland blood in there, and mini are just ponies under 38" in some registries, 34" in others, but minis have been selected for good temperaments as well as size. There are two major registries for minis the American Miniature Horse Association and the American Miniature Horse Registry .
I will try to remember to post some summer pictures of Rocky. You will be amazed at the difference. He actually looks like a little horse instead of a sheep.
What a big stud, huh? Rocky is a miniature horse. Don't worry he is not used for breeding. I have had Rocky since he was 4 mos. old. He is now 5. Believe it or not, he has not grown much since I got him. I believe he is 27 in tall. Slightly taller in the winter with all that hair. Rocky is just one of those horses that really stole my heart. I may be a mare person but this little stud has squeezed in there too. It's all good, he isn't that big anyway.
I got some miniature horses after I sold my ottb. That was when I was starting to notice I was more concerned around my horse than I used to be. I was hoping to drive some. I have Ike, you have seen him, but Rocky is just too small for me to drive. My thinking was smaller horse less fear. It was true too.
Rocky is actually a well bred lil guy, but he has two major flaws. When he was just a tyke, before I got him, he got a burr caught in his eye. He still has a little ulcer on that one eye. It causes him to have limited vision in that one eye, but has not caused him any other problems. It is another reason that I chose not to train him to drive. His other major fault is a low tail set, not desirable in the mini world.
I am doing some clicker training with him. He is learning to target and eventually I want to teach him to rear. One of the few horses I would even think of training to do that trick, but since even when he rears his head hardly reaches my shoulders I am not too concerned about it. Plus I have no plans to ever sell this little guy. Heck I figure if I ever have to live in an apartment again I'm just going to call him a big dog.Actually miniature horses are a great if you have developed a fear of riding the big guys. There is actually a lot you can do with a miniature horse. From halter and driving to in hand trail and jumping classes. Miniature horse eat a whole lot less then the big guys and don't need as much room, although you better have good fencing,
minis are terribly cleaver and can open gates. Plus they are as cute as the dickens!Miniatures were originally bred for pit ponies and small mounts for children. Unlike ponies, minis normally have very good temperaments. Yes there is some Shetland blood in there, and mini are just ponies under 38" in some registries, 34" in others, but minis have been selected for good temperaments as well as size. There are two major registries for minis the American Miniature Horse Association and the American Miniature Horse Registry .
I will try to remember to post some summer pictures of Rocky. You will be amazed at the difference. He actually looks like a little horse instead of a sheep.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Part Three: Plan for success
We have covered the first two videos and now we are down to making a plan to get back to doing whatever it is that you want to be doing with your horse.
Many of the things that they hit upon in this video are things that I have stressed before. Getting in shape for riding, working in your confidence zone, and then take steps in to the area that makes you feel uncomfortable, but not scared, fake it until you can make it, and being positive.
I started this blog because of fear. It is so hard to admit that you have fear in the equestrian world. For a long time it has been a dirty word. People who have fear are worried about how others are going to view them. It is hard when you head know so much more than your fear will allow you to do. It is embarrassing to be the only one who does not want to gallop of full tilt across the pasture or on trails. Or the only one that doesn't want to jump. I know in a barn situation that people gossip. I have heard people gossiping about others, I sure as heck know they are going to be doing the same behind my back. That is why I started this blog, because we need others to help us along the way.
We need support from friends, family, and other equestrians. Often we can find the support from friends and family, it is the support from other equestrians that is more difficult. I wanted to step up and admit my fear, although I proud to say it is getting under control now, in order to offer support to others. Here are some other on line places to get support.
A Fat Girl & A Fat Horse forum
Positively Riding
These videos were made by the Dreampower Horsemanship if you are in the Bay area. . . I'm not but heck if you are it looks great.
Check out local riding instructors. There are people that are compassionate enough to take the time to work with you. Just remember that anyone can call themselves a trainer and offer lessons. Watch them give lessons and ask lots of questions.
Many of the things that they hit upon in this video are things that I have stressed before. Getting in shape for riding, working in your confidence zone, and then take steps in to the area that makes you feel uncomfortable, but not scared, fake it until you can make it, and being positive.
I started this blog because of fear. It is so hard to admit that you have fear in the equestrian world. For a long time it has been a dirty word. People who have fear are worried about how others are going to view them. It is hard when you head know so much more than your fear will allow you to do. It is embarrassing to be the only one who does not want to gallop of full tilt across the pasture or on trails. Or the only one that doesn't want to jump. I know in a barn situation that people gossip. I have heard people gossiping about others, I sure as heck know they are going to be doing the same behind my back. That is why I started this blog, because we need others to help us along the way.
We need support from friends, family, and other equestrians. Often we can find the support from friends and family, it is the support from other equestrians that is more difficult. I wanted to step up and admit my fear, although I proud to say it is getting under control now, in order to offer support to others. Here are some other on line places to get support.
A Fat Girl & A Fat Horse forum
Positively Riding
These videos were made by the Dreampower Horsemanship if you are in the Bay area. . . I'm not but heck if you are it looks great.
Check out local riding instructors. There are people that are compassionate enough to take the time to work with you. Just remember that anyone can call themselves a trainer and offer lessons. Watch them give lessons and ask lots of questions.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Part Two: Self evaluation
The second video in this mini series is about self evaluation.
I think she starts with a really great questions. What do you want to do with your horse? Or with horses in general? There are a lot of great activities that you can do without ever getting on your horse. Trick training, driving, petting and grooming, taking walks, miniature horse events such as jumping, and halter. There is a lot you can do without ever throwing a leg over the horse. For many of us, it is the act of riding that really gives us the most pleasure.
Even in riding, there are many choices of activities to do. Everything from pleasure riding down some country road to competitive trail riding, hopping over a few ground poles to eventing. Do you want to be a western pleasure star or ride a dressage test? It is important to have an idea of where you want to go before you start out.
After thinking about what you really want to do, it is next important to look at your own skills. I know for myself that at one time I could sit a horse very well. I know that I can again. I know in my mind what I can do, sometimes I need to remind my body.
Next in the video is about comfort zones. Good risks and bad risk, and how to take good risks. It does a good job of that, I'm just going to let you watch it.
As an aside you have to take a good look at the picture they chose for bad risks. I just wondered about the choice, a little odd if you ask me.
A few brief comments are made about horse choice at the very end. I think they really could have made a whole 2 minute video just about your horse. I really think that for many of us, our horse is a big part of the problem. I have read too many stories, myself included, where the rider decided to just ride the horse they had, even if that horse was not appropriate at the time.
When I got Abby I was planning on working with a riding instructor and then that fell through. I knew when I bought Abby that she may have been a little too much for me at the time, but I was confident that with some help that we could get her going well. Well so much for the best laid plans. I have read over and over again of others who are not sure where to go, so they just keep on with a horse that is not going to work, often without help.
We, as fearful riders, need to remember that it is okay to ask for help. Being careful of who we ask though.
Next, the final video.
I think she starts with a really great questions. What do you want to do with your horse? Or with horses in general? There are a lot of great activities that you can do without ever getting on your horse. Trick training, driving, petting and grooming, taking walks, miniature horse events such as jumping, and halter. There is a lot you can do without ever throwing a leg over the horse. For many of us, it is the act of riding that really gives us the most pleasure.
Even in riding, there are many choices of activities to do. Everything from pleasure riding down some country road to competitive trail riding, hopping over a few ground poles to eventing. Do you want to be a western pleasure star or ride a dressage test? It is important to have an idea of where you want to go before you start out.
After thinking about what you really want to do, it is next important to look at your own skills. I know for myself that at one time I could sit a horse very well. I know that I can again. I know in my mind what I can do, sometimes I need to remind my body.
Next in the video is about comfort zones. Good risks and bad risk, and how to take good risks. It does a good job of that, I'm just going to let you watch it.
As an aside you have to take a good look at the picture they chose for bad risks. I just wondered about the choice, a little odd if you ask me.
A few brief comments are made about horse choice at the very end. I think they really could have made a whole 2 minute video just about your horse. I really think that for many of us, our horse is a big part of the problem. I have read too many stories, myself included, where the rider decided to just ride the horse they had, even if that horse was not appropriate at the time.
When I got Abby I was planning on working with a riding instructor and then that fell through. I knew when I bought Abby that she may have been a little too much for me at the time, but I was confident that with some help that we could get her going well. Well so much for the best laid plans. I have read over and over again of others who are not sure where to go, so they just keep on with a horse that is not going to work, often without help.
We, as fearful riders, need to remember that it is okay to ask for help. Being careful of who we ask though.
Next, the final video.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Courtney King-Dye
As many of you know a tragedy occured not just in the dressage world, but the equestrian world as a whole. On March 3 Courtney was riding a horse and the horse tripped. Courtney stayed on the horse as it went down. She hit her head as is currently still in a coma. You can get updates on Courtney from Courtney King Dressage
2442 Muir Circle
Wellington, FL 33414
If you notice the big green ribbon to the right, if you click on it you will be taken to a e bay store. The proceeds from that store go to help pay for her medical expenses.
If you have a message you want read to her please email to - comebackcourt@gmail.com
Please send cards to:
2442 Muir Circle
Wellington, FL 33414
If you notice the big green ribbon to the right, if you click on it you will be taken to a e bay store. The proceeds from that store go to help pay for her medical expenses.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
ABBY GREW!!!
When I first got Abby she was 16hh. Now I am 16hh at the top of my head, 5'4". Here is a picture from last fall. Sorry it is the best I have. I hate photos of myself. The last person that came to look at Abby doubted that she was only 16hh and I was kept saying, no, she is 16.1 at the most. WRONG!
Today I pulled her out and I was thinking, gee, I used to be able to see over her butt. I can't see over her butt anymore. I can't see over her at all anymore. In fact grooming her back was really difficult. Although on the plus side I can do a damn good job on her belly! Now that leads me to believe that one of two things happened. Either I hit the ground harder than I thought last fall and shrunk OR Abby grew! If you look at the Wordless Wednesday post, you will notice that her halter is a little on the tight side. I have not adjusted it since last fall.
Recently there has been discussion about if mares are affectionate. . .
When you get a hug from a big lug like this. . ya know it!
I am estimating that she is between 16.2hh and 17hh
Today I pulled her out and I was thinking, gee, I used to be able to see over her butt. I can't see over her butt anymore. I can't see over her at all anymore. In fact grooming her back was really difficult. Although on the plus side I can do a damn good job on her belly! Now that leads me to believe that one of two things happened. Either I hit the ground harder than I thought last fall and shrunk OR Abby grew! If you look at the Wordless Wednesday post, you will notice that her halter is a little on the tight side. I have not adjusted it since last fall.
Recently there has been discussion about if mares are affectionate. . .
When you get a hug from a big lug like this. . ya know it!
I am estimating that she is between 16.2hh and 17hh
Wordless Wednesday
Okay I know it is wordless. . . but this next one is just a little funny with some explaination. If you look my my mother's lips she is saying. . . "She." As in "She took my thumb!" Then if you looks at Abby's face it is just pure innocents. My mom was not actually hurt, just surprised. Abby didn't bite.
So as long as I have already added words already, I just want to say that my mom is an amazing woman. She loves horses as much as I do. She has always been my biggest supporter with horses. As I am sure many have you read, I go back and forth between wanting to sell and wanting to keep Abby. My mom actually adores Abby. Even if the only thing she can really do is watch her running in the pasture. She really does not want me to sell her. That top picture of my mom with her hand on Abby's nose has been elevated to one of my favorites.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Dreams
How ironic after finishing yesterdays post about a new fire being lit, that I should read on Bitless Horse: Science vs Tradition about a contest about dreams.
Bitless has a very nice blog about her journey being bitless, and like this blog, whatever else hits her horsey fancy. She also makes beautiful horse hair products. If you send in you own horse hair she will use that. Her contest is for one of her hair products. A horse hair bridle tassel/ key chain, with a charm that says "Dream". Head on over there to check it out!
Anyway back to my dream. It has two parts. One to be at a healthy weight. Second to ride my horse with confidence. I believe that these two go hand in hand. As I get more fit, I will feel more confident in the saddle. Notice the emphasis on my, be that one of the two beasts I have now, or selling one or both and getting a more appropriate horse has yet to be seen. I want to ride my horse and have that feeling of comfort in the saddle again. And I will, I am determined. The beautiful thing about this journey so far is that as I have lost weight and work on my confidence to get in the saddle I find myself more confident in other parts of my life.
My night mare that started the dream:
Bitless has a very nice blog about her journey being bitless, and like this blog, whatever else hits her horsey fancy. She also makes beautiful horse hair products. If you send in you own horse hair she will use that. Her contest is for one of her hair products. A horse hair bridle tassel/ key chain, with a charm that says "Dream". Head on over there to check it out!
Anyway back to my dream. It has two parts. One to be at a healthy weight. Second to ride my horse with confidence. I believe that these two go hand in hand. As I get more fit, I will feel more confident in the saddle. Notice the emphasis on my, be that one of the two beasts I have now, or selling one or both and getting a more appropriate horse has yet to be seen. I want to ride my horse and have that feeling of comfort in the saddle again. And I will, I am determined. The beautiful thing about this journey so far is that as I have lost weight and work on my confidence to get in the saddle I find myself more confident in other parts of my life.
My night mare that started the dream:
Monday, March 15, 2010
I shed a tear today . . .
By far my heart horse was Rebels Hope. The first time I lunged her after I got home she almost jerked my arm out of its socket. She left me in the middle of a field with my left stirrup after my first ride on her. Man those were good time! I ended up loving this horse more than anything.
This is my new horse. She has some of the same attitude as Hope but is not Hope. 
This morning Kinsey came running up to the fence to. . . well . . . to be honest to get her hay, just like Hope would have done. She looked like Hope too.
My heart leap to my throat. A tear came to my eye:
My mind was momentarily confused. Hope just flooded my mind and I missed her oh so much. It lit a fire in my soul to do the thing I love most: to ride.
This is my new horse. She has some of the same attitude as Hope but is not Hope. 
This morning Kinsey came running up to the fence to. . . well . . . to be honest to get her hay, just like Hope would have done. She looked like Hope too.My heart leap to my throat. A tear came to my eye:
My mind was momentarily confused. Hope just flooded my mind and I missed her oh so much. It lit a fire in my soul to do the thing I love most: to ride.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Friday, March 12, 2010
The Girls
Ask anyone that knows me that they will tell you I am a mare girl. My favorite horses have always been mares, my first horse was a mare, a very dominate one. Mares are definitely different than a stallion or a gelding. Here is a really good article about mares from Meridith Manor.
The article is summed up with this sage advice from old time trainers:
"There are only two ways you can argue with a mare and neither one works."
If you can accept a mare for who she is, very often you can have a great horse. If you can't, it is just horrible for everyone. I think that is why so many trainers don't like mares. Geldings are so much more pliable. They will work on your time table. When working with a mare, everything is on her time table. Now of course every mare is different.
Abby and Madison. . . Madison is not really mine, she is my mom's. I have her Madison several years ago as a Christmas present. Of course I take total care of her but I always hoped that my mom would drive her one day. I have not given up hope. Although I need to train her to drive. I love these two together. Notice their stars and snips. They are very similar.
Of course my new mare:
Kinsey~ who is actually loved by a gelding lover. Not sure what that says about either of them. lol I thought that Kinsey would come in to my little herd and be at the bottom of the pecking order. She isn't, silly girl. She is the top. Pushes Abby, a good hand and a half taller than her and at least 500 lbs heavier, around. I had to remove my little guy from the herd and put him with the goats because Kinsey quite literally knocked him on his butt.
Honestly she is becoming a different horse now that she is outside all the time. She can run, which she loves to do. She runs up to the fence to say hello, nickers for food, is becoming an almost affectionate horse. She is all mare for sure, which I why I was think that having so many people using her and handle her was getting confusing for her. Mares like routine.
Oh don't worry nobody was harmed during this play session. They had just been turned out into the field to stretch their legs without mud and these two just happened to cross paths. You have to admit that Madison really can get down can't she. Could be a little cow pony.
The article is summed up with this sage advice from old time trainers:
"There are only two ways you can argue with a mare and neither one works."
If you can accept a mare for who she is, very often you can have a great horse. If you can't, it is just horrible for everyone. I think that is why so many trainers don't like mares. Geldings are so much more pliable. They will work on your time table. When working with a mare, everything is on her time table. Now of course every mare is different.
Abby and Madison. . . Madison is not really mine, she is my mom's. I have her Madison several years ago as a Christmas present. Of course I take total care of her but I always hoped that my mom would drive her one day. I have not given up hope. Although I need to train her to drive. I love these two together. Notice their stars and snips. They are very similar.Of course my new mare:
Kinsey~ who is actually loved by a gelding lover. Not sure what that says about either of them. lol I thought that Kinsey would come in to my little herd and be at the bottom of the pecking order. She isn't, silly girl. She is the top. Pushes Abby, a good hand and a half taller than her and at least 500 lbs heavier, around. I had to remove my little guy from the herd and put him with the goats because Kinsey quite literally knocked him on his butt.Honestly she is becoming a different horse now that she is outside all the time. She can run, which she loves to do. She runs up to the fence to say hello, nickers for food, is becoming an almost affectionate horse. She is all mare for sure, which I why I was think that having so many people using her and handle her was getting confusing for her. Mares like routine.
Oh don't worry nobody was harmed during this play session. They had just been turned out into the field to stretch their legs without mud and these two just happened to cross paths. You have to admit that Madison really can get down can't she. Could be a little cow pony.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
I rode
It was a bad lead up to my ride today. First of all, I have hurt myself everyday. I mean drawing blood hurting myself. From slipping on black ice to a paper cut, I have actually seen my blood everyday for about 5 days. I am running out of skin. It made me a little nervous to ride.
Then my check engine light came on. I was not sure I wanted to drive my car with that on so I was going to borrow someone else's car, but first I had to take her to a class of her own. Fine, it was going to cut it close but oh well. I had to stop by and get cash from a ATM before I dropped her off. The ATM was broken. Now I don't have time. SO we drive back home, she takes off with her car and I am going to see what I can do with mine.
I have no time remember, but I forgot my helmet. I look high and low and can't find it anywhere. Now I am just getting more determined. I am GOING to ride even if I DOES kill me. Screw it, I can't find the helmet and I'll just have to write a check for the lesson.
I get in the car and it is pouring down rain. It's spring, I guess I should expect this right?
Check engine light goes off, that is one thing in my favor. I'm making pretty good time too.
All in all I end up being a few minute late, nothing big. I meet R. and we go out to see Bill. Worst news ever, Bill is SOLD. Damn, I like Bill. I get my first ride on him and it did go well.
I have to get used to the way he is trained but he walks around, with his ears back in typical Bill style. I get very comfortable on him, but my short legs don't fit the stirrups correctly. R is really good about just letting me walk around and the feel again.
At one point Bill rammed my leg into the pipe fence and I have to really get after him. We trot a few steps, and survive. I get really bummed because Bill really was the horse I was looking for. I just wish I knew that before and had had the money to pay for him. Damn it!
Anyway I was really thrilled. I have been so stiff in the saddle, afraid to move that I'd encourage more forward movement than I wanted. After a good 15 min. I was so comfortable on Bill. I was able to move around, use my legs, use my seat. I was more animated. It was good. I was able to practice exaggerated movements which helped loosen me up too.
Finally I decided to get off. First of all Bill is so wide my legs were getting sore being stretched that far. My wrist has healed even more and I could get off almost normally. I slid down the saddle and was so surprised that the ground came up so quickly, Bill is only 13.3.
Anyway I am not giving up on Kinsey yet. I took her for a walk yesterday. I had her out and went looking for my dog. So I just took Kin out on the road. She was very well behaved and looked at a few things but didn't spook. For the most part she walked along with a nice level head. That's my girl! So there is hope for her yet.
Then my check engine light came on. I was not sure I wanted to drive my car with that on so I was going to borrow someone else's car, but first I had to take her to a class of her own. Fine, it was going to cut it close but oh well. I had to stop by and get cash from a ATM before I dropped her off. The ATM was broken. Now I don't have time. SO we drive back home, she takes off with her car and I am going to see what I can do with mine.
I have no time remember, but I forgot my helmet. I look high and low and can't find it anywhere. Now I am just getting more determined. I am GOING to ride even if I DOES kill me. Screw it, I can't find the helmet and I'll just have to write a check for the lesson.
I get in the car and it is pouring down rain. It's spring, I guess I should expect this right?
Check engine light goes off, that is one thing in my favor. I'm making pretty good time too.
All in all I end up being a few minute late, nothing big. I meet R. and we go out to see Bill. Worst news ever, Bill is SOLD. Damn, I like Bill. I get my first ride on him and it did go well.
I have to get used to the way he is trained but he walks around, with his ears back in typical Bill style. I get very comfortable on him, but my short legs don't fit the stirrups correctly. R is really good about just letting me walk around and the feel again.
At one point Bill rammed my leg into the pipe fence and I have to really get after him. We trot a few steps, and survive. I get really bummed because Bill really was the horse I was looking for. I just wish I knew that before and had had the money to pay for him. Damn it!
Anyway I was really thrilled. I have been so stiff in the saddle, afraid to move that I'd encourage more forward movement than I wanted. After a good 15 min. I was so comfortable on Bill. I was able to move around, use my legs, use my seat. I was more animated. It was good. I was able to practice exaggerated movements which helped loosen me up too.
Finally I decided to get off. First of all Bill is so wide my legs were getting sore being stretched that far. My wrist has healed even more and I could get off almost normally. I slid down the saddle and was so surprised that the ground came up so quickly, Bill is only 13.3.
Anyway I am not giving up on Kinsey yet. I took her for a walk yesterday. I had her out and went looking for my dog. So I just took Kin out on the road. She was very well behaved and looked at a few things but didn't spook. For the most part she walked along with a nice level head. That's my girl! So there is hope for her yet.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Mud! Mud! Mud!
Super. . . snow is gone and we get mud. I mean I know that this is how it goes. Snow, it melt and makes mud. Still, it is icky. . .
Remember the beautiful red dun mare I brought home? Kinsey now looks like this:
Can anyone say ewwwwww?
I know I promised pictures of Kinsey and Abby, but there is a glich. His name is Rock My World, or better known to those who love him as Rocky. I believe Kinsey calls him something else but I don't use that kind of language here. Abby loves Rocky. Oh and if you are looking at that picture and wondering if Rocky can walk under Abby, yes, yes he can. So Abby eats with Rocky and then visits with Kinsey afterward. I just ran out and took these photos because I have been so busy.
Visualization is going well. Really it is. I have been saying my affirmations and everything is having the desired effect, it almost feels boring now. So the nerves are disappearing.
For those of you wondering, you can use visualization for anything from getting your distance correct to a fence to performing the perfect dressage test. Just practice in your mind doing it right and your body doesn't know the different.
A comment below made me think about being a kid. I think we all did do visualization as kids. We just called it daydreaming. I know I sat in class and thought about riding Hope. Running confidently through the woods, then go home and do it.
Remember the beautiful red dun mare I brought home? Kinsey now looks like this:
Can anyone say ewwwwww?
I know I promised pictures of Kinsey and Abby, but there is a glich. His name is Rock My World, or better known to those who love him as Rocky. I believe Kinsey calls him something else but I don't use that kind of language here. Abby loves Rocky. Oh and if you are looking at that picture and wondering if Rocky can walk under Abby, yes, yes he can. So Abby eats with Rocky and then visits with Kinsey afterward. I just ran out and took these photos because I have been so busy.
Visualization is going well. Really it is. I have been saying my affirmations and everything is having the desired effect, it almost feels boring now. So the nerves are disappearing.
For those of you wondering, you can use visualization for anything from getting your distance correct to a fence to performing the perfect dressage test. Just practice in your mind doing it right and your body doesn't know the different.
A comment below made me think about being a kid. I think we all did do visualization as kids. We just called it daydreaming. I know I sat in class and thought about riding Hope. Running confidently through the woods, then go home and do it.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Visualization
I just wrote out a whole visualization for my ride next Thursday. The key to having a good visualization is to include lots of detail and emotion. I was going to share it but I thought it was a bit long and boring for a blog. I got a lot out of actually typing it out.
This technique has really worked well for me in the past, until I get to those parts that I didn't visualize really well. Normally I start out strong, but forget about the last part of the ride. That was where my down fall was with a few rides I had on Abby.
When I visualize I usually start out really strong and then get lost in the middle as a dog licks my face or the phone rings. So the process of actually writing my visualization helped me to take the ride from the moment I park under the big pine tree to getting in my car after the ride. See really long.
I can tell when the difficult parts of the ride are going to be for me. I get a little herd of butterflies in my stomach when I think about getting on or getting off. I know from experience that as I keep visualizing those awkward moment, they become less awkward.
So I'll just share one part with you for an example:
With a positive attitude, I lead Bill to the arena and under the black hanging tarp that keep dust from going into the barn. Behind me R closes the wooden arena door. Bill follows me obediently, and I take a deep relaxing breath. Letting it out slowly as R asks Bill to stand next to the gate, I am confident in my skills. Bill moves over until his side is touching the gate. I climb up the old dusty gate, I feel the grim under my hands. I move freely but deliberately. I feel confident because I have worked with Bill before and he has always been well behaved. I take a deep breath and let it out, just like I have done a hundred times before. I grab the soft leather reins and swing my leg over the saddle. The saddle is cold, but warms quickly from my body heat. I slip my feet in to the stirrups. Next I shift my weight around the get my position correct, check my reins again. I take another deep breath, Bill has not moved an inch and is just waiting for me to tell him what to do.
See I have a lot of detail in their, and even more that I will see in the picture in my head. Before I got out of bed this morning, I ran this scene through my head, I'll do it again as I am in the shower, and driving to work. Finally I will do it as I fall asleep tonight. By the time I ride Bill for real I will have done it probably at least 25 times in my head.
This technique has really worked well for me in the past, until I get to those parts that I didn't visualize really well. Normally I start out strong, but forget about the last part of the ride. That was where my down fall was with a few rides I had on Abby.
When I visualize I usually start out really strong and then get lost in the middle as a dog licks my face or the phone rings. So the process of actually writing my visualization helped me to take the ride from the moment I park under the big pine tree to getting in my car after the ride. See really long.
I can tell when the difficult parts of the ride are going to be for me. I get a little herd of butterflies in my stomach when I think about getting on or getting off. I know from experience that as I keep visualizing those awkward moment, they become less awkward.
So I'll just share one part with you for an example:
With a positive attitude, I lead Bill to the arena and under the black hanging tarp that keep dust from going into the barn. Behind me R closes the wooden arena door. Bill follows me obediently, and I take a deep relaxing breath. Letting it out slowly as R asks Bill to stand next to the gate, I am confident in my skills. Bill moves over until his side is touching the gate. I climb up the old dusty gate, I feel the grim under my hands. I move freely but deliberately. I feel confident because I have worked with Bill before and he has always been well behaved. I take a deep breath and let it out, just like I have done a hundred times before. I grab the soft leather reins and swing my leg over the saddle. The saddle is cold, but warms quickly from my body heat. I slip my feet in to the stirrups. Next I shift my weight around the get my position correct, check my reins again. I take another deep breath, Bill has not moved an inch and is just waiting for me to tell him what to do.
See I have a lot of detail in their, and even more that I will see in the picture in my head. Before I got out of bed this morning, I ran this scene through my head, I'll do it again as I am in the shower, and driving to work. Finally I will do it as I fall asleep tonight. By the time I ride Bill for real I will have done it probably at least 25 times in my head.
* * * * * *
Mean while back at the ranch. . . .
Abby and Kinsey are the best of buds. Every time I look out there are with each other. My batteries died yesterday, but charged our night. I will have to take some pictures of them together. They are instant friends!
For the first time Kinsey came running up to me yesterday. I think she is feeding off the other horses that all flock to me when I came into the field. So she just joined in. My heart melted as I saw her trotting towards me with her ears pricked and a happy look on her face. I easily caught her and took her out to be groomed and then did a little in hand work . We did target training, and some other in hand work. Then we took a short walk. She did wonderful.
Abby and Kinsey are the best of buds. Every time I look out there are with each other. My batteries died yesterday, but charged our night. I will have to take some pictures of them together. They are instant friends!
For the first time Kinsey came running up to me yesterday. I think she is feeding off the other horses that all flock to me when I came into the field. So she just joined in. My heart melted as I saw her trotting towards me with her ears pricked and a happy look on her face. I easily caught her and took her out to be groomed and then did a little in hand work . We did target training, and some other in hand work. Then we took a short walk. She did wonderful.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Back to the fear issues
I did the first few steps. First I found someone that does not care that I am overweight. That was really a huge issue for me. A lot of people don't think someone of my size should be riding, but we do. People who weight more than me ride. Frankly some of them do it much better than their lighter weight counter parts and are easier on the horse. Anyway that is a topic for another time.
The next step: I found a support group for the weight and riding issue. This may have been an even bigger issue for me. I really kept myself from riding with the excuse, I too fat. Well when Amanda at A Far Girl and A Fat Horse started a fourm, I realized that I was not alone and that there were a lot of people who weighted more than me that happily and successfully rode happy horses. I am not going to hurt my horse, especially since I am not going to be ripping over a cross counry field, I am going to be walking, trotting at most, at the moment.
I found a horse that I can ride, Bill, maybe. Bill is a 10 year old halflinger gelding. He stand 13.3 but is as wide as they come. He is used to carrying a heavy rider and is a pretty laid back guy. I just adore Bill actually. A little snotty, but I love snotty horses. I don't know why. Bill has carried children around safely so he is not that snotty.
Finally the trainer I am working with is pretty laid back. I don't really need riding lessons, I just need to get back in the saddle and maybe a few nudges along the way to push myself a little further.
Now I just have to "ride" Bill everyday in my mind's eye. Everything from getting on him to walking around the ring, finally getting off. I need to plan out my script today and start rehearsing it. I also want to find some videos of people riding halflingers and having successful calm rides. I also have to write some affirmations to the effect that I am a calm and confident rider, and able to deal with any situation.
* * * * *
Mean while back at the ranch. Things are continuing on. Abby and Kinsey got to meet on the same side of the fence today. They have been standing next to each other on opposite sides of the fence all week so the greeting when much as I expected. The sniffed each other and went about eating hay out of the same pile. Rather sweet actaully. Now everyone is just chilling.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Driving Lesson #4 and what I came home with
Driving day! Today we hitched up Bill and took him out on the road. It was a lot of fun. I did some driving and R. did most of it. It is just a matter of getting used to it. It is different. R. starts his horses so well thought that they are really ready for driving. I was actually a little nervous, and I am not sure why, but it was fun none the less. I told R that I would come back out next Thrusday and ride.
EEKKKK!!!
I came home with this:
Reiley is a rat terrier cross and R needed to find him a new home. I had some ideas so I agreed to take him and find him a home. Reiley is really a super sweet dog. Gets along with everyone, likes to play, listens, good with children. He does like to sneak food and does like to sneak off to find more adventures, which is why he is finding himself in need of a new home.
EEKKKK!!!
I came home with this:
Reiley is a rat terrier cross and R needed to find him a new home. I had some ideas so I agreed to take him and find him a home. Reiley is really a super sweet dog. Gets along with everyone, likes to play, listens, good with children. He does like to sneak food and does like to sneak off to find more adventures, which is why he is finding himself in need of a new home.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Traing is going well
Kinsey is doing very well here. I knew that she would. I have been working with her daily, although my idea of working with her is letting her settle in as I work around her and let her get used to everything.
I don't believe in doing much with a horse when they first get to a new place and a new owner. I'm not in a hurry. Especially a horse like Kinsey. She is so shy of new people that she really just needs to learn that I am not going to hurt her. I can now stand next to her while she eats, I can't touch her yet, but standing is good. She actually threw her head over the fence and nickered for food this morning. The biggest improvement: She will walk up to the fence and let me touch her nose and muzzle. She was backing way up before and would not even let me touch her.
Now for another horse these things would be no big deal but they are a big deal for Kinsey. I need to respect her needs. I am hoping that as I gain her trust, she gains mine and when it come time to send her to R. for some evaluations she will be in a much better place and so will I.
I have a feeling that Kinsey was with one owner for a long time, she is tenish now. Then for whatever reason she was sold to a woman who wanted a calm trail horse. She fell off and then used Kinsey for a brood mare for a year. I am thinking she may have had her for 2 or 3 years. She sold Kinsey to the people I got her from. There two young girls were riding double bare back and fell off. She was not as calm as they wanted so Kinsey was up for sale again. They had her less than a year. I get the feeling from Kinsey that she is one of those horses that really needs to bond with her owner.
I don't believe in doing much with a horse when they first get to a new place and a new owner. I'm not in a hurry. Especially a horse like Kinsey. She is so shy of new people that she really just needs to learn that I am not going to hurt her. I can now stand next to her while she eats, I can't touch her yet, but standing is good. She actually threw her head over the fence and nickered for food this morning. The biggest improvement: She will walk up to the fence and let me touch her nose and muzzle. She was backing way up before and would not even let me touch her.
Now for another horse these things would be no big deal but they are a big deal for Kinsey. I need to respect her needs. I am hoping that as I gain her trust, she gains mine and when it come time to send her to R. for some evaluations she will be in a much better place and so will I.
I have a feeling that Kinsey was with one owner for a long time, she is tenish now. Then for whatever reason she was sold to a woman who wanted a calm trail horse. She fell off and then used Kinsey for a brood mare for a year. I am thinking she may have had her for 2 or 3 years. She sold Kinsey to the people I got her from. There two young girls were riding double bare back and fell off. She was not as calm as they wanted so Kinsey was up for sale again. They had her less than a year. I get the feeling from Kinsey that she is one of those horses that really needs to bond with her owner.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Happy and Beautiful
Oh the awards:
Both of these awards have been given to this blog. The Happy Award was an open invitation from Living A Farmer's Life which I accepted because her blog and her comments on my blog make me so happy. The beautiful Blogger award was from the blog No Hoof, No Horse, a wonderful person who is very admirable in her love and dedication to her horse with navicular.
The rule are this:
The Happy Award- 10 thing that make me happy and then 10 blogs that make me happy.
1) Seeing farm animals grazing on grass. All farm animals: goats, horses, cattle, sheep. I just like seeing them enjoying their life knowing how much they give back to humans, be it companionship, food, fiber, or whatever.
2) Fresh laid eggs, the ones that are still warm when I collect them.
3) Remington, my little dachshund, curled up on my lap under a blanket.
4) I am a teacher and I love it when a student has been struggling and finally understand it. Then even better is when they are able to apply that knowledge to a new situation. That just fills me with joy. I don't care if that student is a child, an adult, a horse, or a dog.
5) Seedling that are just popping through the soil. Seeing that new life come from just a tiny seed is amazing.
6) Seeing that seedling grow into a plant and produce its own fruit and knowing how good that egg plant, tomato, zucchini, etc. is going to taste.
7) Checking off items on my to do list and meeting goals. I feel so good knowing I am getting stuff done.
8) Having enough hay. It is such a simple pleasure but seeing that pile of hay and knowing that I don't have to figure out how to get more here is such a good feeling.
9) Bacon frying. Okay this is a bad one, but does anything smell better than bacon frying? As my sister says, everything is better with bacon. lol
10) Finding little comments on my blog. It just like to hear what others are thinking.
-Beautiful Blogger
This one require me to share 7 things about me and pass it on to 15 other blogs:
1) I have to lose 87 lbs. That is down from having to lose 100 lbs. I feel confident sharing that information because of a wonderful blogger at: A Fat Girl and a Fat Horse
2) I have three dogs: Remington ~ a miniature dachshund, Zoe~ a 3/4 dachie, 1/4 JRT, Gracie~ a bichon frise.
3) I have a bachelor's degree in Animal Science ~Horse science, with minors in chemistry and biology.
4) Then I went back to college and got my certification to teach student with learning disabilities.
5) I take two sugars and creamer in my coffee.
6) I love to make goat's milk soap, goat cheese, and make goat's milk ice cream.
7) I love brussel sprouts and asparagus.
Now for the passing on to other blogs. Well I am not going to give one to 15 and the other to 10. The below listed blogs deserve both. These are listed in a random order:
1) A Fat Girl on a Fat Horse: I love this blog, so insightful.
2)Living a Farmer's Life: Achive1Dream was my first ever follower. I love both of her blogs.
3) Beebee's Chrome Chevalier TTT: Achive1Dream's other blog
4) Gray Horse Matters: She has received the Beautiful Blogger award, but she deserves it and the Happy Award.
5) Behind the Bit: She has such great posts for interesting products like the current one for white riding boots.
6) A Year with Horse: This woman is has such wonderful insightful post.
7) The Jumping Percheron: Gotta love a woman who rides a Percheron and does it so well!
8) No Hoof, No Horse: Right back at ya! :)
9)Epona Studio: Beautiful art work!
10) Equestrian Ink : They love horses and love to write.
I love so many more blogs I wish I had time to link to them all but just check out my blog list to see all the others that really deserve this award too!
Both of these awards have been given to this blog. The Happy Award was an open invitation from Living A Farmer's Life which I accepted because her blog and her comments on my blog make me so happy. The beautiful Blogger award was from the blog No Hoof, No Horse, a wonderful person who is very admirable in her love and dedication to her horse with navicular.
The rule are this:
The Happy Award- 10 thing that make me happy and then 10 blogs that make me happy.
1) Seeing farm animals grazing on grass. All farm animals: goats, horses, cattle, sheep. I just like seeing them enjoying their life knowing how much they give back to humans, be it companionship, food, fiber, or whatever.2) Fresh laid eggs, the ones that are still warm when I collect them.
3) Remington, my little dachshund, curled up on my lap under a blanket.
4) I am a teacher and I love it when a student has been struggling and finally understand it. Then even better is when they are able to apply that knowledge to a new situation. That just fills me with joy. I don't care if that student is a child, an adult, a horse, or a dog.
5) Seedling that are just popping through the soil. Seeing that new life come from just a tiny seed is amazing.
6) Seeing that seedling grow into a plant and produce its own fruit and knowing how good that egg plant, tomato, zucchini, etc. is going to taste.
7) Checking off items on my to do list and meeting goals. I feel so good knowing I am getting stuff done.
8) Having enough hay. It is such a simple pleasure but seeing that pile of hay and knowing that I don't have to figure out how to get more here is such a good feeling.
9) Bacon frying. Okay this is a bad one, but does anything smell better than bacon frying? As my sister says, everything is better with bacon. lol
10) Finding little comments on my blog. It just like to hear what others are thinking.
-Beautiful Blogger
This one require me to share 7 things about me and pass it on to 15 other blogs:
1) I have to lose 87 lbs. That is down from having to lose 100 lbs. I feel confident sharing that information because of a wonderful blogger at: A Fat Girl and a Fat Horse
2) I have three dogs: Remington ~ a miniature dachshund, Zoe~ a 3/4 dachie, 1/4 JRT, Gracie~ a bichon frise.
3) I have a bachelor's degree in Animal Science ~Horse science, with minors in chemistry and biology.
4) Then I went back to college and got my certification to teach student with learning disabilities.
5) I take two sugars and creamer in my coffee.
6) I love to make goat's milk soap, goat cheese, and make goat's milk ice cream.
7) I love brussel sprouts and asparagus.
Now for the passing on to other blogs. Well I am not going to give one to 15 and the other to 10. The below listed blogs deserve both. These are listed in a random order:
1) A Fat Girl on a Fat Horse: I love this blog, so insightful.
2)Living a Farmer's Life: Achive1Dream was my first ever follower. I love both of her blogs.
3) Beebee's Chrome Chevalier TTT: Achive1Dream's other blog
4) Gray Horse Matters: She has received the Beautiful Blogger award, but she deserves it and the Happy Award.
5) Behind the Bit: She has such great posts for interesting products like the current one for white riding boots.
6) A Year with Horse: This woman is has such wonderful insightful post.
7) The Jumping Percheron: Gotta love a woman who rides a Percheron and does it so well!
8) No Hoof, No Horse: Right back at ya! :)
9)Epona Studio: Beautiful art work!
10) Equestrian Ink : They love horses and love to write.
I love so many more blogs I wish I had time to link to them all but just check out my blog list to see all the others that really deserve this award too!