tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9407963617266143512024-02-21T07:28:15.535-06:00No Hoof, No Horse?Tales of a Part-Time Horse Trainer and Her Unique Navicular Lesson Horse.lopinon4http://www.blogger.com/profile/00413859466329003832noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940796361726614351.post-60351652859272509942012-06-07T12:48:00.000-05:002012-06-07T12:48:12.804-05:00Lazy Summer Dayz..<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Not a whole lot to update. Being unemployed is allowing me more time with my CJ (see above), and I'm not convinced that he's as grateful for it as I am. When I ride, he has to work properly....when students ride, he just has to behave. I love the dude, though. He's good for my soul. (See how short my hair is? And, that's a couple of months of growth...no kidding)<br />
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Sunshine, my beautiful old dog, had to go to the vet today for some eye trouble. I noticed yesterday afternoon that they were puffy and had some pus going on. Gave her a benadryl to see if that would knock it out. Well, it knocked HER out, and she slept good last night, but woke up this morning with even more swelling. So, off to the vet we went. $100 later, she has some eye drops for conjuctivitis. Goofy mutt must've stuck her nose in some weed that is pollenating or something. Always somethin..<br />
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I'm getting a new kitty today. We have one already, a small female that our upstairs neighbors didn't want when we moved here...last of her litter. She's a total brat, but we love her. My dog, Sunshine, thinks Takashi is HER kitty. Our new kitty is a Norwegian Forest, and is 6 years old already. I'm getting her from a friend who works at a vet clinic. Poor thing was dropped off to be euthed. A doctor and his wife had owned her since a kitten,. She had stopped using her litterbox and they were selling their home. They said she wouldn't be able to adjust to new owners so they wanted her put down. They wouldn't take her to a no-kill shelter, either. So, the clinic had less than two hours to find her a home. She'll be with me. :) As if I need more problems, huh?<br />
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Not a cloud in the sky today, though, and I'm blessed to have food in my fridge, a roof over my head, and some great friends. We'll see what tomorrow brings...<br />
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Happy Trails, All!lopinon4http://www.blogger.com/profile/00413859466329003832noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940796361726614351.post-64720241481289236652012-06-01T12:33:00.001-05:002012-06-01T12:33:13.707-05:00Touching Base..We meet again, my long-lost (and long-missed) cyber friends. A lot has changed in my life, and I thought I should post a short summary of happenings. I apologize for being quiet for so long, but I had to wait for the roller coaster to slow in order to hold my pen and write...<br />
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My divorce was final last Wednesday. We wrapped it up one week after our 15 year wedding anniversary. I have relocated to a nice quiet little town, where I can hear coyotes and crickets at night, instead of gangster rap and sirens and freeway traffic. I brought my good little dog, and even obtained a cat (good grief). My dog loves the 2 acre yard she has to run on, and the puppy who lives next door. She has found renewed youth here, and I hope to find it, too. After so much drama and court proceedings and restraining orders, I have placement of my youngest daughter, who I of course brought with me to Little Town, USA. She likes it here. She is discovering a lot of new things about herself.<br />
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I am hopelessly in love with my best friend, and have to most past that...somehow.<br />
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I quit my job to save my career (long story) and am currently un-employed officially, just getting by on the few bucks I earn with my riding lesson program. I still have CJ, but he couldn't tolerate being barefoot anymore...he was getting heel sore, and I had to shoe him. He's still adjusting, but is doing very well. He celebrated his 13th birthday in April. I took a good look at him, and wished for him to be able to get a break from the lesson horse gig. If I get the job I'm trying for, my wish for him may come true.<br />
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I cut all my hair off, and put a ton of blonde in it.<br />
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I lost weight, and gained it back.<br />
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I now drive a VW Beetle, and love it. :)<br />
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I am starting over. Wanna come with me?lopinon4http://www.blogger.com/profile/00413859466329003832noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940796361726614351.post-33435224423384497092011-07-20T11:17:00.000-05:002011-07-20T11:17:16.180-05:00Wise Words"...and I whispered to the horse: trust no man in whose eye you don't see yourself reflected as an equal." - Don Vincenzo Giobbelopinon4http://www.blogger.com/profile/00413859466329003832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940796361726614351.post-16109126192087150542011-07-08T14:39:00.001-05:002011-07-09T10:57:37.629-05:00Still Kickin!!I really have been MIA for a long time. It just hit me not too long ago that the only reason I hadn't blogged was because I've been just THAT BUSY, with my horse life and with my personal life. I apologize to any of you who have been waiting with bated breath. (HA!)<br />
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I assure you, firstly, that CJ is doing incredibly well. Ever since we moved to the new place last October, he has really blossomed and flourished. He is seriously in the best physical condition that I've ever seen him. And he's still barefoot. ( Insert ridiculously goofy happy dance here) We have even hit the trails that are on the farm a few times, and it was wonderful!! It's fun to be reminded of just how sensible and fun he is outside of an arena setting. CJ has a bevy of students who lavish him with love and attention as he guides them on their path to horseback riding enjoyment. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLX3DjWvhFI0A9JJg8g38-X1sOjhal8EbMiMxM9gEIEK9xbidSiUhkhO42gbItMq3ucdlsnJl6geJYoByypjziD-3U8r3DZNJ3LyS6apUawofSDyL3-4e4XYVZs0CdrdXNhwSbTnRPk62P/s1600/KaelynCJ.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLX3DjWvhFI0A9JJg8g38-X1sOjhal8EbMiMxM9gEIEK9xbidSiUhkhO42gbItMq3ucdlsnJl6geJYoByypjziD-3U8r3DZNJ3LyS6apUawofSDyL3-4e4XYVZs0CdrdXNhwSbTnRPk62P/s320/KaelynCJ.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6fOn5uISMXtAr28rUVqTGc4lcsosB01l4uvynXDw0Cmwud-2-ctZ1uegpqd7s0n58JcMw7r_DloldirFyO-21VFwPWasIvshC17jDQ1LZVrL8XfFX2Uf20IPG-aRaJ2gPHlIJcUc4Ua6q/s1600/JaNaeCJ.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6fOn5uISMXtAr28rUVqTGc4lcsosB01l4uvynXDw0Cmwud-2-ctZ1uegpqd7s0n58JcMw7r_DloldirFyO-21VFwPWasIvshC17jDQ1LZVrL8XfFX2Uf20IPG-aRaJ2gPHlIJcUc4Ua6q/s320/JaNaeCJ.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Toi, however, never fully recovered from his mystery injury from last fall. It must have occurred in the trailer , when we were stopped by a train crossing in front of us en route to a horse show. It was really rocking back there, and when we unloaded, he had placed some pretty significant dents in the side of the steel trailer. We were informed that he had some type of stifle injury as a foal at the time of purchase, but he has always been fit as a fiddle and sound as could be. While showing that day last fall, he just wasn't right. Not lame. But, definitely crabby. He would sull up a bit at the lope in his western classes, and was really throwing out his left hip. After vet-recommended hock injections didn't nip it, X-rays revealed a lesion on his stifle. Re-injured in the same exact area as when he was a foal. So, the vet injected his stifle, we rehabbed and tried to go back to work over the winter....no improvement. Ugh. Surgeon wouldn't touch him if we didn't nerve block to be certain, so that was done last Friday, July 1st and he went for surgery on the 5th. <br />
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Doc cleaned and scraped the lesion, injected some bone marrow, and now he's back on stall rest. This horse is the most <strong>intense</strong> work-a-holic that I know....stall rest is <em><u>torture</u></em>. However, the wonderful BO is kind enough to offer a much larger stall, complete with rubber mats on the walls in case he kicks in frustration, two windows, and a lovely view of several pastures. We can hand-walk him 10 minutes each day. After 30 days, he can have a small paddock for 60 days, then back to light work. That puts us around October 5th before I can swing a leg over. Poor Toi. And, honestly, poor me. I enjoy working with him, training him, spending time with him. And, his owner is a pretty cool chick, too. We've become closer during all of this trial and tribulation with Toi, and I'm grateful for the chance to get to know her better. She's turned into a good friend over time, and who can have too many of those???<br />
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Remember Dancer? 1/2 Perchie mare? Well, she's at the same lovely huge barn as the rest of us crazies, and she's also been "off" for a while. I suspect an adjustment is in order (she's never had one, and she's a BIG girl) so her mom has lined up the chiro for her on Monday the 11th. I'll post an update. She's happy in her new home, though, and I love being able to love on her and ride her whenever I want to. She's so FUN! :) It goes without saying that we have a bond....I've known her, and have been her trainer, since she was 6 months old. She's 6 years old now. We have history, baby! :) I'm sure you're not shocked to hear that I consider her owner a close friend, as well. Our daughters even hang out together whenever they can. The horse world really is one huge, odd circle. I have a love-hate relationship with that danged circle. Maybe all of us psycho horse people do??? <br />
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As far as other items of interest, I left my husband for a month and came back home. <br />
My father passed away at the end of March. <br />
My oldest daughter graduated high school. <br />
Someone special (we'll refer to them as J) who had recently re-entered my life after being gone MANY years....well, let's just say that this person has become more important than I ever dreamed. And I'm happy about it. <br />
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That's all I have for now. Happy Trails and best wishes to anyone who is still a reader!lopinon4http://www.blogger.com/profile/00413859466329003832noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940796361726614351.post-86361986612107915682011-01-12T09:18:00.000-06:002011-01-12T09:18:16.539-06:00Wordless Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKLdDQ__4I-5oJN4i3b4wQgU_7Oll0dmeSIgoC3pauUaiTLMaKtnLrqDZm5RCjoZfskhrpmesjfRLUZ4JIprr9twMix_vHpVG5l-A9D-hY8CU068vyZQEFR2dX6_rDRFXTLc9wTu7gveuM/s1600/CJjumpphotoshop.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKLdDQ__4I-5oJN4i3b4wQgU_7Oll0dmeSIgoC3pauUaiTLMaKtnLrqDZm5RCjoZfskhrpmesjfRLUZ4JIprr9twMix_vHpVG5l-A9D-hY8CU068vyZQEFR2dX6_rDRFXTLc9wTu7gveuM/s320/CJjumpphotoshop.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiNWsfV93ZwpanRfHTbpXaAqKazJSJ_SjjKV9eskyGSqlJUBIEZ4z7X92jZBVClwhQBt9YW90HVHiB5SDY9c_zVrLseDQCRCy95pwywAMn8PrsVACTMpV7RDQk5zhAbsei2Uqv32SYTo6S/s1600/LindseyCJJump.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiNWsfV93ZwpanRfHTbpXaAqKazJSJ_SjjKV9eskyGSqlJUBIEZ4z7X92jZBVClwhQBt9YW90HVHiB5SDY9c_zVrLseDQCRCy95pwywAMn8PrsVACTMpV7RDQk5zhAbsei2Uqv32SYTo6S/s320/LindseyCJJump.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>lopinon4http://www.blogger.com/profile/00413859466329003832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940796361726614351.post-63211080777075709882010-09-22T15:41:00.000-05:002010-09-22T15:41:45.441-05:00Summer to FallWhat a summer. What a year.<br />
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For that matter, what a <em><u>life</u></em>. <br />
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I am truly sorry that I have been neglecting my blog. I want to assure you that I have NOT, however, been neglecting my horsie duties, or CJ, or my students and clients. I HAVE, however, been taking a little bit more time for ME. I, through a recent revelation, have discovered the joy and happiness of loving myself, letting myself be <strong>me</strong> with someone special, and really just letting life treat me better than it has in the past. It's a little scary, but mostly just refreshing to feel so alive again. <br />
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On the horsie front, I am moving good ole CJ (and my entire lesson program) to a new barn. I have trained out of the barn in the past, about 5 years ago, and this really does feel a lot like "going home". Toi is coming, as is one other client horse. I will share photos of our new home soon, and will update you on some of the recent happenings in our world. <br />
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CJ is sound, still barefoot, and we have a wonderful trimmer coming every 3 weeks to get him re-balanced. So far, so good!! We even went on a trail ride barefoot, twice, and he held up wonderfully! (Everyone give a little victory whoop, please!)<br />
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What a summer to fall...and I have fallen. Hopelessly. Happily. YAY for me! :)<br />
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Be back soon, folks. In the meantime, Happy Trails!!lopinon4http://www.blogger.com/profile/00413859466329003832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940796361726614351.post-43987074533056806772010-07-14T12:51:00.001-05:002010-07-14T12:53:12.322-05:00ParelliI try so hard not to be a hater. I really do. But, having this man market his "program" to backyard novice horse owners, encouraging them to do their own training without the common sense to even advise them to don a helmet...well, let's just say it has been burnin my ass for quite some time. <br />
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Now, this:<br />
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<a href="http://eventingnation.com/home/2010/07/controversy-at-express-eventing-this-weekend.html">Parelli Fiasco</a><br />
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Thoughts? Am I the only one who finds him disgusting?lopinon4http://www.blogger.com/profile/00413859466329003832noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940796361726614351.post-70349034878150424122010-07-07T09:32:00.000-05:002010-07-07T09:32:10.752-05:00Life Is A Roller CoasterYou know how it is when you live your life, and on occasion, you may look over your shoulder at where you've been, but as time goes on and you walk farther, those things are fuzzy and out of focus? In other words, time forces us to forget. Sometimes it's only in small degrees, sometimes in large increments. Then, out of nowhere, a wall of recollection hits you. You're a victim of long-forgotten emotions, flashes of images that have been tucked safely away for decades...it's almost painful. No, it IS painful. <br />
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I am currently dealing with an emotional blast from the past, and I'm becoming almost obsessive in trying to "resolve" issues from 20 years ago. I need to get my head back on my shoulders and deal with TODAY. <br />
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Everyone is doing well, for the record. It's been very humid and miserable, the bugs are taking over the world, but other than that...summer is being good to me. <br />
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CJ has been on ulcer treatment supps for almost 2 weeks. I see a noticeable change in his behavior and attitude. Just plain perkier. I guess that's good AND bad. I will keep him on them for as long as I need to.<br />
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I'll fill you in next week, after Toi's next horse show on Sunday. I'll try to take some good photos for you.<br />
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Happy Trails to everyone!lopinon4http://www.blogger.com/profile/00413859466329003832noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940796361726614351.post-27725309350659802102010-06-17T14:37:00.001-05:002010-06-17T14:54:06.456-05:00Photo Update for JuneToi is awesome. And handsome. Here's my proof:<br />
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<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v258/ladymoves/Toi/?action=view¤t=100_2083.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v258/ladymoves/Toi/100_2083.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
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Seriously. All y'all can't get the full effect just from pics. He is truly a cool dude. His looks are just icing on the cake, if you can believe it. <br />
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<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v258/ladymoves/Toi/?action=view¤t=100_2082.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v258/ladymoves/Toi/100_2082.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
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Have I mentioned that he is extremely smart and easy to train?<br />
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<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v258/ladymoves/Toi/?action=view¤t=100_2075.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v258/ladymoves/Toi/100_2075.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
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Super handsome and cleans up like a dream.<br />
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<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v258/ladymoves/Toi/?action=view¤t=100_2059.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v258/ladymoves/Toi/100_2059.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
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AND ADORABLE!!<br />
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<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v258/ladymoves/Toi/?action=view¤t=100_2061.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v258/ladymoves/Toi/100_2061.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
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CJ and I on a workout day. I'm ashamed how dirty his polos are. Don't look. :)<br />
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<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v258/ladymoves/CJ%202010/?action=view¤t=100_2215.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v258/ladymoves/CJ%202010/100_2215.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
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No one can tell me he's not a beefcake. Cuz he is.<br />
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<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v258/ladymoves/CJ%202010/?action=view¤t=100_2214.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v258/ladymoves/CJ%202010/100_2214.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
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<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v258/ladymoves/CJ%202010/?action=view¤t=100_2208.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v258/ladymoves/CJ%202010/100_2208.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
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<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v258/ladymoves/CJ%202010/?action=view¤t=100_2198.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v258/ladymoves/CJ%202010/100_2198.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
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Believe it or not, I've lost weight. Sad, huh? LOL!<br />
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<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v258/ladymoves/CJ%202010/?action=view¤t=100_2247.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v258/ladymoves/CJ%202010/100_2247.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />
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I am truly sorry that I've been MIA. I will try to do better from here on out. It's tough when life is so hectic and there's barely even any time to sleep. This is my busy time of year, but I have no excuse for neglecting my blog. <br />
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Thanks for tuning in!!lopinon4http://www.blogger.com/profile/00413859466329003832noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940796361726614351.post-52254586715206455552010-05-26T12:58:00.000-05:002010-05-26T12:58:58.375-05:00Toi, Dancer, LifeI promise that I will be back soon with a detailed (photographs) update. <br />
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For now, all I can say is that Toi went to his first open show of the year last weekend, made his Western Pleasure debut, and blew everyone away. I couldn't be more proud. Pictures to come. <br />
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Dancer is doing better and better. She has been happy and positive, forward and full of impulsion. <br />
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Life is just crazy. I can't seem to get a breathe of air. I have made it a goal to drop some of my extra weight that I found after I stopped smoking. It's been 7 months, and I need to develop some healthier habits. Thankfully, this decision coincides with warmer weather so that I can get outside and walk the dog or whatever...of course, I wish I could ride every night, but that's not the case. <br />
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A favorite fellow boarder is moving to Indiana, and I will miss her a lot. You know how it is when you discover how REAL someone is, and wish you had met them earlier? Yep, it's one of those deals. I didn't get a chance to get to know her as well as I wanted to, and she is already moving. Damn.<br />
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CJ is doing great, as well. I am trying some ulcer treatment via SmartPak with his B-L Pellets, just to see if I observe even more improvement. He can still be cranky, and I've made all the other adjustments that I can think of. Cross your fingers, folks!<br />
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Be back soon with photos! Love y'all, and hope all is well!lopinon4http://www.blogger.com/profile/00413859466329003832noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940796361726614351.post-73429442405356286732010-05-08T09:07:00.000-05:002010-05-08T09:07:10.346-05:00Happy Mother's Day!!I am still breathing and functioning. For the most part. <br />
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A little over a week or so ago, my brother in law died. He was 44. He would be 45 today. My sister lost the love of her life, and it gave me a pretty scary peek into the life of losing your spouse. What a wake up call. I may complain about my husband's lack of interest in my passions, the fact that we NEVER go out and do anything anymore, he has poor listening skills, he talks too much, he never listens to MY music, he moves the seat in my van and doesn't put it back, and the list goes ON AND ON. But, you know what? I'd be SO freakin lost without him. He is my soul mate, and he has helped me construct the last 15 years of my life, and it's a life that I'm very proud of. I couldn't have done it without him. So, although tomorrow is designed with me in mind, as a mother, you can bet your a$$ that I'll be showing him how much I appreciate him, as well. I spent some time watching him sleep last night. I watched his chest rise and fall, and wondered if I could survive finding him with his chest completely still, his skin cold, and no matter how hard I try to make him breathe, he won't do it. I don't know if I could go on. <br />
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On a happier note, today is Autumn's prom night! She had a bit of a scare with waking up to a sore throat and a cough yesterday, but she feels much better today. I am doing her hair and makeup, since we're on a limited budget. Wish me luck that I don't fail her!! Isn't she just gorgeous?<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As I'm sure you've guessed, we're finally all moved in to our new house. We all really love, although I have to "bomb" it again for spiders. I let hubby do it before we moved in, and he only used half of the kit. We did see less spiders for a while, but lately, I've noticed that they're having little spider parties in my kitchen and dining area. Not cool. Yuck. Other than that, we're settling in and talking about new living room furniture, etc. It's fun to make plans...even if you can't see it through for a while. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">CJ is doing fantastic. He had a day last week that he was stiff and a bit "broomstick like" for the first lesson of the day, but then he got much better. I suspect that we have arthritis issues at hand more than we have navicular issues. I did give him a little Bute that night, just in case, and he was fine the next day. Who knows....he may have just played too rough with Toi, too. Myah is riding again, too, which is good to see. She struggles with a fear of heights, so clambering up on our 16 hand horse is tough for her. Once she's up there, she does great, though! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v258/ladymoves/img1273326905950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v258/ladymoves/img1273326905950.jpg" tt="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yes, I know his throatlatch is too tight. I need to punch holes. He survived, though. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I don't have much more to update you on. I want to wish you all a very happy and fun-filled Mother's Day weekend! I'll sign off with some photos of beautiful Dancer, just for fun. Don't look at the fat lady trainer on her back...seriously. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Baby Dancer:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v258/ladymoves/DAncer/dancer1day12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v258/ladymoves/DAncer/dancer1day12.jpg" tt="true" width="320" /></a></div>lopinon4http://www.blogger.com/profile/00413859466329003832noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940796361726614351.post-27512177780502612842010-05-03T10:55:00.000-05:002010-05-03T10:55:14.634-05:00Dancer, Early Stages of CollectionShe has one BOUNCY trot, but is really a joy to work with. I think she's looking pretty good! She turned 5 on Friday. This ride is from Saturday morning. <br />
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lopinon4http://www.blogger.com/profile/00413859466329003832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940796361726614351.post-59512486408596617192010-04-30T08:43:00.000-05:002010-04-30T08:43:46.322-05:00Birthday Wishes!!!I just wanted to wish Jen a very Happy 25th birthday today. I can't believe how fast the time goes. I do believe she was 17 when I started working with her and her aged Palo mare. She has come so far, and I'm so very proud of her. Happy Birthday, Jennifer!!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jen happens to share her birthday with Dancer, who is 5 today!! WOW! It's amazing to remember how LITTLE she was when I met her, and now she's so HUGE. Happy Birthday, Dancer!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v258/ladymoves/Client%20Horses/DANCER0082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v258/ladymoves/Client%20Horses/DANCER0082.jpg" tt="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v258/ladymoves/Client%20Horses/100_0255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v258/ladymoves/Client%20Horses/100_0255.jpg" tt="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2 winters ago </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy Birthday to two VERY special ladies!! Love you!!</div>lopinon4http://www.blogger.com/profile/00413859466329003832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940796361726614351.post-22729817857038310942010-04-29T14:32:00.001-05:002010-04-29T14:40:31.220-05:00Photo Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v258/ladymoves/img1272324402692.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v258/ladymoves/img1272324402692.jpg" tt="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Myah and Sunshine, enjoying their new yard</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v258/ladymoves/img1272297800747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v258/ladymoves/img1272297800747.jpg" tt="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Autumn, in her new prom dress</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v258/ladymoves/img1272297854997.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v258/ladymoves/img1272297854997.jpg" tt="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">New house!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v258/ladymoves/img1272297845832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v258/ladymoves/img1272297845832.jpg" tt="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Random awesome horse at Midwest</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v258/ladymoves/img1272297793795.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v258/ladymoves/img1272297793795.jpg" tt="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sunshine, wiped out from a day of play</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v258/ladymoves/img1272297708227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v258/ladymoves/img1272297708227.jpg" tt="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">CJ, sporting his BLUE and packing one of his fave students around</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v258/ladymoves/img1271279342932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v258/ladymoves/img1271279342932.jpg" tt="true" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Almost forgot this one! Autumn and Toi</div>lopinon4http://www.blogger.com/profile/00413859466329003832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940796361726614351.post-55631029231574487982010-04-20T11:51:00.000-05:002010-04-20T11:51:45.809-05:00Breathe (Almost...)Not finished moving, but we're very close!! Sneak peek:<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'll be back soon, I promise!! </div>lopinon4http://www.blogger.com/profile/00413859466329003832noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940796361726614351.post-88369476993621751462010-04-03T10:00:00.000-05:002010-04-03T10:00:00.583-05:00Life..checking inQuick update, and hopefully things will slow down soon.<br />
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Yep, found a house!! It's still in the city, but it's a whole house (and a nice one) for only $50 more than we're paying per month for a lower flat in a duplex. The girls can stay in their current schools, and it's only a few minutes further from work. We will be moving on or around the 15th, so I'll be sure to share photos and information at that time. <br />
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I had jury duty this week. This was my first time being called. I had to report on Monday and Tuesday. Well, Monday afternoon, the first jury panel that I'm called for, and I'm selected. Here is the case I was on, and it took 4 days: <a href="http://wcca.wicourts.gov/caseDetails.do;jsessionid=CC6ACF68D60DED881B933C9DA34432FC.render6?caseNo=2009CF003048&countyNo=40&cacheId=46A3CD8B01D65BE16745982EFE300B84&recordCount=26&offset=1&mode=details&submit=View+Case+Details">Hernandez</a> I can't begin to tell you how emotionally and mentally exhausted that I am. My fellow jurors and I were almost deadlocked. We had no concrete evidence, only testimony, and both sides made a weak case. <br />
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Came back to work yesterday and I have a ton of stuff to get caught up. Easter is tomorrow, and for the first year ever, I won't be coloring eggs with my daughters. I have lessons tonight, and won't get home until late. Tomorrow morning, we're striking off to go pick up the beater truck that my dad is giving us; we need it to get moved, anyway. Then, back home to make Easter dinner and hopefully get some much needed REST.<br />
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CJ is doing good. His fecal test came back all negative for worms, but he tested positive for sand again. So, he's back on the Metamucil and I'm trying to brainstorm a way for him to eat his hay outside like the rest of the horses, but not inconvenience the b.o. Ideally, I'd love to have a feeder in his paddock. I'd have to buy it, and I'd have to buy at least one more, for Toi, his pasture buddy. They alternate hay piles. Ugh. Ideas, guys? My brain is SHOT!!<br />
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I miss y'all. I'll try to check in more after the move, I promise...Hope all is well with everyone!! HUGS!lopinon4http://www.blogger.com/profile/00413859466329003832noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940796361726614351.post-4411226960540783162010-03-25T16:28:00.000-05:002010-03-25T16:28:23.978-05:00FuglyYou know, there are some who despise her, and maybe for good reason (I've never met her that I know of, but she does originate from the same area that I do, so I MAY know her and not know it), but every now and then she sure hits the nail right on the friggin head. <br />
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<a href="http://www.fuglyblog.com/?p=1701">Fugly Blog</a><br />
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Seriously, I try to make room for the NH'ers, too. It is a big world out here, after all. And many of the beginners and newbies who normally would let a trainer do EVERYTHING and not even bother to get to KNOW their horse....well the NH videos can help them play games and gain confidence. I want to be a fan of anyone who is spending quality time with their horse. But, then, like Fugs pointed out, sometimes one of them NH'ers comes along and just burns my a$$, and this is one of those times.<br />
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Thoughts????lopinon4http://www.blogger.com/profile/00413859466329003832noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940796361726614351.post-734014742091141422010-03-22T14:28:00.002-05:002010-03-22T15:21:50.331-05:00Whew! 9 Lives?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>What a weekend! A refreshing whirlwind, and I truly feel ALIVE in a way that only horses can make me feel. This crap is in my blood; there is just no denying it. By the way, still no news on what's going on with our home...no one has contacted us. <br />
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CJ and I had a real big weekend with lessons. This would be my true test of his soundness, since we were booked full both days, other than the time slots set aside for Dancer's training session and Toi's training session. I had to work at my job on Saturday morning, then I headed straight out to the barn for my 1:00 session with Dancer and Kelli. <br />
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Dancer was quite good, considering her reluctancy to WORK lately. She is happy to run and buck and play with CJ, but if you tack her up and ask for more than a walk, she gives me that ugly face and swishes her tail, bogs completely down and sometimes even kicks out when I squeeze! She was better on Saturday, though. We worked almost solely on our upward transition to trot and she did very well. My 2:00 lesson was with a young man named David, age 9, I think. I decided to use Dancer for "follow the leader", a fun game that I play with my kids. Sorta like Red Light/Green Light, but more exciting because I don't announce what I'm doing as they follow me. I just do it. So, they develop the habit of looking UP and developing good feel for where their mount is at. CJ loves to follow Dancer, so this would be a breeze. We go about twice around the indoor arena, and as we're coming down the rail at a nice trot clip, I feel Dancer stumble. The area of the arena that we are in when this happens is a little valley, then a hill, then a valley. VERY slight, but has been this way for years. Anyway, ...stumble....wait for recovery....forever passes, and I realize that she is not recovering. I am sailing through the air, and my glance down only reveals the complete folding of Dancer's left front leg before I hit the dirt, about 3 feet in front of her; my head BOUNCES off the arena floor. I lay there a second, clean some of the dirt from my teeth and wipe it from my eyes, just in time to hear a fellow boarder come out to us, run right past me, and go to Dancer's head. Dancer is still on the ground, laying on her side, and making some weird hiccup-y noises. Poor girl knocked the wind out of herself!! Keep in mind, she's 17 hands and 1400 lbs. Boarder tries to encourage Dancer to get up. Dancer's not having it. My eyes slide down from Dancer's head, to the dressage saddle of Jennifer's that I borrowed that day, to the stirrup leathers, to the iron....with my left foot still in it. I almost had a heart attack. Yes, my head was pounding and I felt like a freight train had hit me, but my biggest horsie fear is that I'll be dragged. I couldn't get my foot out of there fast enough. Thank God Dancer was calm and not in a rush to get up, or hadn't panicked and run off. I'm sure I'd not be here to relay this story. Anywho...I have a black eye now.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ouch. But, really, it didn't hurt. I didn't even notice it until after I got home many hours later, stepped out of the shower, peered in the mirror and said, "Why didn't my makeup come off?" and then tried using makeup remover. PSA of the day: Makeup remover WILL NOT remove a black eye. HA!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Anyway, Dancer was fine. No swelling, no heat. I linimented her twice that day; once right after it happened, around 2:15, and then again at around 7:00, right before I went home. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Oh, and folks, I wasn't wearing a helmet. Dumbass. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I got through the rest of my lessons for Saturday, and I was proud of that. My body hurt SO bad but I doped up on Advil, washed it down with a Miller Lite, and went to bed. Woke up yesterday (Sunday) morning, and my head felt fine. The rest of me DID NOT. I want to pad my clothes with Kleenex or something, but I just get dressed as normal, and drive out to the barn for another day of lessons. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is my navicular horse, riding in the outdoor arena for the first time this year. Forgive the Kimberwick (he hates it), but I wanted to be sure my lesson kids had the control they needed. We only used half the arena to keep him focused on his job and not distracted by his pals who were all sun-batheing and playing in the rear paddocks. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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Hopefully, that 2nd vid will be done processing by the time I post this update. If not, hopefully this link will work? <br />
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See any signs of 4 years of navicular?<br />
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So, gang, what're your thoughts on Dancer's stumble and fall? We were fearing EPSM before this happened (reluctance to move forward due to muscle pain/fatigue was a huge red flag), but the vet ruled that out without testing her today. He advised we start her on a high intake of Vitamin E (no added selenium), though. I have heard of E for EPM, but not EPSM. Strange. I love my vet, and trust him a ton, but I also found it strange that he wasn't alarmed about our fall. I described the incident to him, and he didn't have much to say. He did mention that I shouldn't be surprised if Dancer is much more careful about the placement of her feet from here on out, though. Ha ha. Funny funny man. <br />
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CJ received a body score of 5, *** insert victory dance here *** and many comments about what great condition he was in. When the vet asks you what your secret is, you just <b>HAVE</b> to feel good, right? He got his teeth floated, Coggins pulled, spring shots, and doc collected a fecal. Same for Toi, minus the teeth float, which he received last fall. So, all in all, a good day. <br />
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Here are some shots of some of my favorite student moments yesterday. <br />
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CJ and Victoria, above. Victoria was TERRIFIED when she started riding with me 2 years ago. She's a lovely quiet rider, and really tunes in to CJ very well. He adores her, and tries his heart out to make her feel safe. When she says "trot" with that tremble in her voice, he just jogs. I love him.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_7x4Q_5H4H52qcBXeMyJWTZFX0XTrvcyMKgDhNW9Jol6mv73rEWDMllV0bwFFYp5932sHrPN838_la6LlHkU41tgfnnIN0aca3XDoMFD1nrhtwCuFbvAy9JRadUP522tYaGsGsy3RwyXk/s1600-h/100_1825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_7x4Q_5H4H52qcBXeMyJWTZFX0XTrvcyMKgDhNW9Jol6mv73rEWDMllV0bwFFYp5932sHrPN838_la6LlHkU41tgfnnIN0aca3XDoMFD1nrhtwCuFbvAy9JRadUP522tYaGsGsy3RwyXk/s320/100_1825.jpg" vt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here is their "trot". HA! It's his jog, for sure. I sometimes feel sorry her as she posts to that, but hey...if it's her comfort zone, who am I to question? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg31i72MLZoKM4lTny8HB3A7foBfaIMzcw3rSEBOdrbfZ_VHgTyEdPPdqo5UmsSOTDrRy0xZpakYF4tB_5ofO6oAyHmYf2kjlKokE8-KypMJSSMeYmtFhhBGFZeKwJ0Fhf4lWfAMqLQ8QD1/s1600-h/100_1816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg31i72MLZoKM4lTny8HB3A7foBfaIMzcw3rSEBOdrbfZ_VHgTyEdPPdqo5UmsSOTDrRy0xZpakYF4tB_5ofO6oAyHmYf2kjlKokE8-KypMJSSMeYmtFhhBGFZeKwJ0Fhf4lWfAMqLQ8QD1/s320/100_1816.jpg" vt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Focus-faced Victoria and CJ. He has one ear on her and one on me since I'm crouching like a weirdo. I can tell he wants to stop and ask me WTH I'm doing on the ground, but he has a job to do. Jog on.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgURuWi6InetZKRAsTwefQDDFAfjG61aS9Fa1sgmogVAo5JJ3Aq5XASgLazdt6z38EZ1BBKzZRXNTbPduCBrGTEXHPJCsQMFaXwG682qMyD5q9iGzK8S7s_RukIv6fj4TYqTV2fNlm5DD3Q/s1600-h/100_1817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgURuWi6InetZKRAsTwefQDDFAfjG61aS9Fa1sgmogVAo5JJ3Aq5XASgLazdt6z38EZ1BBKzZRXNTbPduCBrGTEXHPJCsQMFaXwG682qMyD5q9iGzK8S7s_RukIv6fj4TYqTV2fNlm5DD3Q/s320/100_1817.jpg" vt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">HA! Practice makes perfect. Victoria masters bending a horse at something faster than a walk! :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9m52iarVGsYM439Qjubtxn_rjaOckEX7Xb0tpHOFHSss6GeP3HlEMH9_seKSI71QZ70s7sPDvEQA6_hqzTcoK4vVTsOeh4KQX117XgLqXPmvoHYGrlObt9n0HCETSxlXknvlVgtx6meEc/s1600-h/100_1821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9m52iarVGsYM439Qjubtxn_rjaOckEX7Xb0tpHOFHSss6GeP3HlEMH9_seKSI71QZ70s7sPDvEQA6_hqzTcoK4vVTsOeh4KQX117XgLqXPmvoHYGrlObt9n0HCETSxlXknvlVgtx6meEc/s320/100_1821.jpg" vt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I think this time the ear on Victoria is due to his concern; she's assuming fetal position, and he knows to stop trotting when that happens. Lovely scenery, yes? Complete with step stool/mounting block device!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And, I'm going to sign out and leave you with one of CJ's youngest riders, posing for their photo. They were so cute in all their blue!! I took a video of them, but it didn't come out right. Aren't they a lovely pair? :</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>lopinon4http://www.blogger.com/profile/00413859466329003832noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940796361726614351.post-8201650458740816772010-03-20T10:56:00.000-05:002010-03-20T10:56:00.095-05:00SurvivingI'm still alive. Still no news on the status of our residence...<br />
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I have tons of lessons this weekend, and you're all overdue for pics, so I'll get some this weekend and post em on Monday.<br />
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Happy Trails!lopinon4http://www.blogger.com/profile/00413859466329003832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940796361726614351.post-87082081098264269492010-03-15T12:45:00.002-05:002010-03-15T12:45:45.975-05:00SorryI apologize for being quiet. The house we live in (and have for the last 10 years) is being auctioned today. My nerves are shot. I don't really have a Plan B. For that matter, Plan A is a flop, too. I'll be back when the dust settles, buds.lopinon4http://www.blogger.com/profile/00413859466329003832noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940796361726614351.post-37185975338454549632010-03-11T10:30:00.000-06:002010-03-11T10:30:19.934-06:00Wordless Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v258/ladymoves/img1268323486785.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v258/ladymoves/img1268323486785.jpg" vt="true" width="320" /></a></div>lopinon4http://www.blogger.com/profile/00413859466329003832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940796361726614351.post-61127685857366092432010-03-10T08:36:00.000-06:002010-03-10T08:36:20.790-06:00A Bump In The RoadI don't even know if I should call it that. I've come to expect them; they are part of the package with horses, and of course if you have a horse with any physical issues (or mental ones, as well) you have more bumps on that road than your average horse owner.<br />
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All in all, we've been coasting along pretty danged well. My farrier, Autumn, is <strong><em>friggin phenomenal </em></strong>and she pretty much single-handedly had stopped my horse from limping. ONE TIME, after pulling the PHW's (see this site for more info, if you want <a href="http://www.appliedequinepodiatry.org/">Applied Equine Podiatry</a> and do some digging...very enlightening stuff), he was sore after she came out: The PHW's are wonderful, but can be difficult to remove (the glue is SUPER strong!) and I do believe his RF was torqued from poor little Autumn's attempts to get the PHW off. He was sore for less than a day, and that was the last time he had a head-bob. He has been out of the PHW's now for almost 2 months, and hadn't taken ONE lame step. Matter of fact, now that his "navicular shoes" are off and his hoof is well-balanced, he has also stopped dragging his toes in the back....the squareness he had on both hind toes is GONE. Trust me, you feel it when you ride him, too. A true spring in his stride...yay! <br />
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But, this past Saturday morning, I was at work when my cell phone vibrated. It was a text message from Jen (my best friend), telling me that CJ was off, and that I may have to cancel any lessons that I had scheduled for that afternoon. I called her immediately, and she said that one of my lessees was there to ride CJ, and Jen noticed him walking a bit gingerly, so she interrupted the lessee before she could ride, and checked him out. She said he had a distinctive head-bob, and it appeared to be his RF. I told her I planned to come out right after work, and to tell my lessee that she can't ride today. I picked up my daughters after work at around 12:30 and we made the drive (45 minutes, by the way) to the barn. I grabbed CJ and Dancer and put them both in the indoor to run. Yep, although he didn't want to admit it, running and bucking, nipping and squealing with his best girl, CJ was absolutely lame on the right front. Damnitall. <br />
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When they were done playing and rolling and being goofy, we groomed him up, crammed a bunch of pears down his throat and then tracked down the barn owner. Instructions were given for 1 gram of bute at dinner and 1 gram of bute at breakfast, and I would be back out Sunday morning to see how he was. I was bummed, as it had been almost a year since he had required any bute whatsoever. Navicular my a$$. I worked Toi and went home.<br />
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Sunday morning, my daughters and I pack up the van and prepare for a long lesson day, just in case CJ was all better. We arrive to the barn fully prepared to have just another grooming/loving/treat-giving session. Pull him out, throw him in the arena, and......no limp. Not even a little one. Free lunged him both directions, w/t/c and gallop. Nothing. I have Autumn clip the lead on him and trot him away from me and back a bunch of times. Nada. Nothing. WTH? Well, we take what we can get, so...on with the day! :) CJ went on to provide several wonderful lessons to several very grateful kids and adults, ate a bunch of apples and pears, got a good rub-down and a huge pile of hay, and we headed home.<br />
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I can't figure it out. I guess I'm not supposed to.<br />
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Popped out there last night after work, threw on his bareback pad and bosal, and in the arena we went. I hopped up, warmed him up, and then loped some circles. Solid as can be. Even his brakes were sharp! It was a fun ride, and we had Dancer and Kelli join us, which was a huge honor! My new barn friend, Marissa, came in to watch Dancer (she LOVES her) and chatted with us a while. We did a lot of sitting around on our horses and talking. I remember when I was younger, I would see the older folks doing that a lot, and I often wondered why they even had horses...couldn't they just get together at the coffee shop to talk? Why weren't they <strong><em>RIDING?!</em></strong> Now that I'm older, I totally understand.lopinon4http://www.blogger.com/profile/00413859466329003832noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940796361726614351.post-89486610329475557282010-03-04T08:54:00.000-06:002010-03-04T08:54:57.526-06:00Wordless Wednesday (late)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v258/ladymoves/img1267494864104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kt="true" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v258/ladymoves/img1267494864104.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v258/ladymoves/Family%20Photos/Ryansphotos2008038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" kt="true" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v258/ladymoves/Family%20Photos/Ryansphotos2008038.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v258/ladymoves/Family%20Photos/Ryansphotos2008029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" kt="true" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v258/ladymoves/Family%20Photos/Ryansphotos2008029.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v258/ladymoves/Family%20Photos/familyphotosshine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" kt="true" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v258/ladymoves/Family%20Photos/familyphotosshine.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>lopinon4http://www.blogger.com/profile/00413859466329003832noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940796361726614351.post-63967810572007363112010-03-02T09:22:00.000-06:002010-03-02T09:22:19.137-06:00Me, 50 Years From NowI just thought this was the coolest, so had to share:<br />
<br />
<br />
A page from an 87 yr old horsewoman's journal<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><em>I Ride</em></strong> <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<em>I ride. That seems like such a simple statement. However as many women </em><br />
<em><br />
</em><br />
<em>who ride know it is really a complicated matter. It has to do with power </em><br />
<em><br />
</em><br />
<em>and empowerment. Being able to do things you might have once considered </em><br />
<em><br />
</em><br />
<em>out of reach or ability. I have considered this as I shovel manure, fill </em><br />
<em><br />
</em><br />
<em>water barrels in the cold rain, wait for the vet/farrier/electrician/hay </em><br />
<em><br />
</em><br />
<em>delivery, change a tire on a horse trailer by the side of the freeway, or cool a gelding out before getting down to the business of drinking a cold beer after a long ride. </em><br />
<em><br />
</em><br />
<em><br />
</em><br />
<em><br />
</em><br />
<em>The time, the money, the effort it takes to ride calls for dedication. At </em><br />
<em><br />
</em><br />
<em>least I call it dedication. Both my ex-husbands call it 'the sickness'. It's a </em><br />
<em><br />
</em><br />
<em>sickness I've had since I was a small girl bouncing my model horses and dreaming of the day I would ride a real horse. Most of the women I ride with understand the meaning of 'the sickness'. It's not a sport. It's not a hobby. It's </em><br />
<em><br />
</em><br />
<em>what we do and, in some ways, who we are as women and human beings. </em><br />
<em><br />
</em><br />
<em><br />
</em><br />
<em><br />
</em><br />
<em>I ride. I hook up my trailer and load my gelding. I haul to some trailhead </em><br />
<em><br />
</em><br />
<em>somewhere, unload, saddle, whistle up my dog and I ride. I breathe in the </em><br />
<em><br />
</em><br />
<em>air, watch the sunlight filter through the trees and savor the movement of my horse. </em><br />
<em><br />
</em><br />
<em>My shoulders relax. A smile rides my sunscreen smeared face. I pull my ball </em><br />
<em><br />
</em><br />
<em>cap down and let the real world fade into the tracks my horse leaves in the </em><br />
<em><br />
</em><br />
<em>dust. </em><br />
<em><br />
</em><br />
<em><br />
</em><br />
<em><br />
</em><br />
<em>Time slows. Flying insects buzz loudly, looking like fairies. My gelding </em><br />
<em><br />
</em><br />
<em>flicks his ears and moves down the trail. I can smell his sweat and it is perfume to my senses. Time slows. The rhythm of the walk and the movement of the leaves become my focus. My saddle creaks and the leather rein in my hand softens with the warmth. </em><br />
<em><br />
</em><br />
<em><br />
</em><br />
<em><br />
</em><br />
<em>I consider the simple statement; I ride. I think of all I do because I </em><br />
<em><br />
</em><br />
<em>ride. Climb granite slabs, wade into a freezing lake, race a friend through the </em><br />
<em><br />
</em><br />
<em>Manzanita all the while laughing and feeling my heart in my chest. Other </em><br />
<em><br />
</em><br />
<em>days just the act of mounting and dismounting can be a real accomplishment. </em><br />
<em><br />
</em><br />
<em>Still I ride, no matter how tired or how much my seat bones or any of the </em><br />
<em><br />
</em><br />
<em>numerous horse related injuries hurt. I ride. And I feel better for doing </em><br />
<em><br />
</em><br />
<em>so. </em><br />
<em><br />
</em><br />
<em><br />
</em><br />
<em><br />
</em><br />
<em>The beauty I've seen because I ride amazes me. I've ridden out to find </em><br />
<em><br />
</em><br />
<em>lakes that remain for the most part, unseen. Caves, dark and cold beside riversfull and rolling are the scenes I see in my dreams. The Granite Stairway </em><br />
<em><br />
</em><br />
<em>at Echo Summit, bald eagles on the wing and bobcats on the prowl add to the </em><br />
<em><br />
</em><br />
<em>empowerment and joy in my heart. </em><br />
<em><br />
</em><br />
<em><br />
</em><br />
<em><br />
</em><br />
<em>I think of the people, mostly women, I've met. I consider how competent </em><br />
<em><br />
</em><br />
<em>they all are. Not a weenie amongst the bunch.. We haul 40ft rigs, we back </em><br />
<em><br />
</em><br />
<em>into tight spaces without clipping a tree. We set up camp. Tend the horses. </em><br />
<em><br />
</em><br />
<em>We cook and keep safe. We understand and love our companions, the </em><br />
<em><br />
</em><br />
<em>horse. We respect each other and those we encounter on the trail. We </em><br />
<em><br />
</em><br />
<em>know that if you are out there riding, you also shovel, fill, wait and </em><br />
<em><br />
</em><br />
<em>doctor. Your hands are a little rough and you travel with out makeup or hair gel. You do without to afford the 'sickness' and probably, when you were a </em><br />
<em><br />
</em><br />
<em>small girl, you bounced a model horse while you dreamed of riding a real </em><br />
<em><br />
</em><br />
<em>one. </em><br />
<em><br />
</em>lopinon4http://www.blogger.com/profile/00413859466329003832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-940796361726614351.post-25197578150782088062010-02-25T14:12:00.000-06:002010-02-25T14:12:05.411-06:00I've Been TaggedToday is a SeeSaw Day. In case haven't figured out what I mean by that, it's a day that is filled with ups and downs. It's for SURE one of those, and I'm not even halfway through it yet! <br />
<br />
I was notified that I'm losing my favorite (bad me for just saying that like that?) advanced youth student. She has recently lost interest, and her mother doesn't want to push her. I think that's great, as I am surrounded by parents who are the OPPOSITE, at every danged 4H show I go to. I want my students to WANT to do this. Otherwise, what's the point? But, I'm very sad. Not only did I totally dig her personality (and my daughters love her, too, which DEFINITELY is the test of her coolness) and loved teaching her, but my HORSE ADORED HER! CJ took total care of her, regardless of the circumstances. He carried her to her first Equitation win, and he showed her how to kick butt in halter classes. They were a cute pair, and it was truly my pleasure to share my horse and my time and my space with such a great girl. Her mom said that she hopes she'll come back. I do, too. <br />
<br />
No more than 10 minutes after receiving that news, I get this wonderful award from a new, but very dear, friend of mine:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSTGzYfKfMHg93uMikawVL9OAqrmEcqmdAKU-RIYdpQN9lowC5WBzYC2x8PSClR7kBqLm2UaqQ09LmQC5y9KA2PitFre4HFTPNleOqepT15hCKDzr_bAY4lwPYtZjZ0oTQ2osSD5dmMJHi/s1600-h/blog_award.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSTGzYfKfMHg93uMikawVL9OAqrmEcqmdAKU-RIYdpQN9lowC5WBzYC2x8PSClR7kBqLm2UaqQ09LmQC5y9KA2PitFre4HFTPNleOqepT15hCKDzr_bAY4lwPYtZjZ0oTQ2osSD5dmMJHi/s320/blog_award.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thank you, Mrs Mom at OhHorseFeathers for the thoughtful gift!! And, honestly, guys, she came into my life for a reason, no doubt. She has really boosted my motivation and encouraged me to hang in there, that I'm on the right track. I can't tell you how good that feels. When trimmers and farriers, vets and chiros, trainers and traders...all look at you like you're crazy cuz your horse is barefoot and navicular, well...it can be easy to believe that they're right! Mrs Mom helps me to realize that I know what is best for my guy, and as long as I'm watching and listening, he will guide me. She's a very valuable pal. If you all have just 5 minutes to check out her blog, please do it. She's awesome! <a href="http://ohhorsefeathers.blogspot.com/2010/02/ka-pow.html">Oh HorseFeathers!! </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, with this award, I am to share 7 things about myself that are currently not known to my blog-readers, and then tag 15 fellow bloggers. Eeek! That's a tall order for little ole me. I'll see what I can do. Firstly, the seven things:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1) The only true friends that I have are also horse people. Many times, they started out as students or clients. I find that they have the same character that I do, and I trust my life to them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2) My mother and I were extremely close. I am the youngest of 3 girls, with the closest in age being 7 years older. My mother passed away of Lung Cancer when I was 14 years old. My father wasn't capable of caring for me, so I lived with my sister and her family.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3) I have an Associate's Degree in Equine Management. I live in the city, and HATE IT!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">4) I am happily married to a man who is of a different race, and is 19 years older than me. We have been married for 13 years and together for 15. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">5) My husband and I have lost a daughter, early in our marriage. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">6) My oldest daughter is caucasion (like me) but her biological father has been out of her life for many years. She calls my husband Dad, and means it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">7) I tried to live completely devoid of horses for a couple of years. I was as close as they come to being an alcoholic because of it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sooo, WHEEEEEEEEE!!! Wasn't that fun? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now, for my 15 blogs to pass it on to...** drum roll please **</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1) This will probably creep her out, but I feel a sistah-hood with Andrea. She and I share the dream for our horses to happily perform with no shoes. <a href="http://eventing-a-gogo.blogspot.com/">Eventing-A-GoGo</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2) Full of common sense, a wonderful writer, and I am jealous that she has a pony!! <a href="http://goldentheponygirl.blogspot.com/">GoldenThePonyGirl</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3) Probably the coolest chick that I don't-know- but -wish-I-did. How cool is too cool? Not sure, but Heidi's probably got the insight on that one. <a href="http://hickchic.blogspot.com/">HickChic</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">4) Nothing like living a horse life from a 1st person perspective! Gotta love BIF! :) <a href="http://www.iamboyfriend.com/">BIF</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">5) A retired trainer that doesn't know how to retire. :) Love Mugs for her brains, sense of humor, honesty and her writing! I wanna be her when I grow up. <a href="http://mugwumpchronicles.blogspot.com/">Mugwump Chronicles</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">6) Shirley is so down-to-Earth. If you don't know her yet, go find her. You'll be glad that you did: <a href="http://rideagoodhorse.blogspot.com/">RideAGoodHorse</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">7) I'm convinced that I wouldn't last a DAY living her lifestyle, and for this, she is my hero. And, I have never felt so lucky as to be able to view her world through her eyes, with her photos and stories of life in rural Oregon. One of the first blogs I started following, and still one of my faves: <a href="http://jksroughstring.blogspot.com/">JKsRoughString</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">8) A new pal of mine, and it turns out we're sorta neighbors. How cool is that? Love her writings, and think she's totally the coolest. <a href="http://midwesthorse.blogspot.com/">MidwestHorse</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">9) A wonderful writer, and old friend of mine. I admit that I miss her, but I fear that there is no repairing our friendship this time. Regardless, visit her blog. <a href="http://fearlessriding.blogspot.com/">FearlessRiding</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">10) Did you know the editor of Horse & Rider has a blog? She's way cool, and it's fun to "watch" her travel for her stories. <a href="http://special.equisearch.com/blog/horsetalk/">JuliThorson'sHorseTalk</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">11) EVER'BODY should have this one bookmarked. I come here for my daily chuckle: <a href="http://horselaughs.blogspot.com/">HorseLaughs</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">12) Another blog that I've been following for a long time. We seem to be so alike, with the ups and downs, the blues and the silly's. :) <a href="http://msfoxypants.blogspot.com/">FoxyPants</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">13) I'm a huge fan of Perchies. And Perchies that do cool stuff REALLY steal my heart. This blog and the next blog are daily checkers. Daun had disappeared for a while, thanks to some cruel-hearted individuals on the internet ( gee, they're SO BRAVE to talk smack while hiding behind their 'puters). She's back, and I couldn't be happier!! Brego is just total eye candy. Drool. <a href="http://eventing-draft.blogspot.com/">EventingDraft</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">14) Like the above, I'm also in love with Klein. She is so athletic and sweet and gives her heart to her "mom". It's fun to watch their fun! <a href="http://jumping-percheron.blogspot.com/">JumpingPercheron</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">15) Lastly, but NOT LEAST, a blog in which a bunch of equine-savvy lovely lady authors share their talents with us, and even invite other bloggers to submit their stories. I never miss an update on there. If you haven't been addicted all along to this, you will be now! <a href="http://equestrianink.blogspot.com/">EquestrianInk</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, they've been tagged. HA! And, they all get the Award, and have earned it much more so than I have. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thanks, Mrs Mom for my tag/Award, and thanks for your support. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I leave you with a short story, late from Wordless Wednesday. Oops!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh601RSP_8rh5fnx-i19FwnxfGBQhoY9AJrKlnC_QtG8Mjp6NwWaHRJLehRYfCK_EGhaH2O746gD0OBByXZhks-e0y8aMwvxPVNrBBapOnxnxkoN7Y0eWt1sEYgibP5yUM9UriHviZlLP9M/s1600-h/Grrr.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh601RSP_8rh5fnx-i19FwnxfGBQhoY9AJrKlnC_QtG8Mjp6NwWaHRJLehRYfCK_EGhaH2O746gD0OBByXZhks-e0y8aMwvxPVNrBBapOnxnxkoN7Y0eWt1sEYgibP5yUM9UriHviZlLP9M/s320/Grrr.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Toi (left) says, "Yeah, yeah. Your mom is here. Big woop-di-do, CJ. Let's play halter tag."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhULSQ8SUAKenxXO3GyDGsIEeFIjk9HxuU0qq31syIhiO5HE4VpabnK-21XSfvPgGE-IJDnB2PHA65wiqn6pH2uvKZMQwc8ZiN3QiYxLu_Rs8ISxCYFwG88UAPTNPX_z-9PqiWrMqPEeiqs/s1600-h/RAWR!!.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhULSQ8SUAKenxXO3GyDGsIEeFIjk9HxuU0qq31syIhiO5HE4VpabnK-21XSfvPgGE-IJDnB2PHA65wiqn6pH2uvKZMQwc8ZiN3QiYxLu_Rs8ISxCYFwG88UAPTNPX_z-9PqiWrMqPEeiqs/s320/RAWR!!.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And, CJ gives him what he wants, no warning whatsoever. HA HA, TOI!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">(Sorry for the poor quality, ...taken with my cell phone camera.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Happy Trails, All!</div>lopinon4http://www.blogger.com/profile/00413859466329003832noreply@blogger.com6