Ranch Riding

Sunday Stills--Textures

2012-02-19T11:22:00.001-07:00

Ok I am back again this week, not sure what happened last week but I missed out but back again this week. This Sunday Stills is Textures and I think it is a very interesting subject. I always think of fabric first when i think of texture and not sure why, but as the week went on and I was driving to the boarding barn, i noticed the hills and grass all have a neat texture, so I stopped and got a bunch of pics I thought were kinda interesting.

First was on the hills there are spots that look kinda like holes from far away but then up close look like bark.

Then I saw where the porcupines had been eating the bark off the trees and that looked neat too.

And I noticed even the different grasses have textures.

And the rocks there that are quite porous and have gotten eroded looked neat.

And when I got home, even the clouds have a different texture.

I guess everywhere you look there is texture. For more check out Sunday Stills.

Pasture Ponies

2012-02-18T10:21:00.000-07:00

(Bailey)

I went out Thursday and had a real good look at my pasture ponies and they all look good. Not as thin as last year at this time, but not too fat either (well except maybe Disco) I am liking this winter it sure has been a lot easier on the horses and it let Jazz stay out all winter.

(Duchess)

I am having a hard time deciding what to do with Jazz. I haven't found anyone who wants to start her, I could ask the guy I got to start my last few, but he was talking about retiring and just riding his own horses. And I probly wouldn't get in till August or September. And so I asked Greg if he wanted to and he says he is going to try going non-pro now, so that isn't gonna happen I guess. I might have to do it myself. I probly have the skills, I have just never actually started a colt before and not sure I have the best facilities here, I have a round pen, but otherwise its wide open pasture. But I will have to see how it goes comes April/May. At least if I can get her saddled and bridled, I might just pony her around for a bit then maybe get some help.

(Shasta)

And it looks like its time to call the farrier in a couple weeks, I usually get them done in March and the weather can be kinda iffy, but this year its been so nice I can probly pick any day and it will be fine. I don't get their feet done as often in the winter cause I am not using them and their feet don't seem to grow overly much over winter, but I still try to keep an eye on them in case they need to be done earlier.

(Razz and Jazz)

I am still thinking I will have to sell some ponies just cause I know I can't ride em all, even though I like them all. It never used to bother me to sell a horse, and so far have had real good luck and they all went to good homes, but now I just want to keep them all. But I guess if I am gonna get serious about cutting, I probly only need one show horse and maybe 2 other ones for ranch work and other stuff. I could maybe get away with one, but I hate not having a horse to take if one is injured or something. And I think it would be really hard for me to only have 2 horses, I cant remember the last time that woulda happened. Well never I guess I had one for a while (Abraham) then sold him cause he was too much horse for me and got Henry and then I got married and that fall got 3 foals, so I had one then 4 and don't think I ever had less than 4 since then. (one of those foals was Bailey, she was so cute way back then)

(Disco)

Seems like just yesterday I got her and now she is 8 years old already! My how time flies. I was thinking while riding the other day the poles were set up in the arena and how Bailey would probly make a good pole horse. She likes to run and she likes to change leads, so it should be easy for her. Char was saying she wanted to go to some Gymkhanas this summer, so maybe I will take her and try it out. Well maybe try it out before we get there, lol.

(Belle)

So the only horses I didn't get pics of are George and I kinda did of him, all the shadows on the left side are him he was super close. And Kali and she was off in the distance eating, she looked back a few times but never come to join the crowd.

Wednesday on Friday

2012-02-17T13:35:00.002-07:00

Well we had a change of plans, which worked out well for me since I wasn't sure I wanted to show yet anyways. Char headed to Regina this weekend and so we aren't working buffalo's this week or going to the show.

(Dude)

But she did ask me to ride Dude a couple times since she wont be riding for at least 6 days and thinks he needs to be kept in shape cause we do want to do lessons next week. That should be kinda fun even though I never rode him before it will be neat to see how different he is from Jessie.

Hehe there are a couple dogs hanging around the barn too, one is a border collie and she is really friendly and more of a pet than anything which works there cause she has no desire to chase horses. And then there is this other dog there not sure what kind he is, I think a jack russell mix of some sort. He is really cute and makes me laugh everytime I go out there.

And on Saturday I am gonna ride with Lu so that will be kinda fun too, been a long time since I got to ride with her so I'm kinda excited to see how her horse is. He is a nice looking bay and seems pretty quiet.

I took a couple short videos of the colt playing and he is quite athletic in the second video he is doing pretty cool moves, but the neatest part is the color of the hills behind him, it was so orange, I think it must have been the sun was setting on the other side and reflecting.

Riding, Riding, Riding

2012-02-13T23:24:00.003-07:00

I have been so busy just riding everyday (well except today I needed a day off). I am really having a lot of fun riding her, but it is a lot of work. On Saturday we went up to a bigger arena and we rode in there with another girl (Candice) who wants to come to Doug's for lessons and to the clinic we are going in in March. Oh I am going in a clinic in march. It is the same one we went to last year but with different instructors. Sounds like Dustin Gonnet and Gerry Hasma leading it so it should be good. I am pretty happy to be able to go with a horse that I can actually cut on. Candice has a 4 year old that she showed in cowhorse last year (and did pretty good) but she thinks he really would make a nicer cutter so she is gonna give him the chance to do that.

We also got Jessie and Dude's feet done on Saturday and she looks so much better now. I was torn between putting shoes on cause I didn't want to cause its still icy out and could get worse. But the vet and the previous owner said to keep shoes on when showing and stuff. But the farrier said he wouldn't if it was his horse, so we are waiting. And the clinic is in the next 4 weeks so that is before she is due again. Oh and we might go to a show on Saturday. I am not sure I am ready, I think Jessie is in good enough shape but me I am not sure about. But this week, tomorrow and Thursday I think we are gonna hopefully go work buffalo's. That should be interesting. I imagine Jessie has seen buffalo but I have never even worked her on the flag so I am a little worried about that too.

At the barn there is a lot of cats (probly 10) and they are not afraid of the horses at all. The horses are getting used to them but Jessie tries to snort at them when they get too close. When we feed them the cats all sit around the dish and she snorts them away, its really funny. I tried to get a video but it is kinda dark.

The other day the cats knocked a blanket off the wall and both our horses spooked at it it was kinda funny cause Jessie was really close and she just lifted her head but Dude was down the aisle and he really jumped. I think it will eventually desensitize them more. The one cat likes the horses to rub their noses on him, its weird.

Horses and Jobs

2012-02-09T00:22:00.000-07:00

So I been thinking lately about the jobs we make our horses do. I have heard many times if a horse is well suited for its job it will love them and if it doesn't like its job it won't enjoy itself. Well I got thinking about the other horses I have owned and this didn't seem to matter so much.
   With my first horse Henry, he was happy indoors, outdoors, chasing cows, following trails, following wagons, running barrels, teaching kids, anything I asked of him he was happy to do it. But he was a cheerful horse and loved people and maybe that was his job was to make people happy.
   Then I got Bailey and she was ridden inside and outside and she was really good either place after a while (it took a while for her to believe everything I asked her was a good idea) But I notice the less I ride her she doesn't really enjoy being inside and really leans towards the gate whenever we are inside.
Then I will skip Gypsy and Princess and Dinero cause I never really had them long enough to really know. They all seemed happy to do whatever I wanted but I never pushed them to do something.
   And Razz, she is really good inside and outside, she is willing to do what I ask of her as long as its not going super slow at any gait. I know she likes working cows, but she also likes trail riding and ranch work, so no real specific job there either.
   Then I got Kali and ever since I got her she leaned towards the door, never really thought much of it just worked her through it and she got better, but was always kinda lazy inside. Then last summer I took her outside and she was so different! Not afraid of cows even when the kick up their heels at us and walked all around her when she was tied to the trailer. No hesitation when I asked her to lope and almost like she didn't want to slow down. I shoulda clued in, but until Doug said something about it and I mentioned all I knew he said she needs to do something else. I don't know what that something else is yet, but she is quiet enough for a trail horse and will be a good kids horse in the future.
   Then Jessie. She is the absolute opposite of Kali. She is so calm and relaxed and nice to be around. When I rode her outside for the week, she was good at a walk, but she didn't want to do anything else. Kinda like she was not sure why we were out there for. But when I take her to the arena she is pretty happy and really happy to trot or lope for as long as I ask. But always looking to the gate (not trying to go to it just looking) and then when the cows come in the arena, she just watches them and I can feel her heart beat. She just can hardly wait till its her turn to work.
    It is so much fun to work with a horse that enjoys her job, and not just enjoys it, but really can't wait to do it. It sure makes it more enjoyable for me more than I thought. I thought my other horses liked their jobs until I got Jessie. Some of it I am sure is her breeding, but it makes me think that the training and showing she has had must have a big part of that too.

Wordless Wednesday--Full Moon

2012-02-07T23:33:00.002-07:00

Cow Lesson and New Home

2012-02-06T14:18:00.006-07:00

On Saturday I took Jessie back to Doug's and Char had a lesson on Dude if Doug was around. He was so she worked cows and he worked the best for her he has in a long time. She was pretty happy since Doug hadn't been riding him since she rode on Thursday. I rode as well and wasn't planning on a lesson but he said it was probly a good idea and he thought she looked in better shape (which made me feel better cause I hadn't been riding very hard)

So before I started he made me lope more, then back up and turn her. I was having lots of trouble, she would back up no problem but then when I put my leg on to turn she just walked sideways and backwards. Frustrating!!! Then he said I didn't have my hand up her neck far enough, so sure enough I move my hand farther up and voila! no problems in turning either way. So then off to the cows. And he asked me to make sure she stops when the cow stops. And most of the time she does, but especially when we first start, she gets a little excited and needs to be reminded and I am not very good at that. I almost got yelled at for not picking up on the reins hard enough. And afterwards he said something about it and I told him I am not sure my timing is right and by the time I think of it she is already stopping. And he said to do it anyways cause she is not stopping as hard as she should be and I won't wreck her by asking that. So that was good to know as well and now I have to remember that next time.

(the colt, he's supposed to grow to 16.2!)

We got a calf that was kinda quick and kept trying to push us into the herd but we kept it and I was pretty happy with that. It went real fast and made some fast turns of which I am not very coordinated with yet but getting better at only using my legs and making sure to keep pressing her off the cow and go in a straight line. Its so fun when it finally goes right. But my legs were sure sore yesterday, thought I was working out but apparently not hard enough.

Afterwards we loaded up and headed down to Theresa's where we are gonna keep them for a while and Jessie and Dude get their own pen to share and a round bale all the time (which Jessie doesn't really need, but it will be OK) They are next to a gelding and a young stud which worried me a little but the gelding won't let the colt anywhere near the adjoining fence (its kinda funny) And so far so good they settled in just fine, checked out the place then went straight to eating. Whew. I know if you trailer horses together and get out at a strange place they are usually OK, but I don't really know Jessie that well so that was a relief they got along.

Then yesterday I went out and rode again in the arena down there. Met the girl who owns the colt and she is a jumper. The colt is an Oldenburg and he is getting gelded this month sometime. I was glad to hear that. She said she has no patience for a stud and no facility to keep him. His one foot was a little turned out but he passed inspection as a foal just waiting to see how it grew up, but she isn't even gonna worry about it. The gelding belongs to Lu and she was down there riding when we dropped them off so that was nice to see her out again.

We had a pretty good ride, don't think Jessie is used to much straight riding cause at the lope if I try to push her back towards the wall with my inside leg she changes leads. I figured out after like 5 tries that if I put both legs on but more on inside then she stays in lead and moves over. So much to learn about the cues she knows that are different than my other horses.
They were out shooting coyotes when I got there and the palomino and grey were bucking and playing and Jessie had her nose stuck in the bale, not a spooky one there, lol. But after the ride when we turned them out, she was prancing around and throwing her head like she wanted to just tear up the place but never did, just lots of rolling and prancing (all without my camera of course)

(Jessie :)

Oh and we were talking to Doug about his training one day and he said he rides out at least once a week, especially the young ones, gives them a break and they seem to come back better. And if they don't make a cutter they are easier to sell later. And they are all quiet well broke in the face cause its so much easier to get them working correctly. We musta said or done something cause he said its changed a lot, he said no one ever touched the faces before, but that doesn't work as well now, so that was interesting to know as well. Always hear so much and never really know what is true or not but he will pretty much tell us his opinion on anything we ask about. Which I appreciate (mostly)

Sunday Stills--Liquids

2012-02-05T11:52:00.002-07:00

This week the Suday Stills Challenge was on liquids of any kinds. I really was hoping to get the dugouts melting since it was so warm this week, but they are still ice covered, although it looks like they are cracking so maybe it will be soon if the weather stays like this.

So the only liquid outside I could find was a puddle in the yard, but no matter what angle I took the pics at it just looks like mud, which is sorta a liquid.

So I got kinda creative with our water cooler and was pouring water and thought it would look cooler from the top so I got that view too.

For more check out Sunday Stills.

More Jessie :)

2012-02-03T20:27:00.002-07:00

On Tuesday I went with Char to her lesson and she learned how to use run the flag. I guess we should be the ones running the flag cause we should know when our horse needs more help and we can do whatever we need to get that fixed. It is a lot more complicated than it seems, but with a little practice she was doing really well. I had skipped riding Tuesday cause, well, no reason really, and Doug asked and of course I had to say I rode Mon but not Tues and he says I should be riding pretty well everyday if I am gonna get her in shape ever.

So I rode Wed and Thur and we had two good days of riding. I found a couple spots out in the pasture that are chewed down and fairly level and we been trotting circles and figure 8s in them. Today I didn't want to ride but we are going out there tomorrow to pick up Chars horse and so I don't want to get in trouble again (lol) so I went anyway. It was kinda windy but we had a good ride anyways, just walking but we checked out the dugout, I was looking for liquid, and all around the pasture and then headed back in.

I tried my blankets on her and I think Razz's will fit her so no new ones needed yet. I was gonna keep her without a blanket but if we are gonna get her sweaty and leave them in overnight I might start putting one on her in the daytime. I was really just wasting time hoping Neil would come out so he could get a picture of me riding, but he never did, so I guess I might have to get Char to take some.

After our ride her treat is to graze a little, she enjoys it and the other horses just stare over the fence like they are wanting to be out in the yard too. Kinda funny cause she wants to be out there. I think they think I abandoned them, especially Jazz, she just watched me the whole time I am out there and whinnies if I look at her. Good I guess since she will get her share of attention in a few months. She sure is getting big, but her tail is still short and fuzzy :)

Seems to me that Jessie hasn't been rode out a lot. She is really good out there, but she trips which could be from gawking around (and she needs her feet trimmed) but little dips are weird for her she looks at them strangely but always goes where I ask. And she doesn't really know how to walk or trot in a straight line. I suspect she has never been where you can see for miles and miles and there is nothing out there. Probly just used to the arena and small areas outside but I am sure she will get over it cause I plan on riding out all summer when not cutting. We walked down the road the other day and she kept staring at the ditch suspiciously so where it was not too steep I made her cross it and you would think we were going straight down hill, was kinda funny but we made it so I made her do it again and after that it was no big deal.

Sure is nice she is so willing to go out and go wherever I ask her to. A few times she tried turning back towards home and I just lifted my reins and she kept going the way we started going. She is so nice on the ground too, easy to catch, I can just leave the lead rope on the ground when saddling and unsaddling and she just stands there waiting. I was hesitant about taking her home for this week and then taking her to a boarding place, but now I am glad that she was here this week and we got to know each other better and will feel more comfortable when she is boarded. I kinda want to keep her home, but Neil wants to use the pen she's in to bring in his heifers so I would have to haul water to her everyday for a couple months, so I am not gonna do that and she can come home in April and I will have space and water that won't freeze every night.

Looks like she might be losing some weight :)

Wordless Wednesday

2012-02-01T16:48:00.002-07:00

A Regular Unscheduled Day

2012-01-31T14:42:00.001-07:00

I got thinking this morning that I sometimes feel like a 12 year old girl. I know sounds crazy, but as many times as I change outfits in a day it makes me wonder sometimes. Every morning when I get up I usually have a little breakfast and check the computer then go out to do chores. I have to change to put barn clothes on cause I wear flannel Jammie's and hay sticks to them really well (or I wouldn't bother changing) then I come in and relax till about 10 when it is exercise time (4 days a week anyways) and so I am changing again into my workout clothes. Afterwards I usually have a shower and get lunch ready and decide what to have for supper and get it out of freezer.

After lunch Neil always has a nap so I try to be quiet, either computering or doing something outside. I like to go riding then cause then there are no disturbances from whatever he is doing in the yard. If I am going to town or ride elsewhere I usually change again cause I want cleaner clothes than just barn clothes. After supper not much happens unless I am going for a lesson or something. It would be nice to have scheduled lessons, but Doug just wants us to always phone when we can come. I guess that works better in the winter cause depending on roads and weather we may not know till last minute if we are going.

It is hard for me to have a schedule, I am pretty used to doing things when I want to. I generally try to have lunch at 12 and supper ready by 6, but it doesn't always happen. Neil is pretty accommodating and he has no problem making himself a sandwich if I am not home. It is easier in the summer when I can spend more time outside and I generally have chores everyday. It makes me be more scheduled that way, but when all my horses are on pasture I don't worry about feeding times. Although sometimes its worse cause there is more daylight hours so I forget what time it is when I get busy.

And now I requested a invite to Pinterest even though I probly shouldn't cause now I can just see spending more and more time on there. Although it looks so cool I dont know how I am gonna be able to stay away. So many categories of interest there. And now I know lots of people who have stuff on there and yikes I am afraid to get my invite accepted, lol.

Jessie's Home!

2012-01-30T16:35:00.002-07:00

Yesterday I went over to Dougs with Charlene and met up with Jessie and her previous owner. I paid for her, got her papers and she is now mine! I rode her along with Char in a lesson, but I didnt work cows cause I wanna get her in better shape before she works so hard and dont want her to get injured. I am pretty happy with her so far. Last night it was dark when we got home and she just stepped out of the trailer and past the bale feeder Neil had set up in front of his shop and the bale for her and over 2 pipes on the ground and she never even looked around. I let her loose in the corral and she just walked over to the water trough like she knew exactly where she was going. I fed her and headed in for the night.

This morning I go out to do chores and as soon as I walk outside, she nickered, how cute that was. She was a little sad the other horses are so far away and probly pretty different from everywhere she has been before but she seems to be adjusting well. So after lunch today I thought I had better take her for a ride since it was absolutly beautiful out. So nice out I rode in a hoodie without a toque or gloves on and I was sweating!

I caught her easily and saddled her and of we walked out the yard no problem. I was a little nervous but she just walked where ever I asked her to go. I did ask her to trot for a short time but I was not relaxed so it was kinda awkward, but she never got upset so I was okay with that. I am really bad at riding alone outside cause I get bored real easy. In an arena I can always think of lots of things to do, but outside I just like to wander and visit unless there is actual work to do.

I even took a short video of her walking out there and I was not out very long, only about 30 minutes and even so I was pretty happy. Although yesterday they said they want to see her skinnier next time I come so she is on a kinda diet and I am gonna have to ride a little more to get her in shape too, but for a first ride in a strange place I was really happy with it.

Tomorrow Char is going for another lesson and not sure if I will go with her or try to talk Susan into coming out here and so we can go riding together, if its as warm as this I would certanly not mind going out for longer.

Sunday Stills--Natures Frames

2012-01-29T08:47:00.002-07:00

This week our Sunday Stills is nature making a frame around something. I tried not to use any ideas that were given, so it took me a few days to think about it and I got that since its winter snow covers so much and so that was my basic idea. First I go to the grass that is peeking through the snow

And then I see the cat tracks which were hard to get with being white on white

And as I go a little farther I saw the coyote tracks which were easier to get cause the snow was shallower and the paws were bigger

And then I look up and see the sun was even framed by the clouds, so I got that as well.

Wasnt as hard as I first thought it would be. For more Check out Sunday Stills. Oh and the bird from last week that was unidentified, my Step Dad Clint (bird watcher extrordinaire) says he thinks it might be a non breeding snow bunting. Looks to me like they are more green than the pic in the book, but I dont know anything about birds and they sounds reasonable so thats what I am going with.

More About Cutting

2012-01-27T20:45:00.002-07:00

So I got thinking again, scary I know, and not everyone knows what cutting is or understands the thrill of it. We were talking about it today at another one of Chars lessons. And there is ussually not a lot of spectators at a cutting event because it wasn't exactly a thrilling event to watch unless you cut or its a really good run. But there is nothing like watching a really good run, or riding one. So I thought I would post a video about cutting. It is made by the NCHA (national cutting horse association) and so kinda promotes joining it, but also some good horses to be seen in it (and a paint :)

And thought just for fun I would put in a video of the 2011 NCHA Futurity Champion Todd Gann on Chief Red Warrior. Its kinda a cool video cause the rider talks us through the ride.

Chars Lesson

2012-01-26T11:59:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday night we went back to Doug's and Char had another lesson on Dude. She is taking him home at the end of the month and so wants as many lessons on him to get him correct before that happens. She was struggling with him stopping on the ends before turning and she is way better now, she is riding him better and he is responding really well. And since I wasn't riding, I got to take some pictures of them.

She walked outside to put her saddle in the truck and he just watched her the whole time. I think he likes her :)

Wordy Wednesday

2012-01-25T07:04:00.002-07:00

Well since I run out of time yesterday, I have to write all about Jessie today so the wordless day is gonna have to wait till tomorrow cause I can't. On Monday Jessie went in for her pre-purchase exam. He says she is well conformed for a cutter, short back, nice neck and good croup. They did the flexion test and she was sound on the straightaway on pavement and on the circles every fourth or fifth stride she was a little wonky but she come out of it within a couple times. And she seemed a little stiff in the right knee (not sore, just stiff when flexing) even though it tested clean they x-rayed it and there is nothing there. They also did x-rays of her feet and they show nothing out of the ordinary. Her left foot is a little turned in but nothing he said he would worry about now. He said no signs of arthritis, no rotation of coffin joint, but a little irritation on end of coffin bone but that is normal for a 7 year old horse.

He said her hocks were really good, and the only thing he was a little concerned about was the growth rings on her feet were uneven, which can say digestive upset. But after talking to the owner, he said it is more likely because she is the boss mare and so her feed is probly gobbled down when they are being fed and she gets more than she needs,and then she evened out when on pasture so not too much to worry about. He did suggest I wear shoes on her front feet if we are doing anything serious though.

All in all he says she is low to medium risk and would probly be a good horse for me. He said if I want to show twice a month and do some lessons she would be fine, but if I wanted to go to Fort Worth (BIG show) then probly too intense for her. And since I doubt I would make it there (or could afford it) I don't think that's a problem.

So I guess I am getting a new horse!!!!!! I haven't decided what I am gonna do with her yet, I may bring her home for a week this Sunday and ride her a couple times in Brooks and a couple times a home if its nice out, and go back for lessons next weekend when Charlene's horse comes home we might board in East Coulee where she has a heated barn and then they will stay in overnight and go out during the day (if she has room there).

I got to get her in better shape before doing too much with her and I think that wont take too long, probly a couple weeks and then I don't know what will go on, hopefully some small shows and stuff before spring when everything and everybody starts to get competitive. I also signed myself up for a Leon Harrel clinic in August and hopefully by then I will have a good idea of what I need to work on with her and be able to ride her better. I am still definitly gonna keep taking lessons, once or twice a week. Should be fun! Now I just gotta wait till Sunday, it seems so faaaaaar away.

Also yesterday morning I had coffee with Susan and Lu. I havent seen Lu in a real long time and it was nice to get back together. Where we are thinking of boarding is where Lu has her horse so maybe I will get to ride with her a few times again too. That would be good. We are also gonna try to get together more often for coffee.

Blog Award

2012-01-23T11:20:00.003-07:00

Well Last week I got an award from Our Country Cove Life and it is the Liebster Award, which means Dearest or Favorite in German.

There are a few rules with accepting this award and they are:
-- I have to give it to 5 bloggers with less than 200 followers.
-- Show thanks to giver by linking to their blog.
-- Post this award to your blog (which I have no idea how to do this)
-- And list bloggers you gave it to with links to their blogs.

So I am hoping I never get more than 200 followers (not that I don't love all my followers) cause then it is so much less personal and its harder to keep track of everyone, now I have 51 and I can still have a life and a blog :)

So this is hard to chose only 5 bloggers, but here goes,

1. Own a Morgan--Janice has a great blog with great pics of the flowers she grows and stories about her wonderful horse Tex (and others too)

2.Cheyenne Chronicles--Great posts about riding with his horse Gracie

3.5 Starr's Farm--great blog about her orange orchards and beautiful pictures!!

4.All These Pretty Horses--Great looking big horses with awesome temperaments and the stories about them

5.Little Prairie Baby--Great stories about living the rural life with her husband and 2 young children

OK off to let everyone know about their awards and tomorrow more info on Jessie!!

Sunday Stills -- Birds

2012-01-22T13:05:00.001-07:00

This week our Suday Stills was all about Birds, I am sure since it was so cold this week, the birds were hibernating somewhere warm, I did see a Snowy Owl a couple times, but not till after he saw me so no pics of them. But we do have these little birds all year round in the lilacs and got a couple good shots of them.

Our calf shed also has pigeons in it all year and yesterday they braved the cold and come and sat on top for a bit.

And since I didn't get any exciting birds, I got this:

is better than:

Have a Great Sunday all. For more go to Sunday Stills.

2011 Riding and Riding Goals for 2012

2012-01-19T09:40:00.002-07:00

I remember sometime I did a review of all the hours I rode in 2010 so I thought I might do something like that again and in it add in my goals for this year as well. It is easy to keep track cause I am part of the AQHA Horseback Riding Program and I record all my hours riding or driving both Quarter horses as well as other breeds. The only confusing part is they don't keep specific records for other breeds so its a little harder for me to keep track of but the registered horses shows exactly how many hours riding each of them has.
About half way through the year( I can't remember when) I started putting Razz as a Buckskin and Dinero and Gypsy were paints but I am sure I put some of Razz's hours as a paint too, but this year Razz will be a buckskin and Jazz will be a paint cause those are the only 2 I have that aren't quarter horses. And if I ride someone elses horse I generally put them in the grade quarter horse category unless I know thier registered name and number which is a nusiance so I don't usually bother.

So it looks like I rode:
Quarters:
--Disco half hour (that wasn't the plan but hopefully more will occur this year)
--Shasta 2 hours (only cause I only had her a few weeks, she will definitely get more hours this summer)
--Bailey 3 hours (that's sad, I feel bad for her cause she always wants to go so hopefully more this year as well)
--Kali 26.5 (not bad but she will probly get more outside riding this summer)
So a total of 32 hours on Quarter Horses last year, 13 hours less than the year before, probly cause I ended up riding Razz a lot more than any other horse around here.
Other Breeds:
--Paints 53 hours (between Gypsy and some of Razz's and Dinero's hours I thinks)
--Buckskin 124 hours (of Razz's, she may get the same, but probly less if I am riding Jessie)
--Palomino 23 hours (Dinero's hours but maybe not all of them)
--Grade quarter Horse 7 hours (I can't remember who this all was once was Ricki and maybe Twister or Avril or Smartie or Karcy)
For a total of 207 hours on other breeds, not totally unexpected, way up from 2010 which only had 135.5 hours, but will probly change for next year.
So a total of 239 hours riding last year, not too bad at all. Kinda fun how I can keep track like that. I think I should be getting another award soon cause there is one at 500 hours, so hopefully this summer sometime on both levels cause I am over 400 on both.

This year I plan on more riding, but it will be different riding. Bailey and Shasta and Razz will be used for mostly ranch work and trail riding, Jazz will get started and rode out and in some, and Disco I'm not sure yet, I will start ponying her from Razz here in the spring, start her all over again like a colt but hopefully faster. And then Jessie (or another cutter) I will hopefully show and take lessons and get a lot done that way as well. I am trying not to make specific goals because they seem like they aren't working but I know I do want to ride more, and that should not be a problem if winter gets nice again and I get Jazz started early enough. I am gonna ask Doug if he starts colts cause I think that would be an awesome 30 or 60 days beginning for her to learn the flag and work cows, even if she will not be a cutter.

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-18T10:52:00.002-07:00

Saturday

2012-01-16T13:35:00.002-07:00

Saturday was a really crammed full day. I knew I had a baby shower for my cousin Misty and her new daughter at 1, and me and my sister had planned to go watch a movie afterwards. But I had called the guy selling the mare I tried and said I would like to try her again and we thought Sunday would work, but then the weather forecast was for super cold, so we decided Saturday morning on my way to Calgary I would stop and ride. So I did.

And wow, I think I learned more in 2 lessons on her than I did in a year on all the other horses I rode. Sure is a lot easier when all I have to concentrate on is the cow and keeping the horse away from the cow. (and staying on, always remember to tighten cinch before cutting on a horse that can cut) I got to work a few and Doug picked me one that was pretty fast and she could keep up but I was having trouble and he kinda laughs and says that cow is too fast for you. And totally true, I have to concentrate on doing the right thing at the right time and hanging on but not using my legs unless I need to and keeping my hand down except when sorting a cow out of the herd, and keeping right hand on horn and not pulling myself forward, and add speed I am lost.

It was so much fun though!! I thoroughly enjoyed every minute and can see having a lot of fun with her as well and learning a ton and maybe even win some money in the mean time :) I asked lots of questions about her, she sounds perfect. His 4 year old grandson rides her around the pasture, she can be ridden in/out anywhere I want, she had her teeth done last Tuesday, she has energy but will stay at a walk unless you ask for more, she does have a lump on her leg, apparently it is a broken blood vessel that she did when she was 3 and it has been the same ever since, she hasn't been lame on it and the vet said he could drain it but it would probly come back. She is out of a cutting family, her sire is a cutter (he's the one Doug tried to get for me, George Canyon's horse that they won't sell) and she has 3 sibling out of the same mare that all made cutters. He also has had her dince she was a foal.

She was shown as a 3 year old by Doug quite a bit, a few times as a 4 year old, and then not at all as a 5 year old, and last year with the owner. Her last time being rode was last August at a show. He thinks I can go out there and win lots this year on her even while learning. I am pretty excited!!!! He calls her Jessie (after her mom), but her real name is Maiden Dixie. I asked about shoes and he says rides her barefoot unless gonna show cause you never know what its gonna be like in warm up or show area. I asked about easy to catch and he says no problems, I seen her load and that wasn't a big deal. I don't have any pics of me riding cause Char was riding Dude too. But I did get a couple of her standing at trailer afterwards. She is actually a good size for a cutter, probly about 14.3, about the same size as Razz.

Then afterwards I headed to the baby shower and then went to see War Horse. Was a good movie, but sad too. I am curious to see how they filmed some of it. I had read the book before and it has the same story line but doesn't follow it real close. Then we went our for supper and I headed home. Long but succesful day. And then wake up today to wind and cold and ewww!! I plan on staying home for a week or more till it gets warmer out. Kinda dissapoionted then I won't be able to go get her :)) Did I mention I'm a little excited, lol!! I might board her at Dougs for a month or so and learn to ride her while getting her in shape. I told him I am interested, but I forgot I run out of checks so I have to wait to pay for her (DUH!!!)

Had to show a pic of the cake as the shape of a baby onesie that my sister made.

Sunday Stills--Corners

2012-01-15T11:33:00.002-07:00

This post confused me for a while, why would I want pictures of corners, so of course I left it till the last minute, but since I said I was gonna try to get every Sunday Still in, I got something this morning.
This is the basement corner in our house, I love it cause its not a 90 degree corner, but I wish I woulda got in when the sun was shining in the window it looks so much prettier.

Then I was out of ideas and Neil said go to the end of our road and get our corner but that meant going outside and he wouldnt stand in the corner for me, so I got my rain gauge in the corner of the porch, actually turned out better than I thought it would.

Hopefully I wont be so last minute next time, shoot earlier rather than waiting.

Pretty Ponies

2012-01-12T14:31:00.000-07:00

So as I was out taking pics for yesterday I got a really beautiful head shot of Belle, even if there is distracting headless horses in the background. And I am on her shoulder (didn't notice that till it was posted here.

I also got one of the weird spot on the side of her head where she sweats if stressed. Don't know why but its always that one spot.

While I am trying to take pics, I got this one of Shasta that actually turned out not to bad, I think she really wants to come up and be friendly but she is too worried about being to close to the other friendly horses there.

I have a hard time getting any pics of Jazz cause she is always close by, and Tuesday was being a pain as I had a halter on Bailey and she just kept grabbing the rope with her teeth, was kinda a surprise for her when the rope hit her nose though (oops, lol. I just meant to swing it by her) But didn't seem to deter her too much, she came back and was right close again. I wish she was a little better halter broke and I would take her down when we go riding at Silver Sage and just get her used to stuff and maybe pony here, but that will have to wait a bit cause I don't want to keep her in the corral for now.

Last time we went down to Brooks to ride (Tuesday) I took Bailey cause she was just begging to go and I had planned on Shasta but wasn't sure how much work Bailey was gonna be so I got lazy and took Kali, I knew if I was tired I could just walk on her. And Bailey was really good, we walked and trotted lots then I quit cause I was afraid of getting her too sweaty (and with her I know its really easy) Then rode Kali and we did just walk cause Linda brought the grey horse and was afraid he was gonna take off so we just walked quite a while till he was relaxed and then she trotted a few steps a couple times, it was good.

( I was really trying to show the frost on her lips, but I wish I hadn't got so close

and cut her ears off cause its kinda cute, even more so when its bigger)

I hope to keep going down there, but next time I sure hope the wind isn't as bad!! Temp of only -2 but super windy I was frozen and exhausted when I got in. Then yesterday was -14 and I spent quite a bit of time outside, feeding cats, turning out Bailey and Kali, and taking pics, and when I come in it still wasn't that cold, but the big difference being wind.

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-11T11:32:00.002-07:00

New and Exciting News

2012-01-09T16:57:00.002-07:00

I had a really hard time posting Sunday Stills Yesterday just cause I had so much happen on Saturday but now I am all caught up and can share some exciting news. We went shopping Saturday morning in Strathmore on our way to Char's lesson. We stopped at Lammle's cause I got a gift card for Christmas that I said I was gonna spend on show shirts, so we walk in the door and got stuck at hats, lol. There was a lightish one Char absolutely loved and it was priced at 59.99! So we got looking around and another couple at that price too and the regular price on them was $200. Thought that was a pretty good sale till the sales girl came over and said everything with a sale price was an extra 30% off, so our hats we even cheaper!! I ended up buying a really pretty silver one (and have no pic of it) and then we went to shirts and I got 3, only 2 were on sale, but i loved the red one so I got it anyways. Also bought a hat box so our hats will keep looking nice for a while.

We left there and headed to eat then out to K and K Livestock. We dropped our hats off there for cleaning and Chars old hat needed to be shaped cause she squished it with her coat. So that's why no pics of hats or hat boxes. We actually didn't buy anything else there, just continued on to Doug's. Char was supposed to have a lesson but Doug couldn't make it so she was gonna work cows.

I went in town boots not expecting to ride but ride I did. That mare he talked about on Thursday was there so she was saddled up and I got on her. I was a little apprehensive cause she hadn't been ridden in 6 or 8 months and was kinda fat. But she was nice and quiet and even when he changed the bridle (without me getting off) she was fine. I went into the herd and picked a black white face cow and worked her around the edges. I had to tell Doug I never rode one handed before and didn't know what I was doing so he kinda helped me through it. She was really good, knew what she wanted to do and did it correctly but I still had to actually ride her, she didn't pack me. Was kinda fun and now I know what a real cutting horse is supposed to feel like.

So all I know is she is 7, went through Doug's program and he showed her as a 3 and 4 year old, the owner showed her last year and she hasn't done anything since. He thought we would get along really well and I could just get her in shape and show her this year, and learn a lot from her so move on to a better horse later on. I am trying not to get too excited, think I will phone and get a soundness exam before I even think of making any decisions. Sure is a lot easier to decide on a horse when someone knows what I should have. I am pretty nervous though. So nervous I never even got any pics of her! Yikes.

Oh and I got the cutest candle holder from Charlene for Christmas and last night I put candles in it and it was even nicer. Had vanilla scented candles so that was nice too :)

Speaking of Charlene she was also told is she really wants to show and be competitive Dude is probly not the horse she wants to get there. He has a major problem with not stopping before turning and that is really what the basics of cutting are. Doug figured he could fix him but not sure how well it would stick and in the mean time he would be teaching Char wrong. So she really likes him anyways and now she doesnt know what to do cause another horse is not in her budget but she is gonna leave him at Dougs for the month and go to the show on the 21st and then decide from there. So kinda dissapointing news for her, but after she saw me work tha mare, she kinda knew herself anyways. She might ranch cut on him but thats not really what she wants to do so we have to wait and see what will happen.

Sunday Stills--Lights

2012-01-08T08:39:00.000-07:00

Well since I said I would try to participate in all the Sunday Stills this week I am entering this one even though I thought it was gonna be more challenging than I found out it really was. So this is what I got.

That was a little movement, then I thought I should maybe try a little more movement and it looks kinda cool, but harder to tell what it is.

Its the tractor and baler at John Deere that they light up for Christmas and they havent done it for a couple years so I am glad that they done it this year. Here is a real pic of it. I actually had to move the camera cause I dont know how to have a longer shutter speed, I kinda thought without a flash it would be blurry but it was actually fairly clear. I guess I know for next time now.

I also took a short video cause some of the lights flash and look light it is moving.

For more, look over at Sunday Stills.

Moving On

2012-01-06T11:02:00.001-07:00

On Wednesday I called up Linda and we headed down to Silver Sage with out ponies to go riding. I took both Razz and Kali. I rode Kali first and she was super lazy! I dont know why she is so hard to get her tolope cause once she is loping she doesnt try to stop, so we just lope till I want to stop and then we go the other way and struggle again. maybe I should just do lots of transitions and maybe I she would get better but I was exhausted enough after half hour. So I switched saddles to Razz and she was the total opposite of Kali and I shoulda known cause when she lives in the corral she is kinda hot. So she managed to walk about a lap then trot a couple then we loped for about a million (well felt like it anyways) Then I asked her to stop and she was breathing pretty hard so we walked a lot of laps and visited with Linda and then we went to other direction. I think all those people who tell me Shast has a lot of energy need to ride a horse like Razz casue they dont know what they are talking about till they really ride a horse with lots of energy. Before we went riding there Linda asked if we could stop so she could take a couple pictures of some horses for sale so sure no problem, but if i realized we were gonna be there for 2 1/2 hours I woulda asked if she could do it another day. What a long boring day to stand around and watch barrel horses. But it was on the way so that was handy at least.

(weird clouds yesterday, they looked greyer than this)

I been slowly working Kali towards no blanket and since its been so nice here its worked really well, last night she had no blanket on and this morning doesnt look cold so thats a good sign. She wore her winter blanket for a couple days then it got to be 15 on Wed so I took it off and she wore her light blanket that night and yesterday took it off and just left it off and she seems fine. I really expected it to take longer but the weather is cooperating so well that I might just end up leaving her now. It is supposed to be warm for another couple weeks, getting above freezing int he daytime, so she should be good. Im glad cause I didnt want to have to put her in the pasture with a blanket on.

(Kinda looked tornadoey but wasnt)

Then yesterday Char had a lesson and Dougs and I went along cause she is still a little wary of driving at night and it was good, Dude is getting more responsive already. Not so lazy in his turns and stopping straighter on the ends.

(sunrise this morning, so peach)

And after the lesson we brought up a new horse for me and he asked what I was looking to spend and I said definitly no more than 12 and he says that is not a problem at all, he can easily find a horse for less than that. So I am pretty excited again, i thought I wasnt gonna be cutting this year but it might all change. He mentioned a mare that is pretty nice but said she was not straight in the front, but they want 8 for her said she is super broke and figured I would get along good with her. I dont know how crooked but kinda wary about that. He also said George Canyon had a nice gelding I would really like that was showed lots but not sure if he was for sale. I didnt know if he meant the singer George Canyon but he said later it was and he used to ride there, how cool is that! Said there was a lot of horses out there 7 or 8 or even up to 12 out there that just get kinda lost but are really broke and have been shown lots int he past and it would take no time to get them back so he is gonna ask around for me :))) Now maybe I will get what I really want and can learn for real.

I looked at this gelding on Northern and emailed the girl about him and I will bring the paper to Doug on Saturnday when we go back and get his opinion on him, probly not as good as some he could pick out though. He was talking about mostly ones with lots of earnings on them, so I kinda wanna wait to see what he comes up with.

New Years Resolutions

2012-01-04T08:54:00.000-07:00

I know I was not gonna plan anything anymore, but its really hard for me, I like plans and lists and so therefore I am gonna make a list of things I want to get done over the year.

First off, the Horse Goals:

1. I want to sell some horses and get down to a reasonable amount that I can actually ride them and not feel like I am ignoring them. I think my horses like to be handled and ridden and I know for sure Bailey wants to go all the time and so does Kali, so I want to be able to have a normal amount.

2. I also want to get Jazz started and get a nice decent couple months riding on her, inside and out and so if I sell her I know she will have a good chance at a good life. Same with Disco, I want to get some riding on her and hopefully find someone who will ride her.

3. I want to do lots of trail riding, I have a used to be neighbor that invited me to ride with him down by Dorothy and I will definitely take him up on that. And me and Char had planned to go riding in the mountains last summer so I want to make sure we do that this year. I also have a lot of opportunity to do lots of riding with cows and I want to do that as well.

4. I want to cut. I don't have a horse right now that I can cut on but at our last lesson on Saturday, Doug said he could find me a decent horse in the $10,000 range so that I can learn on them and then move up to the expensive horses. Well I am not in a hurry and so will be pretty careful about what I look at and get help.

Then onto the regular goals:

1. I want to get fit. I am not so worried about losing weight so much as getting more fit. I am working out hopefully 4 times a week and the rest will be full of riding and other stuff. I am gonna try to eat healthier but it will be really hard cause I love sugar, but I will try.

2. I want to finish the basement. I still have to put up the shelves (that are not made yet) and finish the cupboards and varathane or stain it all.

3. I want to do some woodwork this winter. I have been not doing much of it cause I was too busy riding and last winter my shed was snowed in, but hopefully it wont be so cold this winter and I can get some done.

4. I want to get back to doing some more cross stitch. I used to do lots but now I am too busy or just a little lazy and haven't done it in a while and I have enough patterns to do everyday for the rest of my life so I best get started.

I left them pretty open so that if all goes wrong they have lots of room to change them and if it don't all go the way I want that's okay, there's always next year.

Razz and Kali

2012-01-02T20:47:00.000-07:00

On Friday I went over to the neighbors arena and rode Razz with Charlene cause we had planned a lesson with Doug for Saturday and I wanted to ride before the lesson. I hadn't rode in almost 3 weeks and I felt so good to be back riding again.

In the arena was a heel o matic and Razz thought that was the scariest thing ever!!! She wanted no part of it, but the problem was after we were in the arena is was right by the gate, lol so she had to. I just ignored it and made her work and she sorta got over it.

On Saturday we had our lesson on cows and I rode Razz firsta and she was pretty good, I was a little confused cause he makes us do different things, but it made sense afterwards. Then He asked if I wanted to ride Kali, so I thought I might as well since I never worked her on cows or the flag before. And I can see what he means about her not being interested. She worked really well when there was only one cow but when there was more than one she had no interest in chasing them. I had to kick her really hard to get her to keep up with the cow. Which is sooo odd cause outside she responds so well to the leg. So I guess its the right decision but now I dont know what to do with her.

Afterwards we took Kali and Razz home and Charlene left Dude there for a month or two to get some refreshing and she is going to a show on Saturday in Claresholm. She was not prepared for that, but she has a lesson on Thursday and Doug said he was going on Saturday so she is too.

I have them in the corral so I can aclimatize Kali to not wearing a blanket anymore (I dont want to turn her out in pasture with 8 other horses with her blnket on, specially since she is the bottom of the totem pole in there) So today I went out and opened the gate to the big corral and they sure made use of it. I love it when they run around and play :) It was getting dark but I got a couple videos of them out there.

I am thinking I will go down to Brooks to the Silver Sage this week and ride them down there, might as well since they are in the corral for a couple weeks.. I also told Char if she wants to ride while Dude is gone she can call me and I will bring them over and we can each ride one.

Sunday Stills-Favorite Photo of 2011

2011-12-31T22:52:00.001-07:00

This week our Sunday Stills challenge was to pick our favorite photo of 2011 and what our photo goals for 2012 are. When I first read this challenge, my automatic thought was to my pic of Jamaica walking towards me outta the fog.

I had this as my desktop for a really long time then decided I should probly have a horse I still have on there, so now I have Razz. But then looking through all my pics, I really liked this one of the fox that was in our yard last February.

It was so flukey just to get him sitting there and I took it out the living room window, so still more amazing how clear it turned out. But I kept looking and I think this one of a frosty tree is my favorite of the year.

I can't believe still how you can see the individual frost flakes and just looks so much better with the blue sky behind it. Funny how they all were kinda wintery pics. And they are all straight out of the camera.

My goals for the next year are to complete all the Sunday Stills (even the hard ones) and to learn more about how to manually take photos with my camera rather than to just rely on the Auto setting.

Christmas

2011-12-30T09:16:00.001-07:00

I have not been posting much cause my Internet has been pretty spotty so it has been frustrating me, but here I am for now. On Wednesday I posted three pics, the first was Christmas Eve, we headed down to Neils Mom and Dads and had a nice ham supper there and I got those pink Jammie's and they are super comfy and super warm. Neils sister gave me and Neil gift cards to Boston Pizza and they will for sure get used. Neils dad gave us flashlights for us to all keep in our vehicles and attached to them was a silver coin from the Vancouver Olympics. Was all in all a very good evening.

Then after we headed home and I put on my new Jammie's and headed to my Moms. We got there quite late (about 2 am) and filled stockings and went to bed. The boys were up at 6 and woke everyone up so we could open stockings. We wanted to sleep in early, but we were just happy that the youngest was not sick like he was the day before that it didn't matter. We opened stockings and then had breakfast and opened the rest of the presents. I got a kindle from Neil (that was the mysterious gold gift that come in the mail wrapped.) I love it, I have downloaded a few free books, but the first one I buy will be Nuzzling Muzzles books (cause there is someone named Crystal in one book :) From my sister I got a Lammles gift card (I am gonna buy a western show shirt) and a Eeyore Christmas decoration. He is sooo cute. From my Mom and Clint I got a cordless drill kit with a bunch of accessories. I am really excited about this since my old one crapped out a few months ago. I also got a Tim's card, a horse blanket, and a homemade calendar, and a glass cutting board with coffee on it.

I was pretty excited for my Aunt Cindy and my Grampa and Clint's Mom to open their gifts cause I gave them scrapbooks and calendars. But they never came over till after lunch, I thought they weren't coming at all, but the wait was worth it, they loved them. I love making gifts for them cause I know they appreciate it more than a useless knickknack.

Then after turkey supper at my Moms, Me, my sister and her boyfriend and boys headed to Calgary so we could go boxing day shopping. I was pretty excited but I didn't know what I wanted but was going anyways. We skipped out on most of the electronics stores till later in the day and I got a bunch of good stuff. Besides the picture stuff, I got 2 presents for next year as well as a couple stocking stuffers. The long sleeve t-shirts were the best deal. On sale at Old Navy for $3.63! So 4 of them were less than $15. And I wore one today and it was excellently comfortable. And I tired out the jogging pant ans they are good too. Never tried out the workout pants yet, but that will come soon. I also got boring stuff like flour and oatmeal and bread cause we stopped at super store and it wasn't busy so we did grocery shopping. The only thing I didn't get which I wanted was the new Zelda game and a light up controller for my WII, but they were all sold out and not on sale, so I can go anytime to get them.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-12-28T09:43:00.001-07:00

Merry Christmas Everyone

2011-12-24T23:53:00.001-07:00

Well I am on my way to Olds , just having come back from Neils mom and dads house and we had a fantastic dinner of ham, and i got some awesome gifts which I will post on Tuesday cause I am going boxing day shopping on Monday. Here is a pic of our tree with all the presents underneath and wishing everyone a Merry Christmas.

Happy Pasture Ponies

2011-12-20T17:10:00.000-07:00

Well I went to check on the outside horses and they were really far away

So I called them and they came, not running though, so I think they were enjoying the sunny warm afternoon. So as they were coming in I got a few good pics. Here is Belle and George leading the way.

And I quite like this one of Shasta, she still doesn't know where she fits in the herd yet since Disco abandonded her for her old bunch.

And I really like this one of Razz, in no hurry whatsoever just paying attention to where shes going.

And a fat little Jazz, I like the pink sky behind her too, funny I didn't notice it while I was out there.

And then the happy herd eating away.

Sometimes when I am out with these guys I wonder if I should just give up the cutting and just ranch ride cause they all seem so happy doing that, until I get back on a cutter and that's all I can think of. So I guess ranchriding will be a side riding for me and I will find a cutter I get a long with and can show too. I am wary about buying a broke horse but I guess at that price I can probly try it out lots and see what its like on the flag, on cows and just regular riding. I also want something that can get along with my other horses cause hopefully it will live at home. I think I knew before Kali went she wasnt gonna make it, but I had to know for sure. She is a happy horse that just wants to be nice so I with her breeding and temperment I think she will be a nice horse for someone, she just doesnt have enough training to do any cutting now and I am not gonna spend more on her. And Sherry there are a few Appys who cut, but they are more cowhorses and I thought about one we saw at the Supreme he is for sale for 16,000 but I don't think I want to cowhorse, just cut. So we will see, I am in no hurry now cause I don't have the money so I will just ride and learn and see what happens next fall.

And Again

2011-12-19T21:39:00.002-07:00

Well this morning I got a call from Doug and he wants me to take Kali home cause he doesn't think she will turn out. He figures she is very cowy, just not athletic enough to be competitive. So I will go pick her up next week and decide from there what I will do with her. He figures I should buy either a good 2 year old and train it up or an older horse and just go cutting. Either way will be expensive I guess I gotta decide how much I am willing to spend to cut now.

I am kinda sad about this, but yet glad that he says so now with 6 weeks rather than waiting forever and just still not turning out. I may just keep her till spring and ride her and then sell her as a well broke Dual Pep daughter. Her bloodlines should be worth quite a it although it woulda been better is she woulda done something, but I am hoping I may get what I paid out of her. Or I sell Razz to Doug as a start on buying a broke horse. So many decisions to make.

I don't know how much I can spend but a broke horse probly isn't in my budget for this year, might just have to ride what I have and sell a couple and then we will see next year. Or save all the money that woulda gone into training and more and build my arena. (which will take more than this years earnings too) but wont be as fun if I don't have a good horse to ride in the arena.

In other news, I am almost done my Christmas shopping, might go tomorrow or Wednesday somewhere with Linda and spending Christmas Eve with Neils family and Christmas Day with my family. And we were planning on going to the movies with an old friend and her kids this week, but her oldest broke his thumb snowboarding so not sure if that will happen this week either.

Since I told Char this morning, we looked at this gelding, and she found this mare (Look down to Justa Indian Maiden). Both outta my price range but still kinda fun to look even if I have no intention of buying right now. It is still nice to know what is out there. I will be pretty pciky this time around so it might take a while to find what I like to ride and will be right for me.

Sunday Stills -- Tis The Season

2011-12-18T13:13:00.001-07:00

This Week the Sunday Stills was a challenge.

What represents this Christmas season to you?
Is it lighted trees, decorations, food…..snow?
Photograph whatever represents this season to you.

To Me obviously Christmas is about Jesus, without who there would be no Christmas, but hard to take a picture of him. So I got the (well used) Bible I have had for many years, I sure like the fact that it is hardcover made it last much longer.

And well after that, well every time it snows makes me think of Christmas, but we havent gotten any fresh snow this week so kinda ruined that and there is hardly any on the ground, our yard has probly the most and its kinda lacking there too.

So after that comes the Christmas tree and lights, I love our Christmas tree it is fake and came with lights attached. I would never put that many lights on and so its is great (although the next one will have multi color lights) I kinda miss the pine scent so I bought some scentsicles and stick one in the tree every few days and noone knows its not a real tree.

For more check out Sunday Stills.

Done Planning

2011-12-17T11:52:00.001-07:00

Well I haven't posted in a few days cause I been thinking and all I can come up with is I am not gonna plan anything anymore cause it just never works so I am just gonna do what happens that day and enjoy it. I now have all my ponies home (except Kali) and so its busier here at home but I am kinda enjoying staying home and getting stuff done here, but I am gonna have to figure something out cause I can't imagine 3 months without riding. If there wasn't any ice under the snow I probly could ride out, but I don't wanna slip, and I know Razz is pretty careful but she worries a lot about slipping, so probly not gonna happen for a while.

I have gotten a lot of stuff ready for Christmas however, I got most of my gifts wrapped, there are a few I am still working on but they should be done no problem in time. I have to go one more day to town to get a few more things and some stocking stuffers but otherwise all done there too.

While looking back in pics I was looking at all the ones with Razz in the snaffle and she looks unhappy in every single one. When I see pics of her in the hackmore she is so much more cheerful. I wish I knew what was going on, but for now we are gonna keep hackmore on her till I do. I wonder if she would like a curb bit better too, I may have to try one day (but not saying when, ha ha)

Not even sure what we are doing for Christmas, my Mom is having Christmas Day at her house and an Aunt is having Christmas Eve, but if we are feeding cows I can't see how we can get to both (we usually stay over and head home early Christmas cause we had big meal Christmas Eve) So we might get up early and go Christmas morning or who knows. I am kinda OK if we stay home too. I see my family quite often so its not as big a deal to me to get there. And then of course Neil's family wants to plan something too. (And all I wanna do is ride)

I am now friends with the Silver Sage Arena is Brooks on Face book, so I now know when they are open all the time, so I might have to head down that way to do some riding. They used to have a ladies riding night, wonder if that's still on. I know they do rough stock one night and barrel jackpots every other Sunday, but I am happy to just go down and ride a couple horses. Course it would just be so much easier if I just had my own arena, but even though I asked for it for Christmas, my gift is under the tree in a gold box and it just looks way to small to be an arena :(

When I brought the horses home, I got Neil to help me and he led Razz and I took Shasta and Disco. I opened the gate and when I turned around they were in front of me and I was walking behind them with their lead ropes, was sure odd, kinda like driving them. I made them stop and wait till I was better organized. Those 2 sure are attached to each other. When we put them out they sure all have different ideas, Razz headed straight for the water, Disco started eating and Shasta wanted to wander around and check the place out. No arguing from any of the other horses either, they were just excited to have friends. Although Bailey kept looking at me as I left like I forgot to give them thier treats.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-12-14T17:49:00.001-07:00

More Feet -- Disco and Shasta

2011-12-13T12:28:00.001-07:00

Well I finally got pics of Disco and Shasta's feet, and they are not perfect and hopefully will improve a little. First off Disco, she has really tall feet (which I don't know if its bad, just not what I am used to and they are better than when I got her last year) and her right front had an injury at some point at the back inside of the heel.
A front view:

And a side view:

First left Front (which I see her frog needs to grow a little):

Then left hind:

And right front:

and right hind:

And then onto Shasta, I had to take a pic of her cause they both have dark legs so then I could tell where the different feet started. Not the best pic of her but I love the outlining of her ears, you can see it when riding too :)

And her front view (no her foot is not really that crooked shes just standing funny):

And her side view she has the opposite problem as Disco, her feet are very flat.I wish I woulda taken in a little farther away so you could see how much its not in a straight line from her knee.

Her left front:

Left hind:

Right front:

and Right hind:

So I guess now I have something to compare to in future when I get thier feet where they need to be. Not as obvious on some horses cause they always have good feet, but sure makes you notice the differences in them. But next time I think I might have to get someone else to hold them when I take the pics.

Pasture Ponies

2011-12-12T09:59:00.001-07:00

Its been a while since I had a really good look at the outside ponies so on Friday I went out there. They were happy to see me, specially Bailey. Should have had the video camera on right when they seen me cause she always calls then comes running as fast as she can towards me. Silly girl.

(Bailey sees me and Duchess looks towards the other horses)

(Bailey comes running :)

Then everyone else comes too. Well no worries out there, they are all fat, probly too fat, but they will lose that if we ever get snow cover and it gets cold and they actually have to work to get feed. I like them a little fat this time of year cause they seem to lose weight by spring.

Duchess was acting weird when I fed them she would just paw a pile then move on and paw and move on. Thought it was weird and of course trying to look at her and she was hiding from me and I couldn't figure it out until I ignored her and then I seen a cactus in her nose, Ouch! so I walked up to her and just brushed it off, apparently she isn't used to cactus being around.

(I was being watched by this guy, probly couldn't figure out why they were running in )

Jazz is looking big, I think she is as tall as Belle is (which isn't that tall, lol I think Belle is maybe 14.2) but then they stand nest to Duchess and they look little again, but she is probly close to16 hands.

(Happily eating, George, Belle, Jazz, Duchess)

(Rolly Polly Bailey)

Afterwards I went over and caught Disco and Shasta and brushed and fed them and then rode Razz. I was pretty lazy and she was not so we were done in a short time. We were gonna go for a lesson on Saturday but Doug was busy all weekend. Char thinks she will be busy the next two weeks so I may have to ride alone. Which won't be too bad cause I may go in the daytime when its a little nicer. Maybe even ride outside.

Sunday Stills-- Pets

2011-12-11T09:38:00.001-07:00

This week Sunday Stills is all back where it started. With Pets. And since I have no pets around here, I got my sister to take a picture of her boys hamster Herc.

For more check out Sunday Stills.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-12-07T15:52:00.001-07:00

Answers and Confusion

2011-12-05T22:08:00.000-07:00

A few posts ago I was aked a bunch of questions so I thought I would try to answer some of them. First off "Are I plan on keeping Jazz?" Well sincs she hasnt sold yet, I will keep her around and get her started in the sping (hopefully by March) then ride her some this summer and see how it goes. I do like her I just wish she had more white on her. Seems wrong to have a paint that isnt painted.

Then later "Why do I board elsewhere if I own a horse ranch?" Well we own a ranch but it raises mostly cows so not so much a horse ranch and I dont have anywhere to ride indoors in the winter so I board a horse (or 2 or 3) elsewhere and that is where I ride with Charlene.

Then "What do I look for in a horse and what do I like in a horse?" This is hard to answer because depending on what the horse is gonna be for or what age they are can be different things, but I will try to answer. I prefer a horse that likes to go, has lots of energy. Nothing irritates me more than having to kick a horse all day that is wanting to quit. I like a smart horse, one that will do what I ask when I ask but also looking out for itself and me too. A lot to ask I spose but it is there. Confirmation wise it is hard to answer, I like big round bum and straight legs and good withers but otherwise I like to see how they all blend together and I cant really explain what I look for but I know what I like and what I don't like. For temperament. That's hard, I don't like really "clingy" horses, I actually kind of like the standoffish ones, but I like it when they like to be around me too.

Then a few comment, like the horsey card, the best part of it is it is from my sister and inside it says "You will be older than me always!" Which is true but it used to be something I bragged about now not so much.

And about showing, there is show this weekend, the last one before Christmas but I am not sure we are going cause doesn't sound like we will have any time to practice and Char is super busy at work for the next couple months. So we will see how it goes this week but may just go work cows on the weekend instead. I would prefer lessons, just cause then I can practice too. And the best part about lessons from Doug is they are free for me with a horse in training! I had no idea when I went for lessons he told us when he gave us our November bills. I was surprised and now I wanna go every day (but of course I wont or cant).

I don't know why I haven't been posting. Even yesterday I totally had planned on making it and I had some pics too. But left it till the last minute and today too is way late. But at least I been doing something. I got all my Christmas decorations pulled up from the basement (not all pulled out and put up yet, but still) And I got myself a job cooking again tomorrow. I didn't even go riding today. I should have but wimped out cause it was kinda cold. I am kinda tempted to take all the ponies home for a month or so and just taking a break, but I also wanna take lessons and cant take lessons when I don't ride between them, that is just not fair to the pony and I wont get as much out of them either. So I dunno what to do again.

Lesson and Shopping

2011-12-03T07:34:00.000-07:00

On Thursday night Char was going for another lesson, so I thought I might as well take a horse too. I went a little early and rode Shasta first, and she was good again although she sure gets distracted easy but not too hard to convince her to focus again. Then I hooked up the trailer and tacked up Razz and so when Char got there we were ready to go.

We got there and as we were putting our bridles on I asked Char if Doug was laughing at my paint horse yet and she said maybe, but when he come out he wanted to buy her! I hadn't even gotten on her yet!! He said he always wanted a black and white paint horse to turnback on. And she was prettier than Lorne's. I was quite suprised thats for sure. Of all this work I been trying to sell every other horse and the one I don't want to sell someone wants.

We warmed up then I did the flag first and he does things a little differently, when the flag stops he wants the horse to stop straight with thier head bent, or at least looking at the flag, and no backing up. So that took a while to get her over, but it was coming. And he wants her kinda angled towards the flag the whole time cause she has a bad habit of drifting off (which I knew). Then Char had a turn and Dude was being a little lazy so Doug had the flag moving really fast to hurry him up.

Then we went again and she was getting better, but I think I was getting better so I was asking her better. I knew I was a little nervous and so my cues were not as strong or as quick as they should have been. And with doing something different, I had to think and sometimes when I get to thinking what my hands should do I forget I have legs and vice versa. But I was pretty happy with her for being in a strange place and me being nervous.

Char went again and then Doug got on Dude and got him moving a little better. Its harder with him cause he knows he is supposed to follow the flag so he gets lazy and the ends and starts turning before the flag moves. Again we lots of times practiced backing up after we stopped. But he said the flag isn't moving so we shouldn't be either. Makes sense when he says it that way. Sometimes he moved the flag slowly at first so we could back a step or two before turning with it. His flag is variable speed so it was kinda cool that way.

Then yesterday I got up early (for me anyways) and headed to Calgary with my sister and we went down to the Christmas craft sale in the round up centre and then to Cross Iron Mills mall, and then to Walmart in Airdrie. I got a bunch of Christmas shopping done (and a couple items for myself, oops!) and lots more ideas, so it was a long but productive day. Today is K and K's Christmas party day and so we are heading in there and I have only plans to buy a neoprene and maybe a felt saddle pad if they have one. But they usually bring a bunch of new stuff out so I guess we will have to see. I really try not to buy stuff for myself before Christmas but since there are really no other horse people in my family I hardly ever get tack unless I ask for something specific. And its so much easier when its stuff they know what it it (like halters, lol)

Decided....for now

2011-12-01T12:36:00.000-07:00

(Front view, ignore the poop she is standing in didnt notice it till I picked her feet up)

Well thanks to riding Monday and all your guys helpful insight, I think I have decided. I say think because good chance I may change my mind later on as circumstances change. Since I have changed it soo many times in the past. I am gonna keep Razz there all winter, as I am gonna take lessons on her and maybe show her till Kali is ready for me. I am gonna take Shasta home (probly this weekend) cause most of the stuff I want to do with her can wait till spring and she may come back for a few inside rides but otherwise she will probly end up being a ranch horse and whatever else I wanna do with her. And I will keep Disco there till the end of the year and then decide what I am gonna do with her. I want to give her a fair chance before I give up on her. And I got the name of the guy who rode her last and am gonna phone him one evening and see if he has anything helpful for me to know.

(side view, from right side. I love her feet :)

Monday night I went out in the pasture to catch my ponies and Shasta walked right up to me and I was gonna catch her but I could see Disco sneaking away, so I scratched Shasta and went to get Disco. She didn't want any part of that and started leaving faster. I let her go as long as she was headed to the corrals and away from Shasta. After about 5 minutes she stops and walks up to me, so I scratch her and leave. I was told she was hard to catch, and I am trying to break that habit in her but really that is about as hard as she has ever been to catch ever. I don't think she knows she is supposed to be able to be caught in a pasture cause in the corral she just stands there while I walk up to her and catch her. But she is learning.

(left front after cleaning the poop out, sorry its so bright)

Then I got Razz and rode her, I was gonna go back out for Shasta but the arena was kinda slippery from all the melting snow so I stuck to just Razz. And she was good as always and we didn't ride real long, but it was good. It reminds me to not just let her pick the path, but that I can direct her where I want her to go when it is wet in there. All these girls also got thier feet trimmed and since I been thinking of doing a post on feet I took Pics of Razz's feet before we rode. I think she thought I was nuts but she was cooperative anyways. I really like her feet, they are tough and even though they need to be trimmed about every 6 weeks in the summer, they still stay nice.

(left hind thats a little dirty)

Tuesday we went for birthday suppers, a little late, but it was at Tony Roma's endless ribs so it was good whatever the excuse. Since my birthday is on the 27 (of October) and My Aunts is the 29th then my Sister is Nov 1, and her oldest boy the 6th, we celebrate them all together.

(right front)

Then yesterday was all cold and snowy and Neil went to town and said the roads were really bad so I stayed home and worked more in the basement. One day I will get done down there. And today we have a lesson with Doug, and me and Razz are going too. I am kinda nervous but I guess he will have to see me ride and I might as well see how he does it for when I get Kali back.

(right hind, I guess I shoulda taken pics after I rode maybe they woulda been cleaner

but it is kinda sark in the barn and I couldn't tell they were so dirty.)

Wordless Wednesday--Birthday Gifts

2011-11-30T17:03:00.000-07:00

Decisions

2011-11-28T13:58:00.000-07:00

Well I have to make some decisions here pretty quick. I have three horses boarded at Jardi's right now and that will get a little too expensive for me to keep it that way and seeing as I had planned on only having one there over the winter this is not gonna last. But I don't know who to take home.

My original plan was to take Razz home and ride Disco all winter and see what she can do, but now I have an option to take lessons from Doug and I think I would be better off taking Razz. And I never even planned on Shasta cause I am pretty suspicious about people wanting to trade until the deal is actually done. So now I have her to think of too.

If I went the easy way I would take Disco home and just ride Shasta for a while then ride Razz. But I know I should ride Disco more and give her a fair chance. And I kinda want to ride Shasta more cause I am kinda liking her. I was kinda hoping it would be nice enough out that I could ride her outside and hopefully see if her lope improves. I think it is better than the first time, but still seems like someone has either held her back all the time or just doesn't know how to stretch out. I checked her back the other day and I couldn't find a single sore spot. Oh and I measured her and she is just a smidge under 15 hands. So just about perfect.

I shall go today and ride them all hopefully and try to make a choice. I should at least decide between the weekend for them as well as me. Cause I know I am not enthused about riding three and by the time I get to the third one I don't even want to ride anymore. And I feel like if I want to ride more than 20 minutes I am exhausted. I need to ride longer than that at least on who I am going to take to lessons or they just don't stay in good enough shape.

And I better get on the ball cause the show last Saturday was cancelled for not enough entries so if I want to go sooner is probly better than later. I am okay with fewer entries and I think after Christmas is when more people show up. But should still be okay. Char was asking Doug about showing and he says he wouldn't go to small shows like that unless he was schooling so who knows. But since I am riding razz with reining I will be schooling so it might be better for us. He suggested we show ACHA (Alberta Cutting Horse Association) next year especially if she wants to go to the Supreme cause if we are competitive there she should be okay.

Lesson Update

2011-11-26T12:13:00.000-07:00

Well Yesterday was a fun but full day and best of all I was still home by 5:30! Char had a lesson planned with Doug at 2, and he said he would wait to work Kali on cows till I got there and so I was pretty excited to see her too!

(Shasta at fence)

But first I got to Jardis a little earlier than Char cause she was getting off work and didnt want to be in a rush to hook up her trailer and tack up Dude. So I caught Dude for her and then i had extra time and was gonna ride but not quite enough time for that, so I brushed Shasta and got a couple more pics of her.

(Really hard for her to stand still)

Then we headed down the road and he has an old cow in the pen he just calls her the babysitter and she just stays in the middle of the pen and keeps the other cows there. Even when he chased in new cows or out cows, she just stands in the middle of the pen. She has been there forever and noone chases her so she just stays still.

(Char working cows)

Well Dude was first so Char worked him and Doug ahd a few things to say but overall he thought Dude looked pretty good. I think Char was pretty excited and wants to go back more.

(Pretty nice stop/turn)

Then was Kali, she was moving out better than I seen her before and she looked pretty good, but its hard to tell cause he didnt do a lot with her, just keep her with the cow and was pretty slow (which is good but boring to watch, lol) I got a short video but I dint know when he was gonna do stuff so its okay. I think she looked good, I was a little worried about her getting thin but not so much anymore :)

(aww shes so cute)

I liked the way he worked and super easy to talk to so now I got my brain thinking I might take Razz for some lessons, even on the flag, and see where that goes. I need to get better anyways and if Char is going, we might as well travel together.

(sure watching a cow)

Then when we got back, I saw the sunset was pretty cool, so I got a shot of that too.

Looking Back

2011-11-24T19:12:00.000-07:00

This afternoon I was cleaning out my basement room and some of the rubbermaids in there are full of stored stuff, so since I been throwing stuff out I thought I better see what I could throw out of there. It sure was funny looking through a bunch of that old stuff. Some of it I can't even believe that I kept this long, like theses reports and stuff from high school. (What was with the peach paper???)

And I found this cool puzze of Bananas in Pajamas that my friend Melissa sent to me when we were just out of school and she wrote a letter on the back.

And some cool crayola packs from when I was collecting crayons and stuff.

And my sticker album from when I was really young, was kinda fun too look through there.

And all the fun things we did before we had the internet like writing out song words. Amazing I would spend the time to do that.

I also found some more recent things like out wedding invitation. (Which I still think is pretty:))

And then found the wedding cards and this really cute anniversary card from Neil a few years ago.

Makes it more fun to clean out stuff when it brings back good memories like that (well except school).

Tuesday and Wednesday

2011-11-23T20:44:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Charlene had a lesson booked with Doug Reinhardt so we loaded up Dude and headed out there. She was pretty nervous about going by herself and I kinda wanted to visit as well so I went along too. She rode Dude on the flag and he was pretty good then Doug got on him and found a few problems, but all in all thought he was doing pretty good. She kinda wanted someone to take him for a month or so and tune him cause its been a long time since he has really been in training and she doesn't want to mess him up. Doug isn't sure that is what he needs but wants to see him on cattle on Friday so we are going back Friday to work cows. I got to see Kali in the barn and she looked tired, i had to wake her up to get a look at her. But Doug said he will wait on Friday till I get there so I can see her on cows. Im pretty excited!! It will be a long night cause after that we are going up to Ponoka to stay overnight and Char is gonna show on Saturday. I will bring Razz up as well but we are not gonna show. I was gonna bring Shasta but after only two rides on her I think it might be pushing it a little bit yet, maybe next time.

Tonight I went a rode Shasta again, I am kinda liking her, didn't really expect that. We did quite a bit of trotting and she is sure smooth, really like that. I asked her for a lope today and she was all balled up, it was really weird, like she didn't know she could go fast or she was sore or something. It was odd. But she kept going till I asked her to stop and wasn't grouchy or anything. I totally meant to check her back and measure her before we left but forgot.

(rabbit hopping through our yard today)

Afterwards I sucked it up and got on Disco. She didn't really want to leave the door area, but we got her going around following Dude and she sure still mouths the bit a lot. Still responds to it, but constantly chewing it. Just a plain snaffle, but she don't like it very much. She didn't respond very well to my leg either, kinda just ignored it, but we will see I imagine that will come back pretty quick. I just walked her around both directions about 10 minutes and quit. She walks really fast when she wasn't trying to stick to the door, was kinda nice.

(rabbit hiding after Neil tried to chase it towards me)

Then since I had Razz all tacked up I rode her too. I was pretty exhausted but she was all ready to go and it had been a couple days since I rode her that I thought I had better. I never rode in my spurs cause they were on my other boots in my truck and she acted like normal still so that was good. I like to know I am not relying on the spurs all the time.

I thank you all for your comments, BEC, I had no idea about any of her breeding, so that helped a lot. And Shirley I feel real stupid for not thinking of getting her teeth checked especially since we just got our others done 2 weeks ago. And Leah I liked the name Sage too, but where I board there is a Sage and that just gets too confusing having horses with the same name. And Janice, she is in with Disco right now and Disco bosses her around but they seem to get along well. Eventually she will get kicked out with Razz and Dude and Jardi's few shes riding. She is registered as a Dun, but kinda a buckskinny color now, real cool markings though dark stripes on shoulders and legs. Although she has no forelock to speak of and her bridle path had been trimmed and now looks funny, but I think that will all eventually grow out. I think she is close to 15 hands, but I will get a stick on her maybe on Friday if I am there early enough.

Wordless Wednesday--As Promised Shasta Pics

2011-11-22T22:51:00.000-07:00

More on Shasta

2011-11-21T21:25:00.000-07:00

Well today was the big day, sorta. First of all our accountant come out for an early tax call so we could do something and not pay so much income tax, well turns out that isn't a problem. But he was late so I wasn't sure I was gonna get to go ride, but I went anyways after he left. I never got any pictures of Shasta (stoopid me) cause I forgot till after I turned her out and it was dark out, of course.

Well I rode Razz and she was good like always, so we just had a short ride and then I got Shasta, still not sure I am stuck on that name, but unless another one comes to me that will be her name. Anyways when I caught her and Disco cause they are in a pen together, I put them in stalls opposite each other. I saddled Shasta before I rode Razz. So I went and got her and put a snaffle on her cause that's what I was told she was ridden in last and got on. She tensed up a little when I first stepped on so I had her moving in circles right away and then walked around the arena. I totally forgot to walk her around before I got on and she looked a little odd at the tractor and the mirror. I always forget about the mirror in there unless its a young horse. But she kept going and all was good so I asked for a trot and that was fine, we did some figure eights and she was just good. Not very bendy, but sure does know how to move her shoulders. She also doesn't know how to rollback, and her stops are not very good. But all in all not a too bad. I didn't lope cause I was more nervous than I think she woulda been bad.

When we were on the way home on Sunday, Charlene pulled out the papers and the name that was on them as the last owner was one of the 4H kids I used to help! Kinda weird! So tonight I gave her a call and asked her all about this mare. She said they just didn't get along so she traded for a nice gelding she really likes. She also said she had been patterned on barrels but she only loped them, she had been tracking steers but she never roped off her, she doesn't like white cows. Don't know what that meant never had a horse that was picky about color of cows before, but who knows. Said she was really cowy and has lots of energy, better if ridden every day. She also said she is pretty sensitive when it comes to spurs and she put a shank bit on her and she reared up. All good things to know I guess, and she seems to be alright. I can't argue about not getting along with a horse, cause I had Dinero and didn't get along with him, not that he was bad, just not for me.

I found her old sale ad on the Internet last night too and in it it says she is broke to drive, so who knows maybe I will be using my cutter this winter. I don't know what I will do with her, but will ride her this winter and see how it goes then decide.

Quick Trip to BC

2011-11-19T17:21:00.001-07:00

(I love trees that are frosted with snow )

A Month or so ago I made a deal with a girl, J, that I was gonna trade Jamaica and Casino for a mare she had (Shasta). She didn't get along with this mare cause she had lots of energy and she wanted something quieter. And she really likes the young ones and likes to start them and get them going. So I wasn't really looking for a trade, but this mare sounded like a decent mare (She actually sounds a lot like Bailey) So we conversed forever and finally decided we would do the trade. I would drive cause she was going to college and I had more time. This weekend worked for both of us and so yesterday afternoon I loaded up the babies in the trailer which I had bedded down with lots of hay and off I went to pick up Charlene. We left Drum about 4 and were on the way. It took Casino only about half hour to get her sea legs and I think it sure helped Jamaica just jumped in and started eating.

(Jamaica in the trailer in Invermere)

We took a small detour (about an hour out of our way) when we got to the Radium turn off and missed the sign and we hit Lake Louise and I was pretty sure we weren't supposed to go through it but we went a little farther and finally decided we should stop and ask and sure enough we had to turn around. We finally found the right corner (silly national parks have brown signs when I was looking for a green one, lol) and headed down to Invermere to spend the night. I thought about going to Janice's after she suggested it but I was exhausted and she was probly another hour or so down the road. I never even thought of her being that close or I mighta gone a day early and spent some time visiting her. Sorry Janice, maybe next time.

We fed and watered the babies in the trailer and headed to bed for ourselves. In the morning we gave them more water which they didn't want, then we headed to J's place. She lives in town and it was odd to dive by houses and see horses in the yards. Sure a lot different than here. It was about -11 and kinda windy so we caught her mare (and she was super easy to catch) then we lunged her a little (she was sound and even when she slipped, she just got up and kept going) She was just sweet. So I led Jamaica and Casino off the trailer and into their pen and loaded her up with a full hay bag and made the deal. Then we headed home. It was a lot earlier than I thought we would get on the road, which was kinda nice.

(walking to the Husky Restaurant, lol)

We headed up the 93 and saw signs with the mountain sheep on them and I said I wanted to see some, and lo and behold when we got to Radium they were just standing in all the streets and so Charlene took my camera and took some cool pics of them. They were just standing there and some even posed for us. One which we missed a pic of had his front feet in the tree and was eating the leaves! Kinda fun to see different wildlife than we have here.

(Posing for Char)

We got back to Jardi's at about 4 and got her settled in the barn for the night and she was real well behaved through it all. Tomorrow Char has a lesson so I might go over and hopefully the weather forecast is wrong (it says high of -15) if its warmer I will ride her otherwise I have to wait till Tuesday cause it is supposed to be +8 or +9 so that will be perfect. I am not sure what to do over the winter now cause I had a lesson on the flag with Razz on Thursday and she was soooo good that I got caught unaware and now want to show her this winter. But that leaves me Razz and Disco and this new mare.

I never got very many pics of her so I will post a bunch tomorrow or Tuesday when hopefully it is a little warmer. I think she will turn out and if I don't get along real well with her I don't think she will be a hard sell.

Big Plans for the Winter

2011-11-17T14:37:00.001-07:00

Well yesterday I went riding and saddled Disco again and put the snaffle bit on her just to hold while rode Razz. The whole time she was chewing and being silly so I still never got on her. She was much better with everything else though, stood still while brushing and saddling so that was an improvement. But I better get on her soon cause I want to show her in the Jan 7th show, so I better get her in shape so we can work the flag and some cows too.

(Disco all saddled up and ready, just not sure I am ready)

And Razz was soo awesome too. We did a little trotting then some loping and I made her go slow which was pretty good, still tries to go fast most of the time. Then mixed her up and trotted again before loping the other way. then more trotting at the end. In the middle we did circles and rollbacks and figure eights and even some counter bending. She was pretty responsive until Jardi come to talk to me and we stood still for a while then she thought we should be done, so we trotted and worked some more till she wasn't trying to quit on me. She is getting way better, but I read an article last night about Chiropractic work and it said something about if the horse has trouble chewing and making sharp turns the jaw may be out, and since Razz has issues with her face, maybe a chiro should be next on our list of things to check out for her. I was more thinking it was nerves or something but this might work too.

(Disco still all saddled (even though the saddle is obviously not tight as it slid back quite a ways))

And this weekend I am heading to BC to drop of Casino and Jamaica and pick up the dun mare from a million posts ago that we are trading for. Should be a fun but long weekend. Think its about 5-6 hour drive so I am thinking I will leave on Friday afternoon and stop in Radium or Invermere overnight then head to her place for about 10ish and ride the mare and then load up and head home. That way it will still be a decent time when I get home on Saturday. I am thinking I will leave her at Jardi's and take Razz home. That way I can get her ridden instead of putting it off till next summer.

Sure will be a challenging but interesting winter with riding 2 new horses and I am hoping I will at least like one of them. Both would be nice but I'm not sure about that cause I am pretty picky about what I really like and am kinda wary about riding horses that other people have ridden, not that they cant be good, but I like things a certain way and not everyone is the same way. But I am trying to keep an open mind and will ride both and see.

It will be kinda weird not having any horses in the corral for the winter though. At least until it gets real cold and I might have to bring in Jazz. I am still up in the air about her, I think I probly would really like to ride her cause I really like Razz, but now my heart says not so much, but I will find out in the spring when she gets started.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-16T13:05:00.001-07:00

Scrapbooking Weekend

2011-11-14T10:31:00.000-07:00

On Thursday night I headed to Olds after feeding my ponies at Jardi's. Charlene had a lesson on the flag and so I never rode cause I wasn't having a lesson. We stopped for supper at the Chinese food place with Jardi and had a nice good visit. I kept going to my Moms and stayed there overnight. In the morning we went out to Sundre to a place called Diamond Buffalo Guest Ranch where we spent the weekend.

It sure is a pretty place out there. They have their own private lake, and the big lodge building and bunkhouses a little farther away.

In the lodge they have a restaurant/lounge and they serve meals on Thursdays to Sundays. On Friday and Saturday night they had a blues band in there, that was different. I don't listen to a lot of blues, but kinda nice for a while.

We had our own room set up in the basement and it was pretty nice big room. There was lots of tables down there for us so we could spread our stuff out really well. In the next room there were chairs and couches if we wanted, but we didn't spend much time there.

It was my mom and my weekend we usually spend together, but we invited Stacey along as well cause she really wanted to get a bunch of stuff done. It was so much fun. I worked on my regular album, getting caught up and I finally finished 2010. I was gonna start on the cruise we took in February, but I had printed mine and my sisters pictures but never got my moms pictures printed, so I didn't want to start and then find out I had more good pics I wanted to get put in.

So I continued on into 2011, and sure some good memories of clinics and cutting we went to up at Vic's last winter. But I sure hope we don't get as much snow as last year, it was ridiculous!! I sure wont have a problem using up all the snow stickers I have.

It sure is easy looking back and finding out dates on stuff when I have my blog. I kinda think its silly to have both cause I could just print out my blog and its almost the same. But I sure like the dimensions and backgrounds and stickers and stuff that we put in our scrap booking albums.

Here and There

2011-11-10T08:42:00.001-07:00

On Tuesday, as the pic from yesterday shows, we loaded up in the trailer and headed to the vet. Charlene took Ricki cause he was fighting the bit and the insides of his bottom teeth were pretty sharp. Dude was turning his head sideways when he eats but there wasn't much wrong with his teeth just a few edges to get rid of. I took Razz cause she is still being silly when using a bit and when something touches the side of her face, but not much he could find there. He checked to see if it was her sinuses but doesn't look like that either. She was still sore yesterday so still not sure whats going on yet. And I took Disco just cause she has never been as far as I know and for 15 her teeth were really good. One top side had a little to come off but he said it wasn't bad. And even though we did her last she never really took to the sedation but she was really well behaved anyways, way better than I thought after her standing by the trailer making noise and being wiggly the whole time we were there.

(the bit I thought would work)

On the way home we stopped at Boston Pizza for Appetizers so they could wake up and then when we got home they were standing silly all noses together. We put Ricki in front cause we wanted him as far from Disco cause they never met, then Dude , then Razz who just shoved her way up front then Disco last. I know there is lots of room for 4 horses in that trailer, but the way Razz shoved everyone up we coulda easily fit another one in, lol. Those 3 were in the front half, probly squishing Ricki, but hes too wimpy to try to push back even. When we got back to the barn that how they were standing so I had to take a picture.

(the bit I shoulda tried cause everyone that I used it on liked it)

Yesterday was another eventful day, I saddled up Disco. She was really good with the whole thing except a little touchy around the cinch area, especially the back cinch. I did it up so it just touched her belly, which was probly good cause she tried to kick at it and caught the edge of it so if it was loose she woulda got her foot in it. I left her saddled when I rode Razz. Afterwards I took her in the arena and tightened the cinch and turned her loose and she walks away. I couldn't make her go any faster and she wanted to stay by the door so I got the whip and thought I might at least be able to make her trot. But no, she is the only horse I know of when you tap them with the whip they turn towards the whip! So i led her around and we had a good look at stuff in there and thought I might as well try to put a bridle on her. I have no idea what she was ridden in last but she was supposed to be a broke cutter, so I put a real mild curb bit. She wanted no part of it. Not sure if it was the actual bit I chose or just a bit in general, but she kept her mouth wide open and was chewing. I probly shoulda just left her a while with it, but I took it off. I tried one of Jardi's with more tongue room and same thing. I might try a snaffle on her and then go with my original plan and put the bit on her from Henry (and Gypsy, not sure why its still Henry's bit) that every horse seems to like. I am not sure I will get on her today, I might wait till next week and go over to Greg's arena and pony her with Razz a bit then get on her there. Not enough room here to pony.

(if she dont like that bit we will start over in a snaffle and see from there)

But first things first. Today we have two loads of cows going to the sale, the dry ones. Then I am going riding, then afterwards I am gonna head to my Mommy's and we are going out to Sundre for the weekend and going scrap booking. I'm pretty excited! We usually do our weekend at Jardi's but she is way to busy this year and asked if we do it later, so we might come in Feb/March there. The only thing I miss about being at Jardi's is I don't get to ride. But there will be lots of time this winter for that. And this weekend the show in Ponoka I am missing, and making Char go by herself. But sounds like her hubby will go with her so that will be good.

Wordless Wednesday -- In The Trailer

2011-11-09T08:37:00.001-07:00

More Ponies

2011-11-08T09:21:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I guess I didn't explain very good about what's going on. Duchess is not my horse nor was she in one of the pics. She belongs to a friend, Susan, and is here for the winter. (She is a half sister to Charlene's horse Ricki) She is a sweet horse and the only horse I know that will allow me to hug her head. And she enjoys it too.

(A not real good pic of Duchess eating cause I was crouched down to far and she is big)

And apperently I think more than I write cause I forgot to say the biggest part of my blanket dilema is because we are going to Vic's for cutting every other weekend and they spend a couple nights in a heated barn. Then I feel bad putting them back outside without anything on. Last winter it wasn't till about end of January I put a light blanket on Razz. But also there are so many horses turned out with her (6 now) that her blanket always ends up getting ripped.

(Belle, Casino and Jazz in the snow)

She has winter hair, but it is short and thick so I think I will put it off for a while. No saying I can't blanket her later in the year. I actually prefer no blankets and my home horses don't get a blanket but they have a windbreak and noone rides them and smooshes the fur down on them either. If I ride like last year it will be 5-6 days a week and then I think a blanket is gonna be necessary. Even though I know it won't make less hair cause only light can do that, it seems to prevent a little sweating and makes me feel better, lol.

(The babies--Casino, Jazz and Jamaica)

Oh and the house the other day was not ours, unfortunatly, but we were headed to town and got stopped to let it go by. There was a pull out so he actually stopped to let us by and they guys behind him pass as well. It was 40' wide the guy said, so pretty good size. Still wish it were coming here, sigh.

(Casino looks so little behind Duchess)

This week with Ponies

2011-11-07T08:28:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted much last week for no reason. But I have done some pony stuff. I rode Razz on Wednesday and Saturday. Also on Saturday I brushed Disco and brought her in the barn, which she knew exactly what was going on there cause she just walked right into the stall and over to the feed dish, lol. She stayed in the stall while I rode Razz and only called out a couple times. I am thinking I won't be riding her till after Tuesday when she is getting her teeth done. I am excited and yet nervous as well.

Duchess has been making her way into the herd here at home. I felt a little sorry for her when I turned her out with everyone cause they were all about protecting the baby, but she is very much an alpha mare and she had no problems getting in the middle of the herd and I expect before too long she will be ruling it.

I had to get after her the other day when she kicked out at another horse when I was out there and I yelled at her. She run away about 5 steps and looked back at me like she couldn't believe someone was yelling at her. I said I was sorry and I know she has never been chased away for doing that before, but I don't want to get hurt out there even though I know she wouldn't hurt me on purpose I want to avoid any opportunities.

I am really torn on weather to put a blanket on Razz. I would like one on her so hopefully she will not sweat as much when I ride her, but it is a lot easier for me to not have one on her. I am not gonna put one on for sure until I know if I am gonna ride Disco all winter. Cause if I ride Disco I may turn Razz out for the rest of winter. I bought one the other day I will use to start out with if I do blanket her. it is a rain sheet with a polar fleece liner. i think it will work really well as just keeping her a warmer out of the wind before it gets really cold and she needs a real winter blanket.

Sunday Stills--In The Dark

2011-11-06T08:24:00.000-07:00

This week we are taking pictures in the dark. Kinda interesting. I have done this before with my camera so I knew it was posssible. But of course I forgot about the challenge till last night. Which wasnt so bad, except it was cold out and kept trying to fog up my lens. And the snow on the ground makes my pictures look lighter than they should. But this is what I come up with.

Our Yard at night:

And the cool olive(?) bush:

And the calf pen where the lens started fogging up:

For more check out Sunday Stills.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-02T08:36:00.000-06:00

Weaning and Company

2011-11-01T15:18:00.001-06:00

(Pretty girl looking for Mom)

Well it was a big day at my house today. Weaning. Went relativly smooth. I put all the horses in the corral and let them eat then I went out and caught Disco. I had Neil come out to open gates if I needed him. We went through two gates and right onto the trailer without even a look back. One little whinny after she was loaded and Casino caled back but then on the road to Jardi's I went. She was a little wiggly in the trailer but not bad.

(aww poor Casino doesnt know what to do)

When I got there, I unloaded her and put her in the middle corral. I had planned to bring Razz along to keep her company but I had left her there on Saturday cause it was so late. So I fed a couple flakes of hay to Disco and walked out in the field to get Razz. She was beside her new best friend Dude and he run all the way up to the corral with us too. I put Razz in and Disco calmed a little bit, still some calling, but she ate some too.

(Pretty girl wondering where she was and where her people are)

Poor Dude I felt sorry for him, he was just standing by the gate. But they will be back again together soon enough. I just want to keep Disco in for a couple days and then we will see. Next Tuesday Razz, Disco, Dude and Ricki are getting thier teeth checked and then we will see how she is to ride after that. I always feel like I am betraying her when I take them away from their babies cause they trust me the rest of the time to keep them all together and I always brought her back to her baby when I caught her before.

(George and Duchess meeting for the first time)

Last night, a friend Susan asked if I could take her horse to my house to keep her for the winter. The horse had a cyst in her nose removed a couple years ago and now her nose is bleeding a little bit again and she doesn't want to put her down yet cause she is such a nice horse so she just wants her turned out for the winter. Seeing as I was coming with Disco today, she had her caught and I took her home. I wasn't sure how that would work with Casino, but turned out good, to much else going on for her to worry about losing one of her mums.

Belle was pretty convincing to Duchess that she was the boss. It was odd, she ussually is just in the background. But I am sure they will figure it out, Duchess is very much an alpha mare and she loves babies too, so it will be fine. Casino didn't even look too sad that I didn't bring her drinking mommy back. She spent more time with Belle anyways so that worked well.

Long Weekend

2011-10-30T11:48:00.003-06:00

Well this weekend was really long, but totally worth it!! First starting on Wednesday, Casino is now a Quarter Horse! It took a really long time cause one signature on the papers was missing, but I finally got her registration.

Thursday we were helping our neighbors wean and process their calves. Since they raise purebreds all the calves have to be weighed and the weights sent in to the association before the first of November. So after weaning, we separated bulls and heifers and then picked out more bulls they wont keep and all the heifers they weren't keeping and they went to another buyer. Before they went, we put them all through the chute and they got vaccinated, branded and weighed. My job was to put a post behind them so they didn't back up and the brand went good. Doing a shoulder brand in a chute is hard to get at so the closer to the front they are, the quicker it is. Well it was all going good till one of the heifers jumped at the wrong time and the post come up and hit me in the jaw. Kinda made me think of safety, hence the post on safety with cows. Now I have a bruise on the chin and it isn't sore much now, but it sure was! I saw stars and my eyes watered it was awful.

So then since we were heading to Ponoka for the Saturday show, we decided we would head up Friday night and get a ride in and then stay at Charlene's Aunts house with a hot tub! Well we left Friday at noon and stopped in Stettler and had lunch then kept going and when we got there we unloaded everything and then tacked up and some other people were riding and we go to get on and there were cows in the arena! So we helped turn back for them and they helped Char and Dude get a little practice. We were gonna bath our horses but we decided it was too cool in the barn and we didn't want them getting sick, so we just put them away and headed out for the night.

We got to Char's Aunt's house and she had pulled pork ready for us! Wow was it ever good!! I never realized how hungry I was till we got there. But we were much later than we thought we would be so we just headed to bed after supper and skipped the hot tub. Oh well next time I guess since she invited us back again:)

On Saturday we fed the ponies then headed to town for breakfast and we had lots of time so we went down to the tack store and never even bought anything!! Its weird when you don't really need anything. Well we headed back to the barn and the high school rodeo was just starting and Char was getting super nervous, but then Susan come up and we visited for a while then we met the chap lady who checked our measurements and took our orders for chaps. They wont be ready till February cause she is not starting them till after Christmas but we wanted to get our names in anyways. I went with black suede with light leather top with tooling and my initials on one side and brand on the other. Full zipper, twisted fringe, and a square buckle on the back, conchos with black background on the sides. A lot of decisions to make when ordering chaps. I'm so excited to get them.

We thought it was almost time for Char's class and then they run out of fresh cattle so she got bumped to the end of the show so they could call the liner in with more cows. The ranch classes and youth cutting use all used cattle so they went before her class. I thought this was an annoyance, but it turned out good for Char cause she just relaxed and watched other good riders on good horses make mistakes. We said since it is her first show, just go out and get a score and we will see what she needs to work on. Well her turn finally came and she was Awesome!!! She scored a 66 which we were really proud of and the only mistake she made was she lost a cow, but it wasn't an option, the cow run into her horse and it wasn't stopping. She even got a plus for eye appeal, so all in all an awesome first show for her and Dude!!

So it was late when we left about 6:30 and we stopped for supper on the way home and I finally got home about 9:30, so not too bad, but I was sure exhausted! I am so happy for her (and a little jealous I will admit) And I also found out in open cutting I could ride in whatever I want so next time I get a chance to go (Nov 24) I may show her in the hackmore if I have enough time to practice before then. And I have to see how Disco is too, cause if I really like her, I may just leave Razz turned out for the winter.

Safety With Cows

2011-10-28T09:31:00.002-06:00

Well last week I did two post on safety on the ground, but I am thinking I should do one on cows. I realize not everyone has cows, but much applies to horses as well as goats or sheep or any livestock.

We have cows. Beef cows/range cows/cow calf pairs. However you wanna say it they are not tame animals. But they are not wild either. They live out on grass all year long and we feed in the winter. We handle them a couple times a year and they are pretty quiet considering. We have all the heifer calves we want to keep in the corral for the winter and they get pretty quiet and easy to work with in there. But they are still not tame and still way bigger than us.

The lucky thing about cows is their natural flight instinct. They have a tendency to move away from a human or horse. We do not want them tame enough that they forget this. It is a big safety feature. A cow that is not afraid of you is the one that will eventually end up hurting you cause she will just run you over as protection from another cow.

Things are inherently dangerous when on the ground with a corral full of cows, so it is always wise to be aware of what you are doing and what the cows around you are doing. When we are sorting cows from calves during weaning, they are pretty worried about where their calves are and want to get back to them, so it is wise to be watchful. Everyone has a cow that is kinda high headed (meaning she is one to watch cause shes kinda flighty) that they need to keep and eye on as well. Ours don't always stick out in a herd but if you get them alone they just run around blindly trying to get back to the herd.

At calving time is an especially dangerous time to be around cows and calves. Most cows are very protective of their baby and will do pretty much anything to keep them safe. We have quit tagging at birth cause it just got too dangerous, but sometimes the cow or calf need help and then you should watch where the cow is all the time.

Even the calves in the corral, when feeding bales and taking strings off them a calf will sometimes push you around and it can hurt but pretty easy to teach them to stay away. And feeding cows on the prairie is safer, but still gotta watch cows cause they can be pushy and sometimes push another cow into you.

Bulls are another story all together. Ours are used to being handled by people, but we still don't like to be on the ground with them too much. They can get to fighting and move really fast. And if they are sore or sick then they get pretty grouchy real easy.

But all in all, if you are aware of where the cows are and are paying attention (and get rid of any cows that chase) then it is much safer to be around cows. If you are feeling it is unsafe, it usually is and maybe you should get help. The more you work with cows, the more you tend to relax theses rules, which is usually when someone gets hurt. And I think that is quite often what happens with horses as well. And even though it can be dangerous and possible to be hurt, I wouldn't quit with the cows or horses.

Wordless Wednesday ---Simple Math

2011-10-26T14:03:00.000-06:00

Complaining (Sorry)

2011-10-25T10:15:00.001-06:00

Well we got all weaned, and sold all the steers and half the heifers. We only want to keep some replacements, but Neil's Dad decided to buy a few and he will run them up at Stettler next summer then sell them bred next fall. I don't think its a good idea, but I don't have a choice in it I guess.

We went to watch them sell in Brooks and we got there just as they were finished. They went through a lot faster than Neil thought they would but we did pretty good on them even if we didn't get the stress of watching them sell.

Afterwards we went shopping and I got a new office chair for my birthday. It was a little more expensive than I thought, but Neil was determined we buy it in Brooks and only one store had any choice so that's where we got it at.

When we got home, the cows had gotten out of course cause the fence on one side is not very good, but it just goes into another field which wasn't a problem, but when they moved the cows, they left the gate open, so there were cows in the yard again. Its no wonder I wanted a fence around the lawn, sure was glad of that when we got home.

Just put up a short video of what it sounds like around here. I am hoping by tomorow most of the cows will have wandered away and it will be only a few stragglers left mooing in yard. Sure liked how we did it when i worked at the ranch, we weaned the calves and moved them to another yard and the cows only hung around a day and a half maybe cause there was noone bawling back. And the calves hardly ever made a noise cause no cows to bawl at them. I think weaning is more stressful on the cows than the calves.

Sunday, but not Sunday Stills

2011-10-23T08:08:00.001-06:00

This week I am skipping out on Sunday Stills cause I have just been to busy to get out and get some rock pics. I actually have some cool ones somewhere of the same rock that is the example. But didn't have time to find them. So instead I am just gonna give an update.

On Tuesday I rode Kali out with Charlene, I knew I wanted to get a few more rides on her before she went to the trainer. We had a really nice long ride (about hour and half). Afterwards, on the way home, I hit a deer. Bumper of truck doesn't look real bad and no serious damage which was good, but still a surprise. I didn't even see it jump out of the weeds until less time than it took me to step off the gas till I hit it. Which was probly better that way cause I always worry about hauling a trailer and hitting a deer. And tow people were coming from the other direction so nothing I could do.

Then Wednesday I also rode out, but this time I took Razz and Charlene and Susan and Jardi come. So that was really nice. Been a hard go this past few months for Jardi so it was good for us all to get out and relax for a change.

Thursday we headed into Drum and me and Char and Susan got measured up for Chaps. I am picking black suede with a zipper all the way down the side and some kind of tooling on the waistband and maybe my initials. I also want 3 diamonds of leather with a concho on them going down the leg. We probly wont have them till February, but it will be worth it. Afterwards Char took Dude over to Greg and Candice's and worked the flag. I took some video and pictures of her. I never brought a horse over cause the measuring lady was allergic to horses, so we didn't want to irritate her allergies. Char is going to her first show on the 29th so she needs lots of practice before then. I probly wont show till the 26th of November, so I have a little more time to get ready.

Friday I stayed home and cleaned the house and washed blankets and new sheets on the beds and all that kind of fun fall stuff. The Saturday I got up early so we could go work cows in Airdrie. I rode Kals first and she is still a little afraid of them when they all come at her, but she sure has some fun moves. I didn't do much with her cause I don't want to mess her up. Then i rode Razz and it took her a while to figure out that even though all summer we been chasing cows back to the herd, now we want to get them out of the herd. But she did way better than I expected for not doing it for 5 months or so.

Afterwards we dropped of Kali and Doug's and then headed to K and k in Strathmore and Char bought a new girth and a cooler that actually fits Dude. Ricki is so much bigger than Dude so all her stuff is huge on him. (Ricki wears a 80 blanket and Dude fits 74 easily) Then I went grocery shopping then headed home and today we are weaning out calves. So should be noisy around here for a couple days.

Horse Handling and Safety 102

2011-10-21T15:25:00.002-06:00

Yesterday was mostly about safety in a herd of loose horses. It is different when you have a halter on a horse. I prefer a nylon halter, but it don't matter if you use rope, or leather or nylon, the principles are the same. I also prefer a cotton lead rope and a fairly long one too. Razz's rope is about 10 feet which is a little long, but I sure prefer it more than the short 6 foot ones.

When leading a horse, I don't care where they lead, most of my horses lead right behind me fine. That being said I trust my horses not to bite me or run into me and they are still paying attention even if I cant see them. I don't like them to pull on the halter its a sign of disrespect but most of mine if I have to pull its for a reason. Most of my horses like to stop when they poop so if they stop walking I assume its to poop and let them and they walk much better afterwards. Bailey has to be different and she walks beside me and almost ahead of me, but she walks so fast she has so take tiny steps and I still cant usually keep up with her, but again she never pulls me forward on the halter.

I think a lot of handling problems would go away if people treated their horse like livestock instead of a pet. Being tied up for long periods of time teaches a lot to a horse that would take us forever to get through to them. Like Patience. One of the hardest things for a horse to have. I have never had a horse that was bad to tie up. And they have been tested, and I have also never had those "cheap" pot metal hardware break either. I have had a Belgian that broke a lead rope once. She was eating and was surprised by a tractor and just jerked her head up and the rope broke. She came walking to me to fix it. It sure is interesting leading a 1800 pound horse with a 2 foot lead rope! But she was good, we found a new one, tied her back up and she finished eating. I start tying my horses up in a stall or somewhere they hit their butt about the time they hit the end of the lead rope. doesn't take long and they figure its just better to stand still. Even Jamaica and Jazz have been tied up for over an hour and have no problems with it with other stuff going on around them. Some horses paw (like Kali) but she is learning she just gets ignored longer till she quits. They all gotta try something just to check if it works.

I actually like it when a horse tests me when they are young (or when I first get them) cause then they know my rules and it is a smaller issue. If they are just nice and quiet, you never know how they are gonna react when they do try to test you. I am not real strict with them, just a quick correction and its over. Quite often my elbow meets their chest if they get to close and I don't even have to say anything or even look at them and they may try it once more but that's it. And once jerk on the rope if they are too quick seems to work better than a constant pull.

My horses mostly only get their feet picked up when the farrier is here or if there is ice in them in winter. They are pretty good at this after they know how to pick up their feet. Some are a little different and it can be surprising. Like Belle, every time I pick up her front feet she stretches. Sure weird the first time, but she isn't being bad, just unexpected.

Same with loading, if you cant lead a horse, you will never be able to load one. I walk in my trailer and just assume the horse will do the same. Most do. Razz always has to stop and look around (but she does that getting off too) but always loads anyway. I carry a buggy whip in my truck just in case, but have only had to use it a time or two. Charlene's horse, Dude, had trouble the other day loading and he never had before and we finally figured out it was because he had never travelled alone and he was unsure. We waved the whip behind him and on he jumped. They way home he just walked in, no problem. I also tie my horses in the trailer. don't know if that's the best way or not, but it works for me. I have loaded strange horses in with mine in the trailer and have had no problems either. As long as they have enough room it works fine. Quite often they are saddled as well and that works too.

And I don't do a lot of groundwork per say, but I still expect it to be good when I do it. And they are okay with it. They all move when I want to get by in the alley way and when I am saddling them. I don't know what else I would do with them. I don't lunge them cause they don't need it and I wanna ride not play games. I make them stand still for brushing and saddling. It usually isn't hard but sometimes that patience thing comes into play especially when I am braiding manes or others are eating but I don't make a big deal out of it and they quiet down. Or I ignore them till they quiet down.

These are just my opinions, not perfect by any means, and they may not work for everyone, but they work for me and my horses. I am willing to hear how others do things differently. Maybe I can improve on something. If you want more information, a great book is called Ride Smart by Craig Cameron. It mostly means ride smart today so you can ride tomorrow. Same with handling. If you or your horse are more upset or get injured you are doing something wrong. I also agree with Kate from A Year With Horses. She is did a post on this as well. Her advice that I think was most important is don't hurry. I have found over time that going slowly actually saves time. Even when I am late (which is a lot for some reason) I act like it don't matter and to the horses it doesn't. They don't care if they get ridden now or in an hour. So slow down and you will end up saving time. That took me a long time to learn, but I was determined and it really works. You are probly sick of reading so I will quit now. We will see about tomorow.

Horse Handling and Safety 101

2011-10-20T10:48:00.000-06:00

Sherry over at Fern Valley Appaloosas has been doing a series of posts on handling horses and asked if a few others ould put in some info too. She has been doing an excellent job and not sure if I have anything better, but I will put in my two cents anyways.

A few years ago I was down at Doug and Carol Schaffers place and we walked out in a psture of about 30 mares, and Doug was telling us the pedigree and earnings on all them. I was amazed he could remember that much cause I can hardly remember my own, but thats off topic. Anyways even though the mares came up for attention there was no fighting or anything and I was amazed, so I asked him and he says its not allowed when he's out there. Just that simple. So ever since then I have made it a point to not let my ponies fight when I am around. I dont care what they do when I am not out there, but when i am they can behave.

And I found out it really wasnt that hard, once you expect something from a horse, they come to do it pretty easy. I just had no idea it was possible in such a big herd. But since I seen it was now I make it just happen. I started small with making them back up from the fence when I throw hay over. This was really important to me cause I feed off a round bale with a fork and didnt want anyone to get hit with the fork. It was really easy to teach cause the reward is instant. A couple horses that have done lots of leaning on fences for feed (like Neils horse) were a little harder to teach and I actually had to scare him a little the first time to get him to step away, but after that he just takes a step back as soon as I lift the fork.

This video is me going out to feed the horses grain like I do every morning. It is a little shakey cause it was around my neck while I was feeding.

A few things to note in the video:

--as I walk out there, they do not crowd around me and my bucket

--Even though they move around to other piles there is no kicking and chasing

--When I walk around by George, he lifts his head to look at me (respect)

--Even when Jamaica walks to me, he doesn't come completly to me cause I never invited him in and he never had a pile but still never got pushy with my bucket

--There are all ages (foal to 15) and genders of horses out here

--I walk towards her, Bailey walks away, even though it looks like she is turning her butt to me, she is just leaving.

I have no worries walking out there with a bucket or anything. There is always a certain amount of space around me. Even when i just go out with no reason, and they all come up for scratches, they move slowly around me and never do I feel I am in danger out there. When i go catch a horse, I can get a hlater on the one I want and lead them away with out a problem. And if I put a new horse or even one I just rode, they stay back till I have the halter off. This saves me alot of trouble and the horse I am putting in there is more relaxed as well. It gives them confidence that I will protect them out there. Maybe I will try to get a video of catching them too.

This is long enough, so I will quit here and maybe continue on later cause this is far from all there is in safety around horses.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-10-19T09:38:00.001-06:00

Fall Work

2011-10-18T14:29:00.002-06:00

Well its getting that time of year again when we gotta get ready for winter. We been doing that for a while now, but the weather is so nice its hard to believe its the 18th of October already! We are planning on weaning our calves on Sunday for the Monday sale, so its all coming quickly. Neil has been working on fixing the fences in the corral and the calf feeders. Pretty well done there. I still need to check fences in the winter pasture for my horses and wean Casino.

(pulling the step away from house)

We have done some work around the yard as well, we pulled the front step and filled underneath it cause we thought the mice were getting in there, but couldn't see any holes so I guess we gotta keep looking.

(not much underneath it)

We also filled dirt on the North side of the house to keep creatures out and snow from melting towards house. Last winter had so much snow it kinda made a mess of stuff and we are hoping it won't happen again this winter.

(all put back, just like new)

Since our beef should be coming home this week, I have cleaned out and defrosted the freezer. Amazing how much junk is in there from many years ago. I threw out a lot of old food. Kinda sad, I am hoping to keep up a little better with the upright than the chest freezer we had before.

(dirt by house)

I also have cleaned out the laundry room and mopped everything and now its all sitting in the hallway and I don't want it to go back in there, but since we are having people here for supper Sunday I best get it all done. I have thrown out at least one giant garbage bag from in there, and there will be more to go. Some of this stuff is so old and has been here since before me and not looked at, so its gonna go.

(clean and defrosted freezer)

Swinging Bridge

2011-10-17T13:02:00.001-06:00

I also stopped at the Swinging Bridge at Rosedale when I got the river pictures. I don't really like swinging bridges and the last time I was at this one it was on my birthday and was super cold and windy.

But I know its a big tourist attraction and I know it was silly to be afraid of it, so I thought I would just go on a nice say and walk across it and be done with it.

Well I got there and the weather was really nice and there was a couple just leaving when I got there, so that was nice I could do whatever I wanted and if I chickened out it wouldn't be so bad.

But when I got there it somehow wasn't as bad as I had imagined, I took some pictures, walked across and even got some pics from the middle.

It is kinda a cool bridge. But I still can't imagine walking across it everyday to go to work in the mine on the other side.

It was in operation from 1931 to 1957.

Sunday Stills -- Focusing on the Foreground

2011-10-16T08:31:00.001-06:00

This week Sunday Stills is focusing on the foreground, something about a strong visual in the foreground to draw your eye to the landscape in the picture. Not sure I got this, but I kinda like to do this anyways I just never really knew why. A few weeks ago I stopped to get some pictures of the river and there was a sage tree in my way, so I put it right in the middle of the picture and I think it looks pretty cool.

Then I turned and looked at this cool spot where there is one pine tree, I always look at it in the winter when the tree is the only green thing around and think I should get a picture of it, so I am gonna go back and get it later on.

I also got this river shot, and I think it was my favorite one of the day.

For more check out Sunday Stills.

Community Pasture and Catch up

2011-10-13T17:37:00.001-06:00

Monday I took Razz and Kali out to Jardis and rode Kali on a short ride around the summerfallow field with Char and Dude, and then Susan came out and we went on a really long ride out through some far fields that I had never been before. It took about 2 hours and was a good ride.

(Neil and his horse George)

Tuesday had been a really busy day. In the morning the farrier come and trimmed all the horses. All except Casino and Jamacia (who was trimmed a month ago).....and Jazz, who had a hissy fit when Jason came near her. I kinda thought she mighta been kinda bad, but she was so good to catch, a little silly when I put her halter on but just to get over her nose, she stood really nice. We made the mistake of taking her out in the yard and she didn't want any of it. We shoulda just done her in the corral near the fence. I did get her feet picked up all quiet before I turned her free. Guess I will have to work with her a little more before she gets done again.

(A lot of walking through water)

Afterwards I took Razz and Kali and we went over to Greg and Candices and rode in thier outdoor arena. First was Razz, and I love riding her in my hackmore. We even got a slow circle at the lope! It was so cool! It still is hard to not pull her into a trot, but she is so much more sensitive. I am not sure if its just the change from the snaffle or she just likes it better. The Kali and we had a short ride cause it was getting kinda dark, but it was good. I am still having to work hard on her to keep her in a straight line, but otherwise she was awesome.

(Cows moved really well)

Both Ponies had Wednesday off cause today we headed up early to ride at the community pasture. Razz thought I was kinda strange when I caught her before the sun was up (and so did I to tell the truth). We went out and there was so much water out there he told us it would be a longer ride cause of that. I was okay with that, and it turned out to be about 3 hours.

(Cows on the island. Did I mention there was lots of water?)

We walked through a lot of water and it actually worked good cause the cows didn't want to turn around and go back south cause there was water on one side and they didn't go through it. We got them all in and sorted by noon.

(Coming into the corrals)

Most of the time we walked but a little trotting and loping back out cause some were on an island and Stewart and Colt went to get them, so we got the others in and went out to help them (even though they probly didn't need help).

(sorting in the alleyway)

There was only our 45 pair and Wanda's 36 pair in the field, so it seemed like not very many there. And sorting sure goes fast when she has all blue ear tags and we have all briscuit tags. Only two pens, sure was nice. Usually there is at least 3 more people who come out on the same day, but they are going another day this year.

(at home and all mothered up)

Wordless Wednesday

2011-10-12T11:29:00.001-06:00

Community Poker Rally

2011-10-08T20:27:00.001-06:00

(Too many people, some had to walk the first part)

Today was a poker rally for our community. I took Kali and headed down. There are wagons on this ride and she had never seen a wagon before so that was kinda interesting for a while. It was better after we followed Andy's Wagon that was full of people and I don't think she knew it was a wagon until he turned and by then it was okay.

(Old Ferrymans House)

We started at a neighbors and went down towards the river to checkpoint two. Then back through the bush to checkpoint three. And on the way to checkpoint four, we followed the river and went by where there used to be a ferry and the old ferry shack was still there. Kinda neat, cause I only been down there once before and I didn't know most of that was there.

(If you look closely there is a hornets nest in the tree)

(an old worn out building)

Kali found a really scary tire that was filled with water (a spring) and she was really thirsty but she was pretty sure it might attack! But then her thirst overtook (and Kate's horse was drinking) so she eventually got in and got a much needed drink.

(following the herd by the river)

(Stewart and Marion and thier team of Belgians)

Some of the trail was a little muddy cause they had about half inch of rain on Thursday night and she didn't care for that, but I don't blame her on that. She also never figured out that if we walk right close behind the wagon the bushes don't hit you in the face. I prefer to keep a little space between us and the wagon just in case something goes wrong.

(John and Janice and thier team of Tennasee Walkers)

We had a couple small spooks, one when a horse stepped on a branch and it broke at the same time he farted from behind us. Then when Whitney's dog was climbing under the oil well site and the grass was tall she couldn't see what was moving. But the were only a couple steps and she quieted down right afterwards.

(Andy and his Team Pat and Pearl)

All in all was beautiful weather and I was really happy with her, but she was sure happy to climb in the trailer and go home to her grain and her friends.

(the buckle I won as a door prize, May be the only one I get so I will treasure it!)

Ponies and More Ponies

2011-10-07T06:10:00.000-06:00

Well I was looking out at my ponies and checking on them so of course got some more pics of them :) First George walking around impatiently waiting for me to feed him.

And Bailey just patiently waiting till I quit fooling with the camera and feed George then its her turn.

And Casino cute as ever, with her white body and brown head and legs, I am thinking she won't stay this white, but sure is easy to pick her out of the herd from far away.

Ands Jamaica, so friendly and getting to be quite a looker. I had a couple people interested in him, nothing serious yet, but sure wouldn't mind keeping him for myself.

And Jazz, she is getting quite stocky, I am afraid to ride her cause I am sure I will really like her. She is pretty and quite a bit like Razz (right down to the left eye that had white around it!) and so she should be good. But I know I can't keep em all, even if I want to.

But sure are turning into some nice ponies here. Can't say I'm sad about any of the babies I have had here. Yesterday my neighbor come and he wanted Casino if she was a boy. Shoot! Would match his big roan horse too.

Canadian Supreme -- Saturday

2011-10-06T09:08:00.000-06:00

Saturday I got up bright and early so I could get back in time to watch Jardi and Shaken in reining and Greg was in cowhorse. I didn't get the schedule on Friday night so I didn't want to miss anything. I got there just in time to see Doug Reinhardt go and win the 4 year old cutting class in first and second! That was pretty cool!

Shirley and Janice came back in the morning as well to watch more. They stayed till about noon, which means they missed both Jardi and Greg, but they wanted to get home. We watched a lot of cutting and there was a horse called Sophisticated Bratt. Must be outta Sohisticated Catt I would imagine, but I missed hearing that.

In the three year old cutting class, I got a video of Doug on Minnie Merada, unfortunatly he didn't have good cows till the last one, but still neat. He got a score of 135.

Then also in that class was a horse called Annies Goodie Bag, he is outta Annies Cat, same as Tom that Jardi used to have. Kinda looked like him too.

Then I find out Jardi scratched Shaken from reining cause he wouldn't turn one direction so she figured he was sore and didn't want him to go. But in that class was Amanda Antifev who we watched score a 150.5! That was an amazing run. But we also saw this horse called Isle Sail Wright Off and I know Shirleys stallion Beamer is something about Isle so I got a pic of him even though its not that great cause there was too many people and I didn't want to stand up and block anyones view.

Then the fence work for the cowhorse show. The three year olds. Its amazing what those horses can do at 3! We saw a couple people we knew in this class, one is our farrier and we go ride at his arena quite often, Greg Coffin. I got a video of him and he looked so good! He actually won the limited Open as well as getting third in the Open, so a good payday for them. He got a 140 in cutting, a 134 in reining, and a 147 in cowhorse for a total of 421.

I got so much good stuff at the trade fair as well, two show saddle pads. I really like the single layer ones then when I put a neoprene under it and its perfect.

I also got a pair of jeans for $29 and a pretty purse. The lady selling the purses runs the arena at the Hoodoos and so if I ever want the wallet (which I already do, lol) I can get it easily. The jeans are Auras and they are so comfortable they felt like I had them forever.

I also bought two blankets for Kali, a winter one and a summer sheet. The summer sheet is from the same lady who makes my coolers and it is super tough, I love it.

The winter blanket is not as tough, but I don't think she will be in a place where it gets torn to badly, not sure if she will be outdoors or in either, but I wanted her to have a blanket anyways. And I love how it fits around her neck, should not fall behind her withers that way.

I really enjoyed myself there and sure can't wait till next year.

Wordless Wednesday (Almost)

2011-10-05T14:07:00.002-06:00

I have and option to trade for this mare and I think I will do it, I have talked to the girl lots about her and she sounds what I would like, not for cutting but just for riding. She has a lot of energy but sounds very well trained. Her pedigree is Sheza Poco Bar Hemp, not much I have heard of, but I know there are a lot of quarter horses I don't know so thats not such a big deal.

Canadian Supreme--Friday

2011-10-04T14:11:00.000-06:00

Wow what an exciting week!!! It was so much fun but so exhausting up there this week. I never ended up working up there, becuase I had too many firends to visit with and too much to look at. Shirley from Ride a Good Horse and Janice from Own a Morgan and Sherry from Fern Valley Appaloosas were there as well as Charlene and then I seen my Aunt Bonnie and Tracy too.

(Shirley, Janice, and Me in back with Sherry in front)

I really enjoyed visiting with them. It sure was fun, but too bad Sherry could only stay a couple hours. But she did come in time to see some spotted ponies run down the fence. Like this guy, Have A Drink On Me. He ended up 9 in Open Hackmore Derby and 7th in Non Pro Snaffle bit/Hackmore. (who apperently is for sale for $16,000).

And Ike Ant Be High (which is said I can't be high) With his cool stripe up his back leg. He ended up 4th in CS Open Hackmore Derby, and 11 in Open Hackmore Derby. He is such a cool horse!

And Sheza Genuine Lena, who I wouldn't mind being in my pasture, I sure like here, have liked her since last year. She isn't as obvious with her coloring shes an appy. She ended up 4th in the Open Hackmore and second in CS Open Hackmore Derby.

Oh and then the sale. What a event to go to. I sure liked a few horses in the sale, but one was scratched which didn't matter too much cause I wasn't there to buy anyways. And one Charlene was seriously debating on buying, but we knew it would be too much money. I looked at this one, Misty Blue Boon (lot 7), but not too seriously. She didn't sell for $6700.

And this ones lot 30, Sheza Woody. She sure was a pretty girl and sounds like she should be nice. (she sold for $8000)

And then lot 49, Twice a Little Boon, I never looked at her before the sale, but like her color for sure and quite calm. She sold for $2100, at least reasonable for me.

And then Charlenes pick. Number 50. MP Chrome Catt. We knew it was bad when bidding started at $5000. He eventually sold for $10,800. High seller of the sale. Which is pretty odd that its a yearling even if he was nice. So hope to see him in a couple years.

And lot 57, which I never got a picture of. Remel. My Aunt Bonnie's friend Tracey bought him. He sounds nice and quiet. Just 2 and started. She team pens, so that's probly what he will do although he is Reining Alberta and Canadian Supreme nominated too, so maybe she will start some reining too. And then my pick, lot 60. Pistols Cocoa Jay. She is an 8 year old broke cutter that has 14000 in earnings. She sold for $9750, which is quite a deal, but still way more than I have to spend now. Bill Speight was riding her and showing her off then took of her bridle to do a bridleless demonstration. Was cool :)

Sure was a fun day there, an another full day on Saturday.

Fire

2011-10-03T09:33:00.002-06:00

Well I was all set to post about the supreme today, but last night on my Way home from riding Kali, I could see smoke, so I called Neil and told him to have a look. He said it looks a long ways away and phoned another neighbor. Well I got home like 5 minutes later and fed Kals and put her back and we decided we should go look and make sure its not too bad.

Turns out it was a vehicle and he was driving down a lease road and he had no gas, and so he coasted down a hill and then his check engine oil light came on and then he saw flames. So he got out of the truck and it was on fire. No time for him to even get anything out of the truck.

He called the fire department but we arrived before they did and so did a oilfield water truck and he was putting it out so we just watched. It was amazing how much a vehicle burns. The front tire wouldn't go out, it kept flaring up. And the hood was totally melted and the windows were gone, not sure if they blew out or what.

We just stood around with all our neighbors and watched. Then the fire department come and super power sprayed it and then they foamed the bottom to make it cool off and quit sparking. I guess he said something about magnesium keeps sparking and re lighting the fire.

The cops showed up then and took a report cause apparently it was a rental vehicle and so easier for insurance that way. The driver of the truck was working locally in the area with the ferruginous hawk people.

It was amazing the truck probly burned for an hour and a half and none of the grass was lit on fire. He was pretty close to a dugout and it was all kinda slough grass but was dry. Pretty neat to see.

Sunday Stills--Water Droplets

2011-10-02T09:17:00.002-06:00

This week was a challenge to get water drops, not so much that I can't get pics of water drops but I never had a chance to go near much water. I wish I had known about this challenge last Saturday when I went riding in the creek with Susan and Kendra cause the creek was running and I probly coulda gotten some water droplets when water was moving accross the crossings.

But since I didn't and didn't have time to go back down there, I stopped back in the Red Deer River valley on Thursday and was too early to pick up Charlene, so I stopped to take some pretty pics and got a neat close up of the river where it hits a dry spot and the water was going two different directions.

And then I will put in this archive shot from August of my lillies with water droplets on them. I thought they were so neat.

For more go to Sunday Stills.

Thursday

2011-09-29T14:06:00.000-06:00

So I feel like I haven't gotten anything done this week with going to the Supreme Tuesday and going back this afternoon and staying till Saturday. In between, on Tuesday Neil took in a dry heifer to be butchered and today he is taking in the other two drys to the sale. Last night I rode both Kali and Razz. I need to get Kali ridden a few more times before she goes, so she will at least be sorta legged up for training. She is pretty good now even takes longer for her to start puffing and for the whole ride yesterday she walked super fast to keep up to Ricki. So she is feeling good. I am pretty excited for her.

I haven't done a lot of canning since last week, made 2 batches (13 jars) raspberry jelly and canned 2 batches tomatoes(6 jars of Italian and 6 jars of Mexican). I still have to make more jam and jellies but the fruit is frozen so its not as big a rush now. But since we took a beef in, I will have to start cleaning out the freezer to make room.

And since we got a good hard frost last night I now should be putting away hoses and all summer things and closing up the garden shed for winter. I hope that means the rest of the flies are gone. Can't say I'm really sad about that frost now. As long as it doesn't get really cold I'm okay.

Pretty excited to meet up with blog friends this weekend, should be lots of fun :)) So much to talk about and yet we all know all about our lives so kinda weird like we know each other with only meeting a couple times.Will also be fun staying at my moms for the evenings and visiting with her.

I am pretty excited for the trade show at the Supreme cause I know I need a few things and stuff is usually on sale and some new stuff to check out too. I need a winter blanket and maybe a lighter blanket for Kali, and another neoprene pad and a show pad, I really like the one I have and wish I had saved it instead of using it for the last three years. And I hope there is a chap booth and always like the art even though I usually can't afford any of it, and I want to look at all the arena/barn booths and get pamphlets to take home and try to talk Neil into an arena this winter.

Oh and I got a fun package in the mail. Carol from All These Pretty Horses sent me my prize in the foaling contest and it was coasters! They are so cool and even better I dont have them yet :) Thanks for the prize.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-09-28T09:57:00.001-06:00

Canadian Supreme

2011-09-26T12:56:00.001-06:00

This week is the Canadian Supreme. One of the biggest cohorse, cutting and reining shows in Canada. It is a week long show and is pretty cool place to come watch some of the bigger trainers come and show thier horses.

Since I am taking my Kali down to Doug Rheinhart soon, I thought I might want to see what he does this week. She will be going sometime after this show. As well as Jardi is showing her 4 year old gelding and a 6 year old reiner. Jardi is on the commitee, so she is always looking for volunteer people. I think I will be there helping on Thurday and Saturday.

This year they are having a live webcast of the whole show. Kinda neat, but unfortunatly I missed seeing Jardi this morning, but Doug is still up and Candice is later on this evening. I will probly be going up there tomorrow then coming home for Wednesday and going back up for Thursday to Saturday. Shirley and Janice are coming up on Friday so that will be fun. I can stay at my Mom's this week, so that is handy.

Sunday Stills -- First Signs of Fall

2011-09-25T00:56:00.001-06:00

This week Sunday Stills is fall. Whatever reminds us of fall. Well of course there is the usual green grass turning brown, but that can happen and usually does around here in July or August, way before it should be fall.

And of course there is the leaves turning yellow and falling off, which in our yard we still have lots of green leaves and some yellow and not very many have fallen so far. So much so I had to go to Dorothy where the leaves are actually changing color.

But what really reminds me of fall is the fact we are getting less sunlight. Sure makes me sad when it used to be light till long after 10:00 and now it is pitch black by 8:00. Makes me kinda sad I miss all the daylight in the winter.

Antelope

2011-09-24T09:56:00.000-06:00

As I was coming home last week from my Massage I thought I should stop and get some pictures fro Sunday Stills and as I was taking them, an antelope popped over the hill.

They are so curious, I think he had to see what was going on.

So I took a few pictures of him and as I watched him walk down the hill, I noticed he had a few females with him.

Well the females started going up the other hill, and all the sudden I noticed a whole lot more.

It sure was kinda neat to see that many all together.

So I just kept taking pictures, first they run one way

Then turned back and run the other way

Then back the first way again

It was kinda funny that the females all wanted to run and the male waited till they were running then he would go really fast and get ahead of them and stop them or turn them.

He wasn't near as worried about me being there as they were.

New Blog and More

2011-09-22T22:26:00.010-06:00

Well I have started a new blog. It is all on diet and excersize and is probly really boring. I actually don't expect anyone to read it, its just for my own personal tracking use. But if you are interested her is the link. Diet and Excersize.

I had a chiro appointment after a massage yesterday but I lost track of time and missed my massage, still made it to the chiro, but was pretty angry at myself cause I woulda really liked the massage cause my choulder is quite sore. Not sure what I did to it, think it was somehow slept wrong.

I am going to my Mom's tonight to go scrapbooking. She was talking about quitting the group evenings, but I hope she doesn't cause that is the only time I do scrapbook and I would really miss it. I keep thinking I should work on it at home but have no place to keep it all set out and I know I wouldn't if I had to put it away and take it our every time I want to work on it.

I also rode Kali last night with Charlene and Ricki. We went out in the summerfallow field and we did trotting and walking in intervals, along with a little lope thrown in. We were gone for about an hour and a half and it was really good. She was so good, but sure lopes a lot slower than Ricki and his long legs, it was funny.

We preg checked our heifers and had 3 dry, we really only needed one so we can eat, but we will take them into the sale next Thursday. The one we eat goes to the butcher on Tuesday. Can't wait but before we get it back, I need to clean out the freezer and defrost it. No more frozen foods getting bought for the next 3 weeks. Shoulda started earlier, but its so hard to not buy the frozen foods.

Neil was getting his post pounder ready to go fencing and since I asked him this spring we needed a windbreak for the horses in the north pasture we put in the posts and rails and anytime I can put up the slabs. Should work a little better than the few carragana bushes out there.

Wordless Wednesday on Thursday

2011-09-22T09:49:00.000-06:00