It's Spring!
Denali is in full blown heat, and being extra obnoxious. She's so confused as to who she's in love with.
There's Cody, a weird cross of some sort.... He has some Fjord in him, but I don't think he's purebred. She was with him today and following him EVERYWHERE.
Then there's Beau, the Dutch Warmblood. She got turned out with him after dinner and was SO excited to see him. He gave me this look of "What in the hell?" I wish I had a picture of his face. He was clueless. (He's also doing a lot better. He hasn't reared and the vet has been able to put a surcingle on him and work him.) I told her I approved of him.
Then there's Dollar. He's the boss and she LOVES him. He isn't in with the herd at night (they are in the arena) because he and Cody go at it.
Poor girl. She just can't figure out why the boys aren't into her. The Hackney Stallion, he's another story. He was totally into her. She pinned her ears at him and trotted past him when we walked past his stall.
The ones she wants are clueless, and the ones that want her, well she doesn't give them the time of day. Actually, it sounds a lot like my years of dating. We really are a lot alike!
It's too bad she's broken. She'd be super easy to breed.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
Benifits of GWB #2
Yesterday was a "Staying in my PJ's for hours" kind of day. I decided to attempt to be productive so I went out early to the GWB (Giant Warmblood Barn) to work with Mr. Pete. I've been so busy, that I haven't had time to work with him. He's a head shaker and it use to really intimidate me, but now I realize that he can't help it. He is SUCH a sweet boy, and soaks up attention. I groomed him and it was pretty obvious it's been a while. The barn owner has her help pull him out once in a while to groom him (which I think is pretty nice) but they don't do it all the time. He always grooms me while I'm grooming him and if I'm grooming his neck he sets his head on my head and sighs low sighs. I took him for a walk around the property and then to the arena to get his wiggles out. He rolled and rolled and rolled and then bucked and bucked and bucked. He obviously enjoyed being out.
While I was putting him away a woman who owns two horses at the barn was telling me about her other two horses who she boards somewhere else. She started telling me about her 14 year old Lusitano and asked me if I'd like him since Denali is broken. She "warned" me that he can't do Prix St. George because of an old hip injury (He can't put all his weight on that one leg.) Other than that he is fine and was schooling most 4th level movements. He loves jumping, loves trails, loves dressage. He was imported (I think Portugal.)I guess he was valued at $150,000 prior to the injury. He's a blood bay and beautiful. I had to smile and decline meeting him. I'd love to touch a horse of that caliber but riding him is a different story. I think I'll stick to pony rides for now. I'd love to have that kind of money.
While I was putting him away a woman who owns two horses at the barn was telling me about her other two horses who she boards somewhere else. She started telling me about her 14 year old Lusitano and asked me if I'd like him since Denali is broken. She "warned" me that he can't do Prix St. George because of an old hip injury (He can't put all his weight on that one leg.) Other than that he is fine and was schooling most 4th level movements. He loves jumping, loves trails, loves dressage. He was imported (I think Portugal.)I guess he was valued at $150,000 prior to the injury. He's a blood bay and beautiful. I had to smile and decline meeting him. I'd love to touch a horse of that caliber but riding him is a different story. I think I'll stick to pony rides for now. I'd love to have that kind of money.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Riddle...
How many UPS stores does it take to mail a saddle?? (Answer at the end of this post.) Also there's an F-bomb. You have been warned.
I have a Smart phone that my wonderful, amazing brother bought me. It enables me to keep in touch with everyone at all times. I have a love/hate relationship with it.
Thursday night I made the mistake of checking work e-mail during a meeting. What I read pissed me off so bad that I was fuming the rest of the night. A person at my school who is in charge of the after school activities took it upon herself to not sign my little guys up because she didn't think they could get picked up. (Illegal.) She wanted me to call and tell their parents. There was no e-mail for me to respond to that would express how I felt. So I fumed.
Friday morning I walked into the office and TRIED to be nice. I really did guys. I smiled and everything, but she snapped at me first and I lost it. I've never lost it at work, but NO ONE fucks with my little kids. They are amazing, and if you don't want to give them a chance, your loss. I told her it was illegal to exclude them and she told me I was going to cause the cancellation of all after school activities. Well, I lost it again. At this point my principal came out and grabbed me. She's amazing. I love her. We talked and the person came back to talk to the principal about our "discussion" and she started again about how my kids will cause the school to have to stop doing after school classes and that no one will be able to teach them. Again, I lost it. I was so pissed. I'm still pissed.
The kids were great, but I got to end my day with a screaming match at the bus drivers. Smoking and not allowing my kids on the bus because you're "talking" isn't a good excuse. I was SO professional yesterday!
After work I called my husband and said I needed Pony time STAT. He went with me and we drove the hour and twenty minutes to the barn. All the horses had their blankets off and were enjoying the sun, even though it was a bit cloudy. Denali wanted nothing to do with us and was with her friends. We walked out to the pasture and started walking around the pond. Denali started to follow us, but when we'd turn around to look at her she'd start to graze and pretended like nothing was going on. It was hilarious. She kept doing this until we stopped by the pond, then she admitted that she liked us and came up to hang out. She's such a sweet girl, and is so happy now. She reminds me of the mare I bought before I went to Denmark, except this one is broken. We wanted her to come get treats, so without thinking I threw the rope around her neck to lead her over. FAIL!!! It obviously really bothered her and she took off flipping her neck around. I felt so bad. We got her to come back and I put the rope around her gently, and make her walk two steps then took it off. I didn't want her to think running away was okay (although understood.) While petting her I noticed a large lump on her neck so I wrote the vet anal e-mail #3,294 since November. Poor woman. She probably regrets the day that she took Denali on as a patient. We'll see what she says. Denali is still a little off. I asked my husband what he thought and he thought she looked fine, but did admit I knew her better than anyone. Oh mare. What in the hell am I going to do with you?
Today was probably the busiest day I've had in a while. I met Pia's mom for coffee at her house and then we were going to a Jumper schooling show. On our way I needed to stop to drop of my Passier at a UPS store to ship it. The woman seemed really competent, but then informed me that her store doesn't do COD. They had a problem and got sued. I had my saddle on eBay, but took it off when I found out I was going to have to pay $63.00 in fees. The girl who had made me an offer e-mailed me and still wanted it. She just wanted to be sure I wasn't a scam. It did seem pretty shady, so I totally understood her fear and COD sounded like a good compromise.
That didn't work so the saddle went back in the trunk and we went to the show. It was fun to watch the horses go over the fence, but I know NOTHING about jumping. Nada. Pia's mom use to event so she tried to explain it to me the rules.
After the show we went to UPS store number 2. I felt bad for the guy working at the desk. It was a stones throw from the tack store that told me this store ships saddles all the time. He looked at my saddle like it was an alien object. He said I could leave it and his boss would do the COD on Monday and pack it. Nope. Not leaving my saddle. So the Passier went back into the trunk for a second time and Pia's mom pulled out her cell phone and called a third UPS store.
The third one was just right. (I feel like I'm telling a fairy tale now...) He seemed confident and competent. At this point I think I was unable to form sentences and Pia's mom had to help me. He probably thought it was my big day out and she was my case aid. I was just so frustrated and worried at this point I couldn't function. By the end of paying the nice bill (note: saddle to Maryland from Seattle = expensive) I felt better and was able to hold some sort of conversation on the way back to her house. BTW: If you think Pia is cute, you should see Pia's mom's dog. CUTEST THING EVER!!! I think Maize (sp?) needs her own blog! She's the cutest French Bulldog EVER!
After dropping of Pia's mom I had to run back to Seattle to pick up two 8 year old's for a riding lesson at my old barn. Our school holds a huge auction every year and I was auctioned off for a "Day at the Barn." Her father is an executive at Microsoft so I'll let you guess what they paid. Let's just say the auction made over $150,000 last year. It's an amazing school.
My old trainer was SO good with them. She explained everything and they were SO into it. It was a great experience for them and they LOVED IT. By the end of their lesson they trotted a little and on the way home their trotting story turned into them galloping around. I smiled and remembered what it was like to be a horse crazy 8 year old. I am SO jealous of their lack of fear. They have none. I wish I could have some of that.
My evening ended at a pool party, which required me to wear a bathing suit. Not so exciting, but still fun. I forgot how much I love swimming and water. Maybe that's where Denali gets it.
(Oh, in case you didn't figure it out: 3 UPS stores.)
I have a Smart phone that my wonderful, amazing brother bought me. It enables me to keep in touch with everyone at all times. I have a love/hate relationship with it.
Thursday night I made the mistake of checking work e-mail during a meeting. What I read pissed me off so bad that I was fuming the rest of the night. A person at my school who is in charge of the after school activities took it upon herself to not sign my little guys up because she didn't think they could get picked up. (Illegal.) She wanted me to call and tell their parents. There was no e-mail for me to respond to that would express how I felt. So I fumed.
Friday morning I walked into the office and TRIED to be nice. I really did guys. I smiled and everything, but she snapped at me first and I lost it. I've never lost it at work, but NO ONE fucks with my little kids. They are amazing, and if you don't want to give them a chance, your loss. I told her it was illegal to exclude them and she told me I was going to cause the cancellation of all after school activities. Well, I lost it again. At this point my principal came out and grabbed me. She's amazing. I love her. We talked and the person came back to talk to the principal about our "discussion" and she started again about how my kids will cause the school to have to stop doing after school classes and that no one will be able to teach them. Again, I lost it. I was so pissed. I'm still pissed.
The kids were great, but I got to end my day with a screaming match at the bus drivers. Smoking and not allowing my kids on the bus because you're "talking" isn't a good excuse. I was SO professional yesterday!
After work I called my husband and said I needed Pony time STAT. He went with me and we drove the hour and twenty minutes to the barn. All the horses had their blankets off and were enjoying the sun, even though it was a bit cloudy. Denali wanted nothing to do with us and was with her friends. We walked out to the pasture and started walking around the pond. Denali started to follow us, but when we'd turn around to look at her she'd start to graze and pretended like nothing was going on. It was hilarious. She kept doing this until we stopped by the pond, then she admitted that she liked us and came up to hang out. She's such a sweet girl, and is so happy now. She reminds me of the mare I bought before I went to Denmark, except this one is broken. We wanted her to come get treats, so without thinking I threw the rope around her neck to lead her over. FAIL!!! It obviously really bothered her and she took off flipping her neck around. I felt so bad. We got her to come back and I put the rope around her gently, and make her walk two steps then took it off. I didn't want her to think running away was okay (although understood.) While petting her I noticed a large lump on her neck so I wrote the vet anal e-mail #3,294 since November. Poor woman. She probably regrets the day that she took Denali on as a patient. We'll see what she says. Denali is still a little off. I asked my husband what he thought and he thought she looked fine, but did admit I knew her better than anyone. Oh mare. What in the hell am I going to do with you?
Today was probably the busiest day I've had in a while. I met Pia's mom for coffee at her house and then we were going to a Jumper schooling show. On our way I needed to stop to drop of my Passier at a UPS store to ship it. The woman seemed really competent, but then informed me that her store doesn't do COD. They had a problem and got sued. I had my saddle on eBay, but took it off when I found out I was going to have to pay $63.00 in fees. The girl who had made me an offer e-mailed me and still wanted it. She just wanted to be sure I wasn't a scam. It did seem pretty shady, so I totally understood her fear and COD sounded like a good compromise.
That didn't work so the saddle went back in the trunk and we went to the show. It was fun to watch the horses go over the fence, but I know NOTHING about jumping. Nada. Pia's mom use to event so she tried to explain it to me the rules.
After the show we went to UPS store number 2. I felt bad for the guy working at the desk. It was a stones throw from the tack store that told me this store ships saddles all the time. He looked at my saddle like it was an alien object. He said I could leave it and his boss would do the COD on Monday and pack it. Nope. Not leaving my saddle. So the Passier went back into the trunk for a second time and Pia's mom pulled out her cell phone and called a third UPS store.
The third one was just right. (I feel like I'm telling a fairy tale now...) He seemed confident and competent. At this point I think I was unable to form sentences and Pia's mom had to help me. He probably thought it was my big day out and she was my case aid. I was just so frustrated and worried at this point I couldn't function. By the end of paying the nice bill (note: saddle to Maryland from Seattle = expensive) I felt better and was able to hold some sort of conversation on the way back to her house. BTW: If you think Pia is cute, you should see Pia's mom's dog. CUTEST THING EVER!!! I think Maize (sp?) needs her own blog! She's the cutest French Bulldog EVER!
After dropping of Pia's mom I had to run back to Seattle to pick up two 8 year old's for a riding lesson at my old barn. Our school holds a huge auction every year and I was auctioned off for a "Day at the Barn." Her father is an executive at Microsoft so I'll let you guess what they paid. Let's just say the auction made over $150,000 last year. It's an amazing school.
My old trainer was SO good with them. She explained everything and they were SO into it. It was a great experience for them and they LOVED IT. By the end of their lesson they trotted a little and on the way home their trotting story turned into them galloping around. I smiled and remembered what it was like to be a horse crazy 8 year old. I am SO jealous of their lack of fear. They have none. I wish I could have some of that.
My evening ended at a pool party, which required me to wear a bathing suit. Not so exciting, but still fun. I forgot how much I love swimming and water. Maybe that's where Denali gets it.
(Oh, in case you didn't figure it out: 3 UPS stores.)
Friday, March 25, 2011
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Measure twice, cut once.
So, I think I mentioned that I started a "little" business making tail bags. I had two bags to make last night and was so tired, but decided to try anyway. FAIL. Never drive when tired, and NEVER sew when tired.
I finished an entire tail bag and then went to snip one tiny string and with my wonderful eye hand coordination I snipped the fabric too. It's a tiny, tiny hole, but I can't sell something with a tiny hole in it. I tried to fix it, but made it worse. Sorry Pia's Mom. It's coming!!
I threw my failed attempt at a tail bag in the corner of my office and figured I'd finish the other one and then go back to re-making that tail bag. I was making it for a friend who loves burgandy and black. I decided to stop sewing when I thought to myself, "Dawn would really like this tail bag..." Sigh....the tail bag is for Dawn. After the fact I realized I sewed the tube on upside down. Not a huge deal, but the fabric looks "slightly" different when the light hits it. Me being the anal human being that I am needs to re-do it.
As for Pony Princess. I haven't been out since Tuesday. Love that Mare-Face!
I finished an entire tail bag and then went to snip one tiny string and with my wonderful eye hand coordination I snipped the fabric too. It's a tiny, tiny hole, but I can't sell something with a tiny hole in it. I tried to fix it, but made it worse. Sorry Pia's Mom. It's coming!!
I threw my failed attempt at a tail bag in the corner of my office and figured I'd finish the other one and then go back to re-making that tail bag. I was making it for a friend who loves burgandy and black. I decided to stop sewing when I thought to myself, "Dawn would really like this tail bag..." Sigh....the tail bag is for Dawn. After the fact I realized I sewed the tube on upside down. Not a huge deal, but the fabric looks "slightly" different when the light hits it. Me being the anal human being that I am needs to re-do it.
As for Pony Princess. I haven't been out since Tuesday. Love that Mare-Face!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
(continued...)
This isn't an amazing post. I just started writing it last night, got tired and knew I'd be too lazy to change the tense today to past tense.
Anyway, I took Denali into the barn and the vet and I started coming up with a plan. Denali's been on "vacation" now for a month or so. She hasn't done a whole lot other than be a horse. I put her into her stall and we started coming up with a game plan. Denali walked up to the bars, looked at me, looked at the vet and then gave the biggest sigh as we discussed a "work out routine." It was HILARIOUS. I swear she knows what we say.
There is a new patient at the barn. He is a beautiful Dutch Warmblood who has a rearing problem. Not just with saddles, but anything that touches his back. His owner has been working with him, but wants him put down because he's so unpredictable. My vet talked her into giving him two weeks to see if she can pin point a problem. His muscle build is so interesting. He has divots in his back and his neck is inverted. He doesn't carry himself at all like a "normal" horse and no matter what holds his head really high up. He is SUCH a sweet boy. I watched her work on him and you could see the whites of his eyes when she started touching his back. No rearing though. I swear when my vet talks the horses totally know what she's saying and they listen. Denali is going to loan him her back on track neck wrap to see if that helps with the tension in his neck. My vet was worried he'd destroy it. I told her that Denali would be okay if that happened, I don't want him put down if it's fixable. He came from a shady home before his current home bought him. He's lucky they have him because they really are trying. The guess is that he was an eventer and had a bad crash. I'll keep you posted on him!
Also, remember the old mare who was in the kill pen? Someone saved her! Yay!
Anyway, I took Denali into the barn and the vet and I started coming up with a plan. Denali's been on "vacation" now for a month or so. She hasn't done a whole lot other than be a horse. I put her into her stall and we started coming up with a game plan. Denali walked up to the bars, looked at me, looked at the vet and then gave the biggest sigh as we discussed a "work out routine." It was HILARIOUS. I swear she knows what we say.
There is a new patient at the barn. He is a beautiful Dutch Warmblood who has a rearing problem. Not just with saddles, but anything that touches his back. His owner has been working with him, but wants him put down because he's so unpredictable. My vet talked her into giving him two weeks to see if she can pin point a problem. His muscle build is so interesting. He has divots in his back and his neck is inverted. He doesn't carry himself at all like a "normal" horse and no matter what holds his head really high up. He is SUCH a sweet boy. I watched her work on him and you could see the whites of his eyes when she started touching his back. No rearing though. I swear when my vet talks the horses totally know what she's saying and they listen. Denali is going to loan him her back on track neck wrap to see if that helps with the tension in his neck. My vet was worried he'd destroy it. I told her that Denali would be okay if that happened, I don't want him put down if it's fixable. He came from a shady home before his current home bought him. He's lucky they have him because they really are trying. The guess is that he was an eventer and had a bad crash. I'll keep you posted on him!
Also, remember the old mare who was in the kill pen? Someone saved her! Yay!
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Sigh...
I haven't seen Denali in 9 days. 9 DAYS!! It was killing me so I took off after a meeting and ran out to the barn to see her. You have to love Seattle traffic at 5pm leaving the city. It only took me an hour and twenty minutes. I felt like I was flying.
I got to the barn while she was finishing her dinner. She heard me before she saw me and the nickering started. There is a stallion there who is getting gelded and he spent the entire time SCREAMING. I stopped to see him, and then walked over to see the girl. I don't know how I do it, but I instantly knew something was wrong. I quickly scanned her and noticed she was off on her right hind, and her eye was swollen.
What in the hell!
I had her haltered and out of the stall before you could count to 5. The new barn staff told me she looked fine to her, and to anyone else I'm sure she looked fine. I'm her mom and I know her like I know my own body. I walked her out and let her eat some grass. Apparently Ms. Slew is the low man on the totem pole and got between two horses who were going at it. The kicked her in the leg. Sigh.... No one, including the vet, is very concerned about it. Denali also has rain rot on her fetlocks. Awesome Slew.
While she was eating grass the stallion kept screaming. I guess he thought that Denali and he were going out. She was NOT interested. It reminded me of our perfect day in November. I had her eating grass in the same spot and there was Nadia screaming for Denali then. It was weird. At one point Denali looked at the wall by the screaming stallion and sighed. As if, "He's annoying the hell out of me. What can you do?"
I took her back into the barn with a few quick "reminders" of how to walk into the barn. Denali tried to lead me to her stall. Nope Princess. You walk behind me. She remembers "back" really well and was quick when I asked that, but staying back was a different story. Oh well. It gives me something to work on.
(...to be continued, I'm tired!)
I got to the barn while she was finishing her dinner. She heard me before she saw me and the nickering started. There is a stallion there who is getting gelded and he spent the entire time SCREAMING. I stopped to see him, and then walked over to see the girl. I don't know how I do it, but I instantly knew something was wrong. I quickly scanned her and noticed she was off on her right hind, and her eye was swollen.
What in the hell!
I had her haltered and out of the stall before you could count to 5. The new barn staff told me she looked fine to her, and to anyone else I'm sure she looked fine. I'm her mom and I know her like I know my own body. I walked her out and let her eat some grass. Apparently Ms. Slew is the low man on the totem pole and got between two horses who were going at it. The kicked her in the leg. Sigh.... No one, including the vet, is very concerned about it. Denali also has rain rot on her fetlocks. Awesome Slew.
While she was eating grass the stallion kept screaming. I guess he thought that Denali and he were going out. She was NOT interested. It reminded me of our perfect day in November. I had her eating grass in the same spot and there was Nadia screaming for Denali then. It was weird. At one point Denali looked at the wall by the screaming stallion and sighed. As if, "He's annoying the hell out of me. What can you do?"
I took her back into the barn with a few quick "reminders" of how to walk into the barn. Denali tried to lead me to her stall. Nope Princess. You walk behind me. She remembers "back" really well and was quick when I asked that, but staying back was a different story. Oh well. It gives me something to work on.
(...to be continued, I'm tired!)
Monday, March 21, 2011
Time Flies
I often look back on my blog 1 year when I am feeling crappy. This is about the time of the year that our life as we knew it started to go down hill. A year ago was when my trainer threw me under the bus with the other trainer (and I realized that she might not be what I need, but didn't have a good reason to leave. Thanks Denali.)
All and all, I am glad we are where we are. For about two years we were on a really rocky road. I finally feel like we are in a Zen place and I like it. Denali is happily grazing in a field with her friends. Everyone comments that she is the "friend maker" and buddies up with everyone new (who would have thought that.) I am having trouble imagining riding her, but think that sending her to training will allow me to start to think about that as an option. I don't even think about it anymore. I'm afraid I'll get my hopes up and I'm tired of disappointment. She's a funny mare. I joke that she's on the spectrum, and doesn't do well with change (which she doesn't at all!) They are very accommodating to her "disability" but I can't wait for the mud to dry up because she and I are going on trail "walks." There are miles and miles of trails behind the barn and she needs things to change and still be a good experience.
I have loads of trade saved up at the Giant Warmblood Barn to take lessons. I am going to join the gym after work today. It's called (not even kidding) "Denali Fitness" and work out for a few months. I haven't lost much (if anything I've gained) and I need to get my butt in gear. With my bum knee/ankle combo there isn't much running I can do, but they have an elliptical machine and I can do that until the cows come home. (At least I use to be able to.)
All and all, I am glad we are where we are. For about two years we were on a really rocky road. I finally feel like we are in a Zen place and I like it. Denali is happily grazing in a field with her friends. Everyone comments that she is the "friend maker" and buddies up with everyone new (who would have thought that.) I am having trouble imagining riding her, but think that sending her to training will allow me to start to think about that as an option. I don't even think about it anymore. I'm afraid I'll get my hopes up and I'm tired of disappointment. She's a funny mare. I joke that she's on the spectrum, and doesn't do well with change (which she doesn't at all!) They are very accommodating to her "disability" but I can't wait for the mud to dry up because she and I are going on trail "walks." There are miles and miles of trails behind the barn and she needs things to change and still be a good experience.
I have loads of trade saved up at the Giant Warmblood Barn to take lessons. I am going to join the gym after work today. It's called (not even kidding) "Denali Fitness" and work out for a few months. I haven't lost much (if anything I've gained) and I need to get my butt in gear. With my bum knee/ankle combo there isn't much running I can do, but they have an elliptical machine and I can do that until the cows come home. (At least I use to be able to.)
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Weekend Update
It has been one week since I've seen the mare. Horrible I know. Who does that?
I had my Pro-Cert due on Friday at 8pm. It's pretty much 40 pages of me telling the state why I'm a good teacher and then proving it with artifacts. What it really is is a way to make me a crappy teacher because it takes all my time and effort. Not fun, but I turned in the last entry at 2pm on Friday at at 5pm we left the country for Canada!
I've needed a break from life for a while, and it was wonderful to have no phone/Internet/work/etc. to worry about. We went with some friends to Vancouver to an outdoor show. On Saturday we got to meet (and KISS) Mantracker. If you don't know who he is, it's my favorite show!! I LOVE HIM. On our way to see him we were out for an early morning walk and I saw this man and thought to myself, "Hu, he looks a lot like Josh Holloway" (aka. Sawyer from Lost) and as he got closer I almost stopped breathing. It WAS him. I kept walking and acting cool (since it was the 4 of us and just him on the street) but then had my 12 year old girl melt down. I wanted to turn around and stalk him, but decided to let him enjoy his early morning walk. I LOVED Lost and he was my favorite (I love a bad boy, it's funny I married the nicest guy possible, and wouldn't have it any other way!)
I had my Pro-Cert due on Friday at 8pm. It's pretty much 40 pages of me telling the state why I'm a good teacher and then proving it with artifacts. What it really is is a way to make me a crappy teacher because it takes all my time and effort. Not fun, but I turned in the last entry at 2pm on Friday at at 5pm we left the country for Canada!
I've needed a break from life for a while, and it was wonderful to have no phone/Internet/work/etc. to worry about. We went with some friends to Vancouver to an outdoor show. On Saturday we got to meet (and KISS) Mantracker. If you don't know who he is, it's my favorite show!! I LOVE HIM. On our way to see him we were out for an early morning walk and I saw this man and thought to myself, "Hu, he looks a lot like Josh Holloway" (aka. Sawyer from Lost) and as he got closer I almost stopped breathing. It WAS him. I kept walking and acting cool (since it was the 4 of us and just him on the street) but then had my 12 year old girl melt down. I wanted to turn around and stalk him, but decided to let him enjoy his early morning walk. I LOVED Lost and he was my favorite (I love a bad boy, it's funny I married the nicest guy possible, and wouldn't have it any other way!)
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Yikes!
Have you seen this on Fugly?? The Horse Calculator? Have you done it? What did you get??? I won't even write down what I got in case the husband reads this! Gulp....
Monday, March 14, 2011
Mare Love
Apparently my life has gotten boring. That's not a bad thing and I'm not complaining. Yesterday was the 4 month anniversary of our accident in the trailer. I think I'm going to have some permanent reminders of the accident. My leg still has a huge indent and is still black and blue. My ribs still hurt but the bruising on my back is almost gone. All impressive if you ask me. I know there are bad horse accidents all the time, and usually I don't hear about them but some major accidents have happened to some acquaintances, and they are lucky to be alive. One woman got bucked off her horse and while she was flying her horse kicked her back up. She broke her back, her neck, 7 ribs, among other things. I couldn't imagine. A girl at the GWBB has a beautiful HUGE 4 year old TB who got spooked and started bucking. He bucked her into the wall and like me she was convinced she was fine. They made her go to the hospital anyway, and on the way she had a seizure in the car. She cracked her helmet in half, and she is REALLY luck.
Saturday was the Spring Fling at the center where Denali lives. It is the annual (but the first once since the center has been opened since October) fund raising event. I made up some gift certificates for my little business to auction off, and got to see some of my products on the butts of horses. I still need to make a "How To" photo montage for the three bag tail bag. Anyone out there use a three tube tail bag and want to take photos of putting it on? I'll make you a tail bag in return. E-mail me if interested.
Denali wanted nothing to do with me whatsoever. She was in the field with with her boyfriends and her "son" eating and playing. When I finally opened the gate to walk in she looked at me like, "OH! OH, you want me for something." Then I had to fend off the rest of the herd to get her out. She was hilarious. I wish more people could meet her because I think you'd LOVE her personality!! She has been given treats when she comes, and I forgot them. She kept looking at me like, "Um, excuse me. You forgot something...." Cute mare.
I've been stretching out her front legs in her stall because it helps me to get over my horse/small space claustrophobia. She is so funny. I keep cookies in my pocket, and she leans forward and tries to get them (which stretches her neck) but there are times she's on two legs and totally leaning into me. I love the noises that she makes when she does it.
In other good news, remember the large lump on her neck behind her ear?? I went to massage it yesterday for the first time and it's gone!! All gone, and she wasn't sensitive at all. LOVE my mare!
Saturday was the Spring Fling at the center where Denali lives. It is the annual (but the first once since the center has been opened since October) fund raising event. I made up some gift certificates for my little business to auction off, and got to see some of my products on the butts of horses. I still need to make a "How To" photo montage for the three bag tail bag. Anyone out there use a three tube tail bag and want to take photos of putting it on? I'll make you a tail bag in return. E-mail me if interested.
Denali wanted nothing to do with me whatsoever. She was in the field with with her boyfriends and her "son" eating and playing. When I finally opened the gate to walk in she looked at me like, "OH! OH, you want me for something." Then I had to fend off the rest of the herd to get her out. She was hilarious. I wish more people could meet her because I think you'd LOVE her personality!! She has been given treats when she comes, and I forgot them. She kept looking at me like, "Um, excuse me. You forgot something...." Cute mare.
Edit to add the photo: This is Denali's "son", lol, he's a 2 year old who is glued to her side and she's pretty attached to him too. They are HILARIOUS together. He LOVES her. She has no baby. :) (EVER!)
I've been stretching out her front legs in her stall because it helps me to get over my horse/small space claustrophobia. She is so funny. I keep cookies in my pocket, and she leans forward and tries to get them (which stretches her neck) but there are times she's on two legs and totally leaning into me. I love the noises that she makes when she does it.
In other good news, remember the large lump on her neck behind her ear?? I went to massage it yesterday for the first time and it's gone!! All gone, and she wasn't sensitive at all. LOVE my mare!
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
What if?
Do you have a plan for your horses if something happens to you? This is one of those areas that I think it can get touchy, especially with horse people. What would you want done with your horses? I've sat my husband down on several occasions and explained what I'd want to happen. I asked him to make sure that he has my horse friends help him to find someone to lease her, but that I'd prefer he didn't give over ownership unless he knew the person who was taking her and she went out on contract and he checked up on her. (This said with the threat of me haunting him.)
I guess it goes back to me worrying that something bad would happen to her. I went over every possible scenario,even (as horrible as it sounds) putting her down. He looked at me lovingly and told me that he could never possibly get rid of Denali because he knows how much I love her. Still. I get concerned.
What are your plans? Do you have any?
In lighter news, my new Back on Track Quick Wraps arrived today. My ankles were really sore and as I sat in my chair complaining about it I noticed the package and thought I'd give it a try. They are AWESOME!! Denali might not get these.
I guess it goes back to me worrying that something bad would happen to her. I went over every possible scenario,even (as horrible as it sounds) putting her down. He looked at me lovingly and told me that he could never possibly get rid of Denali because he knows how much I love her. Still. I get concerned.
What are your plans? Do you have any?
In lighter news, my new Back on Track Quick Wraps arrived today. My ankles were really sore and as I sat in my chair complaining about it I noticed the package and thought I'd give it a try. They are AWESOME!! Denali might not get these.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
People Suck (rant)
This mare's price is $350.00 if anyone is close enough and has a pasture. You can see the threads on the website that is listed on the picture. I totally stole it from their facebook page, but I figured that if I'm trying to find her a home it's okay. I would take her in a heartbeat if Ms. Slew didn't continually decide that she needs to be an only child. Not sure we'll ever catch back up to where our savings account once was, but you know what, that's okay. I have my mare and that keeps me on cloud 9.
Sorry. I've decided to become an emotional wreck tonight. An old horse at the center was put down last week and I saw photos tonight of one of the caretakers daughters and Tia. They are beautiful, and that little girl loved that horse so much. Every horse deserves to be loved by a little girl, at least once in their life. Tia was well into her late 30's when she had that chance, and I hope that this mare gets the chance too.
Picture This
My sweet baby doll of a mare loves water. She will play in a puddle for hours if given the chance. I've always wondered what she'd do if she ever had access to a pond or a larger body of water. My question was answered yesterday.
There is a pond in her field, and yesterday the herd must have ventured to the far corner of the field and found the pond. Picture this. My mare (winter blanket and all) swimming in the pond. I think she's part Lab. The vet had to change her blanket since she soaked it.
Sigh. I have a photo, but it was sent to my phone, so I can't get it off. It's hilarious, I promise. It was 48 degrees yesterday, so we'll see what she does when she doesn't have a blanket on and it's warmer.
Also, if you're on facebook you can check out my lame page for my business and "like it" (even if you don't use tailbags. :) It will make Denali happy! :)
There is a pond in her field, and yesterday the herd must have ventured to the far corner of the field and found the pond. Picture this. My mare (winter blanket and all) swimming in the pond. I think she's part Lab. The vet had to change her blanket since she soaked it.
Sigh. I have a photo, but it was sent to my phone, so I can't get it off. It's hilarious, I promise. It was 48 degrees yesterday, so we'll see what she does when she doesn't have a blanket on and it's warmer.
Also, if you're on facebook you can check out my lame page for my business and "like it" (even if you don't use tailbags. :) It will make Denali happy! :)
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Weekend Update
Saturday was the gelding clinic. It is always an interesting experience for me, and I learn something new every time.
Saturday I learned: You should not use your 17 year old stallion for JUST breeding, instill NO GROUND MANNERS and expect that it will go smoothly. It didn't go badly, and he is fine, but he was rearing up about 20 minutes post surgery. Not a very good boy.
The rest of them went smoothly, one stallion I wanted to sneak out to the field to visit Denali. Of course I'd NEVER breed her, but if I was going to....Geezus, he was AMAZING. I just stared at his owner and she smiled and said, "You're probably wondering why I'm gelding him." She knows he could be a good stud, but has not done anything with him to prove that (but build wise, he was near perfect.) So, off with the balls. He's going to be an AMAZING gelding. I want him.
Today I ran out after my shift to drop off some Cocosoya oil for princess. She stayed outside last night because thestallions geldings were in the stalls. She was hilarious when I led her in. She doesn't like change (and I often wonder if she's on the spectrum. If she was my student I'd refer her to the assessment team.) The owner of the facility walked of the door while I was leading her in. She spooked and then looked at me like, "See, SEE I did good. I stayed here. Do I getz a treatz??" She made me laugh out loud. I lead her into the barn and to a different stall. The look on her face was PRICELESS. I wish I had a picture. It truly was a "What in the hell?" She cried and nickered for a little bit, but settled in to eat her dinner. After a little while of getting use to different walls (and all stalls are the same) I blew her mind again and I dropped the bars out of the door. She was able to stick her whole head out of the stall and look around. You could see the whites of her eyes and she was super suspicious, but a good girl. She kept making me laugh. I went into her stall to do her stretches. When I did her front leg stretches she tried to stick her head into my pocket to look for treats. Picture me holding her leg, with her head stretched as far as it can go while resting her back foot. I was convinced she'd fall over, but she didn't. Mare-face was hilarious and I love her.
Saturday I learned: You should not use your 17 year old stallion for JUST breeding, instill NO GROUND MANNERS and expect that it will go smoothly. It didn't go badly, and he is fine, but he was rearing up about 20 minutes post surgery. Not a very good boy.
The rest of them went smoothly, one stallion I wanted to sneak out to the field to visit Denali. Of course I'd NEVER breed her, but if I was going to....Geezus, he was AMAZING. I just stared at his owner and she smiled and said, "You're probably wondering why I'm gelding him." She knows he could be a good stud, but has not done anything with him to prove that (but build wise, he was near perfect.) So, off with the balls. He's going to be an AMAZING gelding. I want him.
Today I ran out after my shift to drop off some Cocosoya oil for princess. She stayed outside last night because the
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Sorry for slacking
Denali is pissed at me since there has been no update on her in over a week. I guess she must have internet in the boonies....she can get online, but she can't stay sound. Hum....
So until I have time for an update from today (Gelding clinic, VERY interesting) some photos of the princess.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Smartpak & Back on Track
I wanted to write this a while ago, but keep forgetting and then I wanted to wait for confirmation. A few weeks ago Smartpak contacted me to ask if they could share our story! How fun is that? I am excited to see what it looks link in print. I have no idea when it's going to run, but they told me it will be online (longer version) and in a mailing. Denali will be pleased that she is "more famouser" (her words, not mine.)
In more exciting news, since March is here it looks like my luck is looking better (since February sucked and I missed passing my test by 20 points. Boo.) I entered a contest with Back On Track's facebook page a while ago with my "Logo" that I designed (not great, but really? It was the morning of my test and I couldn't sleep.) I found out yesterday, that although they didn't pick any logo as the "winner" they've given us all $79.00 in credit. I got the glass-legged TB another pair of quick wraps. I love the pair we have, and I'm going to use them when she trailers (gulp.) I love Back on Track products! I love free things!
In more exciting news, since March is here it looks like my luck is looking better (since February sucked and I missed passing my test by 20 points. Boo.) I entered a contest with Back On Track's facebook page a while ago with my "Logo" that I designed (not great, but really? It was the morning of my test and I couldn't sleep.) I found out yesterday, that although they didn't pick any logo as the "winner" they've given us all $79.00 in credit. I got the glass-legged TB another pair of quick wraps. I love the pair we have, and I'm going to use them when she trailers (gulp.) I love Back on Track products! I love free things!
And we're off...
I started missing Denali a lot today. I wish she wasn't so far and I wasn't so busy with life. She' a sweet mareface.
In other news, I think I have all my ducks in a row for "It's In The Bag!" and am actually really excited about it! I have three rescues already lined up and I even made a new product called the "Trooper Tail" (named after the horse that I made the first one for.) By new I mean, it's already out there (I think,) but mine is the best because I make it. (Joking!)
I changed the background on my website so I don't burn anyone's retinas, and I like it a lot more, especially since it is some of my fabric. Still have tweaking to do. I did a lot of math and also figured out that I can donate 25% of each sale to the rescue. This is partly because my supplier gave me a HUGE discount on shipping. I had to sit and figuring out tax (because I am not charging for it, but I will still need to pay it and it's 9% in WA state), shipping (between 2$-4$), supplies, etc. I need to make sure that I don't lose money on the deal (but I will, and that's fine) but I also don't want to be making a large profit. The reason that I am doing this is to help out the rescue, not to be rich (and think about it 1. Who uses tail bags? 2. Horse people have no money.) Regardless I'm having fun, and it's been a while since I've been excited about something.
Find my "It's In The Bag!" on Facebook and "like" it. I have pictures of my "Trooper Tail" posted there. I hope they like it!
I promise I will limit my babbling about this business to a minimum. Plus, Denali will get PISSED if she knew I wasn't talking about her.
In other news, I think I have all my ducks in a row for "It's In The Bag!" and am actually really excited about it! I have three rescues already lined up and I even made a new product called the "Trooper Tail" (named after the horse that I made the first one for.) By new I mean, it's already out there (I think,) but mine is the best because I make it. (Joking!)
I changed the background on my website so I don't burn anyone's retinas, and I like it a lot more, especially since it is some of my fabric. Still have tweaking to do. I did a lot of math and also figured out that I can donate 25% of each sale to the rescue. This is partly because my supplier gave me a HUGE discount on shipping. I had to sit and figuring out tax (because I am not charging for it, but I will still need to pay it and it's 9% in WA state), shipping (between 2$-4$), supplies, etc. I need to make sure that I don't lose money on the deal (but I will, and that's fine) but I also don't want to be making a large profit. The reason that I am doing this is to help out the rescue, not to be rich (and think about it 1. Who uses tail bags? 2. Horse people have no money.) Regardless I'm having fun, and it's been a while since I've been excited about something.
Find my "It's In The Bag!" on Facebook and "like" it. I have pictures of my "Trooper Tail" posted there. I hope they like it!
I promise I will limit my babbling about this business to a minimum. Plus, Denali will get PISSED if she knew I wasn't talking about her.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
It's official!
It's official! I own a business. I opened a business before (I made really cute magnets with photos inside of them) and that was fine. I only sold them at craft shows and of course made no money. I have been wanting to do something entrepreneurial for a while, but couldn't think of exactly what I wanted to do. As you may also know, I love raising money for horse rescues. I decided that I could do both things at one time and have opened up "It's In The Bag!" an custom tail bag company (ha!! It's just me) that donates 15% of each sale to the rescue of the week. The rescue is the benefit for two weeks, and 15% of the total made goes to that rescue. I figured that once I pay for fabric, shipping and sales tax they will probably make out better than I do.
Check out my "store" and let me know what you think! I'm working on getting a URL, (Edit: I did! http://www.customtailbags.com/). Feel free to forward it to rescues that you like, so they can get added to my list. I do require that they have 503-C status, NOT be featured on the Fugly Blog (no seriously, it's a requirement) and are able to provide me with a receipt (but if they can't life will go on.) I hate keeping track of receipts, but I also hate fighting with the tax man.
Check out my "store" and let me know what you think! I'm working on getting a URL, (Edit: I did! http://www.customtailbags.com/). Feel free to forward it to rescues that you like, so they can get added to my list. I do require that they have 503-C status, NOT be featured on the Fugly Blog (no seriously, it's a requirement) and are able to provide me with a receipt (but if they can't life will go on.) I hate keeping track of receipts, but I also hate fighting with the tax man.
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