tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84758621146763932062024-03-14T03:43:07.809-04:00Riding Miss DaisyThis is the blog dedicated to my QH/TB mare, Miss Daisy-Mae...Daisy. Come along as I learn and experience more every day in the world of horses...Mellimaushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16673715214541094159noreply@blogger.comBlogger400125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8475862114676393206.post-82899416716891654352014-06-17T23:56:00.001-04:002014-06-17T23:56:10.665-04:00Past Few Months in a Nutshell<div style="text-align: center;">
Hi friends! This is going to be a quick updating frenzy of a blog post. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qb7BQiIDd5A/U6EIwf2I7uI/AAAAAAAADOQ/a1MNVapF4qU/s1600/1598533_672074192866161_6371714435742472855_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qb7BQiIDd5A/U6EIwf2I7uI/AAAAAAAADOQ/a1MNVapF4qU/s1600/1598533_672074192866161_6371714435742472855_o.jpg" height="248" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Daisy and I did another LD! (Limited distance ride). The same 15 mile ride we did last fall.<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xwYaybo9gm8/U6EIr384ZaI/AAAAAAAADN0/Gcaz_4qw22g/s1600/10174866_10203504035817649_6067083682504866914_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xwYaybo9gm8/U6EIr384ZaI/AAAAAAAADN0/Gcaz_4qw22g/s1600/10174866_10203504035817649_6067083682504866914_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We rode most of the course alone, which was very liberating. Unfortunately Daisy vetted out all A's metabolically (which is awesome!) except with lameness in her left hind leg at the trot. I felt awful. I think she pulled a muscle as the course was <i>very</i> muddy. She was okay after a couple days and then the lameness moved to her diagonal front leg. That put us out of riding for a couple weeks. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wm9PPtdXWRc/U6EIu1i-YsI/AAAAAAAADOI/suj0ZcqnQ4s/s1600/10312826_672074222866158_8483143441862437178_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wm9PPtdXWRc/U6EIu1i-YsI/AAAAAAAADOI/suj0ZcqnQ4s/s1600/10312826_672074222866158_8483143441862437178_n.jpg" height="317" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am currently reconsidering what our goals are (if any) for the rest of the riding season (beyond just enjoying rides for pleasure).</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3JP710Dt3M4/U6EIxX0bF5I/AAAAAAAADOY/726seFdxJvQ/s1600/1509251_10203518584381354_7637578703783433279_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3JP710Dt3M4/U6EIxX0bF5I/AAAAAAAADOY/726seFdxJvQ/s1600/1509251_10203518584381354_7637578703783433279_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yOUpWmIN3JA/U6EIt5nNCFI/AAAAAAAADOA/fWbEQjYwOLU/s1600/10298071_10203042693362117_4366777505041612794_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yOUpWmIN3JA/U6EIt5nNCFI/AAAAAAAADOA/fWbEQjYwOLU/s1600/10298071_10203042693362117_4366777505041612794_o.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My nephew who was born in July is walking! He is my favorite little man :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zyVE1q8S1mA/U6EIq6HT0yI/AAAAAAAADNw/fpTW9eZllEI/s1600/10309755_10203452284803906_4687415993016300578_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zyVE1q8S1mA/U6EIq6HT0yI/AAAAAAAADNw/fpTW9eZllEI/s1600/10309755_10203452284803906_4687415993016300578_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Speaking of men... another favorite! This is Jacob, with me on my graduation from college with an associates degree in business administration. He has been my real favorite for a few months now ;)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As for equine men... do you remember this big guy?!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RZgSKGWT4LM/U6EKEsgqtJI/AAAAAAAADO0/tErZvqa3J7E/s1600/DSC_5836.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RZgSKGWT4LM/U6EKEsgqtJI/AAAAAAAADO0/tErZvqa3J7E/s1600/DSC_5836.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I got in contact with the equestrian team that took Ladd back in 2011... and tonight I had the pleasure of reuniting with him for a lesson!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AMgMEgUUDlo/U6EJ4dBz1ZI/AAAAAAAADOs/ncUcS9QGt2w/s1600/DSC_5884edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AMgMEgUUDlo/U6EJ4dBz1ZI/AAAAAAAADOs/ncUcS9QGt2w/s1600/DSC_5884edit.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
He is still a joy. I'm guessing he must be around 12 or 13 now, and you can tell. He has really mellowed out.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dWo62BuExUY/U6EKFZLrDFI/AAAAAAAADO4/XRs-YGlH3rw/s1600/DSC_5890edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dWo62BuExUY/U6EKFZLrDFI/AAAAAAAADO4/XRs-YGlH3rw/s1600/DSC_5890edit.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
He is out 24/7 with a herd of geldings in a HUGE pasture. I'm happy for him :)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q0yM5CXq7w0/U6EKYQN9xII/AAAAAAAADPE/hfDwa0txg1w/s1600/DSC_5931edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q0yM5CXq7w0/U6EKYQN9xII/AAAAAAAADPE/hfDwa0txg1w/s1600/DSC_5931edit.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
He was a good boy for me! And boy am I sore.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tnD_AC0YSOo/U6EKglUdfbI/AAAAAAAADPU/XTjiblBeAbQ/s1600/DSC_5955edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tnD_AC0YSOo/U6EKglUdfbI/AAAAAAAADPU/XTjiblBeAbQ/s1600/DSC_5955edit.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CzQQKdtjlwk/U6EKfE9btcI/AAAAAAAADPM/0PhxtwC2rLM/s1600/DSC_5958edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CzQQKdtjlwk/U6EKfE9btcI/AAAAAAAADPM/0PhxtwC2rLM/s1600/DSC_5958edit.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zl6_ymX-oR4/U6EKo9-1xJI/AAAAAAAADPc/RCmynAl-jtY/s1600/DSC_5968edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zl6_ymX-oR4/U6EKo9-1xJI/AAAAAAAADPc/RCmynAl-jtY/s1600/DSC_5968edit.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm so thankful for all the blessings in my life. Equines and people :)<br /><br />P.S... I'm still trimmin'! Healthy feet make happy horses. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hope you're all well!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/60/7C46C1A38E9F8021E6934D49677512FE.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a></div>
Mellimaushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16673715214541094159noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8475862114676393206.post-53914282607545636282013-09-30T23:57:00.002-04:002013-09-30T23:57:41.685-04:00Just a Quick Shout-Out :)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hey my friends!<br /><br />I guess I finally became a truly neglectful blogger.<br />Social networking is so much easier than blogging is. It's easier to log in (for my situation), easier to upload photos, easier to arrange them... Blogger went on the backburner.<br /><br />I've been trimming more and more. At this time I'm still attending a community college, so I don't do any advertising really. I have 27 personal horse clients that I trim at this time :)<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aZka-Gph4rw/UkpE1J1QLwI/AAAAAAAADM4/Q8eRm_iDaAE/s1600/20130323-IMG_1938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aZka-Gph4rw/UkpE1J1QLwI/AAAAAAAADM4/Q8eRm_iDaAE/s320/20130323-IMG_1938.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w8CansSHRQs/UkpFIaEeTOI/AAAAAAAADNA/sCJoz_Rfe3g/s1600/20130323-IMG_1952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w8CansSHRQs/UkpFIaEeTOI/AAAAAAAADNA/sCJoz_Rfe3g/s320/20130323-IMG_1952.jpg" width="213" /></a><br /><br />I became an aunt in July! I love to spend time with my nephew, Benaiah. He is such a cutie! :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-onZOL6VdKLQ/UkpCcyQcFII/AAAAAAAADMY/0Tcc5bjoUws/s1600/IMG_1980edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-onZOL6VdKLQ/UkpCcyQcFII/AAAAAAAADMY/0Tcc5bjoUws/s320/IMG_1980edit.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Daisy and I have been enjoying the use of the horse trailer that we got last year. We didn't do any events really this year. She abscessed in June which caused us to miss a barrel race we planned on. We finally got to a couple hunterpaces.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7wZO2v5b3Bo/UkpCzemzQLI/AAAAAAAADMk/RXyH9-Pzsj0/s1600/DSC_3468edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7wZO2v5b3Bo/UkpCzemzQLI/AAAAAAAADMk/RXyH9-Pzsj0/s320/DSC_3468edit.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Daisy today, as we did a final tack-check before this weekend.</i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
This coming weekend we will compete in our first 15 mile (24km) competitive trail ride! It's actually a competititive <i>conditioning</i> ride, not a true CTR (It's a CDR), but it's the farthest we'll have ever ridden on a day. I am so excited! We're borrowing some endurance tack from a friend ;) (I should have seen some endurance coming when that endurance saddle came under my ownership a few years ago! ;) )</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z7h4Q6Pe8rQ/UkpC0Y5P_-I/AAAAAAAADMs/naxDhKaDWNs/s1600/DSC_3487edit1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z7h4Q6Pe8rQ/UkpC0Y5P_-I/AAAAAAAADMs/naxDhKaDWNs/s320/DSC_3487edit1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
We shove off for the showgrounds Saturday morning. Vet checks are Saturday afternoon. We camp out in the horse trailer overnight and head out for the ride Sunday morning! Upon completion the horses are re-evaluated by a vet and then placed based on timing and physical condition. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m1v3olr5WZ8/UkpGQaav6eI/AAAAAAAADNM/kEwiv4Sqy14/s1600/edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m1v3olr5WZ8/UkpGQaav6eI/AAAAAAAADNM/kEwiv4Sqy14/s320/edit.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I can hardly wait! Depending on how Daisy does on Sunday and whether she likes it, I'm hoping to continue to do CTR's with her next year. Maybe we'll get a 25 mile and 30 mile under our belt ;)<br /><br />I hope you're all doing well! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/60/7C46C1A38E9F8021E6934D49677512FE.png" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a></div>
Mellimaushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16673715214541094159noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8475862114676393206.post-20899869898678303832012-12-24T17:23:00.003-05:002012-12-24T17:23:54.463-05:00Merry Christmas, Friends,...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--WLKDH3_0mw/UNjVgjOD_1I/AAAAAAAADK8/bqCmqEwXb-Y/s1600/DSC_9489edit1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--WLKDH3_0mw/UNjVgjOD_1I/AAAAAAAADK8/bqCmqEwXb-Y/s400/DSC_9489edit1.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wPdNEWNtLe0/UNjVy2dqNpI/AAAAAAAADLE/3YJ7U9dEplA/s1600/DSC_9452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wPdNEWNtLe0/UNjVy2dqNpI/AAAAAAAADLE/3YJ7U9dEplA/s400/DSC_9452.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
....from my barn to yours. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/60/7C46C1A38E9F8021E6934D49677512FE.png" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a></div>
Mellimaushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16673715214541094159noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8475862114676393206.post-30617190714517748112012-10-20T22:56:00.002-04:002012-10-20T22:56:49.058-04:00I'm Driving Miss Daisy....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QnujUnkaSq4/UINkMGvnczI/AAAAAAAADKU/AqqzOp-CvWE/s1600/269825_4572225979808_1223418906_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QnujUnkaSq4/UINkMGvnczI/AAAAAAAADKU/AqqzOp-CvWE/s400/269825_4572225979808_1223418906_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Today, Daisy's trailer came home. Looking forward to our maiden voyage in the near future. . . </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/60/7C46C1A38E9F8021E6934D49677512FE.png" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a></div>
Mellimaushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16673715214541094159noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8475862114676393206.post-59643460031274861442012-10-11T08:10:00.003-04:002012-10-11T08:10:15.097-04:00So Much to Catch-Up On. . . <div align="center">
Hey readers!<br />I am still alive. <br />Unfortunately, I haven't posted since before my Costa Rica mission trip. Which seems ages ago. <br />Here are the quick facts:<br />-Costa Rica was great! I completely loved the trip. </div>
<div align="center">
-Daisy's back was sore before I left, and she had a slight sneeze/cough. After so much time off, her back issue resolved itself completely the week I got back. I tried anti-histamines to illiminate the sneeze/cough issue as being allergies, and they actually worked!<br />-I got my own car and started my classes at the college in town, working toward an associate's in Business Administration (that's actually where I am right now... in class. I'm always early...)</div>
<div align="center">
-I made a new friend through trimming :) and went on a couple long rides on one of her mares to help her condition it for endurace riding. She trailered her personal endurance mare and the one I rode (which she leases out) to a state park and we had a blast. The mare's name is Dot, and she is part draft... so it was pretty incredible to ride her nine miles and have her want to continue! She competed endurance and clearly enjoys it despite her breeding. Pretty cool!</div>
<div align="center">
-This same person trailered Daisy an hour and a half away with her mare to a different state park. The park is massive (over 9,000 acres) and the day was a blast. Daisy absolutely loves going somewhere new, and she enjoyed her time there immeansly. Daisy had to load up on a step up, slant load trailer for the first time since I've owned her, and she was a really good girl. </div>
<div align="center">
-I've still been trimming Daisy myself, and am super pleased with how her hooves are doing. I get off while we ride regularly to check them, because they're super clean during a ride (all the wet grass and movement rubbing and cleaning them out) and I'm very happy with their condition, and she's been very sound on gravel (whoot!). <br />Yesterday my horse trailer finally got to town! We'd been waiting <em>so long</em> for the title and now it's here. It's at the trailer shop getting everything checked out. Soon enough I'll have it home and I'll put up a video tour :) </div>
<div align="center">
<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/60/7C46C1A38E9F8021E6934D49677512FE.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a></div>
Mellimaushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16673715214541094159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8475862114676393206.post-91694573683216345132012-08-06T14:08:00.004-04:002012-08-06T14:08:43.122-04:00Ontario County Fair: Gymkhana, July 27th<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Gymkhana day. . . barrel racing and pole bending. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j_Q6d9nrW3E/UCAE4jcgl7I/AAAAAAAADI4/jTOHYdzOWT0/s1600/DSC_5907edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j_Q6d9nrW3E/UCAE4jcgl7I/AAAAAAAADI4/jTOHYdzOWT0/s320/DSC_5907edit.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />Daisy's favorite :) </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UF0xrimqfUo/UCAFAVFDtjI/AAAAAAAADJA/MunTTRHon4w/s1600/DSC_5908edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UF0xrimqfUo/UCAFAVFDtjI/AAAAAAAADJA/MunTTRHon4w/s320/DSC_5908edit.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VPC_128ERF4/UCAFGnCvunI/AAAAAAAADJI/JxCjVRs53GM/s1600/DSC_5914edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VPC_128ERF4/UCAFGnCvunI/AAAAAAAADJI/JxCjVRs53GM/s320/DSC_5914edit.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U2ExyrVuX60/UCAFP9JjqBI/AAAAAAAADJQ/LnmXUsKk21c/s1600/DSC_5934edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U2ExyrVuX60/UCAFP9JjqBI/AAAAAAAADJQ/LnmXUsKk21c/s320/DSC_5934edit.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lJSQ615_ZWM/UCAFW4BqC5I/AAAAAAAADJY/aa6TZqZnego/s1600/DSC_5970edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lJSQ615_ZWM/UCAFW4BqC5I/AAAAAAAADJY/aa6TZqZnego/s320/DSC_5970edit.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uICftpR-Izw/UCAFemF0eTI/AAAAAAAADJg/RzGeXh8fDVY/s1600/F1+-+080edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uICftpR-Izw/UCAFemF0eTI/AAAAAAAADJg/RzGeXh8fDVY/s320/F1+-+080edit.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BzCcuJ4JZjc/UCAFu2Kd4dI/AAAAAAAADJo/JRWNUiFal_A/s1600/F1+-+331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BzCcuJ4JZjc/UCAFu2Kd4dI/AAAAAAAADJo/JRWNUiFal_A/s320/F1+-+331.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The end of the 4H shows for horses always end with a little banquet pizza party where awards are handed out. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Drumroll. . . . </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Daisy and I got Overall Senior High Point again this year! :) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The extra exciting thing was that for the first time, they had ribbons for the high point horses to wear. How fun! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OvoW5ps_fw0/UCAF_LwPDiI/AAAAAAAADJw/olWgaW3BG0A/s1600/Best+Pic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OvoW5ps_fw0/UCAF_LwPDiI/AAAAAAAADJw/olWgaW3BG0A/s400/Best+Pic.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And so fair week came to a close. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I had a riding lesson through pony club on Thursday morning. . . unfortunately, it turns out Daisy has quite a sore back, I assume from county fair and all that riding. She's been standing parked out, trying to alleviate pressure, for the first time since 2009 when she got on her natural trim. Her right buttock is especially sore. I haven't ridden her since the lesson. I'm heading out in a few minutes to ride her over to Jenny's, where she'll stay while I'm in Costa Rica, and I can assess the situation. Hopefully the many days off while I'm gone will do her some good. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My trip to Costa Rica is a mission trip that our church youth group is doing. I am so excited! This will be my first mission trip. We're going to take part in campus evangelism, and some kids programs in poor communities. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Talk to you all when I'm back!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/60/7C46C1A38E9F8021E6934D49677512FE.png" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a></div>Mellimaushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16673715214541094159noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8475862114676393206.post-51078871240458925022012-08-02T22:39:00.002-04:002012-08-02T22:39:35.588-04:00Ontario County Fair: Western Day, July 26th<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
When I was in Alberta at course, we went shopping at a western store one day and I got sucked into spending a hefty price for a show shirt. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After seeing the pictures of Western day with it, I have no regrets ;). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GgqvvLWCea0/UBsr2cQwPbI/AAAAAAAADG0/wYsvn_LjmuE/s1600/DSC_5504edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GgqvvLWCea0/UBsr2cQwPbI/AAAAAAAADG0/wYsvn_LjmuE/s400/DSC_5504edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Daisy was happy to be going western, her comfort zone, again. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BfNKOdq1P8E/UBstQKSEUuI/AAAAAAAADG8/zlriWao4h8c/s1600/DSC_5535edit.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BfNKOdq1P8E/UBstQKSEUuI/AAAAAAAADG8/zlriWao4h8c/s400/DSC_5535edit.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CRmRTWmYeGg/UBsvjuBB5OI/AAAAAAAADIU/7tDbikATycI/s1600/Th2+-+193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CRmRTWmYeGg/UBsvjuBB5OI/AAAAAAAADIU/7tDbikATycI/s400/Th2+-+193.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H8RjbnWDx2A/UBsumqTXd2I/AAAAAAAADH8/m1oGmt1tHPg/s1600/Th1+-+014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H8RjbnWDx2A/UBsumqTXd2I/AAAAAAAADH8/m1oGmt1tHPg/s400/Th1+-+014.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Trail class was the same pattern as Tuesday's. We placed first again. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bX5XopllGXI/UBstXyBAOpI/AAAAAAAADHE/moXm_wmKjhg/s1600/DSC_5560edit1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bX5XopllGXI/UBstXyBAOpI/AAAAAAAADHE/moXm_wmKjhg/s400/DSC_5560edit1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It started with a bridge obstacle. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GUO7hPaNx0A/UBstojIA09I/AAAAAAAADHM/J610mA7JdPs/s1600/DSC_5563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GUO7hPaNx0A/UBstojIA09I/AAAAAAAADHM/J610mA7JdPs/s400/DSC_5563.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Then curved trot poles, to a mailbox. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zMU3vW4bm90/UBstvUXkSaI/AAAAAAAADHU/jr1NGjXnJJA/s1600/DSC_5567edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zMU3vW4bm90/UBstvUXkSaI/AAAAAAAADHU/jr1NGjXnJJA/s400/DSC_5567edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zdjPZsrYO54/UBstzEZXP2I/AAAAAAAADHc/YFhiopDS4Es/s1600/DSC_5568edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zdjPZsrYO54/UBstzEZXP2I/AAAAAAAADHc/YFhiopDS4Es/s400/DSC_5568edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Then to a slicker transfer. . . </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--GtJwV3wvA8/UBst4yIFfUI/AAAAAAAADHk/2c-oDfnL1X8/s1600/DSC_5571edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--GtJwV3wvA8/UBst4yIFfUI/AAAAAAAADHk/2c-oDfnL1X8/s400/DSC_5571edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Followed by a 360 box. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ea3-djAtc0Y/UBsvBnkNrII/AAAAAAAADIE/L5Gm2Tlh0jQ/s1600/Th1+-+075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ea3-djAtc0Y/UBsvBnkNrII/AAAAAAAADIE/L5Gm2Tlh0jQ/s400/Th1+-+075.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A U-shaped back-up station was followed by the corner sidepass station. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tc1WJqZg7CY/UBsuIv6Gx0I/AAAAAAAADHs/vnxenH2x1nc/s1600/DSC_5599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tc1WJqZg7CY/UBsuIv6Gx0I/AAAAAAAADHs/vnxenH2x1nc/s400/DSC_5599.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-98F8xJOfaK8/UBsvMRUZ3eI/AAAAAAAADIM/CVrnkBVgIiQ/s1600/Th2+-+189edit2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-98F8xJOfaK8/UBsvMRUZ3eI/AAAAAAAADIM/CVrnkBVgIiQ/s400/Th2+-+189edit2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
That evening, I entered the Versatility class again. Versatility tests the versatile nature of the individual horse (pretty self-explanatory). On western day, the versatility class starts out in english tack and clothing. We do an english flat class, then do a quick tack and clothing swap. Then we ride a western pleasure flat class, and a barrel pattern. In years past, the class has been very popular, with as many as 12 riders. The past two years Daisy and I have placed first. This year it was raining lightly, and only three people rode. Daisy an I won first again. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tq3K6LXfIko/UBsuZuo9dfI/AAAAAAAADH0/ivZ6niEOvl4/s1600/DSC_5790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tq3K6LXfIko/UBsuZuo9dfI/AAAAAAAADH0/ivZ6niEOvl4/s400/DSC_5790.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/60/7C46C1A38E9F8021E6934D49677512FE.png" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a></div>Mellimaushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16673715214541094159noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8475862114676393206.post-18582118229739938432012-08-01T11:17:00.001-04:002012-08-01T11:17:07.200-04:00Ontario County Fair: Mounted Games, July 25th<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Wednesday was a low-key day of mounted relay games. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XdK3LMoWhc8/UBlBQghaDrI/AAAAAAAADFI/4KnJDcWC6Rg/s1600/DSC_5406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XdK3LMoWhc8/UBlBQghaDrI/AAAAAAAADFI/4KnJDcWC6Rg/s400/DSC_5406.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />Daisy was a good girl. She loves to barrel race and run fast, but we generally went in the middle of the relay team, so she had to be good about stopping in the middle of runs to pick things up, and wait at the end to hand off items. Once she got into it and figured out the routine, she had a nice set of brakes :) </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FrC8p_N-XQ0/UBlB1yVkHsI/AAAAAAAADFQ/0IiPEycox2E/s1600/T1+-+227edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FrC8p_N-XQ0/UBlB1yVkHsI/AAAAAAAADFQ/0IiPEycox2E/s400/T1+-+227edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FhYOTAcg8Pw/UBlCAbtRGvI/AAAAAAAADFY/gZt0m2UtTyc/s1600/T1+-+228edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FhYOTAcg8Pw/UBlCAbtRGvI/AAAAAAAADFY/gZt0m2UtTyc/s400/T1+-+228edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Wednesday evening was costume class. Daisy and I dressed as hippies and rode to the Beatles' "Revolution". </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--wgE8NF9Ly4/UBlCRhLaY6I/AAAAAAAADFk/U_Fr9BuwDxY/s1600/DSC_5416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--wgE8NF9Ly4/UBlCRhLaY6I/AAAAAAAADFk/U_Fr9BuwDxY/s400/DSC_5416.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />Costume included tye dye fabrics and ribbons, non-toxic Crayola finger paint, fake daisies, and a fake butterfly, plus my most colorful tack. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vOhSGBdwOcU/UBlCi-dwASI/AAAAAAAADFs/cDqmZuoD0aA/s1600/DSC_5419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vOhSGBdwOcU/UBlCi-dwASI/AAAAAAAADFs/cDqmZuoD0aA/s400/DSC_5419.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MKJzW3OcbG4/UBlCy3FydfI/AAAAAAAADF0/LrMyLMb985w/s1600/DSC_5421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MKJzW3OcbG4/UBlCy3FydfI/AAAAAAAADF0/LrMyLMb985w/s400/DSC_5421.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R70-Bm2F2L4/UBlDC6W9ZvI/AAAAAAAADF8/DBPa6CahjoA/s1600/DSC_5423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R70-Bm2F2L4/UBlDC6W9ZvI/AAAAAAAADF8/DBPa6CahjoA/s400/DSC_5423.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />I was quite pleased with how it all turned out. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DUuppzBJvXU/UBlDS9c0S4I/AAAAAAAADGE/kGkDvrT-uW8/s1600/DSC_5425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DUuppzBJvXU/UBlDS9c0S4I/AAAAAAAADGE/kGkDvrT-uW8/s400/DSC_5425.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We had fun :) </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ftV4QjiaBd4/UBlDdMbi-TI/AAAAAAAADGM/MEyytLAVEf0/s1600/T2+-+116edit2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ftV4QjiaBd4/UBlDdMbi-TI/AAAAAAAADGM/MEyytLAVEf0/s400/T2+-+116edit2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J57JdI3SIIg/UBlDtrmkW5I/AAAAAAAADGU/f5F0as1jUCI/s1600/DSC_5463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J57JdI3SIIg/UBlDtrmkW5I/AAAAAAAADGU/f5F0as1jUCI/s400/DSC_5463.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />As for my trailer, it turns out we won't have it for awhile probably... because the old owners never signed it over to their name, so in order for us to get the title for it, they need to get the former owner's signature on their title in order to hand it off to us so that we can title it. A bit disappointing, but we've made do without a trailer for 5 years; what's a couple months? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm going on a mission trip with my church's youth group to Costa Rica on Tuesday of next week. We will be in the country for 11 days. I am SO excited! It should be pretty awesome. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/60/7C46C1A38E9F8021E6934D49677512FE.png" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a></div>Mellimaushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16673715214541094159noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8475862114676393206.post-39332926088763055512012-07-30T12:04:00.002-04:002012-07-30T12:04:20.227-04:00Ontario County Fair: English Day, July 24th<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After deliberation, I've decided to make posts for each individual day of fair. . . that way, it's less work for me, less reading at once for you, and. . . etc.<br /><br />The first day of fair was English day. I only decided to take Daisy a couple days before. I've received a lot of criticism lately about how Daisy and I look english (awkwardly paired), so first I thought I wouldn't bother, but then I did anyway. The fact is, I'm borderline too big for her. . . in an English saddle. Put me in a dressage saddle or western saddle with long stirrups, and somehow it looks fine. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mvq6XtvSp0Q/UBaqeFNGJdI/AAAAAAAADDk/24vl4yp8uhk/s1600/DSC_5248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mvq6XtvSp0Q/UBaqeFNGJdI/AAAAAAAADDk/24vl4yp8uhk/s400/DSC_5248.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Daisy was lovely for English day. We ribboned mostly in the top 5. We didn't have many firsts and seconds, but we did decently well and I was pleasantly surprised with how the day panned out. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CTHn6rracvw/UBarw8VO0jI/AAAAAAAADD4/eOe8uI0s5_c/s1600/DSC_5241edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CTHn6rracvw/UBarw8VO0jI/AAAAAAAADD4/eOe8uI0s5_c/s400/DSC_5241edit.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />Our best class, as usual, was trail class. The fact is, we win first 99% of the time ;), thanks to the work I put in with Daisy teaching her to sidepass over a ground pole. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U5672iFgR_U/UBasOKhw3eI/AAAAAAAADEA/dAgV9puP4IE/s1600/DSC_5344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U5672iFgR_U/UBasOKhw3eI/AAAAAAAADEA/dAgV9puP4IE/s400/DSC_5344.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />The jump course for the seniors was 3' max. . . which is too high for Daisy and I. I asked to be allowed to do the junior course (2'6") exhibition style, with no ribbons, just for fun, and we were allowed to. The course was perfect and Daisy was really lovely. She's turned into a steady jumper, which is so surprising compared to how she used to be. She has gotten soo much better at not rushing between jumps and just popping over them as-is. Unfortunately, we have a limited number of jump pictures. . . In fact, the photo below is basically 'it'.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pqqAtKGbjYs/UBatGn1jEOI/AAAAAAAADEI/GMmuj8swevQ/s1600/jumppicbrittrutz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pqqAtKGbjYs/UBatGn1jEOI/AAAAAAAADEI/GMmuj8swevQ/s400/jumppicbrittrutz.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Trust me, she sticks her ears forward once she's mid-air and looks much happier ;).<br />Overall, I was very pleased with the way the day went, and we did walk away with two blues. A good start to the long week ahead. . . </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/60/7C46C1A38E9F8021E6934D49677512FE.png" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px !important;" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br />P.S. I should probably include this in the Thursday post. . . however, I think containing my excitement for that long could be detrimental. Therefore, with great pleasure I present to you the official Daisy Mobile of Red Gate Ranch: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e1QADvLA7hU/UBav_eTyhdI/AAAAAAAADEU/bZHVLLi6tzs/s1600/Daisymobile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e1QADvLA7hU/UBav_eTyhdI/AAAAAAAADEU/bZHVLLi6tzs/s400/Daisymobile.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My dad broke the news to me on Thursday that we could begin trailer shopping. Yesterday, we took a road trip and signed the papers for this baby. A complete tour will be provided once we bring it home sometime this week. I am SO. THRILLED. :) </div>Mellimaushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16673715214541094159noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8475862114676393206.post-41310207879288852122012-07-27T07:46:00.001-04:002012-07-27T07:47:48.921-04:00County Fair is Going Well<div><p>:) More details later this weekend :) <br>
(First post from my mobile phone!)</p>
<br/><img src='http://lh4.ggpht.com/-36WxuMBCg6I/UBJ_nQ-YJGI/AAAAAAAADC8/wazLEeRs5Qg/378256_4179629525142_323276494_n.png' /><br/><img src='http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JhsPqG9NDUU/UBJ_49IEOFI/AAAAAAAADDE/ytuz2Kf-vNE/562711_4183697746845_24518359_n.png' /></div>Mellimaushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16673715214541094159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8475862114676393206.post-49163077454498002992012-07-22T23:58:00.004-04:002012-07-22T23:58:30.351-04:00Not Our Finest Moments<div style="text-align: center;">
A neighbor down my street invited the horses and riders in the neighborhood to have unlimited access to their pond for swimming. I was pretty excited to finally have some place so close by to swim Daisy! I headed down to the pond with Jenny on Jolee on Tuesday morning. While Jolee went in relatively easily, Daisy would have nothing to do with the pond experience, which was a bit disappointing. I think the issue was simply that the pond is a step down into water, rather than a gradual slope downward like everywhere else that we've swam. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
On Saturday, I rode Daisy 4.7 miles through the hamlet below us and out the other side to go to my friend Katie's farm, where I had Daisy last year during county fair week. Last year, I rode Daisy home from there and while she did have some spooky moments, they were relatively insignificant. This year, going the opposite direction, Daisy was on high alert as soon as we reached the bottom of the big hill and entered unknown territory. I admit, I was frustrated and angry with her. Of course, hindsight is 20/20. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tf0-kIcdl0U/UAy_HICbx_I/AAAAAAAADB0/RbOVZMssg-Y/s1600/DSC_5187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tf0-kIcdl0U/UAy_HICbx_I/AAAAAAAADB0/RbOVZMssg-Y/s400/DSC_5187.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />I spent a considerable amount of time on foot, leading her forward. When I was on her back, she was too spooked and uncomfortable to move. Once riderless, she moved on fine.<br />My theory, after the fact, is that she felt too pressured when I was on her to be the 'leader'. She was in foreign land and couldn't trust where she was, and wasn't confident that she or I would be safe moving forward. When I was off her back, the leadership role transferred to me and she was happy to follow me along, assuming that if I was ok with going forward, she could be too.<br />Does that seem like a valid possibility? I could also of course say that she didn't trust me that I knew we were safe, so that's why she wouldn't move forward with me on her back.... but she <i>did</i> trust me to move once off, so I'm not sure that explanation could hold water. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qAdmJoaEdrw/UAy_XlNqJKI/AAAAAAAADB8/tlwlKCWwB90/s1600/DSC_5190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qAdmJoaEdrw/UAy_XlNqJKI/AAAAAAAADB8/tlwlKCWwB90/s400/DSC_5190.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />My mom met us at the base of the hill just outside the hamlet to take pictures. Once she started calling out to Daisy, the familiar voice gave Daisy confidence and she trotted forward all too happily. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sHYpiHwUTMM/UAy_npY1HCI/AAAAAAAADCE/jgz2C-pK8oY/s1600/DSC_5194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sHYpiHwUTMM/UAy_npY1HCI/AAAAAAAADCE/jgz2C-pK8oY/s400/DSC_5194.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FE3nQqzLHF0/UAy_3UB8epI/AAAAAAAADCM/tf_Zc_ckOLg/s1600/DSC_5202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FE3nQqzLHF0/UAy_3UB8epI/AAAAAAAADCM/tf_Zc_ckOLg/s400/DSC_5202.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uBntHP_p_4g/UAzAHdAjWzI/AAAAAAAADCY/NQDG4yBEdtQ/s1600/DSC_5209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uBntHP_p_4g/UAzAHdAjWzI/AAAAAAAADCY/NQDG4yBEdtQ/s400/DSC_5209.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I got off and on a few times throughout the ride. This is us passing the little convenience store/antique shop. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3-UvZr_i12k/UAzAXTKiUFI/AAAAAAAADCg/MqeBKUu629A/s1600/DSC_5216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3-UvZr_i12k/UAzAXTKiUFI/AAAAAAAADCg/MqeBKUu629A/s400/DSC_5216.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Last year, going in the reverse direction, we had issues where the picture below was taken because Daisy couldn't handle the stress of Dumpsters and the sound of the air conditioner at once. This year she was still spooky, but with my mom leading she went forward. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_tf8e1mJvZ8/UAzAntd7vQI/AAAAAAAADCo/q0YjcQU4SKg/s1600/DSC_5218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_tf8e1mJvZ8/UAzAntd7vQI/AAAAAAAADCo/q0YjcQU4SKg/s400/DSC_5218.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-39OcTjDSKUc/UAzA4fTJ8II/AAAAAAAADCw/UaRGPLM8JhE/s1600/DSC_5220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-39OcTjDSKUc/UAzA4fTJ8II/AAAAAAAADCw/UaRGPLM8JhE/s400/DSC_5220.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I was first quite disappointed with her behavior, but like I said, in retrospect, I'm not mad at her for how she behaved. I almost see it as another gesture toward her intelligence. What do you think?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A couple of our 'finer moments' ;). Some graduation pictures. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-coZed7kC_O8/UAy-qlYi_gI/AAAAAAAADBk/rolOXic8bY8/s1600/DSC_5126edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-coZed7kC_O8/UAy-qlYi_gI/AAAAAAAADBk/rolOXic8bY8/s400/DSC_5126edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y9BktuNDziE/UAy-xplJfnI/AAAAAAAADBs/-fZSZRPIHzA/s1600/DSC_5130edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y9BktuNDziE/UAy-xplJfnI/AAAAAAAADBs/-fZSZRPIHzA/s400/DSC_5130edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've been trimming more . . . I gave Daisy a fresh trim this week. I apprenticed the majority of the day Wednesday. That day, I had my first true moment of "I got this". I wasn't really questioning my ability before with trimming, but I wasn't feeling 100% confident that I "got everything" when I would put a hoof down the final time, and I would ask Daisy's triminologist to double check. On my second horse on Wednesday, something clicked and I put down the hooves and really felt like I got everything and it looked good. Trimming is such an art, and very rewarding once it's done; I have such a sense of accomplishment when a hoof is finished. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
On Friday I took my first official client by myself! Family friends of ours whose horses were trimmed 'naturally' before. I did one of the horses Friday, and one Saturday. I'm painfully slow at this point with trimming (1 horse takes me <i>an entire hour</i>) but I do know I'm doing a good job. I'm planning on asking for a hoof jack for Christmas, so at this point I'm using a bulky cinder block... which, besides the bulk, actually works quite well with a towel over top. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
County fair week is this week! The 'biggest' week of the year for Daisy and I. After going back and forth, I've decided to show her English day on Tuesday. I may skip some classes in an attempt to take it easy, since I will be showing her Tuesday through Friday... but we will be doing it :). Wednesday we'll be taking part in costume classes as hippies!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
♫ Do you want a revolution, well you know! ♫</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Happy summertime, folks. Stay cool and bug-free :) </div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/60/7C46C1A38E9F8021E6934D49677512FE.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a></div>Mellimaushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16673715214541094159noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8475862114676393206.post-2458688394001057932012-07-06T23:15:00.002-04:002012-07-06T23:15:17.550-04:00June Wrap-Up & July Cross Country Schooling<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hello, bloggers!<br />It's been so long since I last posted! I'm sorry. Time got away with me there. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
June was busy for me as I wrapped up school things and officially graduated from high school. Whoot! Does this make me an adult? ;) I also got my driver's license. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's been super dry in our area, so Daisy and I have been able to trail ride often with no worries of botching up any land. We went riding one evening with a crew from Jenny's barn, and it turns out that we're invited to swim the horses in a pond down my street. Yey! I'm hoping to head out there soon with Daisy for a dip. I can't wait! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I also went to Lydia's barn where we have pony club lessons for a trail ride. We rode around 7 miles total that day! Daisy was a good girl. Pony club lessons have started up again, and last week Daisy and I had a jump lesson at Lydia's in the indoor. It turned out that we were the only ones to show up, so it was a private lesson. It went decently well, my only complaint being the slightly slippery footing, which made some jumps a bit unbalanced. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yesterday, Daisy and I trailered off the farm for a cross country schooling! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was a blast, as schoolings generally are. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pCprG5KcrPo/T_ek7a6ZN9I/AAAAAAAADAU/Lcbx_C-qYaQ/s1600/DSC_4921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pCprG5KcrPo/T_ek7a6ZN9I/AAAAAAAADAU/Lcbx_C-qYaQ/s400/DSC_4921.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Daisy has a history of being a speed demon toward jumps. My instructor at a different schooling once told me to basically let her do that... balance her to the best of my ability, but then not give into her rushing with my own body. She said over time, Daisy would learn that rushing was more strenuous than just approaching the jump balanced, and she would stop being speedy. It seems she was right, because Daisy was uncharacteristically balanced yesterday, all on her own! It was really queer, and yet wonderful, of course. We had a couple jump course runs where she literally kept the same even canter toward jumps, over, and afterward. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fCp31iCccsA/T_elDtzoL1I/AAAAAAAADAc/tjlVEdd01AQ/s1600/DSC_4927edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fCp31iCccsA/T_elDtzoL1I/AAAAAAAADAc/tjlVEdd01AQ/s400/DSC_4927edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The schooling yesterday consisted of just two riders actually jumping... so it was quiet and nice. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YYmv9k4XVfQ/T_elK5sUePI/AAAAAAAADAk/vOG2Hh5YVDM/s1600/DSC_4938edit1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YYmv9k4XVfQ/T_elK5sUePI/AAAAAAAADAk/vOG2Hh5YVDM/s400/DSC_4938edit1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yfg7qS2XNMk/T_elbZgwOII/AAAAAAAADAs/G1HFLodcVTU/s1600/DSC_4951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yfg7qS2XNMk/T_elbZgwOII/AAAAAAAADAs/G1HFLodcVTU/s400/DSC_4951.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We jumped the beginner novice jumps, which are a maximum of 2'6" (.762 meters). This is pretty much Daisy's max height, if I had to limit her, but it's still fun to jump her at that height.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8uk478332KQ/T_eli8-x7UI/AAAAAAAADA0/GOiZR1Tkhc4/s1600/DSC_4970edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8uk478332KQ/T_eli8-x7UI/AAAAAAAADA0/GOiZR1Tkhc4/s400/DSC_4970edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yZ4YTP4PLsA/T_elnENwWAI/AAAAAAAADA8/KLCLZ4jln-c/s1600/DSC_4973edit2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yZ4YTP4PLsA/T_elnENwWAI/AAAAAAAADA8/KLCLZ4jln-c/s400/DSC_4973edit2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2B099RJWnig/T_elp06R5RI/AAAAAAAADBE/HE4mzwyiuWE/s1600/DSC_4988edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2B099RJWnig/T_elp06R5RI/AAAAAAAADBE/HE4mzwyiuWE/s400/DSC_4988edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Jenny, the owner of the barn we board at in winter, trailered us and took the picture below and one of the others. I love it! That particular jump was one in a line of three going down hill. We jumped a line of 3 jumps, then did a relatively sharp right turn downhill to the next three. Daisy stayed incredibly balanced and nice, and approached the jump below so perfectly. What a joy to ride :) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tGCNpDjfOeg/T_ekpudh2eI/AAAAAAAADAM/niG8_bzT44E/s1600/DSCN1873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tGCNpDjfOeg/T_ekpudh2eI/AAAAAAAADAM/niG8_bzT44E/s400/DSCN1873.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kqDdnzRDynA/T_elsahXx9I/AAAAAAAADBM/lrF7WWSlPDo/s1600/DSC_4992edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kqDdnzRDynA/T_elsahXx9I/AAAAAAAADBM/lrF7WWSlPDo/s400/DSC_4992edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I love my pony :) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J3kKWMGBeLQ/T_eknQIFv2I/AAAAAAAADAE/8nfd6Dt0_ag/s1600/DSCN1868.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J3kKWMGBeLQ/T_eknQIFv2I/AAAAAAAADAE/8nfd6Dt0_ag/s400/DSCN1868.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p0FzW5DFLK0/T_el8BsHMUI/AAAAAAAADBU/OJJ3qzP5V2w/s1600/DSC_5024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p0FzW5DFLK0/T_el8BsHMUI/AAAAAAAADBU/OJJ3qzP5V2w/s400/DSC_5024.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've been out a few times trimming other people's horses with Daisy's triminologist. I also trimmed Daisy's feet myself for the first time, soon after returning from Canada. She was pretty impatient for trimming-ugh! I hope that improves. Overall it went fine and she's still sound. I especially love to walk her bare feet over the thick gravel on our driveway and watch her not take a lame step. How's that for balanced trim and soundness? ;) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Stay cool wherever you are! We're experiencing a serious heat wave here. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/60/7C46C1A38E9F8021E6934D49677512FE.png" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a></div>Mellimaushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16673715214541094159noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8475862114676393206.post-90131970125012104892012-06-12T23:47:00.003-04:002012-06-12T23:49:37.909-04:002 Weeks. 237 Hooves: The Triminologist-in-Training Challenge<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #4d5153; font-family: 'arial narrow';"><i><b>(Post copied off where I originally posted it; on the Equinextion Online Forum Academy (EOFA) blog) </b></i></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #4d5153; font-family: 'arial narrow';">I just completed the Trimmer 1 & 2 Fast Track course and am here to document my experience.</span></div>
<span style="-webkit-box-shadow: none !important; background-color: white; font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="-webkit-box-shadow: none !important; background-color: white; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #4d5153; font-family: 'arial narrow';"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="-webkit-box-shadow: none !important; background-color: white; font-size: small;">
<span style="-webkit-box-shadow: none !important;"></span></span><br />
<div style="color: #4d5153; font-family: 'arial narrow'; text-align: center;">
<span style="-webkit-box-shadow: none !important; background-color: white; font-size: small;"><span style="-webkit-box-shadow: none !important;">Let's start the very beginning! (♫ A very good place to...!♫) </span></span></div>
<span style="-webkit-box-shadow: none !important; background-color: white; font-size: small;"><span style="-webkit-box-shadow: none !important;">
<div style="color: #4d5153; font-family: 'arial narrow'; text-align: center;">
...Sorry. <img alt="" border="0" class="inlineimg" src="http://208.116.60.11/~equinext/images/smilies/smile.png" style="-webkit-box-shadow: none !important; border: 0px; padding: 0px 1px;" title="Smile" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #4d5153; font-family: 'arial narrow';"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: #4d5153; font-family: 'arial narrow';"><div style="text-align: center;">
My flights went from Rochester NY, to Chicago O'Hare, to Calgary International Airport in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. </div>
</span><span style="color: #4d5153; font-family: 'arial narrow';"><div style="text-align: center;">
I was so excited when I arrived! I hurried through customs (hint: mark "study", not "business" to avoid a huge hassle) and on to baggage claim.</div>
</span></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="-webkit-box-shadow: none !important; background-color: white; color: #4d5153; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="-webkit-box-shadow: none !important; font-family: 'arial narrow';"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ljBdlrDN8Eg/T9fx05tndQI/AAAAAAAAC7M/kL9IN_oUJGo/s1600/2012-05-27_18.38.18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ljBdlrDN8Eg/T9fx05tndQI/AAAAAAAAC7M/kL9IN_oUJGo/s400/2012-05-27_18.38.18.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="-webkit-box-shadow: none !important; background-color: white; color: #4d5153; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="-webkit-box-shadow: none !important; font-family: 'arial narrow';"><br /></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #4d5153; font-family: 'arial narrow';"><br /></span></div>
<span style="-webkit-box-shadow: none !important; background-color: white; font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div style="color: #4d5153; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="-webkit-box-shadow: none !important; background-color: white; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'arial narrow';">Baggage in hand, I stepped out the door to find one of the course team members standing right where she texted that she would. Meet and greet with the 3 team members was followed by a Starbucks visit paid for in Canadian loonies, and then we waited for Lisa, who arrived shortly. We piled our luggage in the back of her truck along side her trusty side-kicks (Pinto the Jack Russel Terrorist mix, and Bruno the long-haired Shepherd), and got in for the three hour ride to her humble abode in Medicine Hat.</span></span></div>
<span style="-webkit-box-shadow: none !important; background-color: white; font-size: small;">
<span style="-webkit-box-shadow: none !important;"></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #4d5153; font-family: 'arial narrow'; text-align: center;">
<span style="-webkit-box-shadow: none !important; background-color: white; font-size: small;"><span style="-webkit-box-shadow: none !important;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wte8xn9czl0/T9fwTYf3nQI/AAAAAAAAC7E/kGTUR8kQR3c/s1600/100_4818resize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wte8xn9czl0/T9fwTYf3nQI/AAAAAAAAC7E/kGTUR8kQR3c/s400/100_4818resize.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="-webkit-box-shadow: none !important; background-color: white; font-size: small;"><span style="-webkit-box-shadow: none !important;">
<div style="-webkit-box-shadow: none !important; color: #4d5153; font-family: 'arial narrow'; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div style="color: #4d5153; font-family: 'arial narrow'; text-align: center;">
Where I come from, we have lots of hills and valleys, wooded forests and ponds. The countryside between Calgary and Medicine Hat was simpler: flat and flat, flat and even flatter, with ginormous pastures. It was captivating and beautiful.</div>
</span></span><span style="-webkit-box-shadow: none !important; background-color: white; font-size: small;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #4d5153; font-family: 'arial narrow';"><br /></span></div>
<span style="-webkit-box-shadow: none !important; color: #4d5153; font-family: 'arial narrow';"><div style="text-align: center;">
Upon arrival, I flopped onto the bed in one of her guest rooms, the 2 hour time change catching up with me, and was out. And so it all began. . . </div>
</span></span><span style="-webkit-box-shadow: none !important; background-color: white; font-size: small;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #4d5153; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="-webkit-box-shadow: none !important; color: #4d5153; font-family: 'arial narrow';"><div style="text-align: center;">
Monday was our first day. Lisa sat us down for a grueling questioning (just kidding. It wasn't that bad!), and this we followed with a trip to some grocery stores and the farm where her horses were at. Four of the horses there were handled and trimmed, to various degrees. It's too bad we didn't take before video footage to compare to the end of the course... because I was slow and painfully awkward with the tools. Damn you left hand! By the end of the course, I gained considerable speed.</div>
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WxjT-fadniU/T9fySdmEz1I/AAAAAAAAC7U/vTUa_go-A4U/s1600/102_4080edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WxjT-fadniU/T9fySdmEz1I/AAAAAAAAC7U/vTUa_go-A4U/s400/102_4080edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="-webkit-box-shadow: none !important; color: #4d5153; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'arial narrow';"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="-webkit-box-shadow: none !important; color: #4d5153; font-family: 'arial narrow';"><div style="text-align: center;">
The climate in that pocket of the world is dry. . . We often heard "It doesn't rain here," although our course team had a bit of trouble believing that. . . as we had quite a few days of rain! In any case, they apparently really don't get much rain, so pastures have "wind walls" (pretty self-explanatory) as opposed to run-in sheds. Lisa had lots of fun facts to share with us about the land and animal habitation, etc. I suppose if you're coming for course from somewhere close by, this all isn't that exciting. But for this New Yorker, it was fascinating!</div>
</span><span style="-webkit-box-shadow: none !important; color: #4d5153; font-family: 'arial narrow';"><div style="text-align: center;">
The first Monday-Saturday of course included visits to different farms every day, where we trimmed different horses, ponies, and donkeys in different environments and learned how the different environments affected the horses. We trimmed the horses in exchange for snack food and meals. . . Which was awesome in my opinion <img alt="" border="0" class="inlineimg" src="http://208.116.60.11/~equinext/images/smilies/king-041.gif" style="-webkit-box-shadow: none !important; border: 0px; padding: 0px 1px;" title="thumbs up" /></div>
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="-webkit-box-shadow: none !important; color: #4d5153; font-family: 'arial narrow';"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="-webkit-box-shadow: none !important;">Lisa is a great teacher; very knowledgeable. In the evenings, she shared stories of her experiences and explained things to us that we were having trouble understanding... namely, heels and bars. Heels and bars are not simple; not something you can learn through a 2D picture or movie online. Many times Lisa would take the rasp in our hand and angle it just so, which resulted in an "Ohhhh!" of recognition and we would go along just as happily, filing away. The great thing is that everything we learned, made </span><i style="-webkit-box-shadow: none !important; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif;">sense</i><span style="-webkit-box-shadow: none !important;">. It helped a lot to have it explained to me how a certain shape of the hoof causes pressure to shift in different places and to different locations. Everything was clear and logical. </span></div>
</span><span style="-webkit-box-shadow: none !important; color: #4d5153; font-family: 'arial narrow';"><div style="text-align: center;">
Meeting new people and visiting new farms was a pleasure, as we traveled along in Lisa's trusty 'racetruck', which was quite comfortable. Saturday we headed out to a ranch a good distance away in what seemed like the 'middle of nowhere'. We trimmed a handful of horses in the morning, stopped to have a delicious barbeque lunch, and kept on with the trimming. We had the pleasure of experiencing the transforming powers of equinextion trim for a horse that, pre-trim, arrived in pain, barely able to stand on her 4 legs, let alone her three so that one could be up for handling. Lisa trimmed her with us on standby with tools so that it would be as quick as possible. By the end of the day, the mare who could barely stand comfortably before was cantering in her pasture, happy as a clam and ready to join the rest of the herd. </div>
</span><span style="-webkit-box-shadow: none !important; color: #4d5153; font-family: 'arial narrow';"><div style="text-align: center;">
Below: Photos of the farm animals from Saturday</div>
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rJDbusOwPQc/T9fyq5mLnII/AAAAAAAAC7c/V-pJR_EZhts/s1600/100_4427edit1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rJDbusOwPQc/T9fyq5mLnII/AAAAAAAAC7c/V-pJR_EZhts/s320/100_4427edit1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pxg6YeFxbwU/T9fzIKtGnHI/AAAAAAAAC7k/Daprc3jJGcs/s1600/100_4516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pxg6YeFxbwU/T9fzIKtGnHI/AAAAAAAAC7k/Daprc3jJGcs/s320/100_4516.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jgTEvXfyx14/T9fzaWsA8wI/AAAAAAAAC7s/m3YMBoR7-rg/s1600/100_4543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jgTEvXfyx14/T9fzaWsA8wI/AAAAAAAAC7s/m3YMBoR7-rg/s320/100_4543.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LV80Gd73gK4/T9fzzpWnEXI/AAAAAAAAC70/JO20DW3_GfE/s1600/100_4550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LV80Gd73gK4/T9fzzpWnEXI/AAAAAAAAC70/JO20DW3_GfE/s320/100_4550.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zeg69L9ks9I/T9f0DqKoqJI/AAAAAAAAC8A/tUT__WCA0Ck/s1600/100_4558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zeg69L9ks9I/T9f0DqKoqJI/AAAAAAAAC8A/tUT__WCA0Ck/s320/100_4558.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e93qaIWlcZw/T9f0HyBDqCI/AAAAAAAAC8Q/RKEEZRVlgrw/s1600/before+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="100" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e93qaIWlcZw/T9f0HyBDqCI/AAAAAAAAC8Q/RKEEZRVlgrw/s320/before+collage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ul4KKJMkmOA/T9f0F95pfsI/AAAAAAAAC8I/eeoSG5zrd9w/s1600/after+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="87" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ul4KKJMkmOA/T9f0F95pfsI/AAAAAAAAC8I/eeoSG5zrd9w/s320/after+collage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-soLopPAS2os/T9f0KEPEDmI/AAAAAAAAC8Y/S3LeBHD1yGs/s1600/black+and+white+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-soLopPAS2os/T9f0KEPEDmI/AAAAAAAAC8Y/S3LeBHD1yGs/s320/black+and+white+collage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="-webkit-box-shadow: none !important; color: #4d5153; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'arial narrow';"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="-webkit-box-shadow: none !important; color: #4d5153; font-family: 'arial narrow';"><div style="text-align: center;">
Sunday was our day for R&R. . . & laundry <img alt="" border="0" class="inlineimg" src="http://208.116.60.11/~equinext/images/smilies/wink.png" style="-webkit-box-shadow: none !important; border: 0px; padding: 0px 1px;" title="Wink" />. And so, Trimmer 1 came to a close. </div>
</span></span><br />
<hr style="-webkit-box-shadow: none !important; background-color: white; color: #4d5153; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;" />
<span style="-webkit-box-shadow: none !important; background-color: white; font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="-webkit-box-shadow: none !important; background-color: white; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #4d5153; font-family: 'arial narrow';"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="-webkit-box-shadow: none !important; background-color: white; font-size: small;">
<span style="-webkit-box-shadow: none !important;"></span></span><br />
<div style="color: #4d5153; font-family: 'arial narrow'; text-align: center;">
<span style="-webkit-box-shadow: none !important; background-color: white; font-size: small;"><span style="-webkit-box-shadow: none !important;">And on with Trimmer 2! Honestly, I am sitting here trying to remember Monday of Trimmer 2, and I'm failing. So I will just continue on with the most eventful experiences.</span></span></div>
<span style="-webkit-box-shadow: none !important; background-color: white; font-size: small;"><span style="-webkit-box-shadow: none !important;">
<div style="color: #4d5153; font-family: 'arial narrow'; text-align: center;">
One morning we found ourselves trimming the hooves of a cute (rotund!) mini named Tabasco. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9TeEiB_zjPQ/T9f00FQMynI/AAAAAAAAC8g/k98SNPIpIWU/s1600/100_4642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9TeEiB_zjPQ/T9f00FQMynI/AAAAAAAAC8g/k98SNPIpIWU/s400/100_4642.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="-webkit-box-shadow: none !important; color: #4d5153; font-family: 'arial narrow'; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #4d5153; font-family: 'arial narrow';"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: #4d5153; font-family: 'arial narrow';"><div style="text-align: center;">
His feet were very overgrown... sort of like tubes, but flat, kind of. Certainly they were bent out of shape. Lisa trimmed him up very well; see below:</div>
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ypcYpC4ZnM4/T9f1D1rZy7I/AAAAAAAAC8o/2vRP-wK8ZFw/s1600/Tabasco+beforeandafter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="143" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ypcYpC4ZnM4/T9f1D1rZy7I/AAAAAAAAC8o/2vRP-wK8ZFw/s400/Tabasco+beforeandafter.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="-webkit-box-shadow: none !important; color: #4d5153; font-family: 'arial narrow'; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #4d5153; font-family: 'arial narrow';"><div style="text-align: center;">
We followed that mini up with a saddle horse gelding who came to us quite lame in the very back of a huge pasture. I went out to get him and videoed his halting gate. His hooves were super overgrown and misshapen and chipped off in places. He was no where near 100% sound post trim (his lameness issues extended beyond his hooves), but definitely better than he was before, and I'm sure with movement he would only improve. I would venture to say I saw a 50% improvement. </div>
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--MwbF3FSxqE/T9f1PIblXYI/AAAAAAAAC8w/GdEm-qBaG0I/s1600/Jimmy+before+and+after.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--MwbF3FSxqE/T9f1PIblXYI/AAAAAAAAC8w/GdEm-qBaG0I/s320/Jimmy+before+and+after.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="-webkit-box-shadow: none !important; color: #4d5153; font-family: 'arial narrow'; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #4d5153; font-family: 'arial narrow';"><div style="text-align: center;">
Another day we trimmed a handful of horses in Echo Dale, a park of sorts in the Hat. There, banks of the South Saskatchewan River meet sharp cliffs that rise up to the sky. The view trimming there was breath taking! What a place. </div>
</span></span></span><br />
<div style="-webkit-box-shadow: none !important; background-color: white; color: #4d5153; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gjCaEOhtPYI/T9gGqpchCEI/AAAAAAAAC9g/L9csz_i1TJc/s1600/100_4740edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gjCaEOhtPYI/T9gGqpchCEI/AAAAAAAAC9g/L9csz_i1TJc/s400/100_4740edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My new dream home</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lUKP_tG46v4/T9gGzaTVFmI/AAAAAAAAC9o/W5iLDKkZtRM/s1600/100_4748edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lUKP_tG46v4/T9gGzaTVFmI/AAAAAAAAC9o/W5iLDKkZtRM/s400/100_4748edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4S7SZEV5fwQ/T9gHFIVSbVI/AAAAAAAAC9w/xdUKULMx9NE/s1600/100_4755edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4S7SZEV5fwQ/T9gHFIVSbVI/AAAAAAAAC9w/xdUKULMx9NE/s320/100_4755edit.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gbmjegSV7L0/T9gHcK1-K_I/AAAAAAAAC98/gWsCYb_gUv4/s1600/100_4762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gbmjegSV7L0/T9gHcK1-K_I/AAAAAAAAC98/gWsCYb_gUv4/s320/100_4762.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D2zarCdtGng/T9gHmxmvIVI/AAAAAAAAC-E/Lvqrh86JUxs/s1600/100_4769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D2zarCdtGng/T9gHmxmvIVI/AAAAAAAAC-E/Lvqrh86JUxs/s320/100_4769.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-knPce4R1OK4/T9gH9S2afLI/AAAAAAAAC-M/FM_mgnqMBnw/s1600/100_4828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-knPce4R1OK4/T9gH9S2afLI/AAAAAAAAC-M/FM_mgnqMBnw/s400/100_4828.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NDoC8tr5-CE/T9gILnIELcI/AAAAAAAAC-U/ErCKUvfD_vc/s1600/100_4845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NDoC8tr5-CE/T9gILnIELcI/AAAAAAAAC-U/ErCKUvfD_vc/s320/100_4845.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tKOYU9_JMM0/T9gIYJguYLI/AAAAAAAAC-g/c66GamfIyP4/s1600/100_4861edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tKOYU9_JMM0/T9gIYJguYLI/AAAAAAAAC-g/c66GamfIyP4/s320/100_4861edit.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rjCNVxML1y8/T9gL21w0_eI/AAAAAAAAC_s/puYwqtr5Qqg/s1600/IMG_7263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rjCNVxML1y8/T9gL21w0_eI/AAAAAAAAC_s/puYwqtr5Qqg/s400/IMG_7263.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<span style="-webkit-box-shadow: none !important; background-color: white; font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="-webkit-box-shadow: none !important; background-color: white; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #4d5153; font-family: 'arial narrow';"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="-webkit-box-shadow: none !important; background-color: white; font-size: small;">
<span style="-webkit-box-shadow: none !important;"></span></span><br />
<div style="color: #4d5153; font-family: 'arial narrow'; text-align: center;">
<span style="-webkit-box-shadow: none !important; background-color: white; font-size: small;"><span style="-webkit-box-shadow: none !important;">There was a wide range of horses that we encountered over the course of the two weeks. Big and small, back yard ponies and jackpot winners, jumpers, barrel racers, trusty trail mounts and homely pasture pets. We learned something from every one of them, not just by looking at their feet, but by looking at their eyes and taking note of their personality. They are all just as different as one person from another.</span></span></div>
<span style="-webkit-box-shadow: none !important; background-color: white; font-size: small;"><span style="-webkit-box-shadow: none !important;">
<div style="color: #4d5153; font-family: 'arial narrow'; text-align: center;">
We also gained experience and tips from Lisa in dealing with ill-behaved equines. . . no serious injuries acquired during course week. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wPkSHQk1Q2I/T9gJwryuGBI/AAAAAAAAC-o/Ad0zRUbuNOo/s1600/543347_10151016132640569_1558651376_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wPkSHQk1Q2I/T9gJwryuGBI/AAAAAAAAC-o/Ad0zRUbuNOo/s400/543347_10151016132640569_1558651376_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_3ny7gKFpxY/T9gJyDiX8oI/AAAAAAAAC-w/Ml_upOVFt20/s1600/598902_10151016399515569_1818140367_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_3ny7gKFpxY/T9gJyDiX8oI/AAAAAAAAC-w/Ml_upOVFt20/s320/598902_10151016399515569_1818140367_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #4d5153; font-family: 'arial narrow';"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: #4d5153; font-family: 'arial narrow';"><div style="text-align: center;">
The equinextion experience encourages you to broaden your horizons in horse care. . . and change your mind about what is acceptable in the horse world and what is not. Everything I learned was thought provoking, but not shoved down my throat. I am well aware that some of my practices do not align with equinextion standards. . . but given the time and space now to mull it over, I'm planning and revisiting my horse care protocols and looking forward to changes I want to put into place soon. Sometimes change is necessary, regardless of whether it is comfortable, convenient, or 'politically correct'. I believe the horse world today is in need of change. </div>
</span><span style="color: #4d5153; font-family: 'arial narrow';"><div style="text-align: center;">
We all know "two wrongs don't make a right". Well, neither do hundreds of years of 'wrongs'. <img alt="" border="0" class="inlineimg" src="http://208.116.60.11/~equinext/images/smilies/thinking-023.GIF" style="-webkit-box-shadow: none !important; border: 0px; padding: 0px 1px;" title="hmmm" /></div>
</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #4d5153; font-family: 'arial narrow';"><div style="text-align: center;">
Ok, stepping off the soap box. . . Friday was pretty exciting! Cadaver day. After two weeks of well-behaved horses. . . and not so well behaved (Lisa wants a shirt made: No kicking! No grabbing! No biting! No nipping! No lipping! No leaning! etc) we enjoyed trimming hooves that only moved when we did (the irony: our backs hurt more sitting in chairs trimming than when we were under live horses! :P Lisa taught us well on how to protect our backs for trimming. . . My back never hurt during the two weeks. (Although, I'm young. . .)</div>
</span><div style="-webkit-box-shadow: none !important; color: #4d5153; font-family: 'arial narrow'; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c8h2pqfPNAA/T9gJ8AkECHI/AAAAAAAAC-4/PKlMy0kbX8o/s1600/542180_3591383857847_2050707042_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c8h2pqfPNAA/T9gJ8AkECHI/AAAAAAAAC-4/PKlMy0kbX8o/s400/542180_3591383857847_2050707042_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MsE1MJGApOk/T9gKPHuNnNI/AAAAAAAAC_A/M8vjASBf4-c/s1600/IMG_7411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MsE1MJGApOk/T9gKPHuNnNI/AAAAAAAAC_A/M8vjASBf4-c/s400/IMG_7411.JPG" width="223" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Some photos in this post were taken by Steve Hoff, a course team member. Especially these cadaver photos, as evidently my hands were a bit too dirty for camera work.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Of course, digging into the cadavers was weird at first.... but then I decided to just make the most of the experience.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mTBaIsyVzZU/T9gKlhaTpBI/AAAAAAAAC_I/nv2pZqFeUjE/s1600/IMG_7412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mTBaIsyVzZU/T9gKlhaTpBI/AAAAAAAAC_I/nv2pZqFeUjE/s400/IMG_7412.JPG" width="223" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-INOy03I2Ae8/T9gK8pc1SrI/AAAAAAAAC_Q/-_9sRU8aYus/s1600/IMG_7418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-INOy03I2Ae8/T9gK8pc1SrI/AAAAAAAAC_Q/-_9sRU8aYus/s400/IMG_7418.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See? The bars can't be taken at face value</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sizijzqP-V4/T9gLLM7JEjI/AAAAAAAAC_c/-DoXAX9TgaY/s1600/IMG_7422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sizijzqP-V4/T9gLLM7JEjI/AAAAAAAAC_c/-DoXAX9TgaY/s320/IMG_7422.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #4d5153; font-family: 'arial narrow';"><div style="text-align: center;">
The system: Grab one of the five hooves, tape half of it, trim the untaped half, and pass it on to another person. No input from Lisa allowed. It was incredible at the end to line the feet up and see little difference between them all! A real testament to Lisa's teaching abilities. After those careful trims, we dissected them in various ways; to see bone structure, to see tendon and ligament structure in the legs, etc. I personally peeled the sole away bit by bit until I could see only the frog below the surface, the bars, and the rim of the coffin bone. Truly amazing to see it all laid out like that! What a learning experience.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w9kiezpJP5Y/T9gM8et-uZI/AAAAAAAAC_0/MqsigrM9uzI/s1600/100_4928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w9kiezpJP5Y/T9gM8et-uZI/AAAAAAAAC_0/MqsigrM9uzI/s400/100_4928.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
</span></span></span><br />
<hr style="-webkit-box-shadow: none !important; background-color: white; color: #4d5153; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;" />
<span style="-webkit-box-shadow: none !important; background-color: white; font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div style="color: #4d5153; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="-webkit-box-shadow: none !important; background-color: white; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'arial narrow';">My experience learning from Lisa was really awesome. You leave course with more than just an ability to trim horse's hooves, and trim them</span><span style="font-family: 'arial narrow';"> </span><i style="-webkit-box-shadow: none !important; font-family: 'arial narrow';">well</i><span style="font-family: 'arial narrow';">. . . You leave with a greater understanding of the equinextion philosophy and why it works, as a whole. Beyond that, I personally really enjoyed getting to know the people I was learning alongside (and from!). We grew closer as we got to know one another (and shared many laughs!). I loved everything about the climate (whoot!- dry heat!), and just. . . everything.</span><span style="font-family: 'arial narrow';"> </span></span></div>
<span style="-webkit-box-shadow: none !important; background-color: white; font-size: small;">
<span style="-webkit-box-shadow: none !important;"></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="-webkit-box-shadow: none !important; background-color: white; font-size: small;"><span style="-webkit-box-shadow: none !important;"><span style="color: #4d5153; font-family: 'arial narrow';"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<span style="-webkit-box-shadow: none !important; background-color: white; font-size: small;"><span style="-webkit-box-shadow: none !important;">
<span style="color: #4d5153; font-family: 'arial narrow';"><div style="text-align: center;">
If you live and breathe horses, this course is for you. I'm very much looking forward to returning for Trimmer 3!</div>
</span></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/60/7C46C1A38E9F8021E6934D49677512FE.png" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a></div>Mellimaushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16673715214541094159noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8475862114676393206.post-55749742785507579902012-06-01T21:46:00.003-04:002012-06-01T21:48:46.244-04:00Greetings from the Hat (Warning: Picture Heavy Post)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hello all! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm currently posting from Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-703b0x9o0go/T8lma8QwTXI/AAAAAAAAC3s/YJRNgtIzQAs/s1600/102_4077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-703b0x9o0go/T8lma8QwTXI/AAAAAAAAC3s/YJRNgtIzQAs/s400/102_4077.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I arrived Sunday evening in Calgary International Airport, and drove home with the other 3 students in this trim course and our teacher to the tune of this beautiful sunset. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Go9ovZ3VuSw/T8lmg8IjNPI/AAAAAAAAC30/QYA266n5WN0/s1600/102_4080edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Go9ovZ3VuSw/T8lmg8IjNPI/AAAAAAAAC30/QYA266n5WN0/s400/102_4080edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Monday morning we headed to the piece of land where our teacher Lisa keeps her herd of horses. She owns three horses, and boards two more. Above, left to right is Jack, Sierra, Rico, and Soleil. We trimmed them all to some extent that day (some full trims, others partial). </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6p1eicaQjdo/T8lmmDtJXZI/AAAAAAAAC38/ThBJ-t7MhAw/s1600/102_4088edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6p1eicaQjdo/T8lmmDtJXZI/AAAAAAAAC38/ThBJ-t7MhAw/s400/102_4088edit.jpg" width="301" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Above is Billy</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rGetFMJm0tc/T8lm0kkUIuI/AAAAAAAAC4I/yvntm55lS4E/s1600/102_4097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rGetFMJm0tc/T8lm0kkUIuI/AAAAAAAAC4I/yvntm55lS4E/s400/102_4097.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The land here in Southern Alberta is flat desert land. In New York where I live, the land is hilly and green, mixed with forests. Here it is a pale green and brown, and flat, flat, flat. So queer to get used to! In between are what I call "inside out mountains", the proper term for which is "coulees". The land dips down suddenly, so as you look over the broad expanse you don't actually see it. Lisa's horses are pastured on land like this. It's hard to capture the steep incline of the coulee in the above photo where the horses roam, but it's pretty incredible. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mcYUhb0_cXM/T8lnBTkAxCI/AAAAAAAAC4Q/6pSL_TkS2ZY/s1600/102_4099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mcYUhb0_cXM/T8lnBTkAxCI/AAAAAAAAC4Q/6pSL_TkS2ZY/s400/102_4099.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And there are cactus!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7Uv3ay94EOM/T8lnVZt8OUI/AAAAAAAAC4Y/rbsB8FOzyhQ/s1600/102_4102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7Uv3ay94EOM/T8lnVZt8OUI/AAAAAAAAC4Y/rbsB8FOzyhQ/s400/102_4102.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
New York boots on Albertan soil. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DUUfvlWoti4/T8lnkOZNGKI/AAAAAAAAC4k/GkBot_8r-C0/s1600/102_4103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DUUfvlWoti4/T8lnkOZNGKI/AAAAAAAAC4k/GkBot_8r-C0/s400/102_4103.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Above are the horses of the pasture next to Lisa's. The horses climb up and down the steep coulees.... so different, but very cool. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bmHCz57tjSA/T8lnr4FBVeI/AAAAAAAAC4s/gpceOZZ1rCc/s1600/100_4138edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bmHCz57tjSA/T8lnr4FBVeI/AAAAAAAAC4s/gpceOZZ1rCc/s400/100_4138edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Tuesday morning we went out to trim a couple palominos. Above are two of them, a mare and her yearling colt. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5MzG5iF3ZX8/T8lnyWKABpI/AAAAAAAAC40/iVL_GRCvWA8/s1600/100_4162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5MzG5iF3ZX8/T8lnyWKABpI/AAAAAAAAC40/iVL_GRCvWA8/s400/100_4162.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After which we headed back to Lisa's farm to trim a mini and a miniature donkey there. I have yet to capture a good picture of "wind walls", but the above picture gives you an idea. Instead of run-ins, they have simple walls to block the wind, because there isn't enough rain to require rooves! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vKPob3mvdho/T8ln3m7Hb4I/AAAAAAAAC48/ximCyOYHtFc/s1600/100_4165edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vKPob3mvdho/T8ln3m7Hb4I/AAAAAAAAC48/ximCyOYHtFc/s400/100_4165edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8gXs7c1E9dA/T8ln5ZtOaUI/AAAAAAAAC5E/VyIj6kll2Kc/s1600/ricothedonkey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8gXs7c1E9dA/T8ln5ZtOaUI/AAAAAAAAC5E/VyIj6kll2Kc/s400/ricothedonkey.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I had the pleasure of trimming "Rico de donkey". He is so cute! I would totally take him home. Compared to the horses we had trimmed that morning who were naughty and mean, he was a safe fellow to work around. Due to his small stature, trimming meant literally kneeling on the ground beside him. When he'd get impatient, he would buckle the front that you weren't trimming and simply attempt to lie down on top of you or on the ground, which would obviously be a naughty thing to do, except he's so little his attempts don't amount to much and we could only laugh. He never kicked out or tried to bite. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VhGGHZv9TGE/T8ln7bQ-IoI/AAAAAAAAC5M/7Yf6DfQ5WhE/s1600/Day+3+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="338" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VhGGHZv9TGE/T8ln7bQ-IoI/AAAAAAAAC5M/7Yf6DfQ5WhE/s400/Day+3+collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Such were the horses of day three, above, sans one that didn't make it to the collage. Nothing really eventful there. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZnlGYaUoYSw/T8loGWZkPjI/AAAAAAAAC5U/dF7gAREEG0o/s1600/IMG_6869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZnlGYaUoYSw/T8loGWZkPjI/AAAAAAAAC5U/dF7gAREEG0o/s400/IMG_6869.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hey look!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-979jrbBVU_E/T8loS3Je2WI/AAAAAAAAC5g/yPeUcxl_GKw/s1600/IMG_6870.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-979jrbBVU_E/T8loS3Je2WI/AAAAAAAAC5g/yPeUcxl_GKw/s400/IMG_6870.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's yours truly. Trimmin'.</div>
Those were borrowed chaps, I am the proud owner of a burgundy pair now.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r5mukA-mQic/T8loZqs6cTI/AAAAAAAAC5o/bO5OFRrV0Ro/s1600/100_4261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r5mukA-mQic/T8loZqs6cTI/AAAAAAAAC5o/bO5OFRrV0Ro/s400/100_4261.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Day four, yesterday, found us in a field with 3 chestnuts and a bay mare. Trimming them went pretty uneventfully as well. Yesterday was the day where our lack of adequate rest caught up with us, and we were all tired and sporting sore muscles. Apparently day three or four is always like that during course weeks.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xu-iG0KfsUc/T8losLxY2VI/AAAAAAAAC5w/GigZRLUeqsA/s1600/100_4275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xu-iG0KfsUc/T8losLxY2VI/AAAAAAAAC5w/GigZRLUeqsA/s400/100_4275.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And today. Day five! We're gaining speed more now. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kvw2ctTSDsM/T8loxnW_hhI/AAAAAAAAC54/xytow-hzqEg/s1600/100_4278edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kvw2ctTSDsM/T8loxnW_hhI/AAAAAAAAC54/xytow-hzqEg/s400/100_4278edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This morning found us at a farm on the edge of a reservoir. We trimmed one f the two minis there. Most of the photos are of the mini we didn't trim, Spirit.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x-sh4oqKG-M/T8lo7P8ULKI/AAAAAAAAC6A/k6l0I22Vv-E/s1600/100_4282edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x-sh4oqKG-M/T8lo7P8ULKI/AAAAAAAAC6A/k6l0I22Vv-E/s400/100_4282edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qER_M0Fnbco/T8lpDoa3NII/AAAAAAAAC6M/kRAndwllLt0/s1600/100_4285edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qER_M0Fnbco/T8lpDoa3NII/AAAAAAAAC6M/kRAndwllLt0/s400/100_4285edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
What a life, eh? They didn't need a fourth side to the pasture because the lake took care of that. Pretty neat!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r2WunTzWGzc/T8lpNDxn0xI/AAAAAAAAC6U/HqfhGXYg16E/s1600/100_4306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r2WunTzWGzc/T8lpNDxn0xI/AAAAAAAAC6U/HqfhGXYg16E/s400/100_4306.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Above is the mini we did trim, Lizzie, post trim.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Txyg9B3fHx0/T8lpY5AcKwI/AAAAAAAAC6c/bq6Pb0xQWIs/s1600/100_4316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Txyg9B3fHx0/T8lpY5AcKwI/AAAAAAAAC6c/bq6Pb0xQWIs/s400/100_4316.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After which we headed to a different farm with four horses and two donkeys. We partnered up to trim. First I trimmed Sterling, above. He was great with his fronts, but quite impatient with his hinds, so he took awhile.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j7RCNZLISTk/T8lpfiO8sOI/AAAAAAAAC6k/M9coSZ54Mvg/s1600/100_4318fix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j7RCNZLISTk/T8lpfiO8sOI/AAAAAAAAC6k/M9coSZ54Mvg/s400/100_4318fix.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Jimmy and Buffy, the miniature donkeys, looked on.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fepnHQcgG1w/T8lpqK78_fI/AAAAAAAAC6s/tI2IQAJwyGg/s1600/100_4330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fepnHQcgG1w/T8lpqK78_fI/AAAAAAAAC6s/tI2IQAJwyGg/s400/100_4330.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sterling was followed by the stout (chunky), Joey. He was a cutie, and relatively well behaved. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm coming to really love trimming. Farrier barefoot trims are relatively flat, as they are meant to be formed to have a shoe applied. The trim I learn is much more concave and carefully formed, so trimming is like sculpting. It's so interesting to learn how forming a hoof one way causes the pressure to shift a certain way, and why we form the hoof a certain way, based on the bone structure below the surface of the sole. Trimming in this style is truly an art form.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nm68shZIu5I/T8lp2d-sAYI/AAAAAAAAC60/_BRIQJ5XCrs/s1600/100_4339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nm68shZIu5I/T8lp2d-sAYI/AAAAAAAAC60/_BRIQJ5XCrs/s320/100_4339.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Joey was followed by Jimmy the donkey, whom I trimmed sans a partner. He was such a good boy! So far, I've met only nice donkeys, and it makes me want one some day. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Trimming is a bit addicting, especially on the days when we have the pleasure of seeing the dramatic change in a horse after the trim. This stuff works. And steel horse shoes nailed to soles are not necessary, for any horse. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'll leave you with that.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/60/7C46C1A38E9F8021E6934D49677512FE.png" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a></div>Mellimaushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16673715214541094159noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8475862114676393206.post-28884694752880927672012-05-23T21:57:00.002-04:002012-05-23T21:57:22.719-04:00T-3 Days<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8bvS_3EgYZE/T72Tp9yuwYI/AAAAAAAAC3g/4q2I9CSDBDQ/s1600/576778_3851750088361_1116537976_33621818_2071819098_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8bvS_3EgYZE/T72Tp9yuwYI/AAAAAAAAC3g/4q2I9CSDBDQ/s400/576778_3851750088361_1116537976_33621818_2071819098_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hey bloggers! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I know it's been for-ev-errr since I last posted! I apologize, but believe me if I had posted you'd be more bored than since I haven't ;). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We've been doing nothing out of the ordinary. Lets see how many blog posts I can say that in ;). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our trail has dried up some, so we've been trail riding more, which Daisy absolutely loves. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I leave for Canada, for my Trimmer 1 & 2 course, this coming Sunday! WHAAAAT?! I know. I'm a little shocked myself ;). I'm excited, but also a little anxious about leaving home, and Daisy, behind. I've arranged for someone to ride Daisy 3 times a week for the two weeks I'm gone (and I'm crossing my fingers that she behaves for her new mount as well as she does for me!). She'll be boarding over at Jenny's farm, where we are in winter. This week, I'm pulling strings and getting things together so that I can leave her and the farm behind with a good peace of mind. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One thing I'd like to mention: Boy is my pony the bomb! We've had SO much road construction lately, but those HUGE pieces of equipment don't bother her! WHOOT! I love feeling safe on this mare. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
That's all I have to say. Perhaps if I have a free moment next week I'll share some interesting hoof-related tid bits! If anyone is interested in details, they can check out
<a href="http://equinextion.homestead.com/">http://equinextion.homestead.com/</a> , which is where I'm headed. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/60/7C46C1A38E9F8021E6934D49677512FE.png" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a></div>Mellimaushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16673715214541094159noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8475862114676393206.post-20969287215447737342012-05-13T21:40:00.002-04:002012-05-13T21:41:24.022-04:00NMJC<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Nothin' much, just chillin'. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Shameless Muckboot Company Plug: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Everything that you've heard about Muckboots being awesome... Well, I'm here to confirm those rumors. They really are super. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UMr1rGO9Dgg/T7Bdo1wDM7I/AAAAAAAAC2s/WJ4ENdUidKI/s1600/DSC_0068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UMr1rGO9Dgg/T7Bdo1wDM7I/AAAAAAAAC2s/WJ4ENdUidKI/s400/DSC_0068.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Last weekend I went to a combined test with my friend Lydia (check out her blog <a href="http://myponyamerica.blogspot.com/">here</a>). It was fun to be around eventing horses and eventing talk for a day. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I spent a couple minutes with this adorable horse, Oslo. His coloring reminded me of a McDonald's Oreo Flurry.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lUkre1lEgA8/T7BeBmisQ0I/AAAAAAAAC20/jouXx8CKnbo/s1600/DSC_0210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lUkre1lEgA8/T7BeBmisQ0I/AAAAAAAAC20/jouXx8CKnbo/s320/DSC_0210.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BiPjTcvg944/T7BebIqS-lI/AAAAAAAAC28/bmpHcIYfnvw/s1600/DSC_0211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BiPjTcvg944/T7BebIqS-lI/AAAAAAAAC28/bmpHcIYfnvw/s320/DSC_0211.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lgyiLOKZ3Cc/T7Bein-9h9I/AAAAAAAAC3E/xd8RFBwc56M/s1600/DSC_0212edit2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lgyiLOKZ3Cc/T7Bein-9h9I/AAAAAAAAC3E/xd8RFBwc56M/s320/DSC_0212edit2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And some time with pony clubbers. . . (the girls besides me are both named Lydia ;) ) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JZ2iyMp4hio/T7BgxHZYsoI/AAAAAAAAC3U/Zrt4PWtHe3c/s1600/DSC_0264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JZ2iyMp4hio/T7BgxHZYsoI/AAAAAAAAC3U/Zrt4PWtHe3c/s400/DSC_0264.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After which Lydia (in pink above) took me to her farm to properly introduce me to her new mare, Rica. She's lovely! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-msEvtxmaPKI/T7BeoP0q7PI/AAAAAAAAC3M/yAURUuGCjg4/s1600/DSC_0350edit2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-msEvtxmaPKI/T7BeoP0q7PI/AAAAAAAAC3M/yAURUuGCjg4/s400/DSC_0350edit2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This week hasn't included much for Daisy and I. She did get her rabies vaccination on Wednesday, and her three-way spring shot today. She continues to be lazy and bored of our riding locations. This is frustrating and sad, and I don't know what to do about it. . . </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/60/7C46C1A38E9F8021E6934D49677512FE.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-image: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a></div>Mellimaushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16673715214541094159noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8475862114676393206.post-49788005124839832452012-05-02T22:33:00.003-04:002012-05-02T22:33:43.337-04:00Wordy-Wednesday<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm a slacker.<br />Mostly, there is nothing of note to say. I'm still riding Daisy allthetimeee. As usual. She's reaching that point where her usual cheery attitude is fading away because she's sick and tired of riding the same roads all the time. I can't blame her. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The vet is coming out next Wednesday to give her her rabies shot. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Daisy loves cookies. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ig-hJ2sM6us/T6HrrIeE3MI/AAAAAAAAC2Y/sfvf4Pj3myI/s1600/549386_3712370123949_1116537976_33564860_291619201_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ig-hJ2sM6us/T6HrrIeE3MI/AAAAAAAAC2Y/sfvf4Pj3myI/s320/549386_3712370123949_1116537976_33564860_291619201_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
. . . and being ridden Western.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As much as I enjoy and appreciate the art of English riding, the fact of the matter is that I grew up taking western lessons for 8 years before I spent any serious amount of time in an english saddle. Western is just my 'thing'. I enjoy it as much as she does. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ICxRTzUMBGc/T6HrsuBB8TI/AAAAAAAAC2g/7yrCrOo3F2U/s1600/678784f093c011e1be6a12313820455d_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ICxRTzUMBGc/T6HrsuBB8TI/AAAAAAAAC2g/7yrCrOo3F2U/s320/678784f093c011e1be6a12313820455d_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And that's what it's all about. Enjoyment. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>The horse. Here is nobility without conceit, friendship without envy, beauty without vanity. A willing servant, yet never a slave. |Ronald Duncan|</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/60/7C46C1A38E9F8021E6934D49677512FE.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-image: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a></div>Mellimaushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16673715214541094159noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8475862114676393206.post-81496145631826558142012-04-23T23:00:00.005-04:002012-04-23T23:00:40.926-04:00Galloping Fun, Snow Days, and Biting Teeth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Remember my last post? Not sure if you noticed, but my cousin and I were sporting tank tops in the photos, because on the day they were taken (a week ago), it was a whopping 80+ degrees Fahrenheit. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Today was a whopping 33 degrees and overnight, we got dumped with over 6 inches of snow. Most random winter ever. . . </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Photos from today.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hl8ObiprYcI/T5YR6QLzYzI/AAAAAAAAC2A/NYDE0VLkXTI/s1600/DSC_4120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hl8ObiprYcI/T5YR6QLzYzI/AAAAAAAAC2A/NYDE0VLkXTI/s400/DSC_4120.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barn cat Gronemeyer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Daisy had Saturday off because it was raining all day long. Sunday wasn't very pretty either, but it was at least not raining, just sort of misting a little, so I tacked her up to ride. In the stall, when I was brushing her flanks or just above her hocks, she would randomly kick out, like it was hurting her. I faintly remember this being a temporary issue in the past, so I just thought I'd take her out anyway to see how she was feeling and take it easy if necessary. I tacked her in a bareback pad, because it was cold out and... I didn't feel like changing into riding boots that fit in stirrups. ;) </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As expected, when asked for a trot, she very dramatically tossed her head and mane all around and threatened to buck, but from past experience I know this is just her attitude on a chilly day following a day off. We proceeded along on our ride, and heading back we galloped up the usual hill. It's not super steep, but it's long. I let her have her head to go as fast as she wanted, because she had so much pent up energy... we beat our previous record, recorded by the Cardio Trainer as 17.7mph, by going 18.1mph. I thought this was relatively fast, but when I looked it up, some horses gallop somewhere around almost 60mph...but... for a canter, I thought it was fast, and it was so fun! :) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jV9d9jvgpZ8/T5YSM3eXBhI/AAAAAAAAC2I/7RvnPk078bY/s1600/DSC_4130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jV9d9jvgpZ8/T5YSM3eXBhI/AAAAAAAAC2I/7RvnPk078bY/s400/DSC_4130.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Today Daisy also stayed in her stall mostly, because it was snowing all day and the driveway wasn't clear enough to ride really... So I thought I would do some mind games with her in her stall, which I had also done Sunday. I had her backing up, walking, standing still while I walked away, squaring up, etc, for pieces of horse treats. Unfortunately, when I attempted a carrot stretch with her, she'd apparently had enough of the working for treats situation, and she lunged at my hand and had it in her mouth before I knew it. She broke skin on one finger, and bit the other right in the joint. No serious injuries, but I felt foolish for hand feeding her when she was obviously not in a patient state of mind, and my fingers hurt a bit now. I think I need to seriously start feeding only with a bowl, at least for awhile, and in those situations.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RjoBlhm2GtI/T5YSeGQaJ9I/AAAAAAAAC2Q/8L2LDyDXF9Q/s1600/DSC_4132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RjoBlhm2GtI/T5YSeGQaJ9I/AAAAAAAAC2Q/8L2LDyDXF9Q/s400/DSC_4132.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Ah <strike>mares</strike> Daisy. I'm already praying that she keeps herself together without flying off the handle when I leave for Canada and she has two weeks off. *shudder*</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/60/7C46C1A38E9F8021E6934D49677512FE.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-image: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a></div>Mellimaushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16673715214541094159noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8475862114676393206.post-49359300359471145252012-04-18T20:00:00.000-04:002012-04-18T20:00:02.077-04:00Wordless Wednesday: Jordan, Jolee, and Daisy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My cousin visited from Connecticut for the day on Monday. We borrowed Jenny's mares and went riding together. The weather was beautiful and we had a lot of fun!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eZirpUD3h9M/T4zkY7PuLBI/AAAAAAAAC0w/RICWGHAjB4s/s1600/DSC_3859.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eZirpUD3h9M/T4zkY7PuLBI/AAAAAAAAC0w/RICWGHAjB4s/s400/DSC_3859.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gNltLwgzyTo/T4zkqgLPffI/AAAAAAAAC04/6IiomK2xV64/s1600/DSC_3874.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gNltLwgzyTo/T4zkqgLPffI/AAAAAAAAC04/6IiomK2xV64/s400/DSC_3874.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Anika in white on Jordan, I'm in purple on Jolee</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CPWscFq3qAo/T4zk6mptKZI/AAAAAAAAC1A/RMWwZ8u9Uo8/s1600/DSC_3876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CPWscFq3qAo/T4zk6mptKZI/AAAAAAAAC1A/RMWwZ8u9Uo8/s400/DSC_3876.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MethNQKVoKU/T4zlLsfVHKI/AAAAAAAAC1I/nhTL1gvjGI8/s1600/DSC_3877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MethNQKVoKU/T4zlLsfVHKI/AAAAAAAAC1I/nhTL1gvjGI8/s400/DSC_3877.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8u5e446DQ8o/T4zlcCklapI/AAAAAAAAC1Q/0sdMnmRILVw/s1600/DSC_3885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8u5e446DQ8o/T4zlcCklapI/AAAAAAAAC1Q/0sdMnmRILVw/s400/DSC_3885.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s2zTr3o8CAY/T4zlvCgdMkI/AAAAAAAAC1Y/XwiOip95SdA/s1600/DSC_3888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s2zTr3o8CAY/T4zlvCgdMkI/AAAAAAAAC1Y/XwiOip95SdA/s400/DSC_3888.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JUcD2aw2rtQ/T4zl_NQDHMI/AAAAAAAAC1g/vrSGfwABdTU/s1600/DSC_3896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JUcD2aw2rtQ/T4zl_NQDHMI/AAAAAAAAC1g/vrSGfwABdTU/s400/DSC_3896.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We hooked Daisy up to the cart afterward. She is truly getting better and better!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sjU3imGFIRw/T4zmQxbLqfI/AAAAAAAAC1o/ltQDyUGubjw/s1600/DSC_3907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sjU3imGFIRw/T4zmQxbLqfI/AAAAAAAAC1o/ltQDyUGubjw/s400/DSC_3907.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MMbVQGoKTK4/T4zmh0Q0BKI/AAAAAAAAC1w/JyWzkyrnZ0Q/s1600/DSC_3908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MMbVQGoKTK4/T4zmh0Q0BKI/AAAAAAAAC1w/JyWzkyrnZ0Q/s400/DSC_3908.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xAO0_X1ir-U/T4zmzG9Oj1I/AAAAAAAAC14/5naFZeq5TA4/s1600/DSC_3924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xAO0_X1ir-U/T4zmzG9Oj1I/AAAAAAAAC14/5naFZeq5TA4/s400/DSC_3924.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I love that sweet mare of mine.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/60/7C46C1A38E9F8021E6934D49677512FE.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-image: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a></div>Mellimaushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16673715214541094159noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8475862114676393206.post-60786335899454425212012-04-17T01:00:00.000-04:002012-04-17T01:00:05.047-04:005 Years of Riding Miss Daisy<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sRDQJtoYEss/T4jr0xlSZcI/AAAAAAAAC0g/qMAiVIM5mAc/s1600/Daisy+018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sRDQJtoYEss/T4jr0xlSZcI/AAAAAAAAC0g/qMAiVIM5mAc/s400/Daisy+018.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">April 17th, 2007</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
On April 17th, 2007, when I was 12 years old, my adventure with Daisy began. <span style="color: #bf9000;">Today marks our five year anniversary!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M9PAZBJPGSI/T4zjQyXieSI/AAAAAAAAC0o/0CXm16I8JD4/s1600/DSC_3809edit2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M9PAZBJPGSI/T4zjQyXieSI/AAAAAAAAC0o/0CXm16I8JD4/s400/DSC_3809edit2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #bf9000;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And <i>wow</i>, has time flown by. This has been an incredible 5 years together. I've learned so, <i>so</i> much from Daisy, in aspects of riding and horse care. Every year, we grow together as a team, and she brings me so much joy. Of course, like any horse and rider pair, we have our good and bad days, but when the days are good, they are<i> so good</i>. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Daisy has taught me responsibility, and to an extent, how to love sacrificially. Daisy has opened doors of opportunity in riding and, in my desire to do best by her, she's forced me to open my eyes and ears to search out the truth in the world of horse care, which as any horse person knows, is <i>so </i>full of opinions. She's taught me not to accept the first theory I hear.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wGLv_RkQT-I/T4jkfjIBALI/AAAAAAAACzw/7bZ05NEJry0/s1600/DSC_3762edit2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wGLv_RkQT-I/T4jkfjIBALI/AAAAAAAACzw/7bZ05NEJry0/s400/DSC_3762edit2.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Daisy has taught me to 'trust in God, but tie your horse'.
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xgL1ah1Pyko/T4jknQvUQDI/AAAAAAAACz4/V8XZKCQM-VM/s1600/DSC_3778edit2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xgL1ah1Pyko/T4jknQvUQDI/AAAAAAAACz4/V8XZKCQM-VM/s400/DSC_3778edit2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The experience of caring for and loving a horse in my own backyard has enabled me free rein to study her habits, her likes and dislikes, and how her mind works. I always say that I know and can sense her thoughts every moment that I'm with her. To an outside, non-horse source, it might seem strange when I say things such as "We visited the mini's, because Daisy really wanted to," but to me, things like that are crystal clear. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She has been my constant companion, and best friend, through middle school and high school. Friends come and go, situations change, but at the end of the day, my sweet mare is waiting for me, nickering hello. And no, I'm not naive, I know she just wants her hay. ;) </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q6KTcxT3Xww/T4jkuffn8nI/AAAAAAAAC0A/jTwPml0Q8Co/s1600/DSC_3808edit1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q6KTcxT3Xww/T4jkuffn8nI/AAAAAAAAC0A/jTwPml0Q8Co/s400/DSC_3808edit1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My love for her is evident in the effect her colic episode had on me last month, and the times in the past. I was emotionally exhausted that week from the worrying and wondering and the helpless feeling of being seemingly unable to help her. Even now, any time I see her step strangely, in a way that could possibly be a paw stroke, my stomach drops. When she stands in the corner she spent her time in the week she was so sick, I start worrying. I can't imagine what I would do if she was all of a sudden gone. The stability of our partnership that I've spent nurturing over the last 5 years is something I highly value. My ability to get on her without fear of her hurting me is priceless. I mention this only because I know horse people who have struggled in the past with horses that hurt them, horses they couldn't trust not to rear or buck or take off or refuse a jump. I'm so thankful I don't have that issue. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She's been my form of therapy, when I need it. This includes rides aboard her, and her stall, which if I can count on nothing else, at least I can count on her stall always needing a mucking, every day. ;) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Because of Daisy, I found out about barefoot hoof trimming, which I'm so eager to study myself now. Because of Daisy, I've been able to have two lesson students, who pretty much found <i>me</i>. And I've found that I really love teaching and passing on my knowledge, and I'm excited to do more of it in the future.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #bf9000;">Thanks to this little mare named Daisy, I'm a true horse person, every smelly, horse-hair attracting, hay covered, matted-helmet-haired, dirty booted inch of me.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TkbuVoB1AGc/T4jk7eXBQqI/AAAAAAAAC0Q/WOVpD-s0b9U/s1600/DSC_3837edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TkbuVoB1AGc/T4jk7eXBQqI/AAAAAAAAC0Q/WOVpD-s0b9U/s400/DSC_3837edit.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: x-large;">Cheers, to Miss Daisy-Mae and I. To many more years to come. :) </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/60/7C46C1A38E9F8021E6934D49677512FE.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-image: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a></div>Mellimaushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16673715214541094159noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8475862114676393206.post-58998030841186935462012-04-04T09:55:00.000-04:002012-04-04T09:55:48.259-04:00Wordless Wednesday: Spring Shedding and Such Daily Occurances<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I took the camera out to the barn with me a couple days ago, only to have the battery run out before I could take a better picture from this angle <i>with</i> Daisy's head included... my apologies. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e86mabkqNVI/T3xOt_l19LI/AAAAAAAACzY/r9zpQSFUil4/s1600/102_3972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e86mabkqNVI/T3xOt_l19LI/AAAAAAAACzY/r9zpQSFUil4/s400/102_3972.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Daisy and I, on our ride yesterday. My friend gave me a rope halter for my birthday, and I love it! It works really well as a back up under her bridle for rides away from home. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ikO2fNnu7cY/T3xOzuXPNWI/AAAAAAAACzg/Ser1cqKkI0o/s1600/2012-04-03+13.01.12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ikO2fNnu7cY/T3xOzuXPNWI/AAAAAAAACzg/Ser1cqKkI0o/s400/2012-04-03+13.01.12.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My road test is next week... (*gasp!*)</div>
I've been practicing parallel back parking on our driveway. After much time spent Monday, I marveled at how much easier it would be to just parallel back park the pony... ;)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kIZvdRA0O5s/T3xPy4glj-I/AAAAAAAACzo/gr3eP7DD7yI/s1600/edit.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kIZvdRA0O5s/T3xPy4glj-I/AAAAAAAACzo/gr3eP7DD7yI/s400/edit.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
How are you all doing with the flying hair season? Are your horses shed out, or hanging on to their winter coats? Are you also spitting hair out of your mouth, like me, too?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/60/7C46C1A38E9F8021E6934D49677512FE.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-image: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
P.S. If you haven't, check out the horse movie-documentary, Buck. I watched it last night, and it's quite interesting... :</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/IShjmWYuHZ0" width="560"></iframe></div>Mellimaushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16673715214541094159noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8475862114676393206.post-52034497028148982232012-03-28T13:33:00.003-04:002012-03-28T13:40:35.172-04:00Wordless Wednesday: Chicklets<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I picked up a handful of Red Sex Link pullets at the feed store yesterday. They are just too cute. God's creation is so amazing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ymnQOZs2o3E/T3NK8iwHYII/AAAAAAAACzA/HHVAYtqmQTQ/s1600/DSC_3695edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ymnQOZs2o3E/T3NK8iwHYII/AAAAAAAACzA/HHVAYtqmQTQ/s400/DSC_3695edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dTX0UuRmFRA/T3NLDS_Yv8I/AAAAAAAACzI/nyHiXW9ENTo/s1600/DSC_3701edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dTX0UuRmFRA/T3NLDS_Yv8I/AAAAAAAACzI/nyHiXW9ENTo/s400/DSC_3701edit.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fiaBsR7aQbY/T3NLHjOKPMI/AAAAAAAACzQ/vN8jcuK_I1o/s1600/DSC_3703edit2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fiaBsR7aQbY/T3NLHjOKPMI/AAAAAAAACzQ/vN8jcuK_I1o/s400/DSC_3703edit2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/60/7C46C1A38E9F8021E6934D49677512FE.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-image: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a></div>Mellimaushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16673715214541094159noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8475862114676393206.post-16350706526919950192012-03-24T12:20:00.002-04:002012-03-24T12:20:41.414-04:00Back to Driving<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/_BaIUq87ab4" width="560"></iframe>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Daisy and I have continued with our short hacks this week, and finally on Thursday she seemed very much back to her normal self! On Friday we took a short trail ride, and she was chomping at the bit, so to speak, to go for a gallop. We did and she was thrilled.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She's gaining weight back <i>very</i> surprisingly fast. She's still underweight, but definitely improving much quicker than I anticipated. I did increase her grain a bit, and her hay as well. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This morning my friend and I got out to drive Daisy! She hadn't been driven since, I believe, October. 5 months! I was a little weary about how it would go, but I need not have worried. She was so perfect!<br />I lowered the shafts a bit as per the instruction I had received, but I neglected to tighten 'the other straps'... (I'm really not stellar with harness parts. All the diagrams online seem different), so we had the cart wobbling back and forth like a ship. I didn't figure out what I should have tightened until I was undoing the harness. Luckily, Daisy was spectacular even with the cart bobbing back and forth a bit. She wanted to trot often, but I kept the trot slow so to keep the cart as quiet as possible. Next time, I'll tighten things up and we should be fine.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So happy with my girl!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/60/7C46C1A38E9F8021E6934D49677512FE.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-image: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a></div>Mellimaushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16673715214541094159noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8475862114676393206.post-57822436524783396722012-03-21T01:00:00.000-04:002012-03-21T01:00:00.379-04:00(Sort of) Wordless Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GSh1PGJpJuk/T2lFQ4ha0XI/AAAAAAAACy4/lWvPjBK8rEk/s1600/DSC_3683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GSh1PGJpJuk/T2lFQ4ha0XI/AAAAAAAACy4/lWvPjBK8rEk/s400/DSC_3683.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I hadn't weight-taped Daisy in a long time before her colic episode. However, I used to weight-tape her very regularly (weekly) and she generally always hovered around 900 pounds. And she hasn't changed much, so I can safely assume that prior to her colic episode, she was still around 900 lbs.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I weight taped her yesterday, and she was a 800 lbs. :/</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've been lightly (read: <b>very</b> lightly) riding Daisy. These rides include only a bareback pad to stress her as little as possible, and the longest they've been so far is twenty minutes. She's completely well again (in regards to digestion), but with her weight loss, she's much different to ride. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Generally, Daisy <b>loves</b> to canter, and trot, and she knows where on our rides we do those things. Most of the time, I don't need to cue her for anything. And if I do, it's very slight, especially bareback as I've been going, it would only require me lightly touching her mane. These days, she ignores these cues. Today, at our normal trot spot, she happily continued walking. At our canter spot, I asked her to canter to see her response. I was more forceful in my cue, and she did canter, but slowed down again way before she normally does. She evidently enjoyed the canter, as she snorted over and over afterward, but she's just not her normal self.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The picture is from Monday. It's hard to capture it, but riding her feels like sitting on a skinny thoroughbred. And her hip bones jut out. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I predict it will take a month to get her weight back to where it was.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In the meantime, I went to Jenny's farm on Sunday and rode her mare, Jolee. Jenny and one of her leasers and I went on a long ride. It felt so good to be in the saddle for longer than 20 minutes again! I'm hoping to go to Jenny's and ride her horses every now and then, to supplement my need for a ride 'fix'. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/60/7C46C1A38E9F8021E6934D49677512FE.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-image: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a></div>Mellimaushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16673715214541094159noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8475862114676393206.post-11623895931923329112012-03-15T22:13:00.001-04:002012-03-15T22:21:06.202-04:00Gesundheit<div style="text-align: center;">
Contrary to popular belief, the German adage "Gesundheit", a phrase said when sneezing, does not in fact ask for blessings from God, but rather, a wish for the return to a state of health and wellness. "Gesundheit" literally means the state of being healthy.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Daisy has reached this state. Finally. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
She did not wake up healthy and normal on Wednesday morning as the vet had hoped and predicted. She woke up still pawing and attempting to roll. After many hours of walking, I administered banamine and waited it out. The vet and I discussed our options, which were a) A very expensive visit involving inter venous fluids to super-hydrate Daisy in an attempt to help her pass the impaction, or b) find someone with a trailer to trailer Daisy around for awhile to see if that would make her feel better. Option (b) was a long shot.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I called various people and no one was available to trailer Daisy around. I called the vet back and agreed to the IV fluids plan. We set an appointment for the following day (now today, Thursday). </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Last evening, I continued to walk Daisy to try to get her better. I had the idea to walk some hills with her... and my mom would probably like me to mention that with her persistence I gave Daisy a massaging grooming session... ;)<br />
In any case, by last evening, all of a sudden things shifted in Daisy and she obviously passed the impaction, and the mineral oil from the vet started coming out.<br />
And this morning, she was back to her old self. Praise God! And I was able to cancel that expensive vet appointment. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Praise be to the LORD, </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> for he has heard my cry for mercy. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">The LORD is my strength and my shield; </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">My heart leaps for joy, </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> and with my song I praise him.</span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
-Psalm 28:6-7<br />
<br />
Thank you for all your prayers :) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54488/60/7C46C1A38E9F8021E6934D49677512FE.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-image: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a></div>Mellimaushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16673715214541094159noreply@blogger.com2