Long Shadows

I spent some time Saturday morning out with the ponies before I left for the Refuge Farm Gala. The sun was bright--too bright for good photos -- but turned out great for shadows.

I picked up my friend Katie in Hager City and we headed to the U of M Equine Center for an evening with the supporters of Sandy Gilbert and the Refuge Farms. Uniquely, the event was in the arena! Half held horses and half beautifully decorated in true Gala style. Sandy brought five of The Herd and told their stories with such passion. The rapt audience viewed a touching video of the story of "Laddee the Little Belgian Mare" who was one of the horses in attendance. Later, Don Hoglund, DVD, spoke about his work rescuing horses from the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. A silent auction held a wide variety of items that were donated to the cause and it was hard to decide what to bid on there were so many wonderful offerings. (Note to self: next year bring more money!) We had a wonderful catered dinner and ended the evening with a live auction of generously donated works of art and goods from sports memorabilia to gorgeous quilts.

It was a late night for this old girl by the time I got home, but the staff of volunteers worked into the night to take down the show and head home with some horses and will be heading back to St. Paul for the last of the horses today.

I could go on, but suffice it to say it was a wonderfully well organized and attended event. It was apparent that this was a "family reunion" celebration for the volunteers and supporters and included many of the vets who have cared for the refuge herd through various operations and procedures. Hugs galore at this love fest!

Week before the show

Here it is Sunday afternoon already, and it has been a very full week. I made a lot of glass this week and I'm starting to get it set up into some fashion for the show.

I had Lois and Anders here for a visit Friday afternoon which was a welcome diversion! Then "The Petersen Girls" were here yesterday afternoon. This minivan of ladies piles out--they seemed familiar but being in my dotage, I wasn't quite placing them until the conversation turned to Luck, and that they are Stella Petersen's daughters. A long time ago, but were such fun customers at Studio Works, Luck. I was just a little girl when they were the young singers in church with their brothers--very talented! Early 60's stuff! We chatted a bit, and I showed them my shop and talked about the lampshades, etc., that they have from the Luck store.

I got a little pony time in last evening. The girls have been so bored lately since I have been in work mode. I brought them a bunch of carrots from the garden and a bucket full of kale. Favorite treats! Chy wanted to play first and we had a little 22' line action--which triggered Cerra and Emmy into galloping and bucking fits! It was so fun! Chy was so responsive--loped with me and was jumping barrels like a breeze. She tried walking the balance beam--a new try for her--she offered. I didn't ask. We tried the trailer again and, as usual, it's just so close. By then it was dark and I had to quit under the rising half moon.

Paisley and his Ponies

I have had this little show going on all summer and tonight I finally got the camera out there with me. Paisley loves his Cheyenne! Chy must at least tolerate him to put up with him on her back.

The Approach.

The Mount.

The RIDE!

And if I knew how to do it--I would have the pictures in order instead of the reverse order!!

You get the idea.

Just Horse'n Around

That's all I was doing--I had a poster to print out and I was saving it to iPhoto when all my photos disappeared. Nobody home. I had close to 800 pics and I fully expect they are somewhere but my efforts to locate them haven't been successful. Lucky I know an expert who is coming over tomorrow to check it out.

We had a rainy Friday and then came in the heat and humidity so I gave the ponies a few days off. Finally got Cheyenne out for an evening jaunt last night--pure pleasure! This morning was Cerra's turn and she was focused and responsive for a change. She had a big run around session last evening when Chy and I got back to the barn. We rode on the outside perimeter of the pasture while Emmy and Cerra ran like crazy wild horses. It must have been beneficial for her to burn off her excess exhuberance. If Cerra's speed and power could be harnessed for barrel racing she could be a star!

It has been great to be in the routine of a.m. and p.m. riding--the girls each get their hour and sometimes it's for fun and sometimes for learning.

Our Weekend

We had to say goodbye to one of our original red hens yesterday. She was one of our favorites because she always wanted to hang out around the patio or the breezeway so we would see her everyday. It was apparent her three years on earth were catching up to her and she spent a lot of time just resting with her eyes closed. Saturday the little Benson kids were here to meet their new pony, Emmy, and Paige played with Little Red, and petted her quietly. The end seemed pretty near and Sunday was a nice day to move on.

The pony rides went well--Emmy was so patient and we had many trips around the barnyard with the kids. Everyone had multiple turns until we decided "the pony" needed to rest!  Uncle Donnie was prepared to make grilled hot dogs for the finale until we were informed the kids won't eat hot dogs with grill marks! (I'm worried about their upbringing!)  So we boiled their hot dogs (this will be the last time) and we grilled ours and had a little picnic in the backyard. Grandpa Benson showed up so they got a chance to see him, too. 

After a few turns at T ball, watching inch worms and playing hula hoop, their mom and dad were ready to take them home. It was only a four hour visit but seemed like more! We collapsed in the easy chairs until bedtime. 

It was also the night for a graduation party being held across the road from us. We were informed earlier that there was going to be a band and that it would be going on into the night so it wasn't any surprise but what was surprising was that it would be LOUD HEAVY METAL all night. Real head banger stuff. Lots of screaming and no music involved. I was hoping for country western. I have no idea how Don slept through most of it. I finally dropped off around 2 am and then he took over watch and said it finally wound down around 4. I was pretty much shot for the next day--big party person I am--I can't even stay up late! I worked off my fogginess in the garden by transplanting zinnias. The cucumbers and melon seeds have just sprouted and things are looking good. 

The Emmy Goes To....Me!

Actually, her name is M&M, but I think Emmy suits her better. A sweet cross between her mom, an appaloosa mare, and a pony stallion. Her coat is red roan with a buffy white blanket-- just a couple little subtle appy spots. She's really more a small horse than pony and is 8 years old. 

Our neighbors were moving and selling off their horses so I took the opportunity to increase our herd. The main objective is to have a horse for the niece and nephews to learn on this summer. 

The welcoming committee (Paisley and geese) were on hand for her arrival, and later she got to meet Chy and Cerra amid lots of squealing and kicking. Everyone survived and finally exhausted themselves to a tenuous acceptance. By tomorrow they won't be able to live without each other.

This will be a fun opportunity to start "Level 1" with a new horse--she needs it!

Photo Op

Fran shared these photos she took at the Farrah Green lesson day. She is going to start a little side business of taking photos at events like this. People love to have pictures of themselves and their horses! I can attest to this. It's hard to take your own picture so I think this is a valuable service! She caught me hugging her miniature horse, Ladybug, the most lovable little bit. Fran's student Phoebe uses her for lessons and had her lesson with Farrah with LB in tow.

Chicken is better than Dead Duck

I am thankful Fran was able to ride with me today on the Trailblazers ride. She broke her toe after a horse stepped on it and it was doubtful that she would be able to ride. But, tough girl that she is, we were able to take Cerra and Cheyenne out for an official trail ride with the club. There were about 50 riders and horses of all sizes and colors. This was Cheyenne's first trail ride and after her clinic experience two weeks ago, it just fell into place. 

I rode Chy for the first 3/4 of the trip and then we decided to trade horses. We had no sooner made the switch and were on the home leg when one of the rider's horse spooked when her saddle suddenly tipped off to the side! The rider got off ok and then the horse made a wild gallop up through the trail. I saw this unfolding and the horse coming at us and both Fran and I got off our horses immediately and took control of them as the other horse came racing by. She eventually got stopped by the group ahead of us and all was well, but the best part was I realized my new instinct was to get OFF to control the situation instead of letting the loose horse spook mine and have two accidents in the process. The Parelli voice spoke again--"Better to be a chicken than a dead duck!" 

And coincidentally, the charcoal chicken dinner that followed was delicious!

Video production day

Fran and I had a big pony day yesterday. She asked me to film her audition for her Level 3 Parelli test so we set up the obstacle course and got the cameras charged up and went to work--or as we Parelli people say---PLAY! (I love work so I don't consider work a dirty word!)

Fran did two awesome routines--one "On Line" with a 45' line and the second one was "Freestyle" which was riding bareback--without a bridle!--a walk, trot, canter and a huge JUMP no less! I was behind the camera taking in every turn and I could only dream to ride like this young lady. She is doing the final computer work to put the clips on YouTube for the audition process so I'll post those later.

The funny part is that I tested for Level 2--which evidently I could do--bypassing Level 1 and getting both with two 10 minute auditions. One was on a 22' line and the other was riding. Our May 1st deadline was looming and after having had the experience with Farrah I realized I need to achieve some of these milestones so I can take more lessons from a level that is supported by official accomplishment. I think I'll be withholding my YouTube link!

The interesting part of this is--it has been said that if you once get your head into Level 3 you won't quit there. I have felt my head expanding after having had a long drought over winter. 

Sarah's First Horse Show

Sarah Ormson, granddaughter of our friends Al and Mary Ann Ormson, went to her first ever horse competition last Sunday at the Woodloch Stable in Hugo, MN. She won first places in her two western pleasure classes, rode in the parade of breeds and also won high point award. Way to go, young lady! Her horse, Dinah, is a solid paint quarter horse (about the same age as Sarah!) and has really bonded with her. Sarah and her mom, Sandy, are leasing horses and enjoying the equine experience together.

It was also Sarah's 12th birthday on Sunday and I bet it was one she will never forget.

An Old Lady.....

and a horse....it's a beautiful thing. The HORSE I mean!

Fran came over and got us up and riding after she took a few kinks out.

It's SO NICE OUT!!

Hello 50's

I had a good week in the shop--got Loie's dreaded lamp repairs done that have been sitting on the shelf for about four years. Next in line is one of my own lamps that had a run in with disaster. I'm happy to get these old projects out of the way.

My little shop-kitty Paisley, was SO helpful. Now that he's feeling better he acting like the little character that he is. He is just starved for affection so there are lots of pets involved. He is getting so playful I had to let him out into the barn while I was reassembling the lamp parts. I can only handle so much "help"! I brought some cat toys from the house to help him release some of the kitten energy.

It was closer to 50 yesterday and sun, sun, sunny! I walked through the icy woods to get to the greenhouse for a heat fix. It was 86 degrees out there! Gets the heart pumping for spring planting. I might have to throw some lettuce seeds out there and see what happens.  Helga and I made our way back and it got the halter and 22' line out and had a little pony time. 

The girls are dirty, lazy and sassy all at the same time. Cerra was the well behaved one this time which is unusual. After some brushing--hair flying everywhere--I had Cheyenne on line first and she tore around me, snorting and kicking. Gee, this is fun! I was careful not to let her get too close while she's being unpredictable. Suddenly, while tearing in a circle, she put her head down and tried rubbing her front legs WHILE SHE'S RUNNING! Now this is interesting. She then stopped dead and rubbed for the longest time--took off--and then did the same thing. Over and over. I don't know if her head was itchy or if her legs were, but she just kept it up to the point she got her front leg over the line and that felt funny, so she didn't want to stop when I asked her to come in.  That led to her scaring herself as she tore out of the circle and headed back to the barn with long line in tow through the muddiest part of the pasture! So much for my clean rope. 

Cerra--good girl that she is--went over to her and told her not to be scared and they turned and both walked back up to me! That called for a treat. Cerra's turn thankfully was pretty uneventful. Everyone popped a sweat after about ten minutes as an indication of the level of unfitness! Will try again tomorrow and in these subsequent lovely days coming up.

The Finished Products

I got word this evening that my client got her artwork delivered today and that I could pass these along. 

The pieces measured approximately the 16 x 20 size--some taller some wider. I used soft pastel for two and a combination of pastel/colored pencil/watercolor  on one, but basically, they are all similar in medium. 

The challenge for me was in getting a realistic face into such a tiny area, so I settled for a representation rather than perfection in that particular detail. 

The lovely Horne girls are talented equestriennes and I hope these pieces of art will serve in the future to remind them of their young days with their wonderful horses who taught them so much.

Sneak Peek

I am in the middle of a great project! I have wanted to do equine art for a long time and never took the time to delve in. I did a little horse-trading over a saddle and found I could also trade some of my work for my purchase. 

My subjects are two of the cutest little equestriennes and their trusty mounts in various stages of barrel racing and pole weaving.  I have a number of pieces I'm working on, and this will be the only sneak peek until they are all done. 

So, Amy, you'll just have to WAIT a little while longer! 

Deeper Deep Freeze

We've been in a brutal cold spell and this morning is supposed to be the lowest low and I hope this is it for a long time-- minus 30 degrees below zero! It's clear and still and so incredibly cold. Had a chance to experience it at 2 am, too. I was on a rare no-sleep night with a pesky pain, probably from being bent over the solder table, when I heard the pump running every few minutes. Something must be running out at the barn. So Don and I pulled on all the winter gear and trudged out to the barn in the creaky squeeky cold. I checked the waterer to find the rim was tilted off and pushed against the edge of the bowl causing it to continually try to fill. It was frozen to the side and after some jostling it was righted, the frost washed off and it was back to normal. Nice it was only that and not a broken pipe. The ponies came over to help and were so frosty and funny, mugging me for treats. The event called for an extra leaf of hay to carry them through a very cold night.

Mommy, I don't feel good.....

...there is an intuition that develops from being around my horses. It's about anticipating their needs, what they want, when they want to play, or eat, and today was a day that I read, "Mommy, I don't feel good".

It came from Cerra, my 6 year old QH mare who has had two big colics and one little one and today, thankfully, was another little one.  It is a strange time of year for a horse to get a belly ache, but Cerra has always been my little problem child. She and Cheyenne started the day with the usual tiny amount of grain and sunflower seeds which serves only as a distraction while I put out the hay. I had extra cleanup by the box stall and instead of going directly to the hay she hung out at the stall. Not normal. I went in to visit and had my stethescope out immediately to listen for gut sounds. Gurgles. Good. She put her head into my body and just stood there while I stroked her head and said all the right things.

A horse with a belly ache can be a deadly event and I wasn't taking any chances after her previous scares and having lost Beau to an obstructed bowel.

I left her after our cuddle and went into the house and spied on her through the kitchen window. She left the box stall and started nibbling on breakfast while I made our own. We were only slightly done with our eggs when I saw her lying down and slowly looking at her left side--once...and again. The sick feeling in me was now beginning. I told Don I needed to get out to be with Cerra and told him about my suspicion about her and quietly prayed that she wasn't going to be having a vet visit today. Her last colic wasn't resolved until 15 hours had passed, she had a vet visit with a tubing, painkiller shots and constant walking for almost all of those hours. 

I was thankful I had replaced my supply of Banamine last month after helping out a friend with the last of my tube. I gave her a dose of the muscle relaxant and hoped it would get straight to work. We started walking up and down the driveway--I gave her a belly message and it seemed to be annoying to her and decided a phenylbutazone dose was necessary for pain.  By now she is getting used to me shooting gooky stuff down her throat and was relieved to find I had mixed the bute with molasses. 

All of this activity and, quite frankly, all I need to know is if she could poop. Please POOP! We needed to go do some chores and I hit on an idea. If I can't watch her constantly I need to monitor if and when nature does call. I determined I could call on the ultimate fix-it-all to help me. You've got it--duct tape.  A carefully placed stripe of duct tape across the area would tell me if she had any activity while I wasn't looking. Don and I did some outside chores and a run to the recycling center and returned to a horse with her duct tape still in place. 

It was a nice day, so I decide it might be a good time to walk the "loop" with the girls. Cerra thought I was going to halter her to put more icky stuff into her and decided to head out. Cheyenne was more than willing and eventually Cerra came around to go with us. It was a great day for a walk and while I would have normally ridden the path, it was much more exercise walking through the snow. This was all fun and games but there was no poop--from either of them in the course of our 1.5 mile circle trail. 

Fast forward--three HOURS later when the duct tape was finally disturbed. By then she was eating hay, drinking from the fountain, and napping in the sun. I'm so happy she didn't have a big issue of it this time but I still wonder why this is a reoccurring theme with her.

 

Guess what....

....it snowed.....again....yesterday......to the tune of another 6 inches on top of what we already had. So we probably have a foot or more to slog through. It's 5 degrees out right now and was minus 10 this morning. The horse waterer froze up sometime overnight and the girls were eager for me to get it going. The top was frozen on and the bowl was dry. Kicked it until it came loose and I got the parts out. Chy and Cerra were very helpful - as usual. I went in to get buckets to run water for them so I could distract them from the project at hand. By the time I got back they had it going! Horse noses are very warm and I think they mouthed the frozen spout and brought it back to life. They both drank a long time and took turns jostling each other out of the bowl until they each had their fill. I can't help but pray for the horses and other creatures who are out in this weather without food and shelter. Cerra had the chicken door open again so I rounded up the hens and locked them in this time.  Sorry Cerra. It's too cold to have them out running around. Horse hay went in the box stall this morning so they can be out of the wind. They usually don't like to be inside, but today was an exception. A few visits during the day with carrots should make the day more interesting.

Little Miss Ladybug & Fran

I finally got up the hill to see friend Fran's miniature horse, Ladybug, on Friday. What a CUTIE! She is so tiny and fuzzy and adorable-- I think I need one! She is only 18 months old but it sounds like she could run the lives of much older, larger horses. Helga and I took the milk run to Arkansaw (I know it seems like a long way to go for milk, but this is ArkansaW, Wisconsin!) It was a beautiful fall day and I had the camera along so it was fun. 

This is so silly, but the county road signs in "downtown" Arkansaw alway crack me up! Sorry, Don! The main street was packed with hunters in the local establishments getting "ready" for deer hunting.

Paige loves ponies!

I got these great photos of my cousin's daughter, Paige, from her Grandma Evelyn. Paige and her family live on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, and this was her first ride on a horsey. She looks like she's loving it!  

Then there was the visit to the pumpkin patch where she seemed to be having an equally good time. Thanks for the photos, Evie!

Trick or Treat?

Horses are so goofy! One little thing that's new in their surroundings and you have a circus on your hands. Being Halloween, I played a little game of Trick or Treat with the girls! While they were hanging out in the box stall, I took two wire tomato cages, two big black plastic bags and some treats out to their pasture. After setting up the cages I put the bags over the support and put a horse treat on top. It was just windy enough to create a spooky billowing and blowing of the plastic. 

Sure enough, they got curious and came around the side of the barn. Proceed with ** SNORT ** STOMP ** BOLT ** WHAT'S GOING ON HERE?! DANGER!!! ** It would be funny if it wasn't so potentially dangerous -- not to them, but if one was riding a horse that was this reactive in this situation on the trail there could be trouble. This little simulation is the beginning of future plans to have this same test out on the trail--- for real.

Cerra turned out to be the leader this time. How interesting! A skitterish Cheyenne was on her heels and jumped back at the slightest movement of the plastic. It didn't take long after a little circling for Cerra to home in on the fact that it wasn't going to attack and--gee, I smell treats! She stuck her nose in the plastic bag and came out with the surprise. Chy came over, too, and she got fed a treat by hand. Then they knocked the whole thing over and ground the plastic into the dirt. Mission accomplished?!

Cerra spotted the other spooky object and headed over to it cautiously. She's smart--didn't take as long to find the next treat while I was setting up the first display in a new spot. We did this at five or six different places and when I ran out of treats it was game over. They were the only trick or treaters we had at our house!