Musings of a Cowgirl

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday's Rides!!

2012-02-11T18:50:00.001-05:00

Monday: I did ride Monday morning on Daisy to the stables...she did really well ;) She had a swollen eye...looked like she wacked her head on something...crazy horse...I put some stuff on it and it is ok now!!

Tuesday: I rode Shasta then Tuesday...she did really good too. Sorry I don't have much to write about but I didn't do much with my horses this week as I would have liked!!

Then Wednesday I rode Curly to the stables and up to Woodcrest too...I had so much fun riding him too :) I was going to work with my girls on groundwork on Friday but then instead I got new tires on my truck and I said hi to my girls...I stayed at my cousin's house overnight so I could go to another cousin's wedding this morning. We had a nice amount of pretty snow and we are getting more now :)

Monday, Tuesday, and Friday's Rides!

2012-02-04T15:31:00.000-05:00

Monday: Shasta was still favoring her leg so I decided to give her the week off and not ride her. So I rode Daisy instead ;) I don't really like riding her over to the stables but she wasn't to bad. Some days she is worse than others. She enjoyed working though! I had chorus again in the evening so I didn't ride anyone then.
Tuesday: This evening we had an appointment at the farriers...Shasta had gone the week before and Daisy needed to be done yet. She did the best she ever did for the farrier!! I was happy. We walked home and Daisy did well for me!! I loved on Shasta a bit then as well!

Thursday: I did write about today already..didn't ride but loved on my girls a bit before going to put Navajo down.

Friday: I got off from work early so I got to Sharon around 3:30 in the afternoon. I lunged Shasta first thing and she was sound. I first lunged her with the line and then without the line. I was so impressed. I could get her to stop and face me then I was able to send her off into the next direction. I was so pleased with her. She walked and trotted as I told her to. She does the best with lunging than any other horse I ever lunged or worked with. Since it was such a warm day I gave her a bath...she seemed to enjoy it and she looked SO PRETTY!!!

after Shasta's bath!

Then I lunged her again after her bath to see if she was still sound (the last time I had done something similar and she was lame again so we thought it might be an abcess but her hoof isn't warm anymore and I don't know what was up but she is sound now ;) and she was. I hopped on her a bit and rode her down the road and she enjoyed that ;) When we got back I brushed out her mane and tail and braided a small piece of her mane with some purple ribbon. I had put Silverodo (like show sheen) in her mane and tail and all over her body so hopefully she stays a bit cleaner..hehe!

I then ate some supper and chatted with Sharon for a while. Before going home then I lunged Daisy. I just used the lunge line and my walk and trot commands and she did great. The best I think than she ever did before! I was so pleased with her. I braided her mane with one braid and a blue ribbon...I didn't get to give her a bath but if it gets warm again I will :) I brushed her and loved on her then headed home. Overall it was an awesome evening with my horses!!

Navajo!!

2012-02-02T22:12:00.000-05:00

Just thought you all would like to know that Navajo was put down today!! Him being older and all they decided it was time. I am thankful I got to own him for the time I did and I am glad someone else got to enjoy him as well!! It is bittersweet but I know that he will always be my first horse. I am thankful for all he taught me and all the wonderful memories I have of him!!

Daisy n Shasta 2012!

2012-01-30T14:52:00.000-05:00

Secrets

Best Friends

I just cropped and added a white and black edging to this one :)

Not sure why this last one is turned but anyway!!

Here are some of the edits of the pics I took Friday..This last one of Shasta is pretty much unedited. I cropped it a bit and added a black edging but that is all!!

For more pics visit: http://photographyandphotoediting.blogspot.com/2012/01/daisy-n-shasta-2012.html

Horse and Man Blog!

2012-01-28T15:00:00.000-05:00

Here are two links you should check out...they are from a blog I subscribed to get their daily email. Horse and Man :)

What do you think of horses chewing gum? :D

http://horseandman.com/musings/thank-god-horses-cant-chew-gum/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Horseandmancom+%28horseandman.com%29

I enjoyed this blog and though I might pass it on :)

And here is today's blog (every Saturday is a photoblog):

http://horseandman.com/saturday-phoblog/saturday-is-phoblog-day-a-petey-a-cupcake-dobies-and-an-eagle/
Love the pics!!

Enjoy the links!!

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday's Rides!!

2012-01-27T23:38:00.001-05:00

Monday morning I rode Shasta to the stables :) Again :) I really like riding her because she is so smooth and if we do a lot of cantering I just like her the best for that. I had chorus in the evening so I didn't see my girls that evening then!

Tuesday evening I didn't ride..I got some snaffle bits out and wanted to mess with both horses in them. I did mess with Shasta a little bit but not for long or much because she was favoring her left front leg. I did get her to stop and back up in the O ring snaffle (with copper in the mouth). I groomed both my girls and loved on them a bit. Shasta's hoof was hot so we figured she might have an abcess so we called the farrier to make an appointment for the morning!

Wednesday: I rode Sundance and ponied Shasta off of her. She wasn't favoring her leg all that much. The farrier checked her leg and no abcess and she was sound as a dollar going home. Not sure what was up till today (Friday).

Friday...I got off of work a bit early and went and took some pics of my girls:

They did do well though :) Here are some good ones of them:

Daisy n Shasta

I had gone in the morning to work with Shasta and take pics. I used the snaffle bit that I had used on Tuesday evening and worked her in the ring for a bit. She did well and stopped and flexed nicely. She backed nicely too. I got her to do some turns on her haunches...her foot wasn't bothering her at all at that time.

I decided to work her a bit around the house and see how she does. She did really well but got mad when I asked her to stand still nicely. I just asked her to stop and that made her mad. It was kinda funny because she walked and trotted really nice but boy when you ask her to stop and she wants to go...temper tantrum. So I got her to go thru a puddle and stopped her in the middle of the puddle...she didn't like that at all. She hates puddles and then being asked to stand in the middle of one..that is againes Shasta's RULES :D She was pawing and snorting but she did stand nicely. I got her to stand nicely a time or two after that and then I got off of her and took her in the barn :) I then groomed both her and Daisy and put them away and went off to work!

Which brings us back to me taking pics of the girls. After taking pics of them I went in and ate supper with Sharon. By then MaryRose had come and her and I went on a ride..me on Daisy and her on Lightning. We just rode around Fairmount Homes on the macadam (sp). But we worked on Lightning going first and Daisy being asked to stop and stand nicely still while Lightning keeps going. We did the same with Daisy going first and Lightning stopping. They both did well :) It was so much fun just working with the horses in that way...something fun and fulfiling about that. Then Sharon and Sarah met up with us and we rode around the Fairmount Homes one more time (MaryRose and I had made two loops around it before they came). Then we went back to the barn and I groomed Daisy really good and just spent some time with her.

We (Daisy n I) had an argument because she wanted to run me over so I got her to back up and stand still. She kept moving forward and sideways and each time I brought her back to where she started off in the first place. She got it eventually and then we went in the barn and got her blanket. I put her away and got Shasta out. I groomed her really well and braided a small braid in her forlock and also a small braid in her mane. I tried to do it with Daisy but she kept moving her head to much and it was a tad to windy outside to do it anyway :) I will try another day! Back to Shasta I noticed she was favoring her front left foot again so we are taking her back to the farrier and hopefully he will find an abcess!! Overall I had a very awesome week with my horses!

I am so blessed to own two wonderful horses!!

Wednesday, Friday and Saturday's Rides!!

2012-01-22T15:52:00.000-05:00

Monday morning and Tuesday evening I didn't ride. Monday since we worked at the stables we normally would have ridden but I didn't feel well and it was quite cold so we didn't ride. I did redo Daisy's braids and they looked quite nice! I had chorus practice that evening as well so I didn't go to Sharon then. Tuesday evening Jonathan came but we didn't ride then either. :D

My dad went into the hospital to get a hernia removed and when they did surgery they found that his appendix had burst so he was in the hospital from Sunday night (when he went in) till Friday afternoon. He is home now and recovering! Thanks to all who prayed!!

Wednesday morning I decided to ride Daisy in the english saddle to the stables. I haven't ridden her over to the stables in quite a while just because we have a lot of road to ride on (I usually ride in the ditch but still) and Shasta is nicer to ride over there when we are cantering a lot! One perk to owning a Paso-Fino ;) When we got back to the barn I redid her braids! I didn't work for my aunt instead I went home to be with my mom and sisters (we did visit dad that evening in the hospital).

Some scenery on the way to Matt!

My two girls in the meadwo :)

Daisy n I on the trail ride

MaryRose and Beauty

Friday/Saturday: Friday evning MaryRose, Sarah, Josh and I all rode. MaryRose rode Daisy bareback, I rode Shasta (bareback), Sarah rode Misty (bareback) and Josh rode Beauty with my English saddle. We just went up to Fairmount home and around and then came back! It was calling for snow that night and Earl Dean and Sharon, MaryRose, Sarah, their brother Josh, Alta (Jonathan's Sister), Riley (the guy who has Navajo and now Ricky) and I were all planning to go to the Horse World Expo in MD. Sarah, Josh and MaryRose and I stayed at Sharon's overnight. MaryRose and I in a very spontaneous moment decided to sleep out in the barn on the hay ;) We had carriage blankets (which are WARM) layed down on the straw with us on top then a sleeping bag on top of us. We stayed quite warm. We woke up in the morning to 4 inches of snow on the ground. Well it was decided that everyone but MaryRose and I will go to the Expo and since we didn't go along they figured it would be better to go in the truck due to snow. MaryRose and I decided to head out on a ride. She rode their Beauty and I rode Daisy both bareback! Sharon called us and was like could you take Curly to Matt (farrier) to get reshod. So we turned around and got Curly. I rode him bareback and MaryRose used my English Saddle (which she liked) a lot! Then on the way back she rode Curly bareback and I rode Beauty. When we got back we decided to go in the house and warm up (it had been snowing the whole time and we were quite cold). We ate some food then I slept while MaryRose read. I got up around 3 and we ate some supper then went out and did chores around 5 so Sharon wouldn't have to do them when she got back. I took some pics of my girls in the snow...it was so funny because I took both girls blankets off and then led Shasta outside leaving the tack room door open so Daisy could walk thru. She didn't come right away so I closed the one door. Then I heard clop clop clop and opened the door and Daisy peeks out. It was just too cute ;) Then I took them into the meadow and let them stretch their legs a bit! I groomed Daisy and put her blanket on and put her away! After that MaryRose and I went riding me on Shasta (bareback) and her on Curly (bareback). When we got back I put Shasta away and MaryRose and I groomed Curly and braided his mane ;) We had quite a lot of fun. Then we went in the house and drank some coffe and played Uno till eveyrone got home!! Overall it was an awesome day!

Curly's braids

Friday's Grooming Time with Daisy n Shasta!!

2012-01-13T21:00:00.001-05:00

Tonight I didn't feel well at all so I didn't go riding. Instead I brought both girls into the barn and tied them. I groomed them and loved on them as I was grooming them. When I was done I put purple ribbon in Shasta's mane and I didn't have time to do that with Daisy's but I want to on Tuesday hopefully ;) Shasta looked cute with all the braids and purple ribbon in her mane :D I think Daisy will look cute with blue in her mane ;) ;) :) It was nice just being with my girls and hanging out with them!! <3 Hope you all have an awesome weekend!!

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday's Rides!!

2012-01-12T16:08:00.000-05:00

Monday: In the morning I rode Shasta to the stables :) Bareback of course. She did really well as I expected. I groomed her when we got back and then put her away. In the evening then we went down to my aunt and uncle (Sharon and I) to check on their miniture horse who had gotten hurt. When we got back I decided I wanted to line drive Shasta instead of going for a ride. For some crazy reason I didn't feel like it. Anyway I used the same double wire bit I use on Daisy to drive her on Shasta. I don't know if I will be able to ever drive Shasta or not but I figure it sure doesn't hurt to line drive her and get her ready for it. It is going to be more of a game and the aim is to have fun and learn as much as possible without Shasta feeling pressured. First I put the stirrups on her so I have stirrups to run the line thru so they aren't falling from the bit directly to the ground. I put the bridle on her and then fastened the reins. I kept her in the corral because I figured that way she can kinda figure out what she needs to do first before we go anywhere. Well that idea didn't work. She wasn't to sure what I wanted to begin with and wasn't so sure about me being behind her and she didn't want to go forward. So I took her outside the corral to walk around the house. I asked her to go forward like before by clucking and saying CUM (dutch for Come). She didn't walk forward only turned her head toward me and backed up. We did this for a bit till I figured ok you know how to back up lets try that. So I pulled on the reins a bit and said baacckk. She backed. Then I said Whoa and let her rest. Then I said CUM. She didn't go so we backed a few more times with a break in between. After doing it three or so times I asked her to CUM and slapped her lightly with the reins and forward she went. I said GOOD GIRL SHASTA and so we walked around the house. Each time we came to the barn she wanted to turn in but I urged her forward. I turned around in front of the house and went the other way. We even trotted a bit. Then I asked her to stop and start a few times. She only hesitated a time or two but overall she did wonderful. I was so impressed with her!! I never dreamed the line driving would go so well but I sure was pleased!! When we were all finished I groomed her and praised her good. Then I got Daisy out and groomed her as well!

Tuesday: This evening I got to Sharon decent time and we waited on MaryRose to get there. Well when MaryRose got there Lillian called and said she is coming as well. Since we had to wait for Lillian anyway MaryRose and I went out the barn to lunge Beauty. She has been having some issues latel with respect and such so I worked with her in the roundpen. First on the lungeline since she didn't want to turn and face me when I asked her to change directions (MaryRose took a turn or two as well). Once I thought she did well enough on the lungeline I took the lungeline off and free lunged her. That went ok. In some corners she would turn and face me and in others she didn't want to. We got it to the point that she pretty consistantly turned toward us in any corner. AND to top it off she followed me in the end. She had never done that that I can remember ;) I was impressed!!
Lillian came then and so off we headed on a ride. Lillian on Curly, MaryRose on Beauty, Me on Daisy (all three of us bareback) and Sharon on Bean. Daisy did quite well :) But she has been since she got over her grumpiness ;) When we got back I groomed her and put her away.

Wednesday: Instead of riding any of my horses to the stables I decided to ride Curly again :) He did really well...better than last week. And on the way home I got him to slow down totally by voice commands. My hands didn't touch the reins. I had done that last week and it surprised me that he would listen that well on me ;)

That was my week so far. I plan to go say Hi to my horses here in a bit and then tomorrow ride. Not sure who I will ride yet but we shall see! Hope you all have a good rest of the week!!

Trees!!

2012-01-07T11:02:00.002-05:00

Here are the pics I have been taking of trees the last week or so :) The last two are the ones I took when I was on Shasta and with her moving around so they didn't turn out the best ;) Enjoy!!

Saturday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday's Rides and Friday's Ride and Groundwork!!

2012-01-07T10:30:00.000-05:00

Saturday: I did take my mom and sisters riding last Saturday then. Mom rode Lightning, Rose Mary rode Sundance, Rachel rode Speedy (and my cousins and their mom was along as well), Fannie (my aunt) rode Curly, Sarah and her sister Kate rode their Beauty, and MaryRose rode Daisy ;) We did some cantering and pretty much walking but EVERYONE had fun. Oh and I rode Shasta..haha. She did ok...I forgot how hyped up she gets in a group..LOL. I wanted to take some pics of trees and the rest of the group went ahead and wow did she get cross. The pics got ok but not like I had wanted them to because Miss Shasta didn't want to stand still. She did her normal hop d skip thing but I felt like I could handle her and I didn't feel unsafe just because I was riding bareback. Her tantrum wasn't near like it would have been if I would have done the same thing when I first got her. That part is a definite improvement. Despite that she did good ;) Mom was sure I was going to fall off and a few times it was close but I wasn't worried ;)

Sharon and I not pictured

Monday: In the morning I rode Shasta over to the stables where we work bareback (I have been riding her all bareback lately and she does so well). She did really well and listens to whatever I ask pretty much. I am so pleased that I bought her and that she is turning out way above and beyond my expectations this far ahead already.

Then in the evening I rode Daisy. I honestly don't remember where we rode for some reason but I know I rode her :D I did ride her with the stirrups and not bareback because she had been being a bit of a grump lately but with the work she had been getting she is a lot less of one ;) She is such a funny horse sometimes but I love her!!

Tuesday: I had worked for the lady I usually work for Fridays for a couple of hours and I got off early so I got to Sharon nice and early. I tacked Daisy up in English and Sharon and I rode the whole loop. It was so interesting watching Daisy because she had had the english saddle on her already before here at home and also at Sharon's but I hadn't used it on her in a really long time. Anyway we were going out the back field and Daisy was really listening to me. It was so interesting to watch because you could tell by her ears that she knew she had something different on. I really enjoyed riding her with the english saddle again. I think I will be using it more on here. It fits Shasta too ;)

Then in the evening when MaryRose and Sarah came I rode Shasta bareback. We rode for a nice hour and as usual Shasta did really well ;) I must say I am constantly impressed with her!!! I know I say that about everytime I write about her but I really am :D

Wednesday: Since I had ridden both my horses twice already and I badly wanted to ride a different horse I rode Curly to the stables. He was being a brat at first but he settled down. I had ridden him bareback and I guess he thought with the combination of it being cold and all he could be bad. Well he found out different. He kept wanting to canter really choppily which I know that he can canter really smooth. So I slowed him down and then he cantered nicely. He is so funny :) On the way home for the stables he did so awesome. He cantered a really slow canter with no problem. He holds a special place in my heart!!

Friday: Yesterday (Friday) I went on a ride with Riley, his brother Trevor and Sharon. I got to ride the morgan (Rickie) (at Riley's request..he is the one that owns him). I rode him thru the creek for the first time and he did good. I really think he will make an excellant horse for Riley!! When we got back from riding I took Riley home then came back to Sharon. Sharon had a supper with Earl Dean at his work so I had the evening to myself. So I got Shasta and longed her in the roundpen. I got her to walk and trot with just voice commands, my body language and just raising or lowering or cracking the whip. She DID just AWESOME. Way better than I expected. She did better this way than with even the lunge line. To get her to walk I would say walk and slow down my movement and she would slow down to a walk. Then for her to trot I would say TEROT and I would raise the whip. If she didn't trot I would repeat it and crack the whip and then she would trot. Toward the end I didn't even need to crack the whip. It was just awesome. Then when I was done I got her to face me and I turned away and she came to me immediately. Usually she has to decide but nope she came to me right away. It was SO AWESOME!!! <3 After she had followed me around I hopped on her with just a leadrope as reins and bareback and rode around the roundpen. She did good ;) Wouldn't try it out in the open right away but I was impressed. We also worked on some flexing and that sort of thing. I feel our bond deepened last night in a way it wasn't before. It was awesome!!

Sorry the quality of the pics aren't the best...they were taken in the barn at night last evening and in black and white ;)

I put Shasta outside again after I brushed her and I went and got Daisy. I did the exact same thing with Daisy as I did with Shasta as far as longing her. She did good as well but not quite as good as Shasta. I did like that when I asked either horse to turn though they BOTH turned toward me to make their turn. That I really like! Anyway Daisy followed me too. Then I brought Shasta in after I had brushed Daisy. I didn't really know what else I was going to do but I wanted to let both my girls be together for a bit before Sarah and MaryRose came. Well I had hopped on Shasta with a leadrope you know I figured I am just going to do the same with Daisy minus the leadrope. I got on her and she was walking around. She was by the one gate and sticking her head over it and kept bothering Harry so I used my right leg and got her to move. I had just used my leg not really expecting her to do anything as she wasn't trained for it and hasn't ever been. She moved. Well then right away I was like lets see what all you do when I do use my legs to tell you to move. She moved in a circle when I pushed my right leg against her side. She didn't do it when I used my left leg but that gave me an idea. I hopped off of her and using my hand I pushed against her side and she moved her hindquarters around. I did the same on both sided. I didn't have ahold of her head or anything. I was like wow (she had done this when I have a leadrope on her and when I am telling her not to go front but never just out of the blue like this). She didn't move front she just did exactly what I asked her to do. Then I did the same with her forequarters...same result (although she did move forward I did get her to move over without moving forward). I was so happy. She is way farther ahead than I even realized!! ;) I was so very pleased!! After I praised her I got off of Daisy and got Shasta and her together and took some pics ;) They didn't turn out the best because of the lighting and it being dark.

MaryRose and Sarah came and then the deciding came on who to ride. I wanted to ride Daisy but yet not really and I didn't really feel like riding Shasta...don't know what my issue was. Sarah said she would ride Daisy and then I said then I will ride their Beauty..bareback ;) And Maryrose rode Lightning bareback. Sarah rode Daisy with the stirrups. We headed out and went up to Fairmount Trails. Sharon caught up to us then ;) It was overall a very enjoyable evening..I got to ride twice (neither horses mine) and I got to do groundwork and spend time with both my horses. Now since I wrote a book I will sign off ;) Hope you have a wonderful weekend!!

Monday, Wednesday and Friday's Rides!!

2011-12-30T22:07:00.000-05:00

Monday:

morning: In the morning I rode Daisy over to the stables. She did really well and she wasn't to grouch ;) She can be so impressive at times :D

evening: In the evening we went up to Fairmount Homes with a wagon load of people and a bunch of us on horseback. I rode Shasta and she did really well. Now Daisy was grouchy...really grouchy :D She doesn't like to stand still for long but she HATES walking then stopping to sing then walking again and NO RUNNING...she was not happy at all. Shasta didn't mind this at all...she did get a bit hyper when Sarah let Rose Mary ride Daisy and Daisy wasn't behaving so I was ponying Daisy off of Shasta. I was impressed though with how Shasta did. I was bareback as well. Overall though it was an awesome evening!!

Wednesday:

I rode Shasta bareback over to the stables. Josh was along on Beauty and Sharon on Bean. I was really happy though with how Shasta did!!

Friday:

Tonight Daisy did good. I rode her with the bit and also with the stirrups and we did do some running but not terribly much. It was just Sharon and I :) What Daisy needed to get over her grouchiness was some work which is what she got this evening. Tomorrow I am taking my Mom and my two sisters riding and I will be riding Shasta!! Daisy sure can be funny sometimes but I love her and her quircky self ;) When we got back from riding I groomed Daisy and Shasta and loved on both of them and then they got their supper!! I hope to have pics from tomorrow then!! Have an awesome weekend and a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Merry Christmas!!

2011-12-25T00:00:00.000-05:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Wishing a verry Merry Christmas to ALL :) Hope your day is wonderful..Enjoy the last week of 2011!!

p.s. Some edits: http://photographyandphotoediting.blogspot.com/2011/12/merry-christmas.html

Friday's Ride on Daisy n Shasta!! + Christmas Caroling on Horseback!!

2011-12-24T22:21:00.002-05:00

Tuesday:

We didn't go Christmas caroling due to rain :( So we postponed it for Friday!

Friday:

I did get to ride today...I went down to Philly with some guys from our church and a friend of mine from the youth group, Janette. We handed out tracts on the street for an hour or more, ate lunch then headed home. It was a shorter day than I planned but that was fine ;) I got back at my minister's house around 2:30.

Daisy on our ride..sorry I don't have any pics of Shasta from Friday :(

I headed down to Sharon after that. I got down there and hopped on Daisy and her and I went for a ride all on our lonesome! That was so much fun. We rode for about an hour and a quarter. She did so good and I enjoyed myself immensely. We went bareback :D :D I rode the long loop (our normal trails) and we did some cantering but we did more walking. I did let Daisy run one time!! She liked that of course..LOL! When we got back I groomed her then put her away and gave her some carrots. I got Shasta out for a bit to mess with her then put her away again.

Jonathan and Riley had gotten Rickie (the morgan) saddled up and Jonathan rode him a bit and I asked if I could ride him. I did and wow he is awesome!! ;) We are just getting him used to the area and riding him in the meadow for now. Can't wait till we can take him on a trail ride!!

We ate some supper then and after supper we headed up to Fairmount to Christmas carol on horseback. It was Denise, her daughter Taylor, Karen, my cousins (MaryRose, Sarah and their brother Josh (he rode Daisy)), Sharon, two of Karen and Denise's friends, and I (think I got everyone). We sang Christmas songs :) I rode Shasta and she did really awesome (rode her bareback at that ;) She did so some hopping and the like when the other horses were ahead of her and I asked her to stand back but nothing crazy. Must say I love that horse. Overall it was an awesome day. I got to ride both my girls and they both did good. We are going caroling again Monday night with another group and I so can't wait for that!! Hope you all have a MERRY CHRISTMAS and a BLESSED NEW YEAR!!!

Monday's Grounwork with Daisy n Shasta!!

2011-12-19T21:15:00.002-05:00

Tonight we took Harry (Jonathan's horse) and Rickie (Riley's horse) to the farrier to get reshod. That went well but we didn't get back to Sharon's till 8. I went and got Daisy and lunged her. She did so well with that so I got her to move her hindquarters around. I must say she did the best with that than she has ever done before!! Then I got her to move her forequarters around and she did so well with that too...I was extremely pleased. I took her out and trotted her around the house in hand and she went and stopped as I told her too! She is such an awesome horse! I gave her some carrots and then got Shasta!

I lunged Shasta at first and it took her a bit to get into rhythme but she got it. When I was pleased with how she did I then got her to move her hindquarters around. She did really well with that. Better than last time and the last time has been quite a while! I got her to move her forquarters around then and that was good. It needs improvement but that will come with time I know! I got her to back up a bit then I loved on her! Tomorrow I need to get up early (helping my aunt Barb in the bakeshop) so I left earlier than normal at Sharon. We are going Christmas caroling on horseback tomorrow evening up at Fairmount...can't wait!! Enjoy your week!!

Monday, Wednesday, and Friday's Rides + Thursday's Update!!

2011-12-17T13:41:00.004-05:00

Monday:

To go to the stables I rode Daisy because I would rather ride Shasta in the evening after dark with her being white and all she is easier to see ;) Daisy did really good and I was very impressed with her on that!! My cousin Josh has started helping out and that is such a big help. I am thankful that I can work with him too!! ;) Then in the evening I hopped on Shasta bareback by myself and we rode out the back field and halfway up to Fairmount. Then we turned back and Sharon and Jonathan joined us ;) It was very enjoyable!!! This is the second time I rode Shasta bareback but the last time was out of necessity :D :D I must say she did so good that I figured as long as she does well I am going to ride her bareback!!

Tuesday:

I didn't ride at all on Tuesday evening although we did go sing for the old lady again.

Wednesday:

We didn't ride to go to the stables because we wanted to pick up some wood to fix the one fence since Sharon, Jonathan, Karen and Denise (two ladies (boarders) from the stables we work at) were going to pick up ONE free horse Thursday. The lady giving the horse away wanted him to go to a good home so that is why she was giving him away for free (more on that later). When we got back to Sharon after work we ate some lunch then went for a ride. I rode Daisy bareback. I don't know what got into her but she was acting like a brat. I used the hackamore on here because I like to do different things and not always use the bit. Well that was my first mistake I think. She was acting a little bratty even before we left. Anyway we headed out. Now she did fine until we cantered after going thru Fairmount Homes. (We had cantered up the hill going up to the Fairmount Homes). Well she got it into her head when I asked to slow down (politely mind you) she ignored it and went plowing ahead. (I think it was payback for making her walk because she had started trotting and I told her to stop it and she was not happy about that...hehe) That is unusual for her because she usually listens quite well to what I tell her to do. So I stopped her and made her turn in a circle and on we went. She did good and then when we came back that same way we didn't canter at first but when we did she decided lets run off again. I made her go in a circle again and got her listening again. Crazy horse..hehe. Then she did fine again till on the way home. We were almost home and I always make her walk back just because I don't think it is smart to let a horse run back to the barn. We jumped the log and then I asked her to slow down and she totally ignored it. Everyone else was running and in Daisy's mind she couldn't figure out why she wasn't allowed to as well. I got her stopped and I told her you are walking back the rest of the way!! That is what we did. She is so funny because when we were back she acted like she is sorry for acting like a nut. I must say she can be quite the handful. That is why she is so interesting and that is why I love her. Life is NEVER dull with her around to say the least!!! She has so many moods and she can be so grouchy sometimes! Anyway hopefully the next time I ride her she does better ;)

Thursday:

I stopped in at Sharon to say hi to my horses and to see Jonathan's new horse!! Well I look in the paddock where he was going to be and a small very beautiful looking horse catches my eye!! Then I see a bigger horse that looks similar to Jack but I can tell it isn't Jack. And on the smaller horse I see on his blanket the name Rickie is on it. I knew Jonathan's new horses name is Harry (registered as "Flirty Harry"...gotta love Thoroughbred's names). So I called Sharon and was like who is the other horse? And she said well they went expecting to just get one horse but Rickie (a registered morgan) was for free as well and they thought of Riley (Navajo's owner...will tell you more about that then too :D) and him wanting another horse! I don't know if Riley will be getting Rickie or not but if he does that would be awesome. Anyway I like the morgan a lot and can't wait to ride him. He is so gorgeous looking that is for sure!!! Here are Rickie and Harry!

Rickie the morgan

Harry the Thoroughbred

and for good measure here is Jack Jonathan's other horse ;)

So there you have the pics of the horses ;)

Friday:

Now last night we went riding again. Sharon, MaryRose and I. Sharon on Bean, MaryRose on Beauty and me on Shasta (bareback). We did the big loop (trails) we usually go on. Shasta and I were first most of the time and she did so well. I am so proud of how she is doing. I told Sharon and MaryRose that buying Shasta and having her come this far in the time I have her makes me feel like I bought a horse that is worth something...same with Daisy. But I must say it was a goal of mine to be able to ride Shasta bareback without having to worry about her acting up all the time!! That is so awesome and also the fact that I can mount her anywhere anytime without her throwing a temper tantrum about it..hehe! I am so thankful for both my horses and that I have been able to come so far with them both. I have ideas and such that I still want to do with them and there are things I want to train them but I am in no hurry!! ;) When we got back from riding I groomed Shasta, put her blanket on and then gave her a carrot and put her away. I got Daisy out and groomed her, put her blanket back on then gave her a carrot. I gave some of the other horses some carrots too :) Then before I left I gave both my girls more carrots. Shasta was on the other side of her paddock and I went into Daisy's to give them both carrots and I said here Shasta and she comes running over for a carrot. I give both her and Daisy one then pat them and headed on my way home.
---------------------------------------
Here is a quote I found this week and thought it was really good:
We are called to be women. The fact that I am a woman does not make me a different kind of Christian but the fact I am a Christian does make me a different women. For I have accepted God's idea of me and my whole life is an offering back to him of all that I am and all that he wants me to be. -Elizabeth Elliot

Monday, Tuesday and Friday's Ride!!

2011-12-11T13:26:00.000-05:00

Monday: I rode Daisy this evening :) We rode for maybe an hour or more! She did really good. She kept wanting to trot a few times when I just wanted her to walk but otherwise she did good. Before we went riding (Sharon and I) both girls had gone to the farrier. We trailered them over so we would have more time for riding. Both girls did good and Daisy is doing way better as far as standing still. She does sometimes want to act a little crazy but for the most part she does really good!! I am really proud of her!!

Tuesday: This evening Beauty (my cousin's horse) and Jack (Jonathan's horse) had a farrier appointment as well. Sharon, Jonathan and Sarah all went with Earl Dean with the pick up and trailer and their horses over to Matt (the farrier) while MaryRose and I rode over. Sharon had Bean along so that we could ride home together. I rode Shasta this evening...she did good too!! When we got over there we had to wait a little bit till the horses were done then we rode home all together. It was quite the fun evening!

Friday: This evening was LOTS of fun. MaryRose brought her friend along and she rode Lightning, MaryRose rode Beauty, Sharon rode Bean and I rode Shasta again. Shasta did really well. The one field everyone else started running and I asked Shasta to wait a bit. This did not make her happy at all. She snorted and hopped and did everything she could to show me that she was not impressed about me asking her to walk and wait while everyone else is running. This to her was not fair. When she settled down finally I asked her to go and then I told her she may run flat out. So we pass everyone else. I had to laugh by the way Shasta was acting so then when we pass MaryRose on Beauty I hear Beauty speed up. That made me laugh all the more. I just had to chuckle. Shasta is so much fun I really enjoy her. When we got back I unsaddled her, groomed her and put her away. I got Daisy out and groomed her too then headed on home ;)

The Real 12 Days of CHRISTmas!!!!!

2011-12-11T13:15:00.001-05:00

The Real Twelve Days Of CHRISTmas

On the first day of CHRISTmas, JESUS gave to me Salvation full and free.

On the second day of Christmas, JESUS gave to me Everlasting life, and Salvation full and free.

On the third day of CHRISTmas, JESUS gave to me Peace in my Heart, Everlasting Life, and Salvation full and free.

On the fourth day of CHRISTmas, JESUS gave to me Love for all men; Peace in my heart, Everlasting life, and Salvation full and free.

On the fifth day of CHRISTmas, JESUS gave to me Joy for my soul, Love for all men, Peace in my heart, Everlasting Life, and Salvation full and free.

On the sixth day of CHRISTmas, JESUS gave to me Power from on high, Joy for my soul, Love for all men, Peace in my heart, Everlasting Life, and Salvation full and free.

On the seventh day of CHRISTmas, JESUS gave to me A Body Glorified, Power from on high, Joy for my soul, Love for all men, Peace in my heart, Everlasting Life, and Salvation full and free.

On the eighth day of CHRISTmas, JESUS gave to me A Robe and a Crown, A Body Glorified, Power from on high, Joy for my soul, Love for all men, Peace in my heart, Everlasting Life, and Salvation full and free.

On the ninth day of CHRISTmas, JESUS gave to me Mansions above, A Robe and a Crown, A body Glorified, Power from on high, Joy for my soul, Love for all men, Peace in my heart, Everlasting Life, and Salvation full and free.

On the tenth day of CHRISTmas, JESUS gave to me Streets of pure gold, Mansions above, A Robe and a Crown, A Body Glorified, Power from on high, Joy for my soul, Love for all men, Peace in my heart, Everlasting Life, and Salvation full and free.

On the eleventh day of CHRISTmas, JESUS gave to me A thousand songs to sing, Streets of pure gold, Mansions above, A Robe and a Crown, A Body Glorified, Power from on high, Joy for my soul, Love for all men, Peace in my heart, Everlasting Life, and Salvation full and free.

On the twelfth day of CHRISTmas, JESUS gave to me
Eternity that's free
A thousand songs to sing,
Streets of pure gold,
Mansions above,
A Robe and A Crown,
A Body Glorified,
Power from on high,
Joy for my soul,
Love for all men,
Peace in my heart,
Everlasting life
and Salvation full and free!

Wishing you CHRISTmas blessings of
Joy, Love, Hope, Happiness, Faith,
Grace, Mercy and Peace that comes when we
make room in our heart for Jesus.

Merry CHRISTmas
and Happy New Year!

Heard this song on the radio last night and I really like it!!

Birthday Ride! (day before my birthday ;) 12.3.11

2011-12-04T00:15:00.001-05:00

Here are the promised pictures ;)

Went riding with this awesome group of friends!! Had quite the enjoyable time!!!

Tuesday's Ride on Curly, and Friday and Saturday's Ride on Shasta!

2011-12-03T21:05:00.000-05:00

Tuesday evening:

   For some crazy reason I was in the mood to ride Curly instead of riding one of my own horses...I honestly should have ridden one of my own since I have two and don't get to ride every day but I love riding Curly and wanted to ride something different for a change :) So I did :) And I enjoyed every minute ;)

I didn't ride then again till Friday although Wednesday evening I did groom both my girls and love on them!! I had done chocolate covered candy with Sharon, her mom, MaryRose and Sarah all day so it was a relaxing end to the day. I also got to talk with Lillian for a while too!!

Thursday after work I stopped in and said hi to the girls. Daisy was in her corral way up by the one gate and Shasta was in her corral down by the gate that seperated her and Daisy's corral. Well I went down to Shasta and loved on her a bit and I turn around and Miss Daisy is patiently waiting for me to come love on her ;) It was so sweet!! She can be such a brat but I must say when she brings out her sweet side you can't help but love her :D She is so silly!

Friday evening (Dec 2nd):
   Last evening then I rode Shasta...I didn't feel to well because of having a cold but figured Shasta needed the exercise and the cool air would help me! Sharon and I started out at 6:30 and got back to the barn sometime after quarter after 7. Shasta did excellant especially for not being ridden for so long. I know it has to do with her being pregnant but I must say I was impressed and quite happy! I brushed Shasta and put her blanket on and put her out again. Since I had a good hour I figured why not brush Daisy too. Sharon brushed Jack and Lightning while I did Daisy. She was a sweetheart as far as coming to me and being with me. Gotta love her ;) She was eating her hay and I said come Daisy and she turned toward me and came ;) I brushed Daisy then and put her out again.

Saturday:
   Denise (She bought Ebony one of Sharon's former horses) brought her daugher Taylor, her friend Karen and two other friends riding today. They invited me along...I had wanted to go riding today since tomorrow is my birthday and I like to go riding on my birthday (would tomorrow but the girls from my youth group are doing something and I want to go to that and I have a chorus program in the evening as well). I wasn't sure if it was going to work out but it did. Daisy has a somewhat swollen and warm hind right back leg (not sure why or what it is from..she doesn't favor it but it is definitely swollen..I put stuff on it and wrapped it...hope it clears up soon) or I would have ridden her. So since Daisy is sore I wrapped her leg again and got Shasta ready to ride. She did awesome today as well. One of the memorable things from the ride was the fact that soon after we were on the ride everyone sang Happy Birthday. Definitely makes that ride as one of my favorite. AND I finally have pics again from the ride and some of Shasta...I want to get some of my girls in the meadow running free one of these days and also some more of Daisy but those will have to wait for another day :) I will be posting pics either tonight or sometime this week! Hope you have an awesome weekend!!

Monday's Ride!!

2011-11-29T13:28:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I rode Daisy again :) She did quite good and I rode her in the hackamore at that. I got her to trot nice and smoothly for me after we had walked a good ways and ran for a bit. Then I slowed her down without even touching the reins...I said easy! I was so impressed with her. We did a lot of walking but we did get to do some running. I haven't talked much about either of my girls being in foal but I must say you can tell Miss Daisy is in foal (well for that matter you can tell Shasta is too) but Daisy is quite wide :D It is fun seeing her get big :) Hope you all have a wonderful evening!!

Monday, Tuesday and Friday's Ride!!

2011-11-29T13:26:00.000-05:00

Daisy in the forground and Shasta with her nose in the hay and the other white horse whose head you see is Rocky

Monday Morning (Nov. 21)
I rode Daisy to the stables this morning since I had chorus again in the evening :) When we got back I gave Daisy a bath since she was dirty...now she is so nice and clean!!

Tuesday evening Sarah, Sharon, MaryRose, Lillian and I all wore our matching dresses (will have to get a picture sometime) to go sing for Lydia. When we got back to Sharon's, MaryRose and I went out and groomed the horses (MaryRose did some of Sharon's and I did my girls). Since they were blanketed I took their blankets off and loved on them and groomed them. They both sure enjoyed that!!

Friday evening I rode again riding Daisy :) She did really good...she was acting like a brat a little but when she settled down she did better :) Sorry this is not as long as some blogs ;)

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday's Updates!!

2011-11-21T14:41:00.003-05:00

Monday (Nov. 14) morning I rode Shasta to the stables...since I have chorus in the evening I didn't go again. But when I rode Shasta she did excellant..she didn't act up at all on the way over..I was so impressed. After we were done at the stable she was very hyper but she settled down after a bit!!

Tuesday evening I rode the new horse Rocky. He is a 20 year old Quarter horse/australian stock horse cross. He is an ok horse as far as riding him...I prefer my horses over him any day :D He did really good though!!

Wednesday morning we didn't ride over to the stables...I drove my truck because we wanted to go away for lunch. I rode Curly to the place where we had lunch then. He did really good!! Then that evening Sarah and some of her brothers and I went to Sharon. Since it was raining we did groundwork. They worked with Beauty a bit on longeing and then when they were done I lunged Daisy as well as got her to move her hindquarters around...she did excellant with that!! :)

Friday morning before work I went to say hi to both horses...I groomed and loved on both of them then headed off to work. I got to Sharon in nice time in the evening. I ate some supper and went out to the barn. First I messed with Shasta a bit. I got her out on a lead rope and got her to walk nicely beside me as well as trot nicely too. I got her to move her hindquarters around and I got her to follow me without me holding onto the leadrope and also stopping her without me touching the leadrope. She did so good. I am so impressed with her!! After I worked with her for a little while I got Daisy out and rode her up to Fairmount. I had to work with her a bit as far as behaving a bit but we worked on neck reining and stopping and going where I want her to go. Once she settled down and listened it went awesome. She can be such a mess....she listens quite well at times and then others she acts like she has no clue what I am saying..silly horse!! I do have two awesome horses though...You have an awesome week and I will update you about this week as it happens ;)

Friday's Ride on Shasta and Daisy!

2011-11-12T14:17:00.001-05:00

I did ride last evening. All week I have been riding other horses and not my own :) Monday I rode Curly then on Wednesday I rode Misty to the farrier on the way over to the stables ;)

I rode Shasta first because I hadn't really planned at all to ride Daisy. It was Sharon, Sarah, MaryRose, their brother Chris, and me who all were along. Shasta did really good and didn't act up much at all. She actually only acted up right before we ran on the one field she did her hopping thing. I didn't let her run till she quit it then after we crossed the creek on the field lane she was pulling to run all out and I didn't want her too since I had let her on the field and this made her not happy so I kept her back till the group had passed us and then since she still didn't listen I turned her around and cantered the other way a bit. She did it but she was not to happy about it. But then when we headed back towards the group again she listened quite well and I didn't have to hold her back either. She does so much better. Last night was such an awesome ride. I like it that now when I go to think which horse I want to ride I don't have to say do I want to ride one that might blow up (Shasta) or one that might fight me a bit but still listen (Daisy). Now I know when I ride either of them I might start out with a bit of a problem with either of them not listening at first but eventually settling down and not dealing with a mess the whole time. I really like that. I am so thankful Shasta is turning out for the better...I am so blessed with both the horses I have..they are both awesome!

When we got back I hopped on Daisy and we just went up to Fairmount Rest Home and rode around the one home then back to Sharon. I wanted to run Daisy flat out so while everyone else went back to Sharon I went over to the orchard and ran Daisy flat out...boy did she like that ;) <3 I slow cantered back to the one field and then walked the rest of the way home. She did really good. I had fun with both girls..I groomed them both and put them away :)

Riding Curly and My 18th Bday Party!!

2011-11-08T08:14:00.002-05:00

Last evening (Monday) I went riding...Everyone (Sharon, Sarah, Jonathan, MaryRose, Lillian and I) was there too including Lillian and we were going to ride Lightning double but Sarah had decided to ride him so Lillian and I decided to ride Curly double (I had suggested him first but Lillian likes Lightning better) so we rode him then. Well when we were heading out the back field Jonathan and Sharon were cantering and Lillian was like I think I am going to ride Sundance so she hopped off of Curly and went and got Sundance. I had driven Curly in the morning to Vicky with Sharon and I had hoped to get the chance to ride him soon again :) When we got back it was close to 9 and I was saying I gotta leave...I went out to my girls and said bye and loved on them both a bit (they are together now at Sharon.....there is a new horse there (Rocky) that is for free that Sharon is going to find a new home for...he needs to be gotten into shape so that is why my girls are together..only till Rocky leaves)....Shasta came to me when I asked her too...I said come here girl and she came...it was pretty awesome....it is coming to the point she is doing better in that department than Daisy...LOL..Silly girls. Well then I was trying to leave again and Sharon was like you can at least help put the gates together for Speedy's stall right. I was like well I guess...sure. By that time I think the rest of the chores were pretty much finished....anyway I headed in for the house and everyone followed (which is unusual but I didn't think much of it). Well I opened the sliding door and everyone behind me says Surprise!!! They had my 18th bday party (which isn't until Dec 4th ;) They gave me a grooming box with Silverado, a hole punch, ankle boots for Daisy, some Granulex Spray (for wounds), and a bumper sticker that said "Horses are my Therapy". I said thank you..they so made my night...well my week really. I am so thankful for my awesome friends :) :) :) I really couldn't ask for better friends!! Anyway that was my evening ;)

I don't think I will be riding till Friday since this evening when I would be riding we have the family viewing for my uncle John (for more info on that scroll down farther). I will be working Wed morning at the stables but we might drive over instead of ride..I guess we shall see!!

Check this funny article out if you need a laugh: http://horseandman.com/musings/sneaky-tubby-mares-sheesh/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Horseandmancom+%28horseandman.com%29

For anyone that is wondering...My uncle John died on Sunday...so please pray for the family as they go have the viewing and funeral this week!! Here is the link to their blog to find out more: http://thepetersheims.wordpress.com/

Tuesday and Friday's Rides!!

2011-11-05T14:02:00.000-04:00

Tuesday evening we went to sing for the old lady again. When we got back we rode (Lillian, Sharon, Sarah, Jonathan, MaryRose, and I). I rode Daisy bareback again. I don't know how long we rode for sure but it was over an hour and we walked and TALKED the entire time!! It was very very enjoyable. I stayed overnight so I would be there Wednesday morning to go to the stables...we drove Curly to the stables and got the work done there :)

Thursday evening I decided that I am going to go for a ride on Friday morning before work. I had done this with Navajo already and with Daisy a time or two and I figured for old times sake I am going to get up early and go ride just for the fun of it :) I decided as well that I am going to ride Shasta since I would be riding by myself I would ride Miss Shasta for our first Solo Ride :) I headed out the back field at a walk...she was a bit hesitent about leaving the barn without other horses. Once I got her walking nicely she did good.....that is till she saw something. I am not quite sure what it was but she didn't want to keep walking. I turned her in a circle and then she went. As soon as we got out to the field lane we took off running. We ran up the field lane to Fairmount Homes. When we got up there we just walked till we had to cross the road...crossing the road away from home went well but walking back toward home didn't go too well...she wanted to just plunge across the road. So I stopped her and circled her back across the road and then back toward home again and she did fine both times. I was happy. We said hi to an old man that was out for a morning walk...he complimented me on how nice Shasta looked :) We soon returned back to the barn. I was so impressed with how well Shasta did. I groomed both her and Daisy and put them away and headed off to work!

Then that afternoon around 3 I got off of work. I headed over to Sharon and decided to ride again. I gave Shasta a quick bath so that she would be clean then headed off on a ride. We rode by ourselves again and she did awesome. No arguments or anything this time around. We rode for a half an hour or so once again :) It was awesome. I was so happy with how she did!! I must say she is warming up to me and coming to me in the paddock and such just like Daisy. I am so pleased with both of my girls!! Hope you have an awesome weekend!!

Groundwork with Daisy and Shasta!!

2011-11-01T16:21:00.000-04:00

Last evening (Monday) I went to Sharon and I had in my mind I will do the chores (clean up piles, give water, etc) first before I do anything with the horses but I had also decided I am not riding :) So I did all those things first then I got Daisy out of her corral and took her into the corral that is like a circle which is perfect for lunging and other groundwork. I lunged her first. Well you remember how she used to pull like nothing else. Well she didn't pull at all. She was nice and soft at both a walk and a trot...she was rounded on the circle too (I think that is how you say it). It was very nice to see. She didn't pull either. I got her to do transitions from a walk to a trot then from a trot to a walk. I didn't want to ruin it by making her go into a canter because I didn't know if she would pull then or not but I didn't want to start with the canter and then wish I hadn't. I will work with her on that another night. Anyway when we were finished with lunging I wanted her to move her hindquarters. Now she knows how to do this because we have done it before but we never really worked with her front end so much if ever. I don't really remember. So first I got her to do that. She did really good..I just had to tap the air and she moved. She did really well with that too. Since she did so good with that I figured lets try the front end. Daisy was like ok we can do this. She did a very good job with that as well. I was impressed. Once she moved her front end quite nicely I let her go eat grass while I did Shasta!

Now Shasta I didn't lunge quite as long due to the fact that she just doesn't need it. She was very rounded on the circle and did such a good job of listening to me. So I figured we could work on her moving her hindquarters and her front end as well. She understood me asking her to move her hindquarters and did quite well with that but when it came to asking her to move her forquarters she didn't quite get it...so I backed her up so that her one front leg was in front of the other one and then asked her to step across...once she did that a couple of times both ways I then asked her with her standing square. She did it perfectly so I stopped working with her and praised her quite a bit for her hard work.

I then got Daisy while Shasta ate grass. I groomed and loved on Daisy and put her away then got Shasta and groomed and loved on her too :) Overall it was a good evening and quite relaxing for me ;)

Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday's Updates!!

2011-10-30T09:09:00.000-04:00

Wow a whole week has gone by since I last updated. Sorry about that ;)

Curly

I can't remember for anything what I did last Friday but anyway :D I know I rode (well I believe I did..LOL) but not sure whom. Anyway Monday evening I didn't ride although I did get new halters for both girls. A blue one for Daisy and a purple one for Shasta (each were $5 so it was a good deal). Tuesday we rode not the whole way to Woodcrest but some of the way (Sharon, Sarah, MaryRose and I) and ate a lunch. That was quite fun.

Now for Friday (last night) and Saturday (today). Last evening we didn't ride (although I did groom and love on both girls) but Sarah and MaryRose came over to Sharon. We had planned to go to Blue Marsh but since they called for heavy snow we skipped it. By the way we haven't had snow in October since 1971 ;) Well we got snow today...It snowed from 9 this morning till sometime this evening. We got a nice amount of snow. I was at Sharon and my cousins and I stayed up till 3 this morning then got up around 9:30, ate some breakfast and went out to ride in the snow. That was quite fun. I rode Shasta and when we got back I put her blanket on (I had put Daisy's on before we went on a ride). Today was just a plain awesome day. :) Hope you have an awesome weekend and enjoy the photos!!

one of my cousins MaryRose

one of my cousins :) Sarah

Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday!!

2011-10-20T11:22:00.000-04:00

Monday:
    I got to Sharon's early because my Mom and Rachel were going to Fort Washington for Fire Safety (since we homeschool they do that). So when I got there, Sharon, Abby, and Ellie were all ready to ride and they had put the hackamore on Daisy so nicely for me since I was going to ride bareback anyway! We went for about an hour and we cantered a nice bit of it and I was amazingly fine and didn't get sore ;) Daisy did awesome too! Then MaryRose came and she got Beauty ready to ride...Lillian and Jonathan showed up soon after that and we went off for a ride again...I rode Shasta this time. She did so awesome! I was impressed!!! I have the best horses ever!!

Tuesday:
    This evening we went to an old lady to sing for her. When we got back Sarah, MaryRose, Sharon and I all went for a ride...we just walked but it was so enjoyable :) I rode Daisy bareback again!!!

Wednesday Morning:
    After we were done at the stables I went back to Sharon's and spent time with Daisy and Shasta. I let them wonder around the main ring for a bit then I free lunged both of them together :) They both enjoyed it ;) I groomed Shasta first after lunging them and she seemed to like it a lot. She was so calm and really enjoyed me brushing her mane!! When I was finished with her I let her go again and got Daisy and groomed her. She really enjoyed it as well!! Then I let them roam around the ring again while I did some things in the tack room! When I was all finished I hugged them both and put them away then headed off to work!! :)

Some Thoughts!!

2011-10-16T21:18:00.000-04:00

I don't think I said anything on my blog about my Uncle John and Aunt Barb Petershiem (Barb is mom's sister). My uncle found out he had cancer the beginning of this year but this past Tuesday we found out that my aunt Barb has a brain tumor which they are hoping to operate on this week. To read more about them as a family check out this blog: http://thepetersheims.wordpress.com/?ref=spelling. Please pray for them as a couple and also their six children!!

Sunday's Ride!!

2011-10-16T21:09:00.000-04:00

Here are the promised edits of Shasta :)

I didn't ride on Friday at all due to rain and not feeling the best but I did love on both the girls :)
Sunday:
I did get to ride this afternoon with my sister Rose Mary, Sharon, and Lillian. I rode Shasta..I haven't ridden her since last Thursday but I have been lunging her. Well I figured out that if she is penned by herself (or with just Daisy) she does so much better. She was SO CALM today and it was windy and cool. She only hopped around a tad bit! I was really impressed. She is so awesome..Then when we got back I lunged Daisy..as some of you might remember when I was working with her this past winter with lunging she really really pulled. Well I lunged her with the lunge line attatched to her halter at the ring like you would a lead rope and guess what barely any pulling. I was so happy. She walked on really nice and trotted very awesomely (which isn't a word but can't think of one that discribes it better). I was so impressed. When Daisy went one complete circle without pulling I stopped her and praised her. I love both my little girls..they are absolutely the best!! <3 Couldn't ask for better horses!!

Monday and Tuesday's Rides and Lunging!

2011-10-14T07:36:00.000-04:00

Above are some edited pics.I am hoping to have some time to edit ones of Shasta soon!

Monday evening I went with my cousin Sarah who owns Beauty (they have her at Sharon now) to be her "guide" on the trails and field lanes. We rode about 45 minutes and I rode Daisy bareback....we did walk some but we did do a good bit of cantering too. The fields are opened up now since the corn is off so we went flat out across the one..Oh how Daisy can go...what FUN!!! She was enjoying herself immensly..I don't think I ever went quite that fast on her bareback but we did and I stayed on! Beauty was doing good for Sarah too. I did get Daisy to do a really slow trot..it was really awesome and smooth..I barely moved! When we got back to the barn I hosed Daisy off and put her away. Then I got Shasta out and lunged her. Lisa had lunged her for the first time with a line (since I have her..I don't know if she ever had it done before I got her like that or not..I free lunged her already that I know) and she did good (that was last Friday) so I decided I am going to try to lunge or at least work with her whenever I don't ride her. She did good...I would say walk on and walk on she did...then I would say trot and cluck and trot she did. It was really awesome...She has so much potential I think!! Then I put her away and loved on both and said goodbye :)

Tuesday then Lillian was there so Sharon, Lillian and I all went for a ride. Lillian rode the pony Girly and I rode Daisy bareback!! We just walked the whole normal loop that takes an hour :) I enjoyed it quite a bit just riding my girl and enjoying myself. Before we had gone for the ride I had once again lunged Shasta and she did really well. I am so happy with both my girls!!

A Week with Lisa H and Pics!!

2011-10-09T21:00:00.001-04:00

Lisa and I with Daisy and Shasta

This week was really awesome!! I rode every day....Tuesday we took the horses to the farrier :) Lisa House came in from Washington State on Tuesday and I hung out with her for a little while in the evening after I got back from the horses. Wednesday morning Lisa went with me to Sharon and she rode Misty over to the stables while I rode Daisy..Andrea rode her own horse Sweet Pea and Sharon rode Bean!! Then Thursday Rose Mary, Rachel, Mom, Lisa and I went riding..Mom rode Lightning, Rose Mary rode Sundance, Lisa rode Misty and Rachel and I rode Daisy!! Before we went riding we took pictures (which I added...check out more of them on my blog http://www.photographyandphotoediting.blogspot.com/ ). Friday we didn't ride but Lisa helped me braide Daisy and Shasta's manes :) I had such an awesome week with Lisa and my family!! <3

Finally!!

2011-10-02T18:32:00.001-04:00

Here are the latest family pics...we took them this past Tuesday!!

My favorite picture :)

My kitten and I ;)

As for updateing....I have not had much time to update my blog at all in the past couple of weeks. I rode one time on Wednesday Sept 14th to Vicky and I rode Shasta but that week I didn't do any other riding. Monday (19th) and Tuesday (20th) I helped over at Bernell and Shannon's house because they were moving soon and the house needed to get ready...they moved this past Friday and now they have their horses Dusty and Kate and also Beauty there (Sharon's Beauty...He got her because he trained Beauty) instead of at Sharon's. Then this past week I got to do more riding. I rode Sunday (Last Sunday) and took Rose Mary along. She rode Sharon's Beauty, I rode Daisy (we got Daisy over at the meadow so I rode Shasta over to get Daisy then rode Daisy on the way back to Sharon's ponying Shasta) then on the main loop. That was an awesome evening. Monday evening I took 11yr old triplets riding..I rode Shasta and one of them rode Daisy...we just walked the whole way but it was so enjoyable. Then Tuesday evening I rode Shasta again and my cousins MaryRose and Sarah came riding and we went up to Woodcrest..That was a lot of fun. Wednesday then I rode Shasta again in the morning over to the stables. Thursday I didn't ride at all but Rachel and I stopped in an said hi to the girls :) Friday evening I rode Daisy and Shasta. I rode Daisy over to the stables and back again then rode Shasta when we took MaryRose, Ida Ann, Sarah and Little Andrea all on a ride. That was very enjoyable! So that was my last week and a half of riding :)

Oh another update..my cousins (Sarah and MaryRose) have Beauty at Sharon's again. It is so awesome!!!! And my friend Lisa is coming in from Washington this week and I believe we shall have a lot of fun riding and such! We are planning to get some pics and I am hoping to get one of me on each of my horses and also on Beauty!! <3 Guess we shall see!! Hope you have a good week!!

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday's Rides!

2011-09-18T16:16:00.001-04:00

Since I rode Shasta each of these evenings (all except Friday) I figured I will just give you an idea on how it went. Shasta did really good..Monday evening we went up to Woodcrest (which is a 3 hr ride to go and come back) and I rode in the back pretty much the whole way. Shasta did her bouncy thing one time and that was it...she did good the whole rest of the time. Then Tuesday Sharon had a group of riders she was taking and I told her I could lead the group. That is what I did and Shasta did perfect the whole time even when we were going really fast across the one field and the other horses were coming on behind her. I was so proud of her :) Then Wednesday morning she did really well then too. I was so happy with how she did the whole week long. I spent some time with Daisy but not near as much as I would have liked too...she is still over on the other meadow. I want to spend some time with her and riding her this week :) I did get to spend some time with her Friday night getting burrs out of her mane...she stood really well for me. I was so impressed :) Friday evening I rode Lightning bareback for about half an hour :) That was my week!

Tuesday and Friday Evenings :)

2011-09-11T15:15:00.000-04:00

Tuesday:
I had gone to Sharon Monday night as well but with the rain didn't do any riding :) Tuesday night it was raining as well but I roundpenned Shasta! She did so well. She only turned away from when changing directions once or twice..all the other times she turned toward me. She did follow me too..it was so awesome how she followed me all over the main ring. Then I got her to back up as well...at first she didn't want to but then I got her to back up like she did it all the time. It was just plain down awesome!!

Friday:
I did get to ride Daisy Friday evening. Since she is over on the meadow with Speedy (Shasta is at Sharon's on her meadow) I rode Sundance over and got Daisy. Once we got back I gave Daisy a bath. My cousins Sarah, Rosie, and Kate came to ride. So I hosed Curly off to because he was very dirty :) This ride we just walked and Daisy did really good. Then once my cousins left Sharon and I took Daisy back to the meadow :)

A Week's Update!

2011-09-04T12:54:00.001-04:00

Monday:

   This evening we went to Wendys again. I rode Curly bareback, Lillian rode Sundance bareback and Jonathan rode Jack bareback...Sharon rode Bean but not bareback. We first went into Wendy's then on the way back we checked in on my girls. Shasta and Daisy were both doing good. Daisy has a puncture wound and it is healing fine. I honestly have no clue what made it..it wasn't another horse that much I do know.

Tuesday:
   I got to Sharon and was discussing with her what I want to do. Since my horses are over on the meadow I wanted to get the one to ride. So I went and god Daisy and rode her back to Sharon..Since Sharon had a group of three riders coming at 7:30 we all sang first...then we tacked up and rode out. I rode Venus and Lillian rode Daisy and they both did really good. Since I was leading and we were cantering Venus shied a few times but overall she did excellant. I was really impressed with her. We didn't take Daisy back that night and just left Shasta by herself over on the meadow.

Wednesday Morning:
   I had slept at Sharon the night before and then went to work with her first thing. Once we got back I saddled up Lightning and ponied Daisy back to the meadow by myself. As far as I know this is the first time she ever was ponied and she did excellant. We even did some cantering and I had no problem with her at all. I was really impressed. Now both my horses pony which makes it so nice!

Friday:
   This evening Rachel came riding again. I came straight from work so Earl Dean picked Rachel up at home here and brougth her along over to Sharon. She rode Misty as Speedy is favoring hs one ancle for some reason. I rode Venus again and Sharon ponied Speedy. We took Speedy over to the meadow and brought Shasta back to Sharon's place to put in her meadow. Shannon came along (she is the one that owns Kate and Dusty..they actually are leaving in October due to moving and also having TONS of pasture at their new place). We just walked the whole way there and the whole way back but Rachel did really good and so did Misty ;) It was a lot of fun!!

Something to Think About!

2011-08-28T16:59:00.000-04:00

My aunt put this link on her page on Facebook. I read it and was really challenged by it!! I like how this guy said that you don't have to dress in ugly or unattractive clothing to be modest..that is so not true!! Very well written article!
http://annawood.wordpress.com/2010/06/24/a-letter-to-girls-i-know-on-modesty/

I saw this quote on the site above and really liked it:

“The Christian life is not adding Jesus to one’s own way of life but renouncing that personal way of life for His and being willing to pay whatever cost that may require.”~John MacArthur

Wednesday and Friday's Rides!!

2011-08-28T16:19:00.000-04:00

Wednesday:

I worked at my aunt in the afternoon on Wednesday..we were doing canning (pizza sauce). I left for Sharon around 7:45. I got to Sharon around 8 and got Daisy ready. Sharon was with Riley and they were riding Navajo from Riley's place over to Sharon's. I called Sharon when I got to her place and told her I am headed her way. Jonathan came just as I was heading out so I waited for him and we met up with Sharon and Riley together. Once we got back to Sharon's place Earl Dean trailered Navi home. Then after I helped Sharon with the chores I headed out and went back to my aunt...I cleaned up all the canning mess and got to bed around 1:30 am. Overall it was a packed day!

Friday:
I took the children I babysit on Fridays to Sharon for a wagon ride. I left the 7 month old (Cole) here at the house with my mom and took Zachary, Alex and their sister Riley. They seemed to really like it :) Then I brought them all back here and waited till I got a call from their dad to go meet him. I met their dad and gave him the children then I went to Sharon again.
My cousin MaryRose came with 4 of her friends. Lillian was there before I was and she rode Daisy on the ride with my cousin and her friends while I rode Shasta. Shasta acted all hyper and was hopping and doing all her funny things but I worked her thru it and she settled down. I didn't let her get away with any of it so that made a difference. I am hoping to ride her on Monday evening.
Once we got back from the ride with my cousins I switched the stirrups over to Daisy and rode her for the next ride which was with Cheri, Andrea and their cousin Karen. We rode for about 45 minutes. Once we got back I put the stud chain on Shasta and lead her on Daisy and Lillian rode Lightning bareback while Sharon rode Bean. We headed over to the meadow again..the grass really grew with the rain we have had in the last couple of weeks. Both Daisy and Shasta did really good.

Saturday:
I didn't ride Saturday but I did go to Sharon! I helped her and Earl Dean with the barnwork. We cleaned out 3 of the stalls and also put sawdust in them..Then we fixed a gate and also cleaned out behind the carrage. Needless to say it looked really nice when we were all finished. Before I went home I went over to my horses and made sure they had water and they were all doing good. Shasta actually stayed put and didn't run off..that is a big improvement..she improves little by little!!

Friday, Saturday and Monday's Rides!

2011-08-23T10:11:00.002-04:00

Friday:

    My cousin MaryRose and her sister Sarah spent the weekend here at my house. Sarah's boyfriend Daniel was in from Minnesota so she was with his family Friday evening. MaryRose came riding with Sharon, Jonathan, Lillian and I. Lillian and I decided to ride double on Lightning (which is what we had done the other Friday I think it was..when we got my horses off the meadow) and MaryRose rode Daisy :) She really liked Daisy! Once we were done riding we went in the house and did some singing while Jonathan played guitar..that I really enjoyed!

Saturday:
    My cousins and I went to bed around 2:30 in the morning so we slept in till almost 10. We got to Sharon's a bit after 11. Sarah, Daniel, MaryRose, Sharon and I were all going to go riding at 11:30. Earl Dean had taken a group out and they didn't get back till at least 12. Once they got back I put Daniel on Lightning, MaryRose on Misty, Sarah Ruth on Daisy and I rode Shasta (she did ok....she is being a bit nuts at the moment but she isn't being ridden enough...my schedule is a bit crazy at the moment :D). We did do some running and everyone really seemed to have a lot of fun!
    Well after we got back from riding Daniel and Sarah left. MaryRose stayed for a while yet. Jonathan came and brought his guitar and we sang till around 4 then went for a very short ride. Once he left, MaryRose came back for a bit (she had left to do some shopping a while before) then left again. Lillian, Ida Ann, Sharon and I went into the Panda Garden for supper with a group of ladies....It was very good. Then I hung around for a while then went home. My cousins were there when I got back and we stayed up till about 4 or so in the morning..needless to say I was a bit tired Sunday morning although I did get a lot out of the sermon at my cousins church :) <3

Monday:
    Rachel's 7th birthday is on Thursday and I was thinking I don't know what to give for her birthday. Well I decided I am going to take her riding at Sharon's place. So last night I took her. First we went in the wagon to McDonald's and got food (Sharon, Earl Dean and Lillian did..Rachel and I just got some fries as we had already had supper). Once we got back I saddles Speedy up with the children's saddle and put Rachel up on him. She rode him all by herself <3 She had so much fun...we went for a short spin up to Fairmount Homes and came back all walking. Once back Rachel walked around the house a bit then she cantered a bit. She did so good all by herself. I think I will need to take her again or I won't ever hear the end of it..LOL! <3 I am glad I have someone in my family I can share my love of horses with!

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday's Rides!!

2011-08-19T12:20:00.001-04:00

Monday:

In the evening I went to Sharon. Before we did anything we put a fence up in the one paddock to keep the sheep and goats away from the bale of hay that is stored out there under a tarp. Then we moved some other things. Once we finished all that I put Daisy's bit in her mouth and hopped on her bareback. We rode a good hour just walking and cantering a bit. We met up with Jonathan coming back then we walked some of the way home. On the main trail headed back to Sharon there is a log that we always have to cross (till they get it removed). Anyway we were cantering and I slowed Daisy down a bit but we jumped over it. I was amazed I stayed on because she popped a bit but she did good. I want to go over to my friend Andrea's soon and do some jumping on the jump course she has set up ;) It has been a while since I have ridden totally bareback and I really enjoyed it!!
Once we were back I rode Shasta for a little bit. Just for about 15 minutes but she did excellant. She is continually getting better with me getting on her and standing still. She can still be quite hyper but she still impresses me!

Tuesday:

    Then on Tuesday my friend Abby from Clymer, NY came in with her whole family. I finally got to meet her dad and brother ;) The last two times I just got to meet her and her mom. We went to Sharon and rode. I rode Curly and Abby rode Daisy. I believe she really liked her ;) We did all walking but we did a lot of talking. I enjoyed it immensly. I wish so badly that we could have talked longer and been together longer but I was just thankful I was able to be with her the bit I was!!
p.s. Sorry the pic is so blurry..I have no clue what is up with our camera!

Wednesday:
    In the morning we went to Vicky. I had a flat tire on my vehicle so I called and told Sharon I probably will be late. She said then I can just ride Daisy on over to the stable and meet them there. Well before I had even left home I made up my mind I am going to ride Daisy bareback over there. It is about 20 minutes over there with more cantering than walking. I walked some but did mostly cantering. Daisy did really good and I stayed on. I barely sore which impressed me for how much cantering I had done. Then on the way home Daisy was acting up a bit but other than that she did impressive. I was happy with her ;)
    Then again I rode Shasta for a bit. I rode her for more like a half an hour and she did good. She was hyper but she did good with me getting on her. I want to ride her tomorrow when my cousins come. Tonight Lillian and I are going to do something really fun..will tell you all about it when I update again ;)

Thursday:
    I rode Daisy again this time over to Ida Ann's. She works for Sharon at Vicky on Friday's...We ate supper there and talked for a while. We rode back to Sharon's before 9 and were back by 9..we then played a game (Sharon, Lillian, Andrea and I). That was a lot of fun!! Hope you all have an enjoyable weekend!!

Friday and Saturday's Rides!!

2011-08-14T17:04:00.000-04:00

Friday night we drove Curly over to give my horses on the pasture water. Once over there we saw how low the grass was so we decided to take them back over to Sharon's place. So we went back over to Sharon and got horses and rode back over to the pasture. Then I put the stirrups and hackamore on Daisy and ponied Shasta :) Shasta and Daisy both did awesome :)

Saturday then I took my cousin Melanie riding. I rode Daisy and she rode Speedy. We did some cantering and Melanie did really good :) :) She enjoyed riding Speedy. Once we got back I let her ride Daisy around the house a time or two. Then we gave Daisy a bath. she had to leave before we gave Shasta a bath but I gave her a bath as well and got all the burrs out of her mane. Both my girls looked nice now!! Can't wait to see them tomorrow ;)

Ocean City, New Jersey...August 8-12 2011!!

2011-08-14T16:40:00.001-04:00

We went to Ocean City NJ for our week at the beach as a family. We left Monday around 12 or so and got down there late afternoon. Once there we took all our stuff up to our room and unpacked then just

lounged around for a bit! Around 6:30, Mom, Rose Mary, Rachel and I all headed out to the beach for an hour or so. We played in the water and got wet. Didn't stay down there long but just long enough to enjoy ourselves.

Tuesday we slept in. Once everyone was awake

we made breakfast (we packed all our food for
the trip so we wouldn't need to eat out ;)
and then everone got dressed for the beach
and out we headed. On the beach we got an
umbrella and two chairs for Mom and Dad.
Us girls just laid on our beach towels. We spent
a good portion of the morning and afternoon
on the beach that day. Rachel enjoyed it a
great deal...She didn't find any friends this day
but she stuck with us all.

Rachel and I

on the beach.

Rose Mary

hadn't wanted

to come along

to take pics :(

Wednesday and Thursday were pretty similar..we spent about the same amount of time on the beach and Rachel found another Rachel to be with. The other Rachel was 2 months older than her also born on the 25th :) Really awesome!! Then Friday we packed up and headed home. It was a very awesome time on the beach..Rose Mary and I spent some time walking the boardwalk which was a lot of fun!!

Beach pics ;)

To McDonald's We Go on Horseback!

2011-08-06T12:47:00.000-04:00

Here is a collage of all our animals

Friday evening a group of us went into McDonalds to go thru the drivethru. It was Earl Dean and Sharon, Riley, Jonathan, Ida Ann, Lillian and I that went. Not sure exactly what time we left the barn but it was somewhere between 6:30 and 7. We rode into McDonalds and ordered our food at the window. Once everyone had their food we went over to the grass and ate. We really didn't stay to long there but long enough to eat and talk a bit. Then we headed back to Sharon's place. We got back around 8:55 or 9. It was a very awesome evening and I would do it again in a heartbeat!!

Tuesday and Wednesday's Rides!!

2011-08-04T19:48:00.001-04:00

Tuesday:

Both Shasta and Daisy (and also Jack) needed to go to the farrier so Lillian, Jonathan, Riley (he has Navajo), Sharon and I all rode over there. I ponied Shasta from Daisy and both did well...Daisy could have cared less and Shasta ponied quite well. I got them both reset (with Shasta getting one new shoe because she had thrown that one) and also got their teeth checked. Both of their teeth were sharp so I was very happy that Sharon suggested getting them done. Once done at the farrier we went up to Woodcrest and rode the trails up there. I left Shasta at the farriers and we picked her up on our way home. Overall it was a fun evening :)

Wednesday:
Wednesday morning "Little" Andrea, Sharon and I worked at the stables. I drove Curly over which was a lot of fun. I really enjoy driving him for some reason...Can't wait till I can drive Daisy all by myself (she is still a bit green). Once we got back from the stables Sharon and I went for a little short ride. She rode Speedy and I rode Shasta. For the first time in a while Shasta acted up 2 times on that ride. The one time she got all hyper because we would be running soon and I asked her to settle down and that upset her but I got her calmed down and the other time was when we were almost home and she kept prancing sideways so I made her turn around and go back opposite of the way we were going and then turned around again heading home again..she did ok. Then in the evening after I was done working I went back to Sharon and this time Lillian was there too. She rode Princton (or as she renamed him Sparky..he is the pony Sharon and I gave her for her bday :D) and I rode Shasta and Sharon rode Speedy. Shasta blew up again in the exact same places as earlier in the day only worse. We worked thru it again and she settled down. I think the biggest problem is that she hadn't been ridden for a while by me so now she thinks it is ok to act up :) She will find out sooner or later that isn't the way to behave. I also think it has to do with her not having pasture. She will be going over to the meadow most likely Saturday again that way while we are at the beach the horses can have grass and self exercise ;) Have an awesome weekend!!

Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday's Updates!!

2011-07-31T13:06:00.001-04:00

Tuesday:

Tuesday evening I went to Sharon like normal. We (meaning the usual four of us) went over to the meadow where the horses were and I got Daisy and off we headed. We didn't have a lot of time so we just went the normal route and rode for about 45 minutes. Instead of taking Daisy back to the meadow like we normally would we just took her back to Sharon's since I was going to ride her first thing Wednesday morning anyway.

Wednesday:
Then Wednesday morning I got to Sharon regular time and we headed out for Vicky's (stables). Sharon and Andrea rode in the cart pulled by Bean on the road and I rode Daisy the back way thru fieldlanes and such so we rode by ourselves for the first time. That was a lot of fun and Daisy did so awesome. I was so happy and impressed with her!! Then we came back to Sharon's and I hosed her off and then we headed over to a 1/2 mile racetrack just for the fun of it and I ran Daisy flat out. Boy can she stretch out and run. It was SO MUCH FUN and Daisy is faster than Andrea's Sweet Pea...A bit surprising. I knew Daisy was fast but I didn't realize how fast. It was totally awesome!! Then once we came back from that we drove Daisy over to the meadow. She did the best she has ever done. She drove nice and straight and she is just getting better and better. Once over there we switched the harness to Curly and then drove back to Sharon's again leaving Daisy at the meadow!!

Friday:
Then Friday night I rode Shasta instead of Daisy because Daisy's need to get trimmed. We (a few of Sharon's friends) planned a surprise birthday party for Sharon since her birthday was Saturday the 30th and we decided to have the party Friday night. So Sharon, Lillian, Jonathan and I went over and got Shasta and then were headed up for Woodcrest when a thunderstorm came up. We went back to the barn till it was over then went part of the way up to Woodcrest and had lunch. Then we just rode around a bit and took Shasta back to the meadow. Then I got on Speedy (which was the horse I had ridden over from Sharon's to the meadow to get Shasta) and we headed back to the barn and everyone say's Surprise. I was glad we had the party. It wasn't a big one but I was happy with everyone that showed up and that we were able to have a party!!

Saturday:
I was at recording for our Joyful Heart's Christmas Cd from 8 till 4:45. Then I went to Sharon's and crashed on the sofa till she came home from going for her birthday supper with her parents. Earl Dean was nice and hitched up Curly for us and we drove him over to the horses to just give them water. Once over there Sharon and I discussed things and decided to take my horses back to her place for this next week and give the pasture a break. Also if I am going to be there a lot this week it will be nice to have my horses there then when we are on vacation the 8-12 of August (Ocean City NJ..we are going as a family) the horses can be on the meadow over that time. I was like good idea so that is what we did. I loved on both my girls a bit. :) Shasta is slowly warming up to me I think :) Hope you all have a great weekend!!!

Wednesday and Friday's Rides in the Creek on Shasta!!

2011-07-23T20:47:00.000-04:00

New Header :)

Shasta and Daisy in the new meadow

This week I wasn't able to be over with the horses as much as I wanted too. I saw the horses Monday for a tad and then Wednesday morning before work (Daisy had some burrs in her mane and forlock and so did Shasta..I want to cut down all the areas with burrs if they will be in the meadow for longer). After work we (Sharon, Andrea and I) went over to the meadow on Lightning, Bean and Misty. We left Misty and Lightning there and took off with Shasta and Daisy. I rode Shasta and Andrea rode Daisy. We headed over to the creek with it being so warm this week. Both Daisy and Shasta did well. Daisy really enjoyed it ;)

Then on Friday Earldean, Sharon, Lillian, Jonathan and I all headed down to the creek around 8 or so in the evening. Before we had gone while waiting for Jonathan, Sharon Lillian and I all sang some songs..it was awesome. Well once he got there we all headed for the creek and spent a good hr in the creek. It was totally awesome!!!! I enjoyed myself immensely. I rode Shasta home bareback then and she did really good. I even rode her at a canter..I was impressed :) Both my girls are enjoying the meadow but if it doesn't rain the meadow won't last much longer. So I am hoping and praying for rain ;) :) Enjoy the pics!!!

Friday's Ride!!

2011-07-17T09:41:00.001-04:00

Friday after work I went back to Sharon's around 4 (I went and helped them at the stables first though). Andrea, Sharon and I took the babies in the creek and let them swim then we tied them and went farther down the creek so our horses that we were riding could swim..that went well. Then on the way back to Sharon's house we met up with Cherie and her sister Andrea. We told them we had just come out of the creek and then they were like yeah they want to go too so we took the babies home and went swimming in the creek again. Only this time I rode Jack...he did totally awesome :):) THEN we came back from swimming in the creek again and Sharon had a group of riders coming. SO instead of riding any of my horses I rode Shasta's Paso Fino son Richie. He is so awesome. He is a lot like his mom but a lot more calmed down. I so like him a lot :) :) I I was so happy for the priviledge to ride him :) That was my Friday then.

For those of you wondering I didn't go to youth retreat..I planned to but ended up not feeling so well and just hurting since my adjustment at the chiropractor so I didn't go anywhere. Last night we moved Daisy and Shasta and Lillian's 1 yr old Diamond over to a pasture a 15 minute horseback ride from Sharon's. They are going to be there till the grass gets all :) I will be hopefully taking some pics soon!! <3 They will be on grass 24/7 for $10 a week there..Pretty awesome :) Once the grass is all then back to Sharon they go ;)

Oh and just for the anyhow check this link out: http://horseandman.com/horse-stories/zelda-the-zorse/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Horseandmancom+%28horseandman.com%29

Wednesday's Ride on Blackie and Venus!

2011-07-14T13:16:00.000-04:00

I got up Wednesday morning and went to the stables first thing in the morning. Since Misty needed shoes redone we took her to Matt before going to the stables. We got done record time at the stables and headed back. I called my aunt and asked her if I come two hrs earlier would I be aloud to go to Sharon's in the evening then and she was like sure. So I worked till 6 and headed over to Sharons then again. When I got there I ate some supper and put the stirrups on Blackie (remember the one that is there for training..don't have any pics of him). I rode him around the house and got him to canter good for me. He did really good with neck reining at first which he does know but then he got stubborn. I got him to do what I wanted and stayed on :D He stood really nice for me when I got on and he didn't cause me any trouble till he got tired of doing what I wanted him to do. But he gave up good and proper and then we quit. I hosed him off and put him away. Then I got Venus ready with stirrups for the ride. She did excellant on the ride...I think she remembers everything I taught her. I was really impressed. Now next time I ride her I want to ride her in the front and see how she does with that.

Sorry for the delay for all the updates. Being at Sharon caused me to not be able to update and when I was home I wasn't able to get online. Monday and Thursday evenings I am not home due to chorus practice which only lasts till the end of the month. And I was also gone Tuesday night so that night was out for updating as well. I will be gone this weekend at youth retreat (leaving Sat morn and getting back Sun sometime) so I will update you Monday sometime hopefully on how my weekend went!! Enjoy your weekend!!

Tuesday's Ride on Daisy and Andrea's 14th Birthday Party!!

2011-07-14T13:09:00.000-04:00

Sharon and I and Lillian had been planning a surprise birthday party for our friend Andrea (she is the one that owns Sweet Pea). Anyway I distracted her by taking her shopping and then brought her back to Sharon's. I took her over to the tack room and she opens the door and everyone say's SURPRISE and walks out singing Happy Birthday. She got to go on a treasure hunt for her birthday gift which didn't come in yet but we told her she is getting a winter blanket for Sweet Pea. Then we ate some cake and ice cream. Once we were done with snack we saddled up and headed out. I used my English saddle (I finally took it to Sharon) on Daisy. Wow was it lots of fun to ride in that again and on her at that. She really seemed to like it. Lillian rode Shasta again :) We had a nice ride. Once we got back I took Andrea and Ida Ann home. Then I went back to Sharon for the night.

Sunday: Riding Daisy and Shasta in the Creek and Up to Woodcrest!

2011-07-14T13:04:00.000-04:00

Lillian and I stayed over at Sharon's Saturday night and then went to church with her Sunday morning. That was fun. After church we ate lunch and then rested for a while. Jonathan came around 2 so we saddled up and headed up to Woodcrest. Lillian rode Shasta and I rode Daisy :) It was a very relaxing and fun ride. On the way back we decided to go over to the creek to swim. I started off with Daisy going first into the water of my horses. Well Shasta seemed fine to me but Lillian acted nervous about taking her farther into the water especially since we weren't sure if she ever swam before. So we switched horses. I rode Shasta and Lillian rode Daisy. Shasta really loved it....even more than Daisy does :D Daisy is enjoying it more and more especially since we are doing it often enough! Anyway Jonathan had the saddle on Jack so he took that off and I gave him the stirrups on Shasta. I rode Jack thru the swimming hole one time then another time. I then convinced Jonathan he should try it too. He did then. Once Jack did it a couple of times I decided I want to ride Shasta thru too. I did it bareback at that. That was a lot of fun. I have always wanted to ride her bareback but haven't had the nerve to do it yet. Well I did it in the water and swimming and it went well so we shall have to try it soon again outside of the water. It was a totally awesome afternoon. Lillian's parents came in the evening then so we took Curly and Lightning out double hitch and gave them a ride. I really enjoyed that. Overall it was a very awesome weekend!!

Saturday: Riding Shasta, Driving Daisy Single, and Taking Jack in the Creek!

2011-07-14T12:58:00.000-04:00

Now Saturday was eventful. Jonthan had plans to come and make a saddle rack that was able to have 4 saddles on it for in the tack room. So he came and did that in the morning. Sharon butchered the fish Earl Dean caught Friday night (42 in Flathead Catfish he caught in the Susequehana). I helped clean out all the stalls and put sawdust in the stalls and bag them. That took a good portion of the morning. Well we ate lunch around 1 or so and then Jonathan left shortly after that. Lillian was at work all day but she was able to come in the evening then. I took a group of riders out with me riding Shasta. She did really good all except when we crossed the road at the one spot and when we would normally run at the one spot :D I wasn't to happy with her. Once we got back the riders left and I took Shasta out in the meadow and worked her. I got her to canter nicely for me, stop, turn both ways (which was the biggest issue), and also gave her a little lesson on neck reining and just basicly really earned her respect. Once she did exactly what I wanted I got off of her and took her out of the gate. I said WHOA and she stopped on a dime then I said Come and she walked off then I said WHOA and she stopped on a dime again. I was so impressed. She did so well so I hosed her off and put her away.

I then went into the house and talked to Sharon. We discussed what we want to do for the rest of the evening. We decided to drive Daisy single hitch for the first time. I went out and got her all harnessed up and then took lots of pictures of her till Sharon came out. Then we hooked her up to the cart. Lillian got there by then and she hopped aboard as well and off we went. Daisy at first didn't go to straight but toward the end she did so excellant. I was so impressed with her :) She is doing so awesome with other people riding her and things. She hasn't learned any bad habits or anything. Daisy still does the best for me than she does for anyone else which is interesting because Shasta does practically perfect for Lillian and Jonathan (he rode her last night (Wednesday) for the first time) and the worst for me although she is doing better. It is just funny :) I love both of my girls regardless of how they do for me or other people ;)

Once we got back from driving Daisy I unhitched her and hosed her off. Then I went and got Jack ready. He did ok for Jonathan in the creek but Sharon wanted me to take him and get him to do really good. That is what we did then...I was really impressed with him.

We did lots of stuff because once we got back with Jack from the creek we came back and I hopped on Venus and Lillian got on Blackie (he is a pony there that needs lots of work...his owner spoils him like crazy and now he is stubborn as ever). Venus did excellant of which I was totally impressed. But I did roundpen her before we left. I know that made a difference and she remembered everything I worked with her on before. Blackie did pretty good for Lillian too. Overall it was an awesome day!!

Friday's Ride and Swimming in the Creek!

2011-07-14T12:44:00.000-04:00

My parents went away for the weekend so I stayed at Sharon's all weekend ;) Friday I got there around 4 or so after work. We ate supper and did a few things then when Jonathan came we headed for the creek. Sharon on Lightning, Jonathan on Jack and me on Daisy (we so badly wished Lillian could have been there but she had to work). We spent time going down to the covered bridge then swimming with the horses. We got out and went on the rest of the riding trails that we usually go on. It was totally awesome. Not sure what time it was when we got back but it was a good 2 or 3 hrs later. Then we went in and had some snack. I didn't get to bed till 12 :D It was an awesome evening!

Monday's Roundpenning Venus and Wednesday's Ride on Daisy and Swimming in the Creek!

2011-07-08T07:21:00.001-04:00

Monday morning with it being fourth of July we didn't work at the stables. So I went to Sharon and we cleaned out the back stall where Jack and Shasta are. That took a while and then Sharon had a ride to take so Lillian and I just stuck around. Jonathan had come too and he had helped do some of the heavier work in the back stall which was really nice. Then I gave Daisy a bath. She was limping on her back right and Sharon couldn't figure out what her problem was. We got the vet out Tuesday and he said she had an absess so we took her to the farrier and he cut it out for us. Daisy was sound then that night already. Anyway since I had some time Lillian thought we should roundpen Venus. I was like ok. So we did and it is a good thing we did too. She kept wanting to go into the corner and turn her but to me but I would flick the whip at her and if she didn't move I would do it again then lightly tap her with it. She moved then and then would go into a corner again. We worked thru that after her kicking out the back a few times (I always make sure I am back plenty far because I just don't trust certain horse's back legs). She did turn toward me a few times like I wanted her too. Then she started listening to me and licking and chewing. I was impressed. She followed me too when I turned away. I was so happy.

Wednesday
I haven't been able to find a bit that Daisy does excellant in and I finally found the bit. I am not sure what it is called so I am doing some research but it works perfectly. She respects it (as far as I know it isn't a harsh bit) very well. I am so pleased. I rode her to Vicky and back and she did so well. Actually better than a hackamore and that is saying something :D Once we got back from Vicky we went to the creek and swam in the creek (and when I say we I mean Sharon, Andrea and I). SO MUCH FUN!!!! Then I went to work after that ;D :D

Friday's Ride on Venus and Saturday's Ride on Venus and Shasta!!!

2011-07-03T15:02:00.001-04:00

Friday:

I got to Sharon's later than normal Friday evening because I worked a 10 hr day babysitting :) Then first thing we did at Sharon's was go load a lady's spring wagon up that had been in a wreck that day (the horse and the lady were fine thankfully but the spring wagon needed to go to the shop). Once we got back from that Lillian and I saddled up the ponies to go on a ride. Well I got Venus all ready and of all the nice things she can do she acts like she has never been mounted before. She would swing her but toward me as soon as I put my foot in the stirrup. We worked thru that but before I ever got on her she had stepped on my foot and turned (so now my other foot hurts :D) and I was on the ground. I was not happy in the least. I finally got on her after fighting for a bit. She never did that before she always waited till I was on to act up. I should have known that she is going to be acting up later. Anyway Sharon lead out and Lillian and I followed. Well it all went well until we were going thru this one farm. Venus shied at the greenhouse and she purposely ran into Bean and Girly. Since Venus did taht Sharon and Lillian took Bean and Girly out of the way so I could work with Venus without her running into their horses. Then of course Venus got stubborn. I mean really stubborn. She figured fine then take my friends away I am not moving a foot. I worked with her and worked with her and worked with her and we finally moved. I did numerous things. I tapped with my heels, I tapped with my crop and I made her back up and then after I am about worn out she finally listens. She kept fighting so we decided we are turning around and going back the way she knows with her in the lead and hopefully that will help her do better. Sharon and Lillian go a little bit ahead and go off to the side so that I can go past once I get Venus going again (we battled a bit again till I got her turned around and moving again) and so once she was moving I asked for a canter. It was half funny because I got her to canter and we went past Lillian adn Sharon and only till she is a bit past does she realize we pasted the other horses and then she wants to go back but I nudged her forward and we cantered a bit then. I slowed her down and then we had another fight..She kept deciding not to go forward. I got her going again and we went up into the Farimount trails again. We met Jonathan up there on Jack. Then we went down the other side and of course she acts nuts. Not sure what she did that I went flying but whatever it was she went one way and I went the other way. The amazing thing is I almost flew off of her numerous times but never did and so I wasn't to surprised when I landed on the ground. My hip is nice and sore still and my right arm is all skinned up :D Anyway I sat on the ground a bit till i got my wind then got on again and off we went. And you know what she behaved the best after that :D The rest of the way home we pretty much walked and she did excellant. I was impressed. I honestly think if she were used regularly by her owners then we wouldn't continue having these issues with her but as long as she doesn't have regular use this is going to continue to happen but Lillian and I plan to ride Venus and Girly as much as possible :)

Saturday:
I then went again on Saturday evening. Sharon had a group of riders comeing, so since Jonthan, Lillian, Sharon and I were all going to go up to WoodCrest after she came back with that group I didn't go along. I rode Venus instead. I just rode her around the house and worked with her going past the barn without trying to go in. We didn't work terribly long either and she did really well. I honestly think I earned her respect by working with her the night before. I was impressed :)
Then Sharon came back and I got Shasta ready, Lillian rode Curly, Jonthan rode Jack and Sharon rode Bean. Daisy had been used for that group of riders and she did good :) I rode Shasta in the Paso-Fino bit that Joel (her previous owner) is letting me use so I can decide if I want to buy it. But wow did she do really awesome and she responded so well. If she continues to do that well all the time then that is what I plan to ride her in. She had one fit at the creek when we crossed that and on the way home one time when crossing the one road but otherwise she did so amazing. I was very happy. Now if I can find a bit for Daisy that works for her yet then I will be pleased. We rode for at least 3 hrs..It was a ton of fun and we talked about a lot of different things. So awesome!! Hope you all are having a wonderful weekend and have a safe 4th of JULY!!

Wednesday's Ride on Shasta!!

2011-06-30T19:56:00.000-04:00

Since I rode Daisy a nice amount on Monday I decided to ride Shasta to the stables on Wednesday. Since that means crossing 322 I didn't know how she would do but she did great. She actually did really well with everything compared to Monday. With Shasta it makes a big difference if it is a new rider or if it is someone that has ridden her before. She will act up a lot faster for someone that is new to her than if it is someone who has ridden her before or ridden her a lot. I plan to try the Paso Fino bit on her that Joel has on Friday because I want to see how she does in that :) I also want to try a different bit for Miss Daisy :) Hope you all have a great day!

Saturday, Sunday and Monday's Rides!!

2011-06-28T19:22:00.000-04:00

I did quite a bit of riding this weekend..more than normal that is for sure. I hope I can remember everything I want to write down :D

Saturday:
Joyful Hearts Chorus (my chorus I am with) had recording Saturday morning. I slept at Sharon Friday night and so I was just 5 minutes away from the studio Sat morning. I went over there and I was there till 1 something. I got back over at Sharon around 2. Not exactly sure what time it was that we got mobalized but I went out and put the stirrups on Jack (Jonathan's horse..will get pics soon as he is being boarded there at Sharon's place now) and then when Jonathan came he rode him a bit in them. He took the stirrups off of Jack and let me have them so I can use them for Spurs (and he didn't feel comfortable using them on a ride yet which I didn't blame him). Then off Jonathan, Sharon and I went. Spurs did well at first till we had to go on the road at the one place then he acted totally crazy. I worked him thru it and off we went again. As much as I can remember he did ok the rest of the time :) Once we got back I hosed off Spurs and put him away and got out Daisy. I rode her around the house for 15 minutes or so. We didn't canter the whole time but we did plenty. I rode her bareback too and that was so much fun. By then Lillian came so we ate supper and took the babies (minus Patience as she cut her leg and couldn't go along) for a swim in the creek. Boy did they love it. It wasn't for long or for much but they enjoyed it and were frisky on the way home. Once we got back we went for another ride this time I rode Shasta (Little Andrea was along when we took the babies and so was Lillian so they came along with Sharon and I when I rode Shasta). I think it was for about half an hour to 45 minutes :) It was totally fun!!

Sunday:
Then Sunday afternoon I took Rose Mary riding. First I started out on Spurs, Rose Mary on Curly and Lillian on Daisy and Sharon on Bean. We rode for about an hour and a half or so. Then we came back and Rose Mary kinda wanted to ride Curly more and I want to ride Shasta so both my horses get used equally. So off we went again this time Lillian rode Girly (the one pony), Rose Mary on Curly and me on Shasta..that was tons of fun..Shasta did awesome too!!

Monday:
Now Monday was an awesome day. Sharon and I planned to give Lillian Princeton in full for a very late bday gift (her birthday was in March..LOL) but in order for her to get her gift she needed to go on a treasure hunt so I went earlier than what we told Lillian to come so we could get the notes out. Well she comes earlier than planned but before we could go to the stables we needed to really clean out two corrals for one of the other boarders at Sharon's. So we did that and I during that time got all the notes written and hung around and then when we were almost done I put bows on Princeton. Then once we were completely finished I gave Lillian the first note. It was so awesome seeing her face when she realized that Princeton is hers completely. I am so happy I did that :) :) :) Then later in the day we went to Becky and Sharon and I got a nice looking halter for him. He looks good in it :)

Once we gave Lillian her pony we saddled up. Lillian started out riding Daisy, I rode Spurs and we ponied Jack. Sharon actually ponied Jack :D We took Spurs home and put the stirrups we used on Spurs on Jack and Lillian rode him and I got to finally ride my sweet girl again :) Then we went to Vicky cleaned stalls there, then went to play a game with two older ladies (that was awesome) then we rode home. Once home we hooked up the wagon to Lightning and started for Becky then New Holland. Before we got ot New Holland we turned around and went back and called a tack shop close to where we were going to take Sharon's Beauty to get her feet done. You see we planned a surprise bday party for Jonathan. We don't know him well at all but I found out his birthday was Sunday so we decided to get him a halter/bridle for Jack for his birthday and also invite two familes to come and surprise him after we get back from riding. Anyway we took Beauty to the farrier, went and got the halter/bridle, quick came home and put ribbons on Jack and the halter/bridle on him and put him in his stall. Jonathan liked his halter/bridle and how Jack looked. Then my friend's Sarah and Becky came and we went on a ride together. I started out riding Venus but Shasta was acting hyper so Sarah and I switched and I rode Shasta and she rode Venus. That turned out really well. Once we got back from the ride with Jonathan, my friends, Sharon, Lillian and I..Jonathan went to go into the tack room to put his saddle away and out walks his family and friends..It was so perfect :) :) Very short notice too but perfect :D :D Then we had treat! It was an awesome day with surprises for two people but so much fun planning them :)

Not sure who I will be riding and such in the next couple of days..I stepped on a nail today and my foot is quite sore from it so not sure if that will affect me riding or not..we shall have to see :)

Finally Pics from Canada and Blue Marsh :) :)

2011-06-23T21:58:00.000-04:00

It says, "Joyful Hearts Chorus Tour 2011"

My friend Lori and I

My cousin's Melanie, I and Megan (I stayed at their house in New York the night before we went to Canada

American Falls (pic taken from Canadian side)

Horseshoe Falls (Canadian)

My friend Christine and I at the Falls

This is where we were at the Beach in Canada

My friend Amber and I at the beach

Joyful Hearts Chorus (we were practicing..this picture was taken by Marlisa)

BLUE MARSH

Shasta

Daisy

Some of our group..there were 14 of us all together.

Finally got some pics up...hope everything is pretty much self explanatory :):) Enjoy!!

Tuesday's Wagon Ride and Wednesday's Ride on Spurs and Loving on my Girls!!

2011-06-22T20:34:00.002-04:00

Tuesday:

Tuesday Sharon and I drove Lightning and Curly double hitch back to her mom to take a wagon load of 8 ladies for a ride (10 with Sharon and I). We went to a really neat flower place that I want to go back to again and a neat barn that is decorated really nice. They had some old stuff there and also homemade soap. I thought it was really neat. Then we drove back to Sharon's mom again and ate lunch then came home. It was a pretty neat day all around :)

Wednesday:
Then today (Wednesday) I was at Sharon's first thing in the morning since I slept at her house Tuesday night after I went to bible school. We went to the stables first thing in the morning driving Speedy in the carriage then we came home and unhooked and ate lunch. After lunch I rode Spurs while Sharon rode Bean. I decided to try riding Spurs with the stirrups since I didn't like saddling him up (he isn't the shortest horse around and neither is his saddle the lightest :D). He did really good at first but then he spooked along the road a lot. So we headed up to Fairmount trails and turned around and went the way he kept spooking at twice. The first time at a walk and then the second time at a trot. He did pretty good. I want to keep working with him on stuff like that and I think he will do really good. Not sure if I am ready for Lillian to ride him because I almost went flying a few times just because he would shy so fast at stuff :D I did get to spend some time loving on Daisy and Shasta..Daisy came to me really nice which had me happy and so did Shasta. I want to spend some time with them again tomorrow before bible school :) I didn't go to bible school tonight due to working in the evening :) Hope you have a great week!!

BLUE MARSH (5 1/2 hr ride)!!

2011-06-20T21:36:00.000-04:00

I usually have pictures as soon as I post a post but I still haven't had the time to put pics on the computer from my tour or from this Blue Marsh trip. I have them and I will be posting them hopefully sometime this week. I didn't forget I just haven't had the time to take time to do it :D So busy :)

Saturday I got up at 5:15 or so so that I could be at Sharon's by 6:15 :) I got to Sharon and I saddled up both Daisy and Shasta..by the time I had saddle bags and everything on the saddles and the horses sprayed with flyspray and such it was time to load the horses into the trailer and leave. We drove out of the driveway at 7:35 am. We drove to Blue Marsh and got there at 8:30 or so. We were in the saddle and headed out by 9. We rode till 11:30 and ate lunch and let the horses have a break. Then we headed out again by 12:30 or soon after and rode till 3:30. Between starting out and lunch we stopped one time to let the horses drink if they so desired and then again after lunch a few times. I have pictures and that will explain more but I did ride Shasta first in the morning in order to get a lot of her hyperness out of her so Lillian could ride her without much of a problem. Then at lunch Lillian and I switched...she rode Shasta and I rode Daisy. It was so awesome having two horses on the trail ride and seeing them both being ridden by someone I trust (there are a few select people that will be aloud to ride Shasta..pretty much anyone can ride Daisy now). It was so awesome being able to have both horses there because last year when we went I had Navi but was at the point of giving him away and I was training my cousins horse so yeah it was just really neat :) Hope you all have a wonderful week and again PICTURES ARE ON THE WAY :D :D :D

Friday's Ride!!

2011-06-20T21:29:00.002-04:00

Friday I spent the day at Sharon. I got there around 7:45 and went with her to the stables (I only work at Frysville on Monday and Wednesday but Sharon also works Friday). We got done there then went home. I had ridden Spurs over to the stables and he did really good. We are using a different bit in his mouth and boy does he do tons better. He listens and pays attention more and he just over all is a better horse. He acted like he wanted to buck a few times on the way to the stables but on the way home he did really good. I was very impressed. Once we got back Sharon and I ate lunch. My cousin Sarah and her friend Lydia came to ride and I put Lydia on Misty and Sarah on Curly while I rode Shasta. Shasta did pretty well but she reared one time and acted a little nuts another but she did pretty good overall. We rode for about an hour then we got back and I hosed Shasta down and put her away. I don't really think we did to much after that because I had to leave to go do a Father's Day thing with my family. It was a fun day though :)

Wednesday's Ride on Spurs and Misc Thoughts!

2011-06-15T22:10:00.002-04:00

Yes I know it seems like I am not riding my horses at all and it is just because the sooner I get this crazy horse aka Spurs out of here then I can spend all my time with my horses and pony and also Venus and Girly (to exercise them). I am going to be riding Daisy and Shasta on Saturday so I am looking forward to that. Also planning to ride both my girls on Friday hopefully.

About today...We rode Spurs over to the stables where I work and boy was he a brat. I figured out when he is fresh he shies at everything and canters nice but when he is more tired he is a pain in the neck to get to canter and he could care less about shieing..SO ANNOYING. He did awesome for a bit but some of the time I was not happy with him at all. Lets just say I am glad I am just training him and that he isn't my horse. I thought Shasta was bad with shieing..Nope Spurs is worse. He did pretty good though and I think after he has a few hours on him on Saturday he will do better! I am pleased with the progress I made today although he wore me out. I think once he has hours on him he will be a really great horse.
Well Sharon had a group of riders so I helped saddle all her horses up and saw them off. Then I went to get Daisy. She has been acting a bit funny lately for some reason so she walked away from me instead of coming to me. So I got her in the other corral (she was with another horse and I think that is some of it) and sent her away from me then turned my back and then she came to me. Silly horse :) Then I went out of the corral and came back in and she came right to me. She can be such a sweetheart but if she is not in the mood to come she will ignore you. I have seen that before..she can be so moody :D
Some of you may be wondering why am I buying another horse (Shasta)? Well to tell you the truth I honestly don't need another horse. I prayed about it when I first saw her and said to God.."I really like this horse and if she is meant for me then I trust you to work everything out." And he did. I honestly don't understand totally why he has allowed me to own more than one horse but I am thankful for it. I struggled with it for a bit before I knew I was getting her for sure but I decided it is in God's hands and he knows what he is doing. And everything worked out. My God is SO AWESOME :)

Joyful Hearts Chorus Tour to Ontario Canada "2011"

2011-06-15T06:40:00.002-04:00

Well I am honestly not sure where to start exactly :D Well Tuesday morning we met at the church around 10 and got off by I think it was 10:30 or 10:45..somewhere in between there. Our destination was Dundee NY where the first church was. We drove for a few hours then stopped for some lunch. After lunch we drove some more. We got to the church around 4;30 which is so awesome. Some of us bumped volleyball and other thru frisbees and football. Then we had supper and then it was time to get dressed. We get dressed there at the church which can be interesting :) But it always works out ok. Then that night we are taken to the home churches people's houses. The cool thing of it was I got to stay at my aunt and uncles house. That was just awesome. I stayed there with my friend Lori but I thought it was nice that I got to talk with my aunt and just be there :)

Then we crossed the border into Canada on Wednesday. We stopped but two people came on the bus checked out passports and left us thru. We stopped at Niagara Falls on the Canadian side for an hour and a half then. That was a ton of fun. I got some nice pics. We got to the church that day decent time as well. Then Thursday we had a work day at EagleWings Discipleship Ministry (they do counceling there). Us girls weeded the garden and flowerbeds while the guys did some cleanup work. It was a very fullfilling day. Then that evening we had a program again and went to the church peoples houses :)
Friday we went to the beach at Port Elgin and I got some pics of my friends and I and the beach and of writing stuff in the sand :) That was a lot of fun. We had a program again that evening and slept at the church people's houses (that is how we do the lodging for the chorus..Usually it is 2 or more people of the chorus at each house...Pretty awesome! We had approx 55 people on the bus with us..some of those were the bus driver and his wife, spiritual adviser and his wife and the *chorus parents* and also the chorus director and his wife and the rest are chorus memebers). Saturday we ate out (we ate out for lunch every day all except Thursday) but instead of each person paying their own meal the chorus fund paid for it. Then we went up to St Jacobs Ontario (we were in Ontario the whole time). That was a lot of fun and I found some bday gifts for some friends :) We had a program again that evening and stayed at the church peoples house for the last time.
Sunday we had our program in the morning for the church service, ate lunch there at the church and then headed for home at 1:30 p.m. We got to the border at 3:30 and didn't get out of there till 5:30 or so. Some of that was waiting in traffic and some of it was just waiting for them to come get us off the bus. They told us to get off the bus go into gated area to wait our turn. Then when it was our turn they ran our passports thru the system and then we were free to go. Really awesome. We stopped for supper around 7 or 7:30 p.m. It was just sandwiches and chips and cookies (and carrots) that the chorus parents had bought the day before at the store. Then we got back to the school at 11:30 or so...It was quite the long day for a drive but I had so much fun and I for sure don't regret going!! I will get pics in another post as soon as I can!! <3

Monday and Tuesday's Ride on Spurs!!

2011-06-15T06:10:00.001-04:00

Monday:
On Monday I got to Sharon and Lillian was already there. Since we are going on a 7 hr ride on Saturday up to Blue Marsh we have been getting the horses in shape. Daisy has been in shape but Shasta and Spurs need to get in shape for then. Sharon asked if I would ride Spurs and we talked about it and decided to see if Lillian wants to ride Shasta because I can't ride both Spurs and Shasta to get them ready. Lillian can handle Shasta because she won't really rear or buck and Spurs does buck. He is a green broke horse so he is exactly how my cousin's horse Beauty was. Sharon wasn't there at home yet so I told Lillian to saddle up Spurs and I would saddle up Shasta. Then I rode Shasta a bit first before Lillian got on. Then Lillian got on and she rode around the pasture with Shasta first. Then I got on Spurs and worked him in the meadow for about 45 minutes or so. He tried to buck one time but I scolded him for that and he didn't do it again. I worked with him on going past the gate without turning towards it when we would be cantering and I got him to do it. So I tied him and we went in to eat. After supper we then went on a ride. It wasn't a long hard ride but it was so good for both Shasta and Spurs. They both did really well. I am so glad that Lillian can ride Shasta because now I have someone besides me who can ride her.

I am putting a down payment on Shasta today. The pony is now payed for. Oh and some awesome news. I got two really awesome saddles in exchange for the saddle I had before. Now I have a saddle for both Daisy and Shasta and the one for Daisy fits her so perfectly. I won't ever have to worry about the saddle hitting her withers again!! I am so pleased!
Tuesday:
Well then yesterday (Tuesday) Sharon had a guy who wanted to try a friend of Sharon's horse out that he is selling so Lillian and I went along for the ride. She rode Shasta and I rode Spurs. We did more cantering than on Monday and wow both Shasta and Spurs did really well. I am so happy with my horses :) Then when we got back (Earl Dean had taken another ride and they had used Daisy for that ride) Daisy was still tacked up so I rode her for a bit. She did so awesome. I am so proud of my girls..They both do so well and I love riding them both. I loved on both Shasta and Daisy a bit before I headed home :)

PONY HAS A NAME!!!

2011-06-07T07:54:00.000-04:00

Well Lillian and I decided on a name. I called her this morning to see if she liked the one I thought of last night while giving him a bath!! PRINCETON!!! I just think it fits him and how he holds his head and how he stands :) :)

p.s. Canada here I come...I am going to be offline till at least next Monday due to going on tour with my chorus. We leave today (7th) and get back Sunday (12th). Enjoy your week!!

Monday's Baths for Daisy and Pony!!

2011-06-06T21:48:00.002-04:00

Lillian and I's Pony (he don't have a name yet)

Pony again!..I gave him a bath and he hadn't yet had his mane and tail brushed)

This horse I am going to be helping to train..he needs some work!

Daisy after her bath..the lighting is weird so she looks different

Here are the what I call "stirrups" on Lightning..I didn't fasten it but I thought I might give you guys an idea of what they look like!!

Tonight I just loved on both Daisy and Lillian and I's pony. I gave them both a bath and sprayed Silverado on them (it is like Show Sheen) so they stay nice and clean. I finally got some pics of everyone like I promised :D I let both the pony and Daisy eat grass after I gave them baths and after they dried I brushed their mane and tails..they are just both so cute!! :) I told you guys about Spurs right? He is a really awesome looking horse..Tonight Shannon lunged him and he did good all except he kicked at her twice..the first time he got her in the arm the second time he didn't get her but each time she sent him away at a faster pace but other than that he did awesome.

Saturday: Old Heritage Day up at Fairmount and a Ride!!

2011-06-06T16:42:00.001-04:00

Saturday started for me at 6:30 am. I headed over to Sharon with Rose Mary. We got there and right away we went up to Fairmount and set up gates!! Then we went back down and harnessed up the horses and put bells on them!! We had Curly and Lightning hooked up to the green wagaon as a double hitch team, Speedy to the carriage (both of these are Sharon's vehicles) then we went over to another place and got a basket cart that Bean pulled and a surrey the Beauty pulled. I started out driving Bean in the morning then went for lunch and then I drove Beauty. I did drive Speedy one time but he isn't near the fun Beauty and Bean are :) It was a very good day and we had some nice weather for it too..Not to warm at all. The horses did really well too. We kept them well watered and hosed down. Once it slowed down we took everything home again and put stuff away.

Then Sharon took Lightning over to Matt (the farrier) to get him check out..He is lame for some reason (still is). All the others went with Earl Dean and Sharon while Lillian and I stayed at the house. We played with Daisy first...I got on her bareback and I got her to neck rein for me nicely with a neck rope..then Lillian got on her and rode her around a bit too in her corral. Then we went over and played with Diamond a bit. Then we got our Pony out (for those of you who don't know, Lillian and I are buying a pony from Sharon for $60..We think he is part Standardbred and soemthing else..will get pics up hopefully before I leave for Canada tomorrow but if not I will get them up afterwards) and played with him. He is so cute. He needs some weight put on but his teeth and hooves are in great shape. We are going to train him to drive and ride although I think he knows both already we are just going to double check :) Lillian played with Diamond a bit too. Once Sharon got back Rose Mary, Lillian and I went on a very short ride. Overall it was a very awesome day!!! :)

Wednesday and Friday's Rides!!

2011-06-04T06:15:00.004-04:00

Wednesday:
I worked for Sharon Wednesday morning as normal (we are getting into a normal routine now I think :D). I rode Lightning over to Vicky's because he had to have a shoe redone and we were also taking a pony (that is Lillian's and mine now) over to a lady at Vicky that we were going to give her. She didn't want it then and Sharon said if the lady doesn't want it Lillian and I get to buy it off of her :D We did the stalls then came back. It went tons longer than we planned so we didn't do anything else. Then in the evening after I was done at work I came back to Sharon's. We took the mares and babies out on a ride then when we came back we drove Beauty in the spring wagon. I got to drive her which made me happy and so did Lillian. Then we put everything away and headed to bed. Lillian and I stayed overnight because then Thursday we were there all day too!

Thursday:
On Thursday we went to one of Sharon's old friend's house. We took the big wagon with double hitch and drove over to Bowmansville (an hr). We got there unhitched the horses and Sharon's friend hitched up his work horses and we went on a most of the day drive. It was pretty cool (these horses were used to it as they work in the fiels all day). Then we came back, ate supper and had a conoe ride....After that we wanted to ride and drive the horses so the friends boy got his pony out and we drove it then I got to ride him plus Blaze that was acting like a crazy nut :D Then we left for home. It was a fun fun day!!

Friday:
I worked Friday in the morning and early afternoon then went to Sharon. :) When I got there we first blacked Bean's harness and some of the others to get ready for Saturday which is Old Heritage Day: http://fairmounthomes.org/Home/Sections/Community_Engagement/Events/Heritage_Day (this is from last year). Sharon usually takes all her driving horses up and we take people for rides. We also have a petting zoo. I think it is going to be quite the fun day!! (that would be today (Saturday). Anyway then Sharon has a ride to take so I helped get the horses ready for that. Once she left I put the stirrups on Lillian and I's pony (It doesn't have a name yet..we are getting to that) and line drove it. He did really really good. He is such a cute little thing and I can't wait till we drive it!! I just drove him around the house a few times at a walk and since he did so good I just put him away! Then I saddled Daisy and Spurs (he is a horse that is there for training). Then I lunged Spurs...I started him then Bernell came in and was giving me some tips..that was pretty cool. Once we were done lunging Spurs I got on him. I rode him around the house and he did really good. He supposedly has a bucking problem but he didn't do anything last night that I know of for the girl that rode him. I left before they got back. We headed out on a ride but when we got to Fairmount trails I headed back. Daisy did really well coming home by herself..I really love that horse! Anyway that is all I have for now.

So sorry for not getting on here much at all...No online access due to not being at home!! I am going to be leaving Tuesday (7th) and getting back Sunday (12th) on chorus tour so I probably won't have any online access but I will be thinking of you guys and will hopefully have lots of pics and such to update you guys with!!

Monday's Ride on Daisy and Venus!!

2011-05-31T20:21:00.000-04:00

Monday was quite the day :) First Sharon drove Lightning into New Holland Sales Stables (she took Denise and her daughter Taylor along in the wagon) while Lilllian and I rode behind on Speedy and Daisy. It took about a half an hour to get in there. Then we spent the morning there...Sharon bought a pony for $65 that needs some weight and work :) We are giving it to Brenda..a lady that lives at Frysville Farms and if she don't take it Lillian and I are going to buy it :D But I think Brenda will take it. Anyway we rode home after being at New Holland. On the way home we met up with a loose Jersey cow. Sharon tried to go up to it and attatch a lead rope to its halter but it just ran away so Lillian and I herded it back to its owners. That was fun!!!

We got back to Sharon's place around 2:50 and Lillian and I went in the house and quick ate something and got something to drink (we left our horses saddled up because we were going to ride them in 10 minutes anyway). We then headed for the creek. Ok usually on our rides we ride thru a creek...it is actually pretty deep but there is a bridge that is built thru it so that we go on that instead of actually going on the creekbed. Well we went to that and went into the creek for a swim on the horses. It is not deep at first and is only deep enough for the horses to swim at a few spots. Daisy just LOVED it. She enjoyed herself immensely and so did Speedy. Lillian and I never had done it before but we enjoyed ourselves so much. I pretty much stayed on Daisy the whole time..never got off of her really. We played in the creek for at least a good half an hour or 45 minutes :) It was so much fun.

We then headed back to the barn..There was a ride coming at 5 so once we got back (we had mostly dried off by that time..it was warm enough..LOL) we saddled up all the horses that were going to be used on that ride. Then the riders came and Earl Dean took them on a ride. Lillian and I got a brilliant idea to ride Venus and Girly (the two ponies) since we hadn't ridden them in forever. Sharon was like put the saddle on and I was like ok will do. Boy was I glad I did. I got on Venus and she took off bucking. She bucked for a bit but she settled down then nicely. We had a few fights before we were done riding though. I rode her around the house and she was acting so crazy. She backed into the barn twice and each time I backed her out..I figured you want to back in here you can back right out again :D Then the one time she ran into the barn and wouldn't come out. We fought for a good 10 minutes before she decided to walk out. Then she was fine. By that time the riders had come back (my cousins MaryRose and Sarah had come for a ride and we were waiting till the riders came back so we could go riding). Lillian and I rode the ponies and Sharon rode Bean, MaryRose rode Curly and Sarah rode Misty. Now these ponies had never gone over the bridge so we didn't know how they would do. We got to the bridge and Venus wouldn't cross..we convinced her it was fine and we did it at least two more times. Then we went into the water...once Girly and Venus were in the water they were fine. We actually swam the ponies (my cousins and Sharon swam their horses too) too and they seemed to enjoy it. We came out of the water and rode them over the bridge again and wow did they do better :) I was so impressed. I didn't get any pictures of either time but I won't forget it!! We went back to the barn and unsaddled the horses and really praised them. It was aweome!!

Oh and about Shasta. Today I met the people that are looking to buy her and the mom (who would be riding her..her daughter would buy her but her mom would ride Shasta) said she can't handle her although her daughter can. So I can't really say if they will buy her or not but I will be kinda surprised if they do. It was nice meeting them and talking to them!! We should know before the week is out :)

Saturday's Driving Girly and Riding Shasta!

2011-05-29T10:37:00.001-04:00

When I got to Sharon's Saturday we hooked up Girly and took her for a drive. I drove her for most of the way and wow did she ever improve in just the little while we drove her. I was so pleased. When we got back I saddled up Shasta (I was going to ride Daisy but then a group of riders came and Earl Dean rode Daisy so that Sharon and I could still go for a ride..I wanted to see what Earl Dean thought of her too because he had ridden her when I first got her and I wanted to know if he could tell a difference). I got on Shasta and we didn't have to fight near as much as we had the day before. I just got on her pretty much and that was that. I was impressed. Then she stood so nicely for me while I waiting for Earl Dean to leave with the group of riders. I still had her in the bit. Then just as we were about the leave Bernell calls and says hey if I come over do we want to train Venus to drive (remember Girly's daughter Venus). I was like yeah I don't care to Sharon when she told me what he said. So we post poned our riding. Well since he didn't come right away we tried the hackamore on Shasta and she didn't like that so we tried the bitless bridle and WOW she was different. We rode out the back field for a bit and Shasta didn't shy at anything and she was just different. And let me tell you just before we had tried the bitless bridle and I had the bit in her mouth she had been prancing around and acting crazy. Well then Bernell came and I tied Shasta (It was funny..she had a few temper tantrums while tied there but it sure didn't hurt her).

Bernell lunged Venus first with the harness on and she bucked a bit but once she settled down then we put a single tree on her and got her used to that. Then we let her follow a tire then let her pass it and then we tied it to the single tree..For all the shying and how bad she was doing before we were all pleasantly surprised when she could have cared less about this tire. We hooked her up in the two wheeled cart and took her around the meadow like that. She needs work to be sure but she did awesome. We quite while we were ahead and went and unharnessed her. Then Sharon and I got on our horses and left. I had a small battler getting on Shasta but I got on :) Now remember she has her bitless bridle on. We rode the same way we had the day before the second time around and wow did she so improve. She listened to me, she didn't shy much, she didn't rear, didn't hop around no nothing. She behaved. She went thru the creek nice (Shasta hopped around a bit before but not near like the day before). We went up thru the woods and I made her stopp before crossing the road and there we had a little fight but she still did good. Then we rode a while more and when we were riding on the road at the one spot right before we get back again there is a stop sign. I got Shasta to stop and she only danced TWICE (that is big for her) and then she stood still. We got back and I praised her big (when we got back and after each time she listened) and hosed her down. Then I loved on my Daisy girl and by that time I had to leave. But let me tell you I can't wait to ride her again to see how she does :) :) That bitless bridle made a big difference. I was so impressed! Sharon and I thought abotu it and she only really prances where she knows she can run and it makes her so cross when she is told she maynt but I really believe she will improve with time ;) I was so pleased with how yesterday went. Tomorrow if things go right i plan to ride Daisy first in the morning then Shasta in the evening with driving in between..we shall see :) Hope you have a good weekend!!

Friday's Driving Curly and Girly and Riding Shasta!

2011-05-29T10:24:00.002-04:00

Now Friday was an other eventful day. In the morning I babysat the four children. I took three of them to the tractor show where my parents were and dropped the baby off at his grandma. After we were done at the show I took the rest to their grandma too. Then I went to Sharon. Ida Ann (one of the girls that works for her at Vicky on Friday) was there too. They got back from Vicky at the same time I got there so we ate lunch then took Curly to the farrier. Ok they had driven him to Vicky but the crazy horse reared up in the spring wagon just because he got cross at waiting so long at the light. Sharon drove him on the way over to the farrier and he did really good. Then on the way back we went a different way and I drove him. He is such a pain and challenge to drive compared to Speedy (obviously Speedy has lots more years of experience than Curly). He did so well and stopped and stood so nicely for me at all the stop signs. I am just driving not using the brake yet..Sharon is in control of that till I knwo more how to drive first.

Once we got back from driving Curly I had to go to the dr. I have had a sore throat for a while now and that is why I went. He gave me some medicine to take and it seems to be getting better. Once I got back from the dr we hooked up Girly (remember the two ponies..well Girly is the mom) in the two wheeled cart. She shyed a lot but by the time we drove her she did excellant. When we came back from that there was a family of three that came to ride. I decided to ride Shasta since the people that have her on trial said they arent' gong to ride her again because they can base their decision on how their ride went (well that changed after this ride). Ok now you have to remember Paso Fino's are known to be hyper right. This horse hasn't been ridden much for the past three years and just needs a firm hand with lots of gentleness. Well first of all you have to hop around before you can even get in the saddle..this girl doesn't stand still...but I have been working on it :) That is why I said it is a blessing to have a horse that stand still. Anyway we started out with me as the leader as we had the babies along (we had all three mom's along as well) so Sharon was bringing up the rear because of sometimes the babies lag behind. Well we weren't more than out on the trail and Shasta shies about everything. I stayed on till the one time she went one way and I went the other. I landed on my feet and wasn't hurt but I was not a happy camper. She had never really shied at anything the other times I rode her and now she acted like everything was otu to get her. She shied at most everything for the first while and then she got mad..not sure what made her unhappy but all of a sudden we are about ready to run and she goes hopping over into the field that is along the path. I got her to listen to me and follow the other horses which also made her mad (she hates being in the middle or last but she is learning that isn't so bad). She danced around a few other places along the way back still (on this ride we were using a bit..not sure what kinda). Then right before we turned onto the trail to go back she really got mad and danced around and reared up a bit (more of a Curly rear not a Sunshine rear) and danced around some more..She also did some hopping in place. It was kinda funny once I figured out she will get very mad but not do more than dance around a bit and hop in place. We went back to the barn (ok we hadn't ridden all that long since we had the babies along) and I just rode her around the house and got her to turn. We fought a bit more (she reared for me again) and hopped in place some more. Then we headed out again this time without the babies (the same people were along on the same horses we just left the three babies behind). This time you would never have guessed how bad she had been before (as far as shying and getting mad). We went thru the creek and such and she danced around a bit by the creek (she had gone thru it the other day so I knew she wasn't scared of it) but she went thru. Then when were were ready to run again she danced around a bit more and since she was acting so dumb I puposely made her go last and wait to run till I said so. She hopped a bit but settled down and then I let her run. We went up thru the woods and I got her to stop completely without much of a fuss. I was so happy. The second time around went so much better and she listened and did so much better. I was so pleased!! I told Sharon I think if we try the bitless bridle (well hackamore first and she came up with the bitless bridle then) Shasta will do better. We didn't try it Friday night but I was still so impressed with how she improved in those two outings. I had never gotten off of her when we went back to the barn :) Before I left I loved on Daisy and spent some time with her :) (If you are wondering I didn't change my love to Shasta I am just filling in as much time with her as I can before she gets sold if I don't get to buy her. And yes I still plan to buy her with how dumb she acted because I have the peaceful and good feeling about her. Don't ask me why but it is a gut feeling :D I think that she can improve because she has never been ridden for a month straight 3 days a week like I have with Daisy so I have a good feeling that if she has groundwork done with her and also just lots of miles put on her she will improve :)

Wednesday's Ride on Sundance, Daisy, and Lightning + Driving Speedy!

2011-05-29T10:05:00.001-04:00

Finally I have an update on this past week. I am working for Sharon Monday and Wednesday morning at Frysville Stables. She works there and hires people to work under her there. So now I have another job which is part of the reason I haven't been able to get on much. Well Wednesday wasn't supposed to be my day of work but I worked because Andrea was on a trip. We rode Sundance over to the farrier first, got her shoed then went over to the stables. This was in the morning. Once we got back from the stables we ate some lunch and hitched up Curly to drive. I didn't drive him at all this time around but Sharon did. Then I went to work for my aunt and uncle till around 8 in the evening. I ususally wouldn't go back to Sharon again if I work for her in the mornings on Wednesday but it was an exception this Wednesday due to already having plans for the evening there at Sharon and also I wasn't planning on working for her at Vicky's (aka Frysville Stables..we call it Vicky's because that is the name of the owner :D). Anyway I got there at Sharon around 8:30 and headed out. I put lights on Daisy and off we went (which reminds me I plan to get a picture of these stirrups for you guys..I keep forgetting). We went by ourselves due to Lillian not being there yet and Earl Dean and Sharon had a family thing at Earl Dean's parents :) Daisy did so awesome. I got off her one time to adjust my stirrup lenght (rarely have to do that) but I realize now the blessing of having a horse that stands perfectly still (more on that in the next post). We got back around 9:30.

I went in the house and talked to Sharon and then Lillian came. We drove Speedy around on the road for a while. I drove him first then Lillian did. I think I am getting the hang of driving more and more as we go along. Speedy is easy to drive compared to Curly (more on that in the next post). Once we got back from driving I still wasn't ready to go to bed so Lillian and I got on Curly and Lightning and off we went. Ok now you have to realize this is at midnight :) We had lights on and we knew where we were going so it wasn't dangerous! We didn't do more than walk most of the time but it was fun. Never before have I ridden that late at night :D But it was so worth it!! Lillian and I got a chance to just talk and spend time together. Once we got back we went straight to bed :) It was a fun and eventful day to say the least!!

Monday's Ride on Daisy, Bean, and Shasta!

2011-05-24T09:04:00.001-04:00

Monday night was quite eventful!! When I first got there we played with my stirrups a bit but Sharon and Lillian and Earl Dean hadn't eaten yet so while they went in to eat I worked with Daisy to stand still...She just wanted to wander off. It was so cool because I used body language to move her around and get her to stand still. I was so happy with how she did. She would wander off and I would go get her put her where I wanted her and say WHOA and STAY. Once she had that figured out I whistled and said COME...Once she figured out that I want her to come I praised her and then put her away..I was really impressed how fast she caught on but she is a quick learner :) I had recieved my stirrups (also known as the natural ride saddle) on Friday and I took it along last night to Sharon. We did a lot of rearanging and by the time we were done we got it figured out that Sharon will use the one that I got for her horses as a spare because it is bigger than her stirrups and her stirrups fit Daisy and Shasta better (the horses I ride..they are pretty much the same size). Anyway while we had been doing all this figuring out I rode Bean a bit around the house..he is a fun horse to ride :) :) This whole time Lillian was driving Diamond in the little light two wheeled cart. I put the stirrups on Daisy and we went down the road a piece..I went along just in case something went wrong with Diamond and if Lillian needed help I could help her :) Daisy did really good and so did Diamond. We came back unharnessed Diamond and put the harness on Mack (Beauty's baby from last year..he is hear to be taught how to drive) and hitched him up to the cart. We drove him around the house a bit and he did perfect so we got Flicka out and drove her around the house a bit as well with the cart and she did good too. Since all the foals were driven we could go for a ride. I put the stirrups on Shasta, Lillian rode Curly and Sharon rode Bean as usual. I finally got a picture of just Shasta and now I want to get some pics of me riding her :D :D We shall see how that works!! Shasta did well...I feel that if she is to be mine then it will work out for me to buy her...I will tell you this much..I have a really good and peaceful feeling about her ;) Once we got back from riding I hosed Shasta off and put her away and then loved on Daisy then left :) It was a good and eventful evening :)

Wednesday and Thursday's Horse Stuff and Going to the Cabin with the Youth!!

2011-05-22T19:20:00.001-04:00

Finally the pics I promised:

Eaglefeather laying down

All three moms

Daisy and Speedy double hitch..this is with my family ;)

Daisy and Speedy

Wednesday:
After work I quick stopped in at Sharon's and we got Daisy to lay down and then I rode her around a bit..I really didn't do much with her or anybody else but I did get to love on her a bit and just be with her :) I had a chorus program at a church in the evening so that is why I didn't do my usual Wednesday routine and stay at Sharon's.
Thursday:
Thursday then after work again I went to see Daisy. Of course of all things it was raining again..I didn't ride her because her leg was all swollen for some reason and Sharon said if it doesn't go down she will put some stuff on it..I didn't talk to her since we discussed that because I was at the cabin this weekend with the youth where we had no cell service. Anyway I will see how it looks tomorrow. Well we took the mom's and babies out first..that tok about an hr and when we got back from that we quickly unsaddled and Sharon got Curly hitched up and we drove him. I got to drive him too (my second time driving a horse ;) and that was just awesome. Lillian was there as well :D Then once we got back from driving Curly, Shasta a Paso Fino mare had arrived by that time. Ok now you have to understand something...I have seen Paso Fino's from a distance but never really up close right..well the cool thing is I GOT TO RIDE HER :) Shasta is forsale at $500 and she is registered. I saddled her up and was about to get on her and so she hops around..I got on her and she hopped a little bit but she settled down. She is hyper but she doesn't rear or buck or anything..We rode for about 45 minutes and let me tell you something I fell in love with this horse...I never saw her before Thursday never rode her nothing..Sharon asked me if I want to ride her and I was like yeah sure..I am always up for riding a different breed of horse or just any different horse and I got on her and wow did I just love her. If the people that have her on trial there at Sharon's (Shasta is another guy's horse but the people want to ride with Sharon that is why she is there) don't buy her I so want to!! I am not selling Daisy for her..she would be an adition to my herd and since I have my horse's at Sharon's anyway (and she has room) it doesn't matter if I have two horses (have to discuss this with Dad which I didn't because I don't know if she will be bought or not yet). Anyway she is on trial for these next two weeks and I plan to ride her as much as I can..LOL...I defintitely plan to get some pics of me riding her that is for sure...You guys will totally love her. Not sure how this will all work yet but we shall just see once. If she is meant for me it will all work out!! Anyway I just figured you guys would so love to know and hear about the new horse I love :)

This weekend:
Well as you know we were at the cabin this weekend..I won't go into detail because I won't be able to write it all down :D But lets put it this way..I came back home feeling refreshed and relaxed in a way I haven't felt for a while. We had lots of good food, memories, volleyball, discussions, late nights and little sleep but it was so worth it..I would do it all over again in a heartbeat!! Hope you enjoyed your weekend as well!!

Driving Daisy (Sat), Teaching her to Lay Down (Mon and Tues.) and Taking the Mares and Babies out!

2011-05-18T06:21:00.000-04:00

Saturday:
Well Saturday I took my parents over to Sharon to show off that Daisy can drive. Earl Dean and I hooked Speedy and Daisy up to the wagon while Sharon kept my parents occupied (my sisters were along as well). They came out and saw Daisy hooked up..They thought it was pretty neat I think. We drove her for about an hour or so...She did really well. She is getting to the point that pulling the wagon anymore doesn't wear her out...I am so glad to see that!! I did get some pics of her in harness and hitched up but give me a bit till I can get them on here. Right now I have such limited online time unforatately!!! I won't get on this weekend due to going to the cabin with my youth but after that hopefully.

Monday and Tuesday:
Monday and Tuesday (yesterday) went about the same...We taught Daisy to lay down..She fought it but we got her to lay down....It took less time on Tuesday than it did Monday. I am hoping to go today again and we shall see if she lets us do it in less time again. We took all three mom's and babies out on tuesday. Monday it was pouring down rain so that is why we taught Daisy to lay down because we couldn't go for a ride. It was fun taking the mom's out. I rode Misy and ponied Beauty and Lillian rode Sundance :) I did ride Daisy yesterday before we layed her down...She did awesome..I am so impressed with her!! Gotta love my girl :) Hope you have an awesome week. This about catches you up to what I have been up to for the last couple of days!!

Wednesday's Line Driving Daisy and Thursday's Driving Daisy Double Hitch For The First Time!!

2011-05-14T11:18:00.002-04:00

Wednesday:
Yesterday when I got to Sharon's after we ate supper we took all the mom's out (Sundance, Misty and Beauty...Oh Sundance's baby (the paint) has a name now: EAGLEFEATHER or EAGLE for short). Lillian rode Sundance, I rode Misty and Andrea rode Beauty. It was so much fun taking all three of the babies out at one time like that. Once we got back then we took some of Sharon's goats and one sheep over to the neighbors because their pasture was getting high :D :D That was interesting all in itself! Once we got done with that I put the stirrups on Daisy and the driving bit and put some driving reins on her to drive her. Sharon helped Lillian put the harness on Diamond so she could line drive him that way :) At first Daisy didn't go forward (she just didn't know what I wanted her to do) but then once she did she did good. We walked around the house (they have a circular driveway) at first and once Daisy figured out what was expected of her she walked nice and strait..once she was doing awesome with that we trotted both left and right. She did so awesome. Then I tookk everything off and loved on her and put her away :) Gotta love my girl. She has like no fat on her at all...she is in very good shape and it makes me so happy to see her look so good!
Thursday:
Then Thursday I got off from work a little early (like I got to Sharon's at 10). We took the mares out..Lillian on Sundance, me on Misty while ponying Beauty. That was an experience but lots of fun. The babies all did well too!! Then once we got back we took famly pics of the dad's together and also one with Lightning as the grandfather (he is the father of Eaglefeather and Curly is the father of Patience and Sugarfoot...Lightning is the grandfather of Patience). That was a chore all in itself :D :D But we got some good pics regardless!! Once we did that we went in and ate a bit :) Lillian had to leave so I line drove Daisy again just this time with the harness..she could have cared less about it!! Then we got Speedy ready and her ready in the double harness set and hooked them up. Daisy was scared of the wagon for about 5 seconds and then she was fine with it. We took them around the house one time then Sharon got in the wagon and I walked beside Daisy just to make sure she was ok with it then I got in too and off we went. Daisy did so awesome. Sharon was so impressed by how good she did. I don't really know what to tell you other than Sharon said that she never saw a green horse pull into the load that good up a hill before and just pull with a heart. Daisy really loved it though you just could tell. She loves to trot and this was just up her alley. I am so happy. Once we got back I praised her really good and hosed her down and loved on her some more. If it isn't raining today we will take her out again :) So happy!!

I AM

2011-05-14T11:10:00.003-04:00

I AM

I was regretting the past,

and fearing the future.

suddenly my Lord

was speaking:

"My name is I AM."

He paused.

I waited. He continued,

"When you live in the past,

with its mistakes and regrets,

It is hard. I am not there.

My name is not I Was.

When you live in the future,

with its problems and fears,

It is hard. I am not there.

My name is not I Will Be.

When you live in this moment,

It is not hard. I am here.

My name is I AM."

- Helen Mallicoat

Monday's Ride on Misty and Daisy!!

2011-05-10T19:16:00.000-04:00

Pic I took last night!

Before and After of Daisy

All the foals at Sharon's!

When I got to Sharon the first thing I did was take some pics of Daisy. Sharon was taking some people on a cart ride so she wasn't there right away. Once she got back we ate supper and we took Misty and Patience & Beauty and Sugarfoot (he is a colt) out on a walk. Lillian rode Beauty and I rode Misty. Sharon was riding Bean. Once we came back with them, Lillian and I saddled up Curly and Daisy and we went on another ride. I didn't line drive Daisy yesterday due to shortage on time but I plan to tomorrow. Can't wait to see how she does :D Daisy did pretty good last night. She goes in spurts of doing really well then not doing so well and then doing well again..that is just how it is though :) Once we got back I hosed Daisy off and loved on her a bit then left!! I miss having my girl here but I believe I will be keeping her there permanately...we shall see. Some things changed here at home that I wasn't happy about but it is all working out ok so it is all good :) Sorry if that sounded really confusing!! Hope you have an awesome week!

Make a Wish Truck Parade!

2011-05-09T00:02:00.002-04:00

Today was so awesome!! Since my parents weren't home I went to church by myself then came home, took a short nap and headed to Sharon's. Once there I got Daisy ready to ride and we headed toward Ephrata. You see today is Mother's Day, as you all know ;) and here that means that the Annual Make a Wish Truck Convoy will be going thru Ephrata (pronounced Efrutu (E as in egg and u as in umbrella)). This is I guess the 22nd year they are doing this ( http://makeawishtruckconvoy.org/index.html ). We rode out to Ephrata and sat at the one store there along Main Street on our horses and watched some of them go by..It was loud (because of the horns and sound of trucks) and amazingly Daisy did really well. I didn't know if she would be hopping around or what but she stood still and acted quite bored. I told Sharon if a horse can stand still for all that racket then they must be pretty much bombproof :) Here is another link of a newspaper article: http://makeawishtruckconvoy.org/news.htm ; http://makeawishtruckconvoy.org/pastconvoys.htm I just think it is so cool how they do this for the Make a Wish children!! :) Anyway hope you have an awesome week!!

Patience and Friday's Ride!! (Misty, Sundance, Curly, and Daisy)

2011-05-07T10:27:00.000-04:00

I did get to ride yesterday but I ended up riding four horses. I first rode Misty and rode her for 5 minutes first at just a walk then I rode her 5 minutes at a canter and then 1 minute at a walk before I took her thru the games. We did all the games and she did awesome!! Then I went and got Sundance and rode her thru the poles again..she did really well with that..then I went and got Curly and put the bareback pad and hackamore on him (I used the bareback pad on each of the other horses with their hackamores). I rode him thru the poles and wow he did so awesome..he actually cantered the whole way thru them like he was supposed to. I was impressed. Then we did the flag race and we got that eventually of which I was happy with! We also did the barrels :) He is such an awesome horse!! Lillian amazingly also rode him with the bareback pad and she enjoyed herself ;) Then I got on Daisy and I rode her thru the poles and wow did she do good (I was riding in the bit). She was behaving quite well the whole time I rode her. She is just one amazing horse. We didn't go anywhere we just stuck around there in the meadow but the rodeo is today (I am going on a 2 hr bike ride with my youth group instead) and since we won't be getting ready for that anymore then we will do more things with Daisy as far as training her to drive and such!!!

Wednesday's Ride!

2011-05-05T18:08:00.001-04:00

I rode Daisy yesterday...Lillian, Sharon, and I rode up to Woodcrest. It is about a 3 hr ride all together. It was a tad chilly but it felt good to ride for that long. Daisy is doing really well. She is starting to hold her head down long and low at a walk and starting to really lower it and collect it at a canter too. I am so happy!! This is all in a hackamore. I am planning to start line driving her either tomorrow or on Monday..not sure which day yet but that is what the plan is at the moment. I want to get her used to that because I am planning on starting to teach her to drive after a bit. The awesome thing is Sharon's wagon is able to be converted to double hitch so that is what we will start out with. All her horses know how to drive so I can't wait!! I have so many things I want to teach and the fun thing about it is that we can work on a different thing every day and never really run out of stuff to do :D Tonight I just stopped in to say hi to Miss Daisy and hug and love on her a bit before coming home. Can't wait to go say hi to her tomorrow and ride her :) Hope you have an awesome weekend!!

Seeing Beauty, Riding Misty and Daisy!!

2011-05-04T11:43:00.000-04:00

I got to see Beauty (my cousin's horse) yesterday. She is doing really well and is looking really nice. For some reason around her we had a lot of worms and we did a five day deworming program and all the horses that did this program look really nice and gained a good amount of weight after doing it. Daisy did too :) That was in the morning.

Then last evening I went to Sharon's before I went to my aunt's because I talked to my aunt after I left and realized she wasn't going to be home. I rode Misty again but I worked with her first for ten minutes at a walk then cantered her a bit then five minutes at a walk. We went thru the poles twice and she did good with that. Then Lillian took her thru the barrels. After that I went and gave Daisy a bath. She smells really good now and looks nice and is so soft ;) She dried off and I hopped on her bareback and rode out the back path by ourselves. We walked out and cantered a little bit on the way in..She did really awesome and was listening to me quite well. They were still practicing the games and so I talked to Sharon a bit. Then she asked me if I would ride out and stand by the keyhole to make sure nobody stepped on the white line. I did that and after everyone left Sharon and I went for a ride. We came back though before we even went up to Fairmount Trails because it started to rain. It really poured once we got back. I helped with chores then left..I can't wait to go this evening and ride Daisy!!

Riding Misty!!

2011-05-03T07:47:00.000-04:00

Last night I didn't ride Daisy but I rode Misty instead. We took Patience along and that was a lot of fun. She enjoys going along with her mom. She would go running and bucking sometimes behind, sometimes beside and sometimes ahead of us. She really really enjoyed the outing. We didn't do more than walk with one area that we cantered (which miss Patience looked so cute). I am hoping to stop in for a bit today (have to see if mom is ok with that) and take some pics of Daisy but if not I will tomorrow for sure! Hope you have a great day!

Mini Tour!!

2011-05-02T13:11:00.000-04:00

Well as you know I went on tour with my chorus, Joyful Hearts. We left the church around 9:20 am on Saturday morning..We drove for about two hrs or so and stopped for lunch. After lunch we drove till around 5 I think. The church was in Gladys VA. We ate supper, changed into our chorus clothing and practiced a bit before the program. After the program we split up and went to some of the local church member's houses. I stayed at my friend Lynette Sommer's house. I met her two years ago and haven't seen her since but have kept in contact. We stayed up till 2 am something talking and catching up. It was a lot of fun. Then we met at the church where we sang the night before to get on the bus Sunday Morning. We left the church around 7:15 and drove till around 9 something. We had the service there at Faith Mission Church and after the service we ate lunch at Faith Mission Home (it is a home for mentally handicap children and adults). We left Faith Mission around 2:15 or so. (I can't remember exact times :D). We had quiet time then on the bus so we could sleep, read or whatever as long as we were quiet. I slept for at least an hour. It felt good after going to bed so late :D We got to the church in the evening then around 5:30. Our program was at 7:30. I am guessing we left the church around 9 well closer to ten. We got back to the church where we met around 11:30 pm and I got home here at 12:07 am. Needless to say I am quite tired but I had an awesome weekend and I can't wait till Main Tour!! I came away feeling encouraged and blessed. Our program at Faith Mission wasn't planned actually. We had another church on our itinerary but they cancelled and it was so awesome because when we sang at Faith Mission I could tell we blessed the people there. I thank God that I can be a part of chorus!! :)

Thursday's Ride!!

2011-04-29T23:48:00.000-04:00

I went on a ride first of all with Daisy with Sharon and a rider. Daisy was behaving ok..not as well as she could have been. At first she wanted to be right up behind the rider's horse (Sundance) and I got tired of that so I made Daisy stay back behind everyone and that sure didn't make her happy!! But by the end of the ride she was listening and had her head long and low. We got back and we took Misty and her baby Patience for a very short ride (15 min). That was tons of fun. Once we got back Lillian and I got on Daisy and Curly bareback and took them for a very short just walking ride..That was lots of fun as well!! We came back and I groomed Daisy then headed home! I won't see her till either Monday or Wednesday now.

I am leaving tomorrow to go on Mini tour with Joyful Hearts Chorus. We are going to VA and won't get back till late Sunday night. Please pray for us as we sing in the different churches and as we travel!! Thanks!!

Wednesday's Ride and Rodeo Practice!!

2011-04-28T11:11:00.003-04:00

Yesterday I rode Daisy first on a ride with Sharon and three other people. I rode Daisy in the saddle for a change because someone else was using the stirrups. Daisy did really good but she was fighting me for some reason. She had done awesome on Saturday and on Monday (had her head down nice and she looked like a western pleasure horse at a walk) but then last night she was acting nuts :D Well she settled down but not as much as I wanted her to. We got back to the barn and I left her saddled because I was going to ride her again. I got on Sundance with the stirrups and did the poles and jumping with her!! She did awesome. Then I got on Speedy and did the poles with him and it took me a bit to get him to do exactly how I wanted him to do them but once he did them he did them right!! By that time it was raining so I unsaddled Daisy and hosed her off. She dried for a bit and then it stopped raining so we went for another light ride. Daisy did tons better and her head was long and low like it should have been the first time around. I was so pleased. She slowed down again and was listening to me!! Looked nice and collected too! Today it is kinda stormy so probably no riding but I plan to groom her and love on her a bit!! :)

New Look!!

2011-04-26T12:57:00.001-04:00

I blacked out the stuff behind Daisy :)

Here is the new header and new pics beside each new blog post (beside the title of each of the blogs)

I would love to know what you all think!! Is the name of the blog visiable in the header at the top there?

Pole Bending, Jumping, Daisy and Curly!

2011-04-26T08:43:00.000-04:00

Last night some of us practiced for the rodeo. I was helping even though I am not going to be in the rodeo (I have a youth thing that weekend)!! I had saddled up Daisy in the stirrups again (I haven't one time yet ridden in the saddle there at Sharon's..hehe) and we went out to the meadow where the barrels, poles, jumps and other stuff is set up. Lillian was riding Curly again! Well we waited in line to do the poles (there were some other girls there besides just Sharon, Lillian and I). When it was Daisy and I's turn I just went thru the poles at a walk to let Daisy figure out what I wanted. The second time thru we went at a trot and it didn't go to well but I knew Daisy needed to figure out what I want exactly. We went thru them a couple times and the last time she really did good..we just trotted but wow she turned really nice..I was really impressed. After I had ridden Daisy thru the poles that last time she did so well I came back and Lillian was sitting on Curly. I asked her if she wanted me to take him thru the poles. He has done this before last year so he knew what we wanted :D She of course said yes so I took him thru. She had taken him thru a couple of times before and he did ok..He did ok the first couple of times but I was used to riding my small quick horse Daisy :D and so I cut it to close with Curly then. Then I came back and I am not sure what all of a sudden made him decide to rear but rear he did. Now this was not the Sunshine rear this is Mr Curly and his halfhearted rear. I couldn't figure out what his issue was because he hasn't tested me since I put him in his place here. Well we went thru the poles one more time and he did ok but not great at all...well I was sitting on him and Sharon comes over and I had looked down at the saddle and I was like hey I bet I know why he was acting dumb. His saddle was against his withers. So we put another pad on and we were set to go. He didn't act dumb with me again. Poor guy was hurting. Somebody else had saddled him up but I think it wasn't their fault...anyway I took him thru the poles again and we didn't knock any over and he did really good. I got off him and got on Daisy and Lillian got on Curly :) Then I jumped Daisy over the poles..that she really seems to like!! I am happy with that...Then we ended on a good note and I took her in the barn and brushed her and loved on her a bit. I helped Sharon with the chores and then I headed for home!! It was an enjoyable end to the day!!
I am planning to go to Sharon's Wednesday and Thursday..Friday I need to get ready to leave for Mini Tour with the chorus. We are going to VA this time around. It is just for the weekend. We will be back Sunday night sometime. I am so excited..I plan to take my camera along and I will let you guys all know how it goes. We have had 3 programs so far and they have been going well :) Hope you all have a great week!!

Thursday's Ride, Misty, Friday's Ride, and Saturday's Misc!!

2011-04-24T15:14:00.000-04:00

I figured instead of making a couple different posts I would just put my whole time at Sharon all in one lump :D Well here we go!
Thursday's Ride:
Thursday I got to Sharon's around 5:30. I usually get there earlier but I worked later which was fine. Brian (the one who used to usually ride Sunshine) was there as well. Some of you know of the big problem I had with her Monday. Well Bernell worked with her and she did better for him but she still acted like a brat and Earl Dean and Sharon talked it over and they decided instead of knowingly endangering their friends with Sunshine they are going to sell her instead. They have had her since November and since then they have worked her slowly and done a lot of trail riding with her and she has improved on the trails but she still can be very flighty if she is having a bad day. What she needs is one consistant person to work with her (which if the neighbor guy buys her that is what she will get) and she will turn out better I think. I didn't give up on her I just don't see the need to risk myself on her. Anyway Brian was there and he rode Lightning, Sharon rode Bean and I rode Daisy. We rode our usual route on the trails and Daisy and I would run ahead when we were running usually. At the one spot Brian and I were racing Lightning and Curly and they really enjoyed that. Bean and Daisy have a lot of the same personality and if Daisy is like Bean when she gets to be his age She will still be fiesty :D Well we got back and then Brian left and Lillian came. Lillian saddled Curly and I got on Misy (the one with Patience) and Sharon rode Bean again. We wanted to give Misty some exercise and see how she does going away from her baby. She had been out in the yard on a lead rope for an hour or more almost every day since the baby has been born so she has had exercise but we wanted to see how she did with riding. We rode out and cantered one time but walked all the rest...Well Sharon was worried about her tieing up and she actually did then. (Sharon said she never had any of her horses tie up this bad before (she hasn't ever had any of her mares tie up...and she always has taken them out at about two weeks after the baby has been born..the vet said it depends no the horse) and she has always done this way with her mares after they have babies...anyway). So Sharon gave her some stuff to help relieve the muscle cramps and all that but that didn't help so she called the vet and he came out aroudn 12 am or so...We ended up staying up all night with Misty and almost lost her. She is doing better now thankfully but that was not a fun night at all.

Friday's Groundwork:
Which brings me to Friday..We stayed out in the barn all night then and went into the house and slept from about 5 till 7 and then the vet came again and did some more stuff to Misty (won't go into detail). We went in and ate some breakfast food for lunch. After lunch we slept (well I did) for an hour and a half. After that we were just doing odds and ends. Around 2 or so Andrea came and she practiced in the meadow for the rodeo and I just groomed Daisy and took her out to the meadow and jumped her over the jumps and took her thru the tires..She enjoyed that a lot!! This was all on the ground..I didn't ride her at all. Then I took some pics of Andrea and also of Daisy!! That was Friday then.

Saturday's Misc:
Saturday then it was raining when we got up..I went out and fit a halter to Daisy so I could go to Becky (a harness shop) and get a green halter for daisy (lime green). Sharon needed to go to the farm store anyway so we made a trip there...we came back and I put Daisy's halter on and we did a few things around there and then we ate some lunch. After lunch we did some barn work. We moved some gates around and made some stalls and unloaded sawdust. Just barnwork that needed done. We worked till around 7 then Sharon and I took a Lazy ride on Bean and Daisy. That was just plain fun. Then we came back and I came home. Not sure when I am going again but hopefully Monday or Wednesday!! :) Hope you have an awesome week!!

Wednesday's Ride!!

2011-04-21T15:42:00.001-04:00

I got to see Miss Daisy again last night ;) When Cheryl and I got there (I took my older friend Cherly along) Sharon, Andrea and Lillian were all waiting for us. We discussed what we wanted to do, either ride on the trails around there (only an hour or so) or ride up to Woodcrest and ride the trails there (there and back = 3 hrs). The end vote was ride up to Woodcrest. So that is what we did. We went up there, ate some supper, rode around on the trails and then headed home. There was a log in the middle of the path and we could have walked over it but Daisy and I jumped it as did Curly and Lillian and Andrea and Lightning. So awesome :D We also galloped twice..Daisy really loved that..she is learning to collect in the hackamore when we ride and that is good :) Then after we got back Daisy and I and Andrea and Lightning did some jumping in the meadow. Daisy and I jumped the tires and Andrea and Lightning jumped the jump :D The tires are there so we can teach them to stick their hooves in them as we walk over them. I did that with Daisy too after I had jumped her. She did awesome. Then I hosed her off and put her in the main ring. After that we kinda did whatever till about 9 or so and then Lillian reminded me she wanted me to help her join up with Diamond her almost year old colt. I was like ok. I showed her what to do with him and then I let her take over. It took a bit but she joined up with him. He followed her and everything and she hadn't been able to do that before..it was SO AWESOME TO WATCH and be a part of. I was so happy!!

Oh Sunshine is going to be sold to most likely the neighbor boy (well he isn't really a boy but anyway :D). What she really needs is just one person to handle her and one person to do everything with her. Some horses are just that way..they do better when just one person handles them. So that is what Sharon has decided. I am not sad really. I am going to be helping with the babies and such so I will have plenty to keep me busy besides Daisy :) Hope you have a great Easter Weekend. I am spending the night at Sharon's both tonigth and tomorrow night and will be home again Sat night :D Have a good day!!

Riding My Girl Daisy and Dumb Sunshine!

2011-04-19T09:11:00.000-04:00

Sorry about saying Dumb Sunshine but she is no miss :D Anyway first I got to Sharon and we ate supper then Lillian and I went out, brushed the horses we were riding and then saddled up Daisy and Curly (I rode Daisy with the bareback pad again). We went on about an hour or so ride and Daisy did excellant. I have decided since Daisy does fine with the bit when it is just her and I then I am just going to ride with the hackamore in groups because that is what she does so good with! When we got back I took Daisy's hackamore off and put her in with the other horses and then lunged Sunshine. She did totally awesome with the lunging although she got stubborn a few times but we worked thru that. Then she joined up with me and I was throwing the lunge whip all over her to desentize her to it.

I saddled her up and took her into the pasture. We walked thru the poles and she did fine with that so I did some cantering around the pasture and such. When her left side was to the fence she didn't walk or canter as nicely but when her right was to the fence she did fine. We worked on that a bit and then went thru the poles again at a walk. Sharon on Bean and Lillian on Curly came in and Lillian and Sharon took their horses thru the poles. Well Curly was acting dumb so Sharon asked if I would take Curly thru once and see how he does for me. So I tied Sunshine and got on Curly. Boy is he fun to ride. I kicked him into a canter and we went up past the poles then wove thru them and then wove thru them again and then cantered back thru the cones. SO MUCH FUN. He needed constant encouragement but he did it. I did it with him a few times and wow such fun! Then Sharon asked me to take Sunshine thru again and see how she does. We went faster this time thru and she didn't turn so nice when I asked her to turn right..Sunshine and I went thru a few times and she did ok. Well Sharon wanted to try the one bit and she did really awesome with it at first (I mean we went thru the poles one time perfectly) but then I was just riding her around not even in the poles (I was trying to turn her the way she didn't want to go) and up she rears..well I go flying off and landed on the ground. That made me mad and I got on her again and we walked around a bit again. I don't know what made her mad the second time she reared but she got mad and reared again..This time she fell overbackwards but I landed to the side..I did get on her again then after that. I told Sharon Sunshine's problem is that as soon as we put something in her mouth or on her head that is actually strong enough to control her and that she has to listen to then she gets mad. Sharon was never keen on Sunshine but they are keeping her for the one guy that comes but he doesn't ride her when she acts like this. I told Sharon if Bernell (he is a very experienced rider and can talk to most any horse :) can get Sunshine used to working in the meadow and not rearing and all this then I am willing to finish her off but I am not riding her if she acts like this (not in the meadow anyway..that is where a lot of the issue is..it isn't the poles themselves..notice she only reared after we put something different in her mouth..she is used to a bit because Bernell had ridden her in a bit). We took her in the barn after the I got on her after the second time of falling off of her (I rode her around a little and such. IT was kinda funny because after I flew off the second time after she got so mad and such then she was calm as ever..And I had lunged her good before even getting on her the first time. She is quite broke and a good horse..I mean she does perfect on the trails and anything and such but this is how she acted at first on the trails..I fear anything new that you put her up to, she does this). Anyway I tied her and then she was acting dumb and not sure what she did but she was not behaving so I lunged her a bit and then stopped her and took her bridle off to put her halter on so I could unsaddle her...well she decided she isn't having any of this and walks off so I lunged her a bit more (we were in the main ring and so I was free lunging her). I stopped her and then she was ok with me putting her halter on. I told Sharon that if (I said this before) Bernell gets her to the point I can feel safe riding her without getting dumped then I will but I just don't feel she is safe. I don't think that it is because she can't and doesn't want to do the poles and such it is just that she thinks she can get stubborn and act dumb and can get away with it. This is the fight they had with her when they trail rode her and look at her now on the trails..very good!! So I think if Bernell can get her to act decent she will be a great horse :) We shall see I guess! I don't feel she is worth the risk of getting hurt or worse!! Not everyone is going to agree with what all I said but it isn't just my opinion..it was everyone's there that saw this all happen. I don't know if I would have done anything differently or not but I doubt it. Anyway I am going on Wednesday again and going to ride Miss Daisy :) Can't wait!! Really love my girl!

Miss Sunshine and Riding Daisy!

2011-04-16T08:27:00.000-04:00

I don't know if I talked about getting ready for a rodeo (local one around here) or not but I am getting Sunshine ready for it. Well at least getting her used to doing the games and they will so do her good. Anyway a few of the other girls came over and were practicing so since I am not taking Daisy to the rodeo because I have other plans that day (youth group :) I am training Sunshine and practicing with her. Well the first thing and only thing we did was pole bending. Andrea with Sweet Pea went first and then I with Sunshine went second. Sunshine did very well the first time thru and I was happy. Then a few more people did it and it was our turn again. We ran up the one side and started bending thru the poles. Well needless to say she got stubborn and decided I don't want to do this. So she backs up, rears then kinda while she is rearing she spins and then comes down and rears again. Second time rearing she throws her head back and knocks me a good one on my chin. I felt stunned a bit and once she came down I just sat there with my head rattling :D I got off and led her to the others and then got on and rode her thru the poles again just at a walk (we had been doing them kinda at a walk trot before). She did fine then. I felt weird (well my head did) and so I just rode her over and tied her and went to talk to Sharon. I told her what happened and said I would ride her again but I just don't trust her and with the way my head was feeling I didn't trust myself to get on her again if she acted dumb. So Bernell got on her and rode her and wore her out some..so did Earl Dean. I told Sharon I will ride her agian but next time she will be lunged first and then taken thru this stuff. I had never given it a thought because we didn't have to lunge her first before rides anymore so it never occured to me to do it before doing the games. Hey we live and learn I guess. Next time I am also using a tie down so if she does throw her head like that again my face won't be in danger. My chin is just a tad sore, my lip hurts and my jaw on my left side hurts when I open my mouth to wide..hehe. Never got hit so hard in my life. Anyway so much for that. I rode Lightning then while Bernell and Earl Dean took turns with Sunshine. He did pretty good thru the poles. He is fun and easy to ride compared to Sunshine!

Well at 6:30 then I got Daisy saddled up in the bareback pad and stirrups and in her hackamore instead of the bit because I didn't feel like fighting with her. She respects the hackamore because that is what she was trained with. Anyway she did so awesome. Before supper (this was before any of the stuff with Sunshine and riding Daisy) we had put Daisy in with the ponies without her hobbles on (we had rigged something up so she couldn't kick the ponies..that really helped her) and SHE WAS A PERFECT ANGEL. We think that her problem when she first came was so many new things all at one time and so that made her react the way she did. We put Sunshine in there too and Sunshine didn't kick and neither did Daisy. I want to call Sharon this morning and see how things were overnight. Daisy and Sunshine might turn out to be friends. Daisy kept going up to her and acting like she wanted to be. So I guess we shall see. I am just so pleased with my girl. She is such an awsome sweet horse :) Hope you have an awsome weekend!!

Thursday's Ride!!

2011-04-16T08:10:00.000-04:00

On Thursday night some of the ponies and babies and also one of my friend's horses needed to go to the farrier. The ponies and babies we trailered to the farrier and then Sharon, Stacey (she owns Venus and Girly), Andrea (she owns Sweet Pea), and I (riding Daisy) all rode over there. This is the second time using the curb bit and she did lots better. She stayed behind the horses like she was supposed to and cantered very nicely. I was so happy. I discussed it with Sharon last night and we have determined Daisy just doesn't like the bit at all and with work she could get used to it using a lighter bit. Not exactly sure which bit we are going to use but Sharon has quite a few so we might get one similar to the Tom Thumb but not quite like it. We shall see. Overall I am very pleased with how Daisy is coming along! We will get this bit thing figured out ;) Thanks to all you guys who have given me input and advice. I really do appreciate it!!

Wednesday's Ride!

2011-04-14T08:54:00.000-04:00

Last night I got my first driving lesson. Driving a horse that is. I drove Bean and boy what fun is he to drive. Sharon was in charge of the brake for this first time but I was ok with that. I am not sure exactly how long we were gone but it wasn't more than an hour. Then we tacked up and rode out. I was on Daisy (of course), Sharon was on Bean (all her horses can ride and drive), and Lillian rode Curly with the saddle. I had Daisy in a Tom Thumb bit and she had responded well to that when I was riding around the house there but then when we were cantering and such and I wanted her to stay behind one of the horses she didn't behave (not near like she would have if she would have had the hackamore on). She did perfect beside the horses or in front but if she was behind the lead horse she had an issue. I kept working with her and working with her but it just wasn't working. She was practically going right up Beans behind. So we went back and got a curb bit and she respected that a ton more for some reason. I had steady light pressure on her (almost exactly like having the hackamore on which is what she respects the best) and I didn't have to do much and she listened. So we rode in that and that really worked. If you give her an inch she takes a mile...she had me frustrated but we worked thru it. I got her to canter nicely and with plenty of space to spare behind Bean with that bit and I was impressed. I didn't really want to go to a sharper bit but if that is what it takes to get her to respect it so we can move to a lighter bit then I am willing to do that!! We got back and I hosed her off :) Then instead of putting her with the ponies like she has been with ever since Sunday I put her in a corral by herself then this morning put her with the ponies again...She actually missed the ponies :) I am going again tonight to work with her :) Hope you have a good day!!

Tuesday!!

2011-04-12T21:39:00.000-04:00

I didn't do anything with Daisy really today but I did stop in to see her for a little while this morning before going to a scrapbooking day with my mom. I loved on her a bit and was petting her face when I realized that hse hadn't put her head down like she normally does (usually picky about her face). Well I figured it out that she also didn't kick when I pick her hooves out..Roundpenning sure works. She is such an awesome horse. Then I went with Sharon to the vet to pick some stuff up for the foal and then we came back and I went to the scrapbooking day :) I got all my pics in my books!! Going to work with her tomorrow again!! Have a good evening!!

Saturday's Ride!!

2011-04-10T16:00:00.000-04:00

I rode Daisy yesterday afternoon with my friend Andrea. She rode Bean and I rode Daisy. I used the stirrups (which is like a bareback pad but just a tad different..here is a picture that gives you an idea what it looks like: http://www.enasco.com/product/C27575N ) which is what we call it..as it doesn't have the pad attatched to it like the one in the link but we have a pad under it just like this one has. Anyway we started out by walking with Daisy behind Bean. When we got to where we can canter we did...Daisy really wanted to go but I held her back at first but then I let her go. I was riding with the hackamore..that is one of the things I want to work on while she is here at Sharon's is to get her used to the different bits that she respects them :) We rode for about an hour or more and we did more walking than not but it was a lot of fun!! I really enjoyed myself and I can't wait to do more riding!! I probably won't go to Sharon's again till either Tuesday or Wednesday. Enjoy your weekend!!

Friday's RoundPenning!!

2011-04-10T15:00:00.000-04:00

As you all know I moved Daisy to Sharon Thursday night. I stayed overnight at Sharon's and then went to work Friday morning. Then after work I went back to Sharon's again to work with Daisy. It had rained most of the day and was still raining so I knew that meant no riding but I figured well this is the perfect time to roundpen Daisy. I moved some horses to the other area in the barn so that the main ring (which doubles as a round pen as well) would be empty. I then went and got Daisy and took her blanket off. I got the whip and free lunged her. I got her to just do some trotting at first but then I asked her to canter by saying CANTER and if she didn't canter then the whip got cracked. But she did awesome. I wanted to look at the time but had forgotten so I don't know how long I roundpenned her but it wasn't long at all. I worked with her for a little while and then toward the end I saw her lower her head and start licking and chewing. I don't ever remember her licking and chewing to that extent (if ever when lunging her on the lunge line). Anyway since she had her ear towards me, had her head lowered and was licking and chewing I slowed her down and turned away. She hesitated a bit before she started coming toward me. I didn't ask her to come or anything she just came. I didn't reach out to her either and she touches my sleeve. I was so proud of my Daisy girl :) As soon as I felt her touch me I turned around and gave her a hug and I praised her!! It was just so awesome!!

Well since we had come that far I was like awesome so I was just walking around and she was following me. I then wanted to see if she would pull on the lunge line if I lunged her with one. I did and nope no pulling..She listened very well!! I was so proud. I unclipped her from the lunge line (and I lunged her with just her halter and nothing severe at alll..that had me happy) and she just followed me and followed me. It was so specail!! Then I got my bridle with the snaffle bit on it and hopped on her bareback and did some trotting around there in the ring both ways. She responded well to that also. Then my friend Lillian brought her horse Diamond into the ring and showed me all the little tricks he can do..it was awesome. But the most awesome thing was Daisy listened to me even though she was curious about Diamond (I don't know if you guys remember her pinning her ears at other horses and such when she had been there at Sharon when I first got her..so I was keeping her away just so nothing like that would happen...I really believe her having the baby on her for 6 to 9 months without being with any other horses during that time has made her be aggressive around other horses for some reason). Lillian and I decided we wanted to see how Daisy and Diamond would get along. Daisy could have cared less about Diamond after I got off of her. She followed me around and I had to go out of the ring before she would go over and even say hi. It was kinda cute.

Well she did well with Diamond so we were like we want to see how she does with all the ponies, Diamond and Sundance (the horses she would be with..right now she is stalled by herself because she just fights everyone :( Well she didn't seem to mind anyone but then right before we were going to put everyone away Daisy goes and kicks at Sundance. I call Daisy over and hold her while Lillian and the ponies owners put the others away. Then we put her with the other big horses (Lightning (he puts horses in their places), Beauty, Speedy, and Sundance) in with her and Lightning put her in her place. She got a few scratches on her from that and I kinda pittied her but she went after the other horses by kicking them. I was like hey you kick them and then you want to be part of them how do you figure that works? Anyway we decided to wait to actually put her with the ponies for good when we can watch and make sure nobody (horses) gets hurt..so we will either do that Tuesday or Wednesday!! So I loved on her and put some stuff on her cuts and then put her out in her paddock by herself!!

Sharon's Horses!!

2011-04-09T12:27:00.000-04:00

Bean (gelding)

Speedy (gelding)

Lightning (gelding) and Beauty (mare)

Sundance (mare)

Curly :)

Sunshine (palomino mare you have heard about finally got a picture :D)

Ponies: Girly and Venus

Wade, the other pony

Diamond

Misty and her foal Patience (filly)

Patsy

Snuggles!

I figured I would take the time and take pics of all of Sharon's horses and the ponies so you know who I am talking about :D Enjoy!!

Wonderful News!!!

2011-04-07T19:35:00.000-04:00

I am so excited!!!!! Well as some of you knew I was planning on getting fencing..that got canceled because of some reasons that I won't go into detail with!! But what I am so excited about is I AM GOING TO BE HELPING TRAIN SOME PONIES and also MISS SUNSHINE (you know the palimino I have talked about) AND I get to have Daisy at Sharon's this whole time. Not sure on the time length yet but I can't wait regardless. I sure am going to miss having Daisy here 24/7 but it is for just a short while and she will be in training there anyway. I will be sure to get some pictures of the three ponies (Venus, Girly and Wade), Miss Sunshine, and of course Daisy. My plans are to train her to drive, lay down, possibly jump and of course groundwork :) We shall see what all happens..I am just so excited. She is leaving tonight and I am staying there at Sharon's house tonight. Anyway have a good evening!!
p.s. I am planning on breeding Daisy as well :) This has been thought about quite a bit so we shall have to see!

Tuesday's Lunging and Riding!

2011-04-05T20:33:00.000-04:00

Today I did get to actually do some stuff with Daisy again. I first lunged her then rode her. I was so happy because lunging went PERFECT compared to last week. I hadn't said much last week about what I did with bitting her when I lunged her. Well here is what I did (same thing as I did last week when I said I had read something out of the book my friend Andrea borrowed me) : On a fully-trained horse, a bridle may be used in lieu of a cavesson. However, it is possible to injure a horse's mouth if the line is incorrectly attached or misused. Some sensitive horses may react badly to the attachment of the line to the bit, and some classical dressage masters considered this method to be crude. The bit used is a snaffle bit. Bit shanks of any kind are dangerous; the line can tangle in them, causing injury to the horse's mouth. The reins should be kept out of the way, either by removing them, or by twisting them once or twice over the neck and then running the throatlatch of the bridle under the reins before buckling it. The correct method is to run the longe line through the inside bit ring, over the poll, and attach it to the outside bit ring. This method of attaching the line requires it to be changed each time the horse changes direction. This method has a slight gag effect, raising the bit up and applying pressure on the corners of the mouth and placing pressure on the poll, but puts less lateral pressure on the bit. It is best for horses that pull, or when the trainer is longeing a rider, to ensure maximum control of the horse. If the longe line is attached just to the inside bit ring, the outside ring can slide through the mouth when the line is pulled and damage the horse's mouth. If the line is run through the inside bit ring, under the chin, and attached to the outside bit ring, the bit can pinch the horse's jaw, and it alters the action of the bit to put pressure on the roof of the horse's mouth. When a method of attachment causes more pain than control, the horse often resists the pressure and will not perform properly. The only change I made was I had the halter underneath. (I copy and pasted this from wikipedia under the Use of a Bridle Alone http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Longeing ). This worked the best than anything else I tried and she responds very well to it. She doesn't pull at all and I worked her at the trot and the canter and I must say it is the best she has ever done even better than with the chain over her nose. She bends with the circle like she should and everything. I normally wouldn't do something like this but this is the only thing that really worked!! I worked her at both the trot and canter and we didn't work long at all! I was so pleased!!

Since she did so awesome I stopped her and praised her. Then I put the reins on (had taken them off the bridle with the snaffle bit on to lunge her) and rode her around the barn. She did really well once she settled down and listened to me. We didn't ride long at all but I was pleased with how well she did overall! Hope you have a great rest of the week!