February Fun 2012

Once again, my friends Bernadette & Jin  made the long trek to Wisconsin to be 1 w/ the horses.  My farrier was also  there  trimming  Tia & Bud ....so they both enjoyed watching the process. 

          After John left - barn chores were in full swing ......mucking being first on the list :)

After an hour or so - we ended inside having a hot chocolate break - where I found a lil  dancing
partner :))

               Grandma Patty & Lil O were also enjoying each other..... as well as

                                                 Grandpa Doug - love the hat action :))

                       We ALL enjoyed a nice hot drink & warm conversation  inside.

                 And that includes Meha - who LOVED being massaged by Bernadette  :)

Once we were all warmed up - we tacked & rode our trusty mounts.  Kayla was nice enough to let us borrow Blackjack for Bernadette :)

                                                    I lunged the Buddha for Jin...

                                                          And I rode Tia :)

                                                         And then the Buddha :))

Maya - who had just returned last week - had been sold & was leaving - so we all spoiled her w/ love & treats!

We will all miss Maya - she was SO sweet & affectionate - I do hope her new owner knows what a gem she purchased & has as much fun as we did w/ her.

Tia's 1st Field Trip....

Last Saturday, Oscar ( Patty's son-in-law ) offered to take Tia, Black Jack & Wilbur over to Patty's sisters Mikey's barn - who has an indoor arena.  We JUMPED @ the offer - to say the least.  Tia has been on the property since the day she arrived 5 years ago -  I wasn't sure how she would be to load  ...so I asked  Oscar for his assistance.  She walked right up to the door & stepped up & in w/ no hesitation...whew!

                                                           Her escort awaits........

                         Once we arrived - she took in the sights & smells of Mikey's barn.

                               BJ was a tad apprehensive, but  did ok w/ Kayla by his side.

                Wilbur is a veteran of traveling & was content to be groomed by Patty :)

                        Trish was training when we arrived & I asked for a family shot :)

                                Twas a definite family affair - including Lil O.......

                                               Karena helping beautify Wilbur

And Marabella - who allowed me to take a picture of her face BUT not her stomach as she was under the weather w/a  tummy ache - too cute.

                                              Kayla strutting the English on BJ

Tia & I had a great time - once she got over spooking @ all 4 corners of the arena &...

                The dreaded wall of mirrors!!!  She got comfortable quickly & it was fun fun fun to ride her in February :))

                                              Patty putting Wilbur thru the paces....

                                                          As well as Kayla...

Another boon of the day was the return of Mya - Oscar's 8 y/o mare - she is SO sweet!

Could not close the blog w/ out a photo of the Buddha who was wondering where the heck his treats were!!!




A HUGE thank you to Oscar, Trish, Patty, & Mikey for a super fun Saturday :))

Tia Turns Twelve !!!

12 years ago this lil filly was born - 5 years ago she appeared @ the barn & 5 months ago I took over ownership.  I now have a " tween " equine!!!  We are still working on bonding, but every Saturday brings us closer together - it took Bud & I quite the while, but was WELL worth the effort :)

She is well mannered, rock solid ( unless you try to ride her bare back ), & accepts both English & Western tack - even w/ inexperienced riders!!  She usually comes when called  ( could be that carrot ) & does rule the roost when turned out...an alpha mare for sure.  

Chucky was very excited to see her on her special day - altho she did turn her back on him :(

                          The wind was a real factor outside  - check out the mane !

We had to circle several times to get the correct stance & keep the letters from blowing !

                                       She is SO pretty ........&.... a good sport :)

              Almost got it.....I had to keep adjusting the letters w/ the wind gusts !

Finally, we have the horse, letters & owner all looking @ the camera - when she turned to look @......

                  Chucky who was watching the whole production from his pasture :)





                                                  Here are some " out takes "..........

                                                 

All in all a fun B'day - her stall was decorated,  she enjoyed eating all her treats, as well as  being the first one to be groomed & finally having her own photo shoot !!  I hope to gain her trust even more as we both move into this new  year w/ only a few more weeks left til we can    ride   ride    ride :))