Letting it go
So I still get weepy when I think that I'll never ride Kaswyn down the centerline again at the upper levels, but now that I've finally made a decision that I'm not going to try to get him back to where he was I'm much better. In fact, I'm considering buying that young horse. Seriously considering it. Here is the thing - I like to show. I've been showing other people's horses for the past few years while Kaswyn has been off, and it's nice and all but it comes with certain issues. I can't always do
read more »Has Someone Got a Life I can Borrow?
A typical morning. I get up in the morning before the birds, roosters included, and head off to work. I know it's before the roosters because I've already led a half dozen horses out to their paddocks before the one at the neighboring farm begins to crow. Yesterday the coyotes were still howling, which woke the rooster up.The horses are somewhat confused by my showing up so early. They don't need to get out of bed so early on the weekends when I'm not there. I wonder if they're like Darling and
read more »An Innovative and Sustainable Rocking Horse
So I was flicking through the September issue of House and Garden yesterday and right at the back of the magazine was an item that caught my eye. Yes, it was horse shaped!
Although I didn’t grow up with a rocking horse as a kid, I know of many that did. Eco Rocker is the latest rocking horse on sale and this one has a bit of an interesting twist to it! Titled ‘Reggie’, he is made of flat packed cardboard, and is designed by Shell Thomas.
Being made of cardboard, he’s
read more »Keep on Dreaming
A few days ago I received an email asking what was happening with my novel in progress. A reply and second email enlightened me to the fact that the person asking was Danielle Silvestri, author of Dancing Hooves.
The idea for this book formed when I was studying in 2003/2004. I’ve been writing it since then and despite having planned to finish the novel in 2009, find I’m still quite a way from that!
Danielle’s emails commented on how being stagnant in writing for a time isn’t
read more »The Stallion
by icehorse, age 14
The stallion is mighty and strong
Stealthy and majestic
Yet, he has been through so much loss
His herd was taken
By those awful people
With their flying metal death traps
Somehow, he survived
But the rest did not
They disappeared
The stallion’s head drooped
When he remembered that day
He could still hear his lead mare’s terrified screams
And the deafening sound of the chopper
But he must forget to survive
Forget about his lost herd
So he may create a new one
Although he does
read more »An Update.................
Wow, Has it been a month already? Not a whole lot has been going on around here, other than battling the heat wave that has been sweeping the nation this summer. I actually didn't mow the lawn for nearly 3 weeks as it was dry and weedy. And the extreme heat and humidity has made it nearly impossible to do anything outdoors than what was actually necessary. The goat children are doing fine. The boys have shed out beautifully, however Miss Jenny is still a bit hairy. Not likely she let me catch her
read more »Heart made of lead
I had a very sad revelation yesterday.I rode Kaswyn and we worked on our usual stuff of the moment - straightness, some circles, and then I fooled around a little bit with some flying changes just for fun.Then I rode this new horse, a six year old purebred Arabian gelding (who I have really become quite smitten with... more on that later) and I realized that this young horse has a lot of go. I had to take my spurs off and didn't have a whip, and this young guy was still flying. He doesn't get the
read more »Whose Opinion?
by Tate, age 11
They buck and squeal, they bite and kick,
They rear and whinny, they make you sick.
You shout and swear, shriek and curse.
But whose opinion is this, of the horse?
They poo and slobber, they beg and cry,
They laugh at you as they spit in your eye,
You retch and shudder, scowl with remorse
But whose opinion is this, of the horse?
Their fur is soft, the perfect coat,
The exact way for you to gloat.
You primp and preen, look pretty, of course,
But whose opinion is this, of the horse?
They
read more »The Horses of Time
by Masquerade, age 16
The horses of time
Stand as eternal guardians
On our path of life.
Silently guarding.
They are the famous ones,
The war-horses, the racers,
The ones who captured the crowds.
Silently guarding.
They are the special ones,
The ponies, the workhorses,
The ones you galloped in the fields.
Silently guarding.
They protect us from misfortune,
And bring us to the shining stars.
There they stand, the horses of time,
Silently guarding.
More to read...The Horse Show
read more »Do you strap one on?
This email from Lyndsey White (co-founder riders4helmets - http://www.riders4helmets.com/) just came through on the horse bloggers email list."A special video presentation by US Olympian Courtney King Dye who suffered a traumatic brain injury in March 2010 opened the 2nd Riders4Helmets Helmet Safety Symposium on July 23rd. The video was posted just 48 hrs ago and has already been viewed nearly 7000 times. To view the video please visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awJDYBhBPzk. To view reports
read more »Weekend Fun
Sandy, Ryan and Shannon visit Windrock Farm for the weekend, we have a great time hacking across the road to Wethersfield, eating too much and clipping the dogs to look like lions. Rex cooked delicious steaks for all and we enjoyed the beautiful summer evening in the shade garden.
read more »Crooked to the left, crooked to the right
Sometimes it's just really hard to make any progress.It seems like it's always something. Either Kaswyn is having an issue or I am. Recently it has been me. Two weeks ago I got really sick and spent three solid days in bed. Then a few days ago I had a really severe asthma attack and had to stay indoors and away from dust and mold for three days while my meds reduced the inflammation in my lungs. It's frustrating.Kaswyn has been doing pretty well despite my absences. Our big issue right now is with
read more »May I
Artwork & Poem by MorganzMuzik, age 12
May I
Flying on wings of dust
Free as the wind
No one to answer to
But himself
May I borrow some of that liberty?
Can I feel the breeze on my face as I smile?
May I float with you on your strong, cloud of a back?
You trumpet out your name
You are king among kings
The Ruler of this rugged land
The ancient Horse
May I dance in the air with you?
Can I ride on your wings?
May I taste the gray dust of the playa?
Your legs lift in the air
You rumble acceptance
And
read more »[no title]
Hi Everyone, MiKael is improving every day but is still weak. She says to say hello to everyone. Dave
read more »Pip: The True Story of a Pony Who Will Never Be Forgotten
by Millie, age 12
Pip. The pony who will stay in my heart forever. 13.2hh, Welsh Pony. The most beautiful palomino ever, with two brilliantly blue eyes, a white speckled belly, and a ‘bald’ face. His mane and tail were creamy-white, both long and flowing.
He taught me so much and gave me more than any other pony I had ever ridden, including a KO and barbed wire scars.
My mum used to work with his owner, Nicki’s mum, Joy. When she knew I rode, she offered to take us to see him, and that’s
read more »Announcing a Special Guest!
Dear Horse Girls,
We’re in the heat of summer and things are about to heat up in our virtual barn!
Starting August 8th we’re honored to host Canadian author Angela Dorsey for an interview where you ask the questions! Angela is a lifelong horse girl who has written more than twenty adventure novels with supernatural elements about girls and horses, including the Freedom and Horse Guardian series. And she has an awesome website with fun activities for readers, including contests and collaborative
read more »July 21st: Announcing a Special Guest
Dear Horse Girls,
We’re in the heat of summer and things are about to heat up in our virtual barn!
Starting August 8th we’re honored to host Canadian author Angela Dorsey for an interview where you ask the questions! Angela is a lifelong horse girl who has written more than twenty adventure novels with supernatural elements about girls and horses, including the Freedom and Horse Guardian series. And she has an awesome website with fun activities for readers, including contests and collaborative
read more »Waaa...HOOOO!!!!
City Boy and I went to see Buck, the movie, tonight. I was worried... I'd been told by a few people that they'd seen my name in the credits, but hadn't spotted the photo I'd said would be in it. How had that happened?So with a wee bit of apprehension I sat in the dark theater, prepared to enjoy the movie even if I didn't spot my photo. I munched on popped corn and forgot to share it with City Boy. I drank my soda. And I was drawn in instantly. What a spectacular film!And then out of nowhere I was
read more »Fear Scent
by Raven, age 15
Fear scent. Smell of sweat. Choking. Bodies pressing against me. Snorting, neighing, screaming, clanging—fear scent. Pain. Deep ache in my belly. Fear scent. What is happening?
I smell my own fear. Flies buzz in my eyes, all over me, over everyone. Fear scent. Death scent. Death? Who has been killed? Blood-scent. Who bled?
Hungry… so hungry. I want grass. My throat is dry with thirst. Water. Fear scent.
Horse crowds behind me. Too tired to kick. My head hangs and flies bite
read more »Home.......
Believe it or not I am finally home. Got here about 7 or so last night and I am exhausted. Just wanted everyone to know I am home and safe and you support has been greatly appreciated. I have missed you all. I can't even tell you how good it was to hear real live horse voices this morning when I awoke. It did my heart good. Can't wait until the day I can actually touch one of them. In the meantime, I'm going to have to settle for the sounds of hoofbeats as they play in the field and their wonderful
read more »