BRRR!

Well, I knew cold weather was coming but this is ridiculous!! We are having Jan temps in early Dec. It won't be winter officially for another two weeks!

With the unusually low temps this week, I haven't been able to ride Rusty twice in a row. I can tell he misses me because, when I go out to the paddock to see him, he comes up to me from across the paddock. Usually he waits for me get closer before he comes to me.

I'm really praying for a moderation in temps so we can ride!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I'm so very thankful for the many blessings I've enjoyed. I have good health, a wonderful family including three beautiful granddaughters, a special husband who understands me, great friends, a job where I can make a difference in people's lives, a vibrant church that is reaching the community in new and innovative ways, two goofy cats, and (of course) my horse, Rusty. He is a special part of my life and we learn so much from each other.

Along with Rusty, I have my wonderful friends and their horses at the barn that I enjoy riding with, talking to, and learning from. I'm especially thankful for Marie and Gary and all their hard work that makes On Eagles' Wings Equine Center so great.

So I'm wishing you and yours a wonderful Thanksgiving. All of this belongs to God. Yes, times are tough right now and I know a lot of people who are out of work. Let's keep our focus on God and look for ways to bless those around us. No matter what our situation, there is always someone we can be a blessing to.

God bless you this Thanksgiving. Enjoy this special time with family and friends.

Cold Weather's Coming!

Well, it's time for bundling up for barn work again. Thermals, down jackets, hats and headbands, and especially GLOVES! Our recent rainy weather has left us some soggy horses. But I think we are more bothered by the rain than they are.

Today I finished cleaning my stalls and went out to get Rusty. Wouldn't you know he'd be lying down in the mud!! YUK! His whole right hind leg was wet mud! His belly was mud-covered, too. My friend Denise saw him and laughed. She told me that her horse, Eddie, used to love to lie in the mud, too. She said he would get so muddy, he'd look armor-plated! Mud from ears to tail! We both had a good laugh at that. I remember Eddie, who's in Heaven now, and he was quite a character! Anyway, at least the area where the saddle goes was relatively clean. At least he didn't roll! I did a "cowboy grooming" and took him out to ride.

We rode in the indoor arena. Pretty soon that will be the only place where we can ride without freezing. I'm very grateful for a big indoor arena. By springtime, though, it will be awesome to be outside again.

All the colorful leaves have dropped now for the most part. Doug and I raked the back yard after I got back from the barn today. Our big maple in the back has finally almost finished dropping its leaves. It's one of the last trees in the neighborhood to lose its leaves. So, 26 stalls cleaned today, a wonderful ride, and raking. I'll sleep well tonight!

Trail Ride!!

Today is the first time in the two years I've owned Rusty where I took him off the farm for a "real" trail ride. I'd not been able to do this before because I don't own my own trailer or a vehicle that will pull one. (I LOVE my Honda Civic but it will not pull a horse trailer.)

My friend Pam (cool name, huh?) has a trailer and she takes her horse, Jordy, out a lot. We'd decided earlier in the summer to do a ride together but her truck broke down. She told me we'd go when her truck got fixed. She e-mailed me to say her truck was fixed and we set up our ride for today.

So, today I got to the barn early and finished all my stalls before Pam arrived. We got our horses ready and loaded up and were off! Rusty loaded so well! He went right in the trailer like we do this every week. We went to Oak Ridge Forest Preserve which is about 20-30 minutes away from the barn.

What a beautiful place! Pam and I rode for almost two hours through woods, by streams, and around fields. Despite a couple of sprinkles, we had the most wonderful weather to ride in! The next time I go, I will take a camera. The scenery was lovely! We met other people out on horseback, too. Rusty was so well-behaved! No spooking or bolting. He was a little keyed up when we first unloaded at the Preserve but after I did some figure 8's at the walk and trot, he settled right down. This was an unfamiliar place to him and so doing some familiar exercises helped a lot.

Jordy is a Missouri Fox Trotter and has the neatest fox trot. It looks like so much fun to ride. The fox trot is like a running walk. It's an easy gait and Jordy can go along for quite a while without getting tired. Rusty and I trotted right along beside Pam and Jordy on the wider stretches of the trail. In the woods we went single file up and down hills, around curves and over culverts. The trail is well-maintained. There were a few muddy places, but it was mostly dry with very good footing. There is even a place where riders can cross the river into Deer Run Preserve.

I appreciate Pam taking us along today! I also have to thank God for helping me get the chores done on time and for the beautiful day we had! Now that I've been out, I'll want to go again. If not before the cold weather sets in, then next summer.

Fun in the Fall

I LOVE this time of year! Look at the beautiful trees along Baseline Rd on my way out to the stables. The colors are so bright! Sights like this greet me when I'm driving out to see Rusty.

Oh, you should see Rusty! He's getting his winter coat and he looks bushy! They say we're due for a cold winter and the horses are gearing up for it. Coats are getting thicker and, praise God, the flies are dying off. What a relief!

Now that Rusty is getting his winter coat, I can use a stronger curry on him than I can in the summer. His coat is very fine in the summer so I can only use a very light curry mitt on him then.

We've had a couple of trail rides these past weeks. Soon it will be too cold to do that and we'll be in the indoor arena for the winter. Last Dec. we had an unusually warm afternoon and Joan and I rode out in the snow! Hope we get another opportunity like that!

The babies are getting so big! They all scored very high on their inspections for the American Warmblood Assoc. Marie is weaning them now. Five out of the seven mares have been separated from their foals. What a carrying on they did! Whinnying and running back and forth along the fence line! Those babies are so beautiful. One has been sold already. They will make excellent Dressage, Hunter, or Jumper horses for the lucky persons who buy them!

Rusty Reunion!

I rode Rusty today for the first time since a week ago Thursday! He was awesome! I tried to apply some of the techniques I learned with Clyde. I rode Rusty with lighter contact on the bit and he seemed to appreciate that. Just a touch got him to stop when I asked him to. He didn't ignore the bit like he had done once before. I find that if I'm not "hanging on his mouth" he responds better. The cues are clearer for him. He appeared to have missed me while I was gone. I sure missed him!

New things at the Barn: Gary installed a new wash rack so the hose goes over the horse's back. He put in cross ties so we can secure our horses better while bathing them. Rusty and I tried out the new wash rack today after our ride. It was so easy to use! Thanks, Gary!

Marie took Stilts to a dressage show this morning. I'm looking forward to hearing how they did! He's such a beautiful mover! Good luck, Marie!

Wow! What a Horse!

Here is Clyde with his friend "Puppy". Clyde is a World Champion Clydesdale in Showmanship and under saddle. He is 18.1 hands tall and weighs 2100 lbs. He and Puppy are very friendly. Clyde especially loves attention. His trainer Sara Shalda rides him with no saddle or bridle. Using leg and seat cues she can walk, trot, canter, jump, pirouette on the forehand or hindquarters. Look Ma! No bridle!

Sara was kind enough to give me a lesson on Clyde for an hour. What a ride! I first rode him at the walk, trot, and canter with the bridle. Then Sara took the bridle off and I rode at the walk guiding him with my legs. This was quite a Workout!

This was an opportunity I couldn't pass up. I learned many things and I hope to be able to apply them when working with Rusty. I learned a whole different way of communicating with my horse and that I don't always need to rely so much on the reins. You can see in the photo that my hands are centered on the front of the saddle. By the position of my legs I could get Clyde to walk, stop, back up, and turn. I learned to prevent him from turning when I didn't want him to. This was so amazing! As Obi-Wan said to Luke when he first felt the force "You've just taken your first step into a much larger world." What an experience!

You can contact Sara Shalda at www.sarashaldaperformancehorses.com. She has a great website. She writes books, makes and modifies tack for the larger breeds, trains, and gives lessons. Check her out!

Chance of a Lifetime

Guess What???? This evening I'm going to get to ride a Champion Clydesdale! His name is Clyde and his owner/trainer rides him without bridle or saddle!! He is fantastic! Sara (Clyde's owner/trainer) is giving me a lesson on him tonight. I know if I miss this opportunity that I won't get a chance like this again. I'll be back after the ride with the whole story AND pictures to back it all up!

I can't wait for this evening!

By the way, Doug and I are in Michigan on vacation and got to meet Sara and Clyde last evening. We're having a wonderful time up at Sleeping Bear Dunes.

Brandie helps me at the barn

Yesterday, my good friend Brandie came out to the stables with me and helped me with Rusty and some of the barn chores. I was glad to have her come along! We Horse-crazy people should stick together. I'm glad she enjoyed the day and I hope she'll come with me again.

Soccer Ball II

Who can figure horses?

Today, before my lesson, I had Rusty in the arena with the same "scary" soccer ball that had him on alert Tues. No problem today! He went right up to it and pushed it with his nose and tried to bite it! Maybe our part in a soccer game isn't too far off.

Soccer Ball Fun!

Today I rode with some of the girls who were going to have a horseback soccer game. I wasn't sure how Rusty would like the ball. It turns out he was not happy about the big multi-colored ball at all! This ball is about 2 1/2 feet in diameter! Rusty saw it blowing around and was on instant alert. With someone holding the ball so it wouldn't roll, I got off Rusty and led him over to the ball. He went just a few steps at a time, his neck arched and his nostrils blowing! I put a treat on the ball and he finally ate the treat but it took some time for him to do so. I got him to follow the ball but he didn't like it when the ball came toward him!

I called it quits with the soccer ball after I got Rusty to follow it around. The girls had their game but Rusty wasn't ready for that yet. I think a little more time getting Rusty used to the ball is in order.

We had a wonderful ride and it was hot today so I hosed Rusty off afterwards and took him out to graze. He really likes that!

Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July! Today I'm going to get up on my soapbox and wave the Flag for a while. I'm so grateful to live in the country that (with all its faults) is still the Greatest Country on Earth! We enjoy many wonderful freedoms and privileges in the U.S. that we can be guilty of taking them for granted. I'd really hate to see us become a nation of complainers! We complain about high gas prices and high prices in general. We complain about our government (but statistically few people vote).

God had a very strong way of dealing with complainers. He let them wander in the wilderness for 40 years until the whole generation of complainers died out! OUCH!

I've found the best cure for complaining is to count my blessings. One can't possibly keep a complaining spirit when he or she starts to list all the good things God has done for him or her! I'm thankful that I can worship God safely without the secret police barging in and carting me off to jail. I'm thankful for freedom of speech. I'm thankful for a wonderful home and family (including my beautiful horse and weird cats). I'm thankful for good health and that I woke up this morning!

I'm thankful for our brave troops no matter where they are serving. My prayer is that God will bless and protect them and bring them all home soon.

So God Bless America! One Nation Under God! While you are enjoying the picnics and the fireworks with family and friends, count your blessings!

I got my waving flag clip art from FoundingFathers.info.

Rusty's Fly Boots

Last Sunday I put brand new fly boots on Rusty to help ease the irritation of flies around his legs. These boots were clean, white and beautiful! They were so clean they looked funny on him! After our ride, I turned him out in his new boots.

Tuesday I went out and Lo and Behold, Rusty had kept his fly boots on! But were they white? NO! Now they look more normal because they're muddy and dirty. But they work!

Today, Thursday, I received some good tips on cleaning his boots from riders who have used them a lot longer than I have. Think I'll give it a try.

I'll try to get a picture of Rusty with his boots on posted soon.

Have a happy, safe and blessed July 4th. Don't scare horses with firecrackers!

Rusty's New Shoes!

Today my farrier, Stu, and I decided that Rusty could benefit from having shoes put on the front feet. Rusty has had issues with "sand cracks" for a long time. I give him supplements to help strengthen his feet. With fly season upon us, Rusty does a lot of stamping and this aggravates the sand cracks especially if the ground is hard and dry. So, Rusty now has shoes on the front and they are nice. His feet look great and we "test rode" his new shoes today with great results. Stu will check his feet in four weeks (about the time I'd need to have his feet trimmed) and see how we're doing. I have ordered some fly boots for him to help keep the flies off his legs which will reduce the stamping. In the summer, when the flies are bad, we do all sorts of things to help give relief to our horses. Maybe a fly sheet is the next step? We'll see how he does with the boots.

First Trail Ride of the Season!

WHAT A BEAUTIFUL DAY! God really outdid Himself today. The weather was perfect for our first trail ride this spring. It wasn't too hot or humid and the flies weren't bad. Summer could stay like today and I'd be happy!

Rusty was very well-behaved our first time out. A couple of things caught his attention and there was one little spook, but he was great. It's funny when there's something that he's unsure of because he snorts at it! I call him my "war horse" because he sounds so fierce!

I'm looking forward to many more wonderful days of riding just like today! Wow!

Cleaning Wintec Saddles

Today I cleaned my Wintec saddle for the first time. It's easy! But it's strange putting water all over a saddle! I've only had leather saddles before and one NEVER puts water all over them! Now I hope it doesn't take too long to dry. I'll need it when I go back out to ride on Sunday.

We've had some awful "fly days" out at the barn. After the storm June 5, it got really hot and muggy and the flies were EVERYWHERE!! Ugh! Rusty practically dragged me into the barn when I went out to get him!

On those days when the humidity isn't real high it's beautiful! Rusty has been very good in our rides. His canter is wonderful! I can't wait for the ground to dry out enough so we can ride around the hay field!

Looking forward to Sunday when I can get out with my horse again.

Happy Birthday to Me

Well, it's GREAT to be 51 years old!

I spent the early part of my day with Rusty -- a wonderful birthday present!

I have to thank God for His Hand on me these 51 years and for all His blessings.

Three More New Babies!

Here they are! Three more beautiful babies!

The top pic is Arizen's filly born on April 24 or 25. (I'm not sure which date.) It was cold that weekend so the little one is in her foal blanket.

Pic #2 is Pride's little colt also born either April 24 or 25. Of all the babies so far, he is the lightest in color.

Pic #3 is Bridget's colt born April 29. (I know this date because the little cutie arrived just as I was getting out to the barn.) When I first saw this one, he was minutes old!

Since these three, Lacey has also had her baby but I don't have a pic yet. There is still one mare left to foal. It is so wonderful to go into the mare's barn and see all the little ones! Each one is so special!

Watching the New Babies

Today I got to see the little ones get turned out with their moms. What energy! Run, jump, kick! They had so much fun! The little filly has better control over her long legs at this time than the colt but she is almost a day older. They are such miracles!

What special blessings! There are still more mares to foal!

Muddy Rusty!

As you can see, I sometimes have my hands full when it comes to grooming my mostly white (ha ha) Appaloosa. It took me 40 minutes to get most of the mud off! Quite a workout!

We did have a wonderful ride outside. What a great day to be at the barn!

Double Blessing!

Not just ONE but TWO beautiful babies!

The top picture is the black colt born Wed. morning. He looks so much like his daddy! The second picture is the bay filly born Tues afternoon. Just like human babies, they sleep alot. When they struggle up on their feet, the first thing they want is FOOD!

Both of these cuties are sired by "Stilts." More are on the way!

EXTRA! EXTRA! EXTRA!

Wow! Our God is sooooooooooooooooo Faithful!

Doug has a NEW JOB! Today he had an interview and this afternoon they offered him the position! When I left for work I knew the interview went well. Doug called me at work to tell me the good news! The other great thing is that this job is for a company Doug worked for for 19 years when we were first married. He's familiar with the product, though some of the procedures will be new. This company is about 5 min. from our home! So Doug can drop the 45 min. commute that he used to do!

Thank You, Lord for being our Source, our Provider!

GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME
ALL THE TIME GOD IS GOOD!

Thank you to everyone who held us up in prayers and encouragement. Thank you. Thank you.

EXTRA! EXTRA!

We have a NEW BABY at On Eagles' Wings Equine Center!

Marie's mare Shannon gave birth to a beautiful little filly this afternoon around 4 pm. The little one's daddy is non other than Indian Artbeat (known as "Stilts" at the barn). She is a dark bay like her mommy. What a blessing!

Marie still has several mares in foal to Stilts that are due soon. We're going to have some gorgeous babies this spring!

When I get a pic of the new arrival I'll post it.

Leaning on God

Today, while out grocery shopping, I heard an interesting message on my local Christian radio station (K-Love is great, by the way.) The speaker was talking about going through the tough, dark times and he said something about "leaning into the pain" of those times. I asked God what "leaning into the pain" meant. He told me it meant leaning on HIM and trusting Him when the going is rough. Trusting God with the pain -- whatever it is -- knowing that He is there with you in the trial.

So I can be encouraged during the painful times -- job loss, sickness, financial problems, etc. -- that God knows all about it and is there with me. He is there with YOU too to comfort, help, and guide. His Word tells us that He will never leave us or forsake us. It also says that NOTHING can separate us from His love. Thank You, God!

Now I am thanking God for Doug's new job even though I haven't seen it yet. God is at work and I thank Him for all His goodness to us.

May the Lord bless you today! He is the Most Awesome God!

Outdoors Again!

TA RARA BOOM DE AYE
I RODE OUTSIDE TODAY!

What a treat! While it was a bit windy, the ride was wonderful. Rusty and I hadn't ridden outside since early Dec. when we had an unusually mild day. I wasn't sure if Rusty would behave on our first time out but he was terrific! We cantered and he was balanced. No spooking or bolting. Wow!

Each time I'm out there I try to clean a little more of the caked mud off. What a project! It's supposed to rain tonight so I may have to start over when I get back out there on Tues. Oh, well. Boys will be boys (even if they're horses!)

Job Hunt

Well, it's been a few weeks since Doug's job closed. He has had several interviews and I know that God has the right job for him. We had wanted to have our house on the market around March 1 but, with this new development, the timetable has been pushed back. Romans 8:28 says "ALL things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose." Sooooooooo, this job change has not caught God by surprise. I had a friend tell me that God hadn't fallen off His Throne at that moment. That mental picture made me smile.

While we are waiting, I know God is preparing us for what He has for us. I truly believe that His BEST is out there for us. Meanwhile, I'll continue to learn and grow where I'm at.

Thank you to all of you who are keeping us in your prayers! We are very grateful and appreciate this so much.

Thoughts from the Canyon

My first sight of the Grand Canyon was the first picture above. The Canyon was filled with clouds! Our guide said "Wait." While I stood on the Rim of the Grand Canyon, I saw the clouds part and blow away. The most awesome sight greeted my eyes (see second picture). It was like God said "TA-DA!" and swept the curtain aside!

Have you ever gone to a play or concert? When you arrive, all you see is the big curtain. But there is a lot going on behind the scenes! Finally the lights go down and that curtain goes up. Ta-Da -- the Show is on!

Right now, I'm waiting for the "Ta-Da" that signals the next big step in my life. Life seems to be "on hold" while Doug looks for a job and we continue to get the house ready for sale. Roman 8:28 tells us that ALL things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose. All things means ALL things -- job loss, delays -- all things.

I hear the orchestra tuning up. Soon the lights will go down, the curtain will go up and "TA-DA!" the waiting will be over. And it will be worth every minute of the wait.

Is it Spring yet??

This winter has been one for the books! It's either too cold to ride or there is so much snow the roads are difficult. ARGGGGH!! I can't wait for Spring!

I finally got to ride Rusty today for the first time in over a week! Oh, sweet sanity has returned! I tell you, I was going through withdrawal -- DT's and everything! Such a wonderful joy to ride again. I really needed my time with Rusty.

Rusty was excellent today. Good balanced canter in both directions. One time he started out heavy on the forehand at the canter, but I sat back, buttressed the outside rein and loosened the inside rein and he shifted back to his hindquarters for a balanced canter that was smooth to ride!

Happy Valentine's Day to everyone! Give your valentine (and your horse, of course) a big smooch!

Closer to the Dream

This past week has seen some great progress toward The Dream! On Tues. the new gas range arrived and on Fri. the new countertops were installed. My kitchen looks Wonderful!! Step by step, our house is getting ready to go on the market. I can't wait to start looking at horse property! It's exciting to think about what God has for us!

What Fun!

Wow! What a great ride we had today! Everyone was out at the barn enjoying the mild day. There were 9 of us on horseback in the arena at one time. We all had a ball!

This is part of the goofy weather in the Midwest. I was at the barn on Tues and Thurs of this past week and would have frozen my a** off if it hadn't been for my husband's wonderful Christmas present (insulated coveralls!!). Then, today, it's nearly 60 and all the big drifts of snow have disappeared! Go figure! It even smelled like springtime! Days like this are pure gold when they happen. I'm so glad I was able to be out there and enjoy the day with my horse and friends.

Rusty was very good today! I was concerned that he'd be a real handful since I hadn't been able to ride for a week. We had a light workout and a wonderful balanced canter in both directions! Awesome! I tell you, this is as close to Heaven as it gets for me! Thank You, Lord!

Happy New Year!

What a year it's been!

I'm so grateful to God for all His goodness to me and my family this past year.

Today I finally was able to download our Grand Canyon pictures to my computer. The picture above was taken at our first stop on the Canyon Rim. The clouds had just moved away like a curtain and ... There it was! Simply breathtaking!

My family and I are looking forward to 2008. There will be a lot of changes in this new year.

God bless you and your families in 2008.