My Winter Garden

Here is an early morning photo on December 19th of my beautiful garden, resting. I am writing this entry on January 3rd and I am worried. And I am half-watching a show about Louisa May Alcott and the troubles she had in her life and about her decision to struggle and continue. She considered suicide at one point, but thought it would be cowardly to kill herself before the battle was fought. She decided to face her troubles. Another interesting thing about her is that she chose to be a "spinster." She said that she would prefer to be a spinster and paddle her own boat. I have to agree, obviously.

Ollie and Ren in Snow

Here is a photo of Renny and Ollie taken in mid-December when Ren was a new resident at St. George and Ollie was his first friend. But now it is early in January and Ollie is a bully. He bites my boy on his back and neck and I have even found places where he has lifted hair. And my boy? He takes it in stride, calmly taking the worst and trying to get out of the way without seeming weak or scared. He's such a good boy, though sometimes quite naughty!!

Ren's Winter Attack

I am writing this entry on January 3rd, Renny's 20th-month birthday. I am at home. This sequence of photos was taken on December 19th a few weeks after we first moved to St. George.

I'm Coming, Grandma!

Here's my little guy in early November after he just turned 18 months. I need to develop a little training plan for him, a little lesson plan for both of us, so we know how to develop and ready him for hunter under saddle and cart pulling! Lucky little guy!

Beautiful Cats

Namaste.

My Rebellious Young Man!

So, last night, I went out to the barn after a cold rainy grey day. I was intent on giving each of my horses some love. I started with Hailee first because she usually only gets attention after I'm done with the others. She and I had a wonderful relaxed quiet little grooming session and I could tell that she felt affectionate. She was happy for hugs and care.

But her son was super crabby and all twisty in the cross-ties. He seemed exactly like he had ants in his pants. So, Robin told me that earlier in the day, he was in the cross-ties while they were cleaning stalls and that he broke free and was walking around the barn. Beth, the barn owner saw him, and gently asked him what he was doing and he turned right around and went back into his grooming stall and acted all casual. I love that boy. He is so smart and goofy.

But I'm sorry to hear that he broke free of the cross-ties because now he's learned that he can. It explains why he was so goosey and loosey and impatient. But also he was impatient because he had a boring day hanging out in his stall most of the time and then hanging out in the indoor briefly with his mom and aunt for a brief run around.

I have to say that I am upset and worried about his well-being. He is turned out with horse geldings who are significantly older and bigger than he is. And he is getting bitten constantly -- His flanks look bad. You can see all these tender hairless bite marks up and down his flanks and along his withers and shoulders and sides. I hope that things improve when the grass gets longer and the boys get busier with other things other than beating up Renny.

Anyway, I am going to see if I can get a little help for him on the turnout scene. And I am super proud at his intelligence!

Renny and B Reunited!

So, B spent the summer as an outdoor filly over at Meghan's farm. But Meghan brought her back this Fall and Renny was so glad to have her back. He's still in love with his girl and remembers her from his winter and spring shenanigans!!

Renny!

Wait for it!

Wait for it!

By the Roadside

Here they are, Violet and Hailee. It's a wonder I am ever able to leave the farm with two such gorgeaus horses grazing cutely by the roadside!

Renny's Cute Head

Check out that flaxen mane and that wrinkled nose. What a little Rock Star!

Cats in Catnip

Okay, so this morning (November 17th), I got up early to prepare the day and get ready for a visit to the barn. And I walk in the kitchen and catnip is everywhere -- on every surface and scattered all over. And all the cats are perfectly happy and perfectly nonchalant. But you should have seen them when I vacuumed up their mess. Little Jackass sat on the kitchen carpet and just sniffed and sniffed and sniffed where the catnip was! Rotten little household panthers!

Renny's Got Something

Here's a little photo of my little man taken on October 26th in the round pen. He's a happy attractive boy. When Coy and I discussed him this morning, Coy said that he liked Renny and thought he would be a great pony because he's got a little spark and attitude which suggests that he's got a good work ethic and has something "to bring." My little guy sure does have something to bring. He's funny, playful, friendly, fearless and trusts his grandma. And these are all great qualities because his biggest disadvantage in life will be that his first training is going to come from someone who doesn't know how to train!! Poor little guy. Namaste on his bright red head!

The 2010 Census

Here I am! The form finally arrived yesterday. I haven't filled it out yet because I want to enjoy its possibility, it's potential. But tonight I plan on filling it out and becoming part of our great United States history! Namaste.

Renny Rocks it Out!

Okay, so Renny and I have been very busy people. I spoke with Darla, Sandy and Jenny about his prospects. Darla said she'd be really happy to get the word out about him and would like to have him in her barn because she knows he's so good. Jenny said she'd help me price him when he's ready. And Sandy advised me NOT to sell him at the pony auction and that she would be happy to help me find a home for him and advertise him on her webpage when he's shedded out this Spring and handsome and a bit taller.

Last Friday, he had a wolf tooth taken out by his vet and he was very brave for the procedure. The vet measured him at 55 inches -- 13.3 hands. Sandy hopes he gets a little taller, but I don't care. I think he's perfect.

And then there's Renny himself. He literally will do anything I ask of him. He's happy to see me and always runs up to the fence when I arrive. He is getting the hang of cantering while lunging. He doesn't mind his saddle and will stand quietly at the mounting block while I walk up the steps. He's happy to play the squeeze game between the wall and tall grandma. And today he just really blew my mind -- I long-lined him again and he was just booking around the arena calm and happy and straight and direct, and then he was willing to trot and canter with those long-lines -- all fine! All great! No problem. It just made me wish I had a little cart for him.

So, my job is to enjoy every moment with this bright star! Stacey complimented him today and said that he was very bright and well-behaved and she thinks he's going to be a good mover. I was so proud of him!! Love my Renny. After we were done with our work today, we just stood in the sun together and snuggled for a bit. He's my little man!

Searching for Renny

I am writing this note on November 17th after a turbulent week of disappointment with a few friends. But the disappointment helped me clarify some ideas about Renny, so that was good. I spent the past week talking with the lady who owns Renny's dad, getting her opinions about how to find a trainer, develop a leasing network, etc. And she gave me the name of a A-Circuit pony trainer near Cleveland. So, I sent out email inquiries to that woman as well as to Angie Bush's pony training friend in Michigan. This coming year will be a big year for little Ren. I want him to have the most wonderful beginning and basic training so that his good attitude, work ethic, native talent and athleticism and intelligence shine through for his families and their children!

Tack for Renny

So, this morning, November 17th, I long-lined Violet, and then got on for an early morning quiet ride. And Coy shows up to start his day. We chatted about his plans for the barn and his ideas about training. He told me about training Titan, Sedona and Hailee. And I told him that I was excited about training Renny and that I liked to prepare myself mentally for our 15 minute lessons, so that I always end on a positive note and have backup ideas when he and I hit a snag. He said that he would give me not only riding lessons with Violet, but some easy training tips for little Renny! And Coy made it clear that Renny is ready for his own tack. So, I'm going to dig out my tired old English saddle and measure him for a pony girth and pony bridle. And his Christmas present will be his first English bridle with D-ring snaffle. Lucky baby boy growing up!

Renny Starts Training

I am writing this note on November 17th and this photo is from October 27th. On November 3rd, Renny turned 18 months old and the new trainer, Coy, said that I could begin working with him. So, Ren and I have been busy in the roundpen, learning the ropes. We had two training sessions which involved a squealy little girly boy who would kick and buck and cut up as I tried to get him to trot and canter. But this morning, in the quiet of a clear sunny November day, with the stable all to ourselves, my little guy chose to trot companionably around 6 times each direction with a confused but still trying turn on his hindquarters to change direction. Such a smart sensible kind and funny little man! I am going to enjoy training him so much!

My Charming Renny Running

Here's a photo of my darling Renny taken a half week before Halloween. This photo is taken just a few days before I experienced a real disappointment by a handful of people I believed were very good friends. I am writing this note on November 17th and I am still struggling with my emotions. I waver between resignation, warm forgiving love, and self-righteous anger about what I found out. Have you ever noticed that it's hard to be an adult? Have you ever noticed that humans sure do get a giant range of emotion?! I am glad for that range of emotion and all the wonderful things that come with that capability. But it doesn't always bring out my best. And so, I am glad I have a cute fat joyful running pony! A happy little guy!

My Beautiful Cats

Here they are, comfortably and casually ruling my world.

Breaking News! 15-0!

Today was a big wonderful day! I spent a birthday Saturday with my Clara, Emma and Stephen, celebrating Clara's 4th. And then while I was relaxing at Elena and Steve's home, the news rolled in. Rachel Alexandra came in second at the Fairgrounds to Zenyatta's stablemate. And then Zenyatta rolled it out in the Santa Margarita in Santa Anita, starting out behind and then going in to the rail on the far turn, fighting traffic for a big breakaway and a dusting cool winning finish. Her jockey, Mike Smith, says he's a big fan and that he had every confidence she'd find her way because "she's a bit of a bully." And look at her in this photo by Benoit photos -- she's got that look again -- that look that says, "Well, that was nice. I wonder what's up for supper?!" 15 wins out of 15 starts! That big engine is at the top of her game in her 6th year. You go, girl! She's supposed to face off with Rachel in April. I wonder if she will!

Pasture

May you be blessed with transcendant moments in your life.

Mod Squad Cats

Here they are, the rocking cats minus Moibeal, hanging out and being beautiful on the quilt Lynn made for me. They know they are casually hip and beautiful. Must be nice! ;)

Renny Works and Plays Hard!

Today I went out to the stable and it was gorgeaus spring weather. They had taken off my herd's blankets and little Renny came running up to the gate to meet me. He and I took a happy stroll around the grounds and then went to work. He wore his saddle. We played the squeeze game by the mounting block, he stood quietly by the mounting block while I climbed and stood on the steps. He lunged with his heavy rope and then cantered on his first long rope. He walked over many many ground poles and even trotted-in-hand over a group of ground poles. We even walked into the washrack area. And he let me trim his bridlepath. He was literally the definition of awesome! Then Violet had her training lesson and she was brilliant. She was supple and straight and giving. She cantered off well in hand and worked off her rear. She cantered lovely light circles. It was great to see. Plus I had a chance to talk with her farrier about ways to improve her hooves. And I had a nice chat with Hailee out in the pasture. And I talked with many nice fun people. It was a lovely way to spend a Spring Break day! I love my herd.

Renny and His Leaves

Here is Renny after a happy dirty roll with leaves in his tail. This weekend, I called Sandy Holbrook down at Sugarbrook Farm for advice about my little guy. She was not surprised at all to hear that he was smart, agreeable, level-headed, easy. She was not surprised that he is intelligent, a good mover and an athlete. And she was not surprised that I don't want to sell him, but need to find a job for him. She is going to give me a phone number of a lady who runs a pony farm and who might be able to help me with his training and finding a leasing family for him. I think that would be terrific! I would really like it if I could arrange for him to move among families through his life and then always come home to his mama, auntie and grama.

Renny's Mounting Block Training Day!

This morning I went out to the barn and the weather was beautiful -- deep into the 50s with a light rain giving the promise of Spring! Renny and I have started our training in earnest! Today he stood quietly in the cross-ties, accepted his saddle, practiced lunging with a little bit of cantering, gave to the line around his hocks, trotted-in-hand and then we had a big surprise! I brought him over to the mounting block and he wasn't really looking at me, so the next time he turned around, he was shocked to see Grandma towering over him standing on the mounting block steps. He took off like a startled little bottlerocket. And spun around to keep his heinie away from his Grandma cougar! I laughed and laughed at his surprise and instead we turned it into the squeeze game, making him happily walk back and forth between the mounting block with tall Grandma and the viewing room wall. He was happy proving that he can do the squeeze game! I look forward to trying the mounting block again!

My Beautiful Foundation Mare

Here is a photo from late October, but I'm writing this entry on November 9th, a beautiful sunny Sunday. Today when I went to visit my girls in their Fall pasture by the road, I was so pleased because they both came walking up to say hello. In fact, Hailee came walking from a long distance, just to see me. I came down a couple different times and each time, she would come close just to be petted and chatted to while she was grazing. I am so proud that I have her trust. I pray that I can fulfill the social contract with her. Such a good and loving girl.

Renny Butt-High in Pasture

Here's my patient teenager, wondering what to do. Namaste.

Violet's Birthday Celebration!

Here are some photos from Violet's birthday celebration today. The herd loved her carrot molasses headbobbers. Renny was adorable. And Hailee was happy to celebrate too. A very nice surprise is that Sandy from Sugarbrook Farm posted photos of Renny's latest half-brother. He was this rich bay with the cutest white snip. And he had Renny's pert ears. I only have about 4 1/2 months to enjoy my remaining time with Renny. So, I am determined to make every minute count. Anyway, happy birthday to my big red girl. Notice in the one photo that she has her ears forward and she is eyeing that treat. My girl is ready for her birthday cookie!

Violet Turns 7!

This photo is from October 26, 2009 and you can see the sisters are in the bottom pasture. Today Violet is 7 years old, the beautiful child of Groomstick out of Wining Effort. You would not believe how genuinely miraculous she is. Take today for example. I am writing this entry on November 8, 2009 and I have had a rough horrible weekend. Some people betrayed my trust and I was feeling so wretched and horrible. I didn't sleep well, I was agitated, I couldn't concentrate, I was restless. My mood was angry to hurt. But I'd go out to see my horses and they were plain old wonderful. And Miss Thing? Well, she was just all that and a bag of chips. I drove her on both Saturday and Sunday and she just was so athletic, focused, delightful, talented. She would prick her ears with happiness when I laughed, sang or praised her. She listened to my voice leads beautifully and we cantered and cantered and cantered! But today she was her funny self. I went out to the pasture to get her and she was happy to see me and gave me kisses, but she didn't want to leave the pasture to work. So, she would just stop and wait for me to hug and convince her. She just wanted to make a point. But then she was superb. She stood patiently and well for the grooming, harnessing, and hitching. And she moved off and was a real athlete. And afterwards, I took her to her stall and she took a long, long, long drink and then I walked her to her pasture. She was standing right besides me and I released her and she took off like a powerful bottle rocket from right beside me with a squeal and snort and crow hop of annoyance and jetted around the pasture twice before running right back up to me and stopping, head high, just to see if I got her point. And her point? See? I told you I didn't want to work! But she did work and sweetly. You have got to love a super communicative, intelligent girl who will give you her best effort even when she'd rather be lounging in the sun, in the pasture with her buddies. Happy Birthday, my angel. I love you so very much!

My Big Weekend with Violet!

So, Violet and I have been working hard. I feel badly for her because she's such a good girl and she has to carry a fearful timid beginner rider. But Stacey has been working with us closely. I've been taking riding lessons twice a week and then Violet and I have been taking private lessons with Stacey weekly for about three weeks now. But we were having setbacks -- I couldn't shake my fear. Violet wouldn't want to work by the gates quietly. She would pull heavily into my hands or rush through her transitions. When we would ride with several people -- like Gay, Mary, Cheri, Baker and Sherry, the nicest ladies you'll ever meet -- I would get nervous. So, I was nervous about this weekend because we had a Saturday morning lesson and our first dressage lesson with Janet. But it was great, just wonderful. We had a wonderful lesson on Saturday morning, she worked quietly the whole time and I felt good on her. And we did a really nice three loop serpentine in both directions at the canter. It was a big achievement. Now that Saturday morning lesson was with bungee reins which is just a crutch or aid that will be temporary, but it sure gave Violet something to focus on rather than weight into my hands. And then today we had our dressage lesson. Janet is such a nice woman. She listened to my fear. She listened to my beginner status. She listened that I only want to have safe rides, and she worked with that. She worked our tail off! I was tired when we were all done, but it felt great! I am still having trouble getting Violet to work the corners, but Janet was very good at explaining how to speak to Violet with the reins and how to get the action I want through my seat and legs. Violet did a big loosey goosey thoroughbred spook by the door when she heard someone in the feed room (50 minutes into our ride when she was tired and looking for an end) and I toppled forward onto her neck. But I stayed on! And I just started her at the trot quietly again. I am really grateful to Stacey and Janet. I can definitely see a change in both Violet and myself in this short time. And I really truly believe that Violet has come further under 3 training/private lesson rides with Stacey than she did the entire 7 months she was in training. Violet is learning to supple, give, and carry her own weight. And she is learning to work for a full hour or more without complaint. And I am learning to ride square and straight and post like I mean it and drive that beautiful girl forward!

Cats in Shadows

Here they are, Jackass and Arcangelo, waking up from a comfortable nap and politely posing for their geeky mom.

Ren Pummels His Pals!

I really love this photo. You can see Ren is really happy and serious about his task of bugging Skippy Jon Jones. And this picture captures Skippy closing his eyes and pinning his ears in annoyance and clacking his teeth furiously to display his subordination. Happy naughty pony! And you know what's cool -- I was with boy of these boys on their first days of life!!

The Coolest Chicks on Earth in their New Home!

These photos and video were taken very soon after Thelma and Louise moved to Laurel Wreath Farm and before I left to visit my family in Rhinelander. They look sweet and happy and they have changed a great deal. I am writing this on October 29th and these photos were taken August 3rd. They are much larger, plumper, and have the most beautiful red combs and red flaps. They are elegant young ladies now rather than young girls!

Renny and his Krewe

What can I say? Namaste.