My Big Girl! December 6th, 2007

Here is a picture of Hailee when she was 5 months off of having baby Renny. I fussed over this girl like crazy. You can see just behind her my little Violet. They became such good sisters after Hailee came home from Kentucky.

My Handsome Green-Eyed Man

Sweetheart with his sister! This photo was taken in late November 2007!

My Krewe Minus One

Here is one of my favorite ways to see my kitties -- all curly cued up and happy and mellow together in a warm swirl!

Thelma and Louise's Six Pack

Here it is! Thelma and Louise's first six pack, created on Super Bowl Sunday when the Saints won 31-17. The girls wanted to give to the celebrations by giving me enough eggs for a King Cake, cornbread, and breakfast. They are the most generous kind girls!

Missing My Little Guy

This photo was taken on December 19th and I am writing on February 9th. I've had two car accidents, 1 colic, 1 bad trim, 1 dad hospitalization since this photo was taken. My car is currently in the shop and so I am missing so very very much this little guy. And missing him just because I can't drive to him makes me miss him in advance for when he won't be part of my family any longer.

But I shouldn't be so self-involved and self-pitying. So, here's a nice story. Last week, I was training Renny in the indoor arena and we were free lunging after a nice dirt roll before we worked for real. And he was cantering in a slow relaxed way around the arena before he cantered quietly up to the gate and just popped over and out. He was so satisfied with his naughty self, but he had given himself a teeny bit of a scare!! But he got over it very fast when he realized that Grandma wasn't upset and he wasn't in trouble. He is a wonderful wonderful boy!

Renny Running like an Athlete!

Here is an October 27, 2009 photo

of my little athletic guy running happily and with relaxation with his girlfriend, B.

The Sisters on their New Pasture in their New Coats!

Happy happy girls!

Here are My Stalls!

These pictures show what my herd's stalls look like at all times. St. George is spotless. Stalls are cleaned thoroughly each day. And when the horses come in for the evening, someone picks their stalls one last time before bed. Happy lucky deserving, but spoiled herd!

Earth Day 2010!

Namaste!

Girls Getting Used to Pasture Life!

This photo was taken in early December when we first moved to

St. George. Now in February the place is blown with white drifts. It's beautiful even buried in white white snow. But just this week, I was chatting with a St. George friend who said that said that in the summer, when all the doors are open, the place is wonderful. I feel blessed to be in such a safe wonderful creative place filled with eager and talented riders and loved horses!

Radiant Earthbound Angels

Namaste!

Violet is a Wonderful Ride!

So,this is a cold snowy blowy week in February, but I am writing with a toasty serene joyful heart. Violet and I are having a blast in riding lessons and when we ride just by ourselves, we have a wonderful time too. I think Stacey is doing a great job of bringing us along and we are working hard. This week we long-lined, rode three times, figure-eight cantered, spiraled in and out on a circle at the trot and canter! Stacey said that Violet is a good girl. And that makes me so happy because I agree 100%! I love Violet!

Breaking News! The Hardest Working Girl!

Okay, so last week, Violet was ridden 5 separate times, with jumping on three days. And now just this past weekend, she's really been rocking and rolling. Here is a photo and video from her last Sunday jumping clinic with Jill Jewett and then just yesterday, she had a dressage lesson with Janet Harms, not to mention three separate riding lessons with Stacey. I mean, this girl works!

And what was fun was our Saturday and Sunday lessons over this past weekend. I take Saturday morning riding lessons with four other ladies with their rowdy geldings and it's a blast. And Stacey had us working over ground poles and cavaletti gymnastics, doing these big looping figure eights. And it was just like a drill. We were all so proud because we did it with real grace without runing over each other. And then on Sunday, whoo boy, Janet worked Violet and my tails off! She had us doing a big extended booming trot through this large figure eight and then oval track cones for 45 minutes and then made us canter too. When we finished, my athletic strong fit girl was sweating and sweating and I was puffing hard too! But we put on her beautiful black and purple fleece and went for a breezy sunny walk. We walked around the grounds and went for a visit to see Renny who peeked at us over the gate. And we felt satisfied with our work for the week!

I'm really delighted to be taking flat work, dressage and jumping lessons, both privately and in groups. I know that I am very blessed right now in my life. And I am grateful.

Renny Surprises Grandma!

This photo is from December, but I am writing this post on February 6th. Renny is officially in training, so this week on Thursday, I was free lunging him. He was moving and floating and cantering smoothly in a relaxed fashion when suddenly he decided to leave. He cantered up to the gate and just popped over it! Pop! And then I heard him trot away happily! Luckily, he was captured by Robin, Stacey and his pals, and because he proved he was a good growing boy, he got saddled and cinched and sacked out for real. He was fine with it. Absolutely rock solid fine with it. He was also fine with his lunging on line, trotting in hand, and trotting over ground poles. I have a fabulous loving smart little pony! Namaste.

October at Laurel Wreath Farm

Namaste.

New Year's Eve with the Sanchez Herd

Here is a New Year's Eve photo and video I took. The girls had just been inside with me for a grooming. I didn't pay enough attention that day to signs that Hailee was uncomfortable. One really big sign is that when I went out to get Violet, Hailee just followed us right across the pasture to the gate. And then she acted squirrely when we were indoors. I now know she was showing signs of pain and discomfort. But it all worked out. St. George staff spotted her discomfort right off and my herd and I got to spend a quiet evening together on New Year's Eve, walking off her gas colic. I am really grateful for my two girls. Yesterday, January 25th, Stacey told me a funny story about how my two girls just love to play and goof around in the pasture. That the other horses will just stand around or graze, but that Violet will require Hailee to run and dash around and play!! I am happy those two sisters have each other. I know Hailee loves loves loves Violet and I sure know that Violet thinks her life is a whole lot better with a horse sister! Namaste.

The Viewing Room

Here's a photo of Violet casually walking past the viewing room where a wonderful living room and full kitchen are set up for people's convenience. On any given day, large groups of happy people can watch the equine shenanigans. Renny was so funny the first time he was turned out into the arena. He was so intrigued and disturbed by the viewing room and would just snort and stand in the middle of the arena, hiding behind jump standards. But here you can see that Violet has no trouble at all, showing off for her fans! Smart beautiful agreeable girl!

My Beloved Renny

This photo is from December 2009 and I am writing this entry on January 26th, 2010. Last night after lessons, Stacey told me two funny stories that say a lot about my good old smart and cranky boy! She said that she discovered that the reason he's been acting so reluctant to go outside is that he's just following the food. That he would practically trot outdoors when they served hay in the pastures, but will drag his feet when they don't. He seems to think that the stall is the safest place for a hay snack. And then the other funny story she told me about is his unwillingness to walk in mud. My pretty handsome little boy doesn't like his white socks dirtied! I adore him. When I saw him last night, he gave me his most adorable pricked ears and shoved his cute little kissing freckle through his grain hole to give me a much-needed kiss. I just adore this smart pleasant loving creature.

My Herd's Home

In these stalls, some of the most beloved creatures on earth eat, drink, rest and dream. Namaste.

See no Evil, Speak no Evil, Hear No Evil

Here they are -- the handsomest most wonderful cats on the face of this earth. The only thing missing is beautiful Moibeal who is probably in the sheepskin cat bed in the kitchen while this photo is taking place! Namaste.

Breaking News! Violet Adds a New Talent to Her Repertoire!

Okay, so you know that I am blessed to own a thoroughbred. Every day I am reminded of her unique spiritual gifts. She is intelligent and emotionally gifted. I now know what they mean when they discuss the big hearts of thoroughbreds. If you appeal to her heart and give her love and respect and connect with her, she will give you every ounce of her good will. And she proved it this weekend.

Mind you, I got this mare as a just just just three year old in May 2006 and she was green green green, but obliging. The way she acted, you would think that she had been ridden thoroughout eternity, she was so goodnatured about her nervous scared nellie of a rider climbing on board. And over the years, she and I have learned lunging, jumping while lunging, Parelli, long-lining, pulling a cart, and other fun fun games like calisthenics together -- a special form of joining up.

But I'm not a strong rider (yet) and just now working on strengthening by working in two-point and without stirrups. But Violet seems ready and eager. So, I asked Katie to ride her in a jumping clinic with Jill Jewett, a AA circuit hunter judge, yesterday at St. George. I went to the barn and spent time in the pasture with my girls, trying to draw them. But they were so engaged by the novelty of my art supplies that they huddled around me for love and attention. But then Katie and I got Violet ready and she was glistening. We gave her a good cleaning and I used Cowboy Magic and Pink Spray and Show Sheen. By the time she entered the arena, I was so proud I thought I would burst.

And Katie gave her a nice quiet ride. She was so willing to jump and so quiet and even-tempered that the judge/instructor said that she was a pretty hunter and that she was really game and ready for more. So, Violet not even got to jump over cross rails, but she jumped a double set of verticals too. Color me Thoroughbred proud!!! Love you, Honey! Thanks, Katie!

My Eager Girl!

Here is a photo of Violet and Hailee taken very shortly after we moved to St. George. They had just gotten their new turnout blankets and were getting used to their new lives as horses of leisure! We had an eventful two months and I am writing this entry on January 26th. Exactly a month ago, on December 26th, Violet had a short trim which resulted in her being ouchy for two weeks and unevenly warm for three weeks. So, this week was the first time in a month that I'd had a chance to ride her. We had two lessons, one on Saturday and one last night for the Monday night lessons. And let me tell you, I am just delighted and proud of my girl. She just moves out with eagerness and calm and long thoroughbred strides and she is indefatigable at her trotting and cantering. She is eager to give her best and enjoys the patterns and activities. She tries her very best to bring her best! I just could not be more proud. And the footing in our arena is so good and the arena is so large and the ceiling is so high. It just feels like I'm an angel on her back and that we might float up into the sky. I feel so happy. This morning I realized -- Violet gave me her heart long ago and just now just recently, I've given her my heart in return. We are a real team. She is so sweet and loving and funny and companionable and agreeable. Last night, Katie gave me a compliment -- she said that Violet and I were made for each other. I don't know if that's true or not, but I will say this -- I'm blessed to have Vi in my life! Namaste.

A Comfortable Kiss, Together (Always)

Namaste.

Breaking News! A Big Week for Big Girls!

This has been a big week for Thoroughbred girls! Personal Ensign, the mare who retired with a 13-0 record and who earned an Eclipse Horse of the Year Award, Champion Older Female, and then a Kentucky Broodmare of the Year for her fine babies and who also delivered a defeat to Winning Colors in the Breeder's Cup Distaff before retiring passed away at Claiborne Farms this past Thursday. I want to remind you that Winning Colors was only one of 3 mares who ever won the Kentucky Derby, so Personal Ensign's achievement is amazing.

Then the next day, just yesterday, Zenyatta showboated and bowed and danced to the Oaklawn track in Arkansas and snapped up her 16th win in history without even breaking a sweat or taking even a little instruction from her loving jockey, Mike Smith. She just smoked it with her usual "don't get me dirty, run along ahead, I'll catch up later" strategy. She is one big bold girl!

She ties Citation and Cigar's 16-0 records, but they earned theirs over longer durations and with more races, so she really is a stand-alone in the 20th century and is matching records by a few amazing horses in the 19th century. Let's just put it this way -- I was right to place my vote on her for Horse of the Year -- just wish I could have a little vote for her for horse of the 21st century! Much love, you beautiful beautiful girls -- Zenyatta, Personal Ensign, Winning Colors, Violet, Hailee, Better than Honour, Rachel Alexandra and Rags to Riches!

My Boys

Here are my beloved boys -- the robust disciplined Jacques Mamou Lagniappe and his darling friend, Arcangelo Sanyama Lilidh. Namaste from the serene creatures in my life. Jackass in the winter gives me just such relaxed joy by laying in my arms at night. And every once in awhile, he will get up to check out the house or visit the facilities, but he will always return, jump on the bed, and tap my shoulder confidently, knowing that I will happily lift the blanket and let him cuddle and purr. Namaste my dear rat bastard from the Japonica Street animal shelter. May you be blessed always!

Equine Owners Appreciation Night!

Okay, so I am writing this on Sunday, January 17th and earlier this week, Tuesday, Westview Veterinary Hospital held its annual equine owners appreciation night. Lexie went with me. They had such nice vendors and the food was yummy. And they had their usual lady give IRS advice to the equine owners. And Drs. Zimmerman and Avery gave talks -- Ryan about features of their wormer program and what they're learning from their conferences about the growing resistance of worms to the worming protocols, Leslie about dental problems in horses and dental care. And then they had a guest podiatry veterinarian, Dr. Bras, from Rood and Riddle in Lexington, Kentucky talking about laminitis. He had a fantastic presentation with video, photos, radiographs showing the development of the disease and potential treatments. I learned so much about how to look for trouble in a hoof. And given that this week, I had just finished reading Crow Planet about how to be a naturalist, a better observer of the world, I really got down and personal with Violet's hooves. And I was happy to see and to know her hooves. I'm going to start the same level of observation with Renny and Hailee too!

Renny at the Gate

Here's a photo of my little man, peering at me from his gate. His pal standing next to him is always there, hoping for some love and to be brought in . And my little guy would be happy to come into his stall in the afternoon, probably for a nap. He's so funny! Anyway, he had a little over a week vacation when I had car trouble, but when I came back, he was amazing!! He totally knew how to trot-in-hand, though I'd shown him only once. And he is relaxed and capable at lunging. And he knows how to release to pressure around his hocks and fetlocks. And he is just so responsible about walking properly with his handler. Anyway, here's an example. I am writing this entry on Sunday, January 17th and this afternoon I took him into the outdoor ring to work with him. He focused, he worked, he practiced his craft. And even though someone was firing a rifle in the next farm over, he didn't even blink or look or do anything other than work! So, I have decided to slowly work him at long-lining this week. Wish us luck!

Violet and her New Pal!

Here is a happy goofy photo of Miss Thing, my lovely Violet, jumping a small little obstacle with her talented eager new friend. This photo was taken at the St. George Christmas party! Namaste!

Violet and Belle

I am writing this entry on Sunday evening, January 17th, a little over three weeks since my Violet had a really bad farrier trim. I don't know why, but she had way too much sole and frog cut and way too much hoof taken off and then far too much rasping of her hoof wall up by her coronary band. It was awful. The entire herd was treated in this manner, but Violet's hooves were the most hurt. They got warm almost immediately and she was ouchy right off the bat. But Todd, the farrier at the barn was very nice and checked her twice over the past weeks and showed me with tongs that she was simply ouchy and not pathologically in trouble. And I talked to Dr. Zimmerman and he assured me of the same and gave me advice about what to look for.

And so, finally, I have five full days of even temperatures in her front hooves and she's lively, naught and rambunctious when I see her -- cantering in the pasture to get away from me and stepping lively. So, today I groomed her and put her into her long-lining equipment and took her into the snowy muddy outdoor arena. And she reacted like a thoroughbred girl who has been on vacation -- she was eager eager eager! She wanted to trot! She was ready! So, I tried to keep it short and keep her walking, so she wouldn't overdo. And when we were done, her hooves were the same temperature and she looked happy! So, I am hoping to begin her over the course of this next week to take on her regular tasks, so I can get back to riding!!!

My Hailee takes up St. George Work!

This photo was taken shortly after Hailee got her winter turnout blanket when she first moved to St. George. I am now writing this post on January 17th and she's had an eventful 48 days! She colicked on New Year's Eve, but bounced back. And so now she is on a regular work routine. I've been lunging her and working on Parelli with her, including today during the Sunday dressage lessons. She was buckarooing and cutting up when she saw Pan that big old guy. I've really got to decide what to do with this gorgeaus gal. She's made a baby, gone into training, and now her main job is to be my foundation mare and boss Violet. I am curious to see whether I can find some task for her.

Hailee's Foundation

Here's an October 26th photo of my Hailee, grazing in the front pasture at Showgate Stables. I love this mare. I love this nervous frightened but intelligent mare. I love this very quick and eager and powerful mare. Please let me be able to fulfill my social contract with her.

Winter Digging

December 20th photos of two happy girls digging around for winter pasture grass. Namaste.

Happy Easter, Blessings to You All!

My Winter Girls

Here are December 19th photos, shortly before Christmas, of my beautiful girls grazing in their new turnout coats. I love these girls and I am writing this entry on January 3rd, filled with trepidation and worry. Please let me be able to fulfill my social contract with them.

Ren's Winter Mane

Here is Renny's winter mane, long and beautiful and thick. In a few short days after this photo, I put him in the cross-ties and he quietly let me shorten that beautiful thick mane. And he let me trim his bridle path. He's my adorable saint of a pony. And I feel sad about preparing him for sale.