Salty the Wonderhorse

Salty the Wonderhorse is Mushboy's first horse. Salt taught Mushboy that being part of the world is a good thing. He helped Mushboy face school, learn to talk to people, and how to show love. Salty seems to know when Mushboy needs a bit of extra support. When Mushoy has had a very stressful day he will just sit on Salty's back and unwind.

Yesterday was farrier day, the first one without Freedom. Mushboy was missing the old man and Salty knew how hard it was on him. Salty made sure that Mushboy knew that sadness is part of life. Without sadness there would be no joy. Salty kindly and lovingly helped Mushboy through the day and in the end had him smiling.

Amazing the power we horses have isn't it?

Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

PS

The blue wrap on Salty's knee is covering a ThermalCare Heat Wrap. The DOR puts it on Salty's knee 2 hours before his trimming to help his knee be more flexible and comfortable while he is trimmed. The farrier says it helps a lot, so it might be something to try if you have a horse with a bum knee or is terribly arthritic.

Stylin

Shandi is concerned that having her tail wrapped might make her butt look big. I tried to tell her that big butts are the way to go, the best kind of butts, a perfectly fine butt. However, she is a dainty little lolly dolly and worries about her looks.

With the weather being so erratic and Shandi being such a delicate dolly, her tummy has been upset. As a result she has a case of cow plops...not nice, not nice at all. The poo makes a big mess of her thick beautiful tail-dreadlocks and nastiness. The DOR took pity on the SCC and wrapped Shandi's tail to minimize the yuck he would have to scrub out later.

In the meantime my Shandi Doll is one stylin filly.

Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

The hotter the better

Mushboy loves hot sauce, I mean he really loves hot sauce! He studies about it, reads everything he can find about it, and collects it. Mushboy makes some wicked hot salsa too.

Here is the latest of the sauces he is trying. 750,000 scoville units is too darn hot for the DOR. She tried some on a chip and won't be doing that again. This stuff has even curtailed the amount of hot sauce that Mushboy is putting on things.

I made it clear that none of that stuff is to get near our treats....I am sure it would launch me to the moon.

Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Mud bath

So our snow is melting and now we have mud in our pastures. Not just any mud, but suck the DOR's boots off mud.

It is slippery and makes it hard for me to boss Friend around. All I can get Friend to do is to walk in big circles. Darn guy won't run, trot, or even scoot...where is the fun?

I am hoping for the sun to dry the stuff out. If we don't get sun I am praying for a big snow dump. After all I have to keep busy and in shape somehow and teasing Friend is lots of fun.

Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Quote for the week

We treat the horses like it is a holiday almost everyday, maybe because that is how they make us feel

~Mushboy

Mushboy has it mostly right about how we are treated. We get special treats of some sort almost everyday. Some days we don't get special treats, but that is after we have behaved a bit rudely-okay really rudely using our teeth and hooves to keep others from getting treats too. We have to have good manners and things are just fine.

Mushboy did make one big error though. Before a real holiday the DOR shows up with her bag of costumes and makes us play dress-up. I really hate dress-up days, some days are way worse than others, but it is a small price to pay for a never ending supply of treats.

I hope that is was a Merry Christmas for all!

Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Merry Christmas

The Night Before Christmas
by Sister St. Thomas, B.N.D. de N

A more spiritual version of the famous Christmas story.

T'was the night before Christmas, and all through the town,
St. Joseph was searching, walking up roads and down;

Our Lady was waiting, so meek and so mild,
While Joseph was seeking a place for the Child.

The children were nestled, each snug in their beds,
The grown-ups wouldn't bother, "There's no room," they said;

When even the inkeeper sent them away,
Joseph was wondering, where they would stay?

He thought of the caves in the side of the hills,
"Let's go there," said Mary, "it's silent and still."

The moon on the breast of the new fallen snow,
Made pathways of light for their tired feet to go;

And there in a cave, in a cradle of hay,
Our Saviour was born on that first Christmas Day!

The Father was watching in heaven above,
He sent for His angels, His couriers of love.

More rapid than eagles God's bright angels came,
Rejoicing and eager as each heard his name;

"Come Power, Come Cherubs, Come Virtues, Come Raphael,
Come Thrones and Dominions, come Michael and Gabriel;

Now fly to the Earth, where My poor people live,
Announce the glad tiding My Son comes to give."

The Shepherds were watching their flocks on this night,
And saw in the heavens an unearthly light.

The Angels assured them, they'd nothing to fear,
It's Christmas they said, the Saviour is here!

They hastened to find Him, and stood at the door,
Till Mary invited them in to adore.

He was swaddled in bands from His head to His feet,
Ne'er did the Shepherds see a baby so sweet!

He spoke not a word, but the shepherds all knew,
He was telling them secrets and blessing them too;

Then softly they left Him, The Babe in the hay,
And rejoiced with great joy on that first Christmas Day.

Mary heard them exclaim as they walked up the hill,
"Glory to God in the Highest, Peace to men of good will!"

If I Should Grow Frail

A dear friend shared this poem and I thought it said things so well. It brought me a sense of peace and comfort....

If I Should Grow Frail
-- by Julia Napier, copyright 1999

If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain does keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done
For this - the last battle - can't be won.

You will be sad I understand
But don't let grief then stay your hand.
For on this day, more than the rest
Your love and friendship must stand the test.

We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn't want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.

Take me to where my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me till the end.
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time you will agree
It is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.

Don't grieve that it must now be you
Who has to decide this thing to do.
We've been so close - we two -these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.

On his own terms

Yesterday when I posted about "The Old One" and Freedom I had no idea what that day would hold. I didn't know that the horse that has amazed us all with his tenacity would be leaving us. I never wanted to make the choice to help him cross the rainbow bridge. I wanted his passing to be his own choice and on his own terms. Yesterday he made it-it was his choice and it was going to be on his terms. Freedom had always given us his best, did everything we asked him to do, and loved us deeply. Yesterday he asked me to listen to him and give him his request, help him cross the rainbow bridge....to give him my best and not question his choice.

This picture was taken in August of this year. Freedom and Mushboy were playing soccer with several other horses. Freedom came to us so very thin and in such bad shape we wondered if he would survive. Not only did he survive, he thrived! He and I herded cows once-he did better once I just let him do what he knew how to do and just went along for the ride. He packed The Support Crew Chief down a trail and left the youngsters in his dust. He delighted in carrying Mushboy around the pasture. After he was fully retired he would take the ranch cats for pony rides. Freedom adopted a chicken named Trudy and would share his mush with her. He was quite the character: stealing calves, jumping fences when his pasture was changed, teaching young horses manners, and keeping watch over the ranch and its herd.

He taught me that age is a state of mind, that there are no excuses not to live your life to the fullest, and to suck it up when things are tough.

Several times I thought we might loose him. Yesterday morning it looked as though he would live forever. I am thankful he didn't waste away, that he never really was ill, that he was mobile and happy, and that he chose his time. Even at the end he was telling us where he wanted to lay down for the final time, he was opinionated and pushy until the end.

He was laid to rest beside Ginger. Freedom will now get to be with Freedom's Lady in spirit. I am sure his spirit will visit her and enjoy following her in the mountains.

Freedom was an amazing horse and he will be missed so very much.

Thank you for blessing our lives Freedom. Keep watch over the calves in heaven, I am sure that God will let you keep all of them that you want. Eat all the grass you can find with your new set of teeth. Find Hank and Scooby, they will be glad to see you. Tell Grandfather hi.

Rest in peace my friend.

Freedom wants you all to remember "Life is soooo good!"

The reason why

Here is a photo of Freedom with his "boy I love my scritches" face on. He gets scritches everyday...it doesn't matter how busy the day has been or how hurried the humas are-he always get scritched.
Freedom is a mush face. Mushboy brings him a bucket of hot mush twice a day, rain or shine. People ask the the DOR why she still keeps Freedom around. He hasn't been able to be ridden in three years, except by the ranch cats. Has had cancer surgery in his eye and the cancer has returned. His feed bill would pay board on two healthy horses. So she is often asked why she doesn't put him down. She doesn't because he isn't in pain, he is a good weight, loves life, and he loves Mushboy. She also shares a story that was once shared with her, one that she will never forget. A story that points out that every horse has value. I want to share that story with you:


Because of Love
A brother and sister had made their usual hurried, obligatory pre- Christmas visit to the little farm where dwelt their elderly parents with their small herd of horses. The farm was where they had grown up and had been named Lone Pine Farm because of the huge pine, which topped the hill behind the farm. Through the years the tree had become a talisman to the old man and his wife, and a landmark in the countryside... The young siblings had fond memories of their childhood here, but the city hustle and bustle added more excitement to their lives, and called them away to a different life.
The old folks no longer showed their horses, for the years had taken their toll, and getting out to the barn on those frosty mornings was getting harder, but it gave them a reason to get up in the mornings and a reason to live. They sold a few foals each year, and the horses were their reason for joy in the morning and contentment at day's end.
Angry, as they prepared to leave, the young couple confronted the old folks. Why do you not at least dispose of The Old One." She is no longer of use to you. It's been years since you've had foals from her. You should cut corners and save so you can have more for yourselves How can this old worn out horse bring you anything but expense and work? Why do you keep her anyway?"
The old man looked down at his worn boots, holes in the toes, scuffed at the barn floor and replied, "Yes, I could use a pair of new boots. His arm slid defensively about the Old One's neck as he drew her near with gentle caressing he rubbed her softly behind her ears. He replied softly,
"We keep her because of love. Nothing else, just love."
Baffled and irritated, the young folks wished the old man and his wife a Merry Christmas and headed back toward the city as darkness stole through the valley. The old couple shook their heads in sorrow that it had not been a happy visit. A tear fell upon their cheeks.. How is it that these young folks do not understand the peace of the love that filled their hearts?
So it was, that because of the unhappy leave-taking, no one noticed the insulation smoldering on the frayed wires in the old barn. None saw the first spark fall. None but the "Old One".
In a matter of minutes, the whole barn was ablaze and the hungry flames were licking at the loft full of hay. With a cry of horror and despair, the old man shouted to his wife to call for help as he raced to the barn to save their beloved horses. But the flames were roaring now, and the blazing heat drove him back.. He sank sobbing to the ground, helpless before the fire's fury. His wife back from calling for help cradled him in her arms, clinging to each other, they wept at their loss.
By the time the fire department arrived, only smoking, glowing ruins were left, and the old man and his wife, exhausted from their grief, huddled together before the barn. They were speechless as they rose from the cold snow covered ground. They nodded thanks to the firemen as there was nothing anyone could do now. The old man turned to his wife, resting her white head upon his shoulders as his shaking old hands clumsily dried her tears with a frayed red bandana. Brokenly he whispered, "We have lost much, but God has spared our home on this eve of Christmas. Let us gather strength and climb the hill to the old pine where we have sought comfort in times of despair. We will look down upon our home and give thanks to God that it has been spared and pray for our beloved most precious gifts that have been taken from us.
And so, he took her by the hand and slowly helped her up the snowy hill as he brushed aside his own tears with the back of his old and withered hand. The journey up the hill was hard for their old bodies in the steep snow. As they stepped over the little knoll at the crest of the hill, they paused to rest, looking up to the top of the hill the old couple gasped and fell to their knees in amazement at the incredible beauty before them.
Seemingly, every glorious, brilliant star in the heavens was caught up in the glittering, snow-frosted branches of their beloved pine, and it was aglow with heavenly candles. And poised on its top most bough, a crystal crescent moon glistened like spun glass. Never had a mere mortal created a Christmas tree such as this. They were breathless as the old man held his wife tighter in his arms.
Suddenly, the old man gave a cry of wonder and incredible joy. Amazed and mystified, he took his wife by the hand and pulled her forward. There, beneath the tree, in resplendent glory, a mist hovering over and glowing in the darkness was their Christmas gift. Shadows glistening in the night light. Bedded down about the "Old One" close to the trunk of the tree, was the entire herd, safe.
At the first hint of smoke, she had pushed the door ajar with her muzzle and had led the horses through it. Slowly and with great dignity, never looking back, she had led them up the hill, stepping cautiously through the snow. The foals were frightened and dashed about. The skittish yearlings looked back at the crackling, hungry flames, and tucked their tails under them as they licked their lips and hopped like rabbits. The mares that were in foal with a new years crop of babies, pressed uneasily against the "Old One" as she moved calmly up the hill and to safety beneath the pine. And now, she lay among them and gazed at the faces of the old man and his wife. Those she loved she had not disappointed. Her body was brittle with years, tired from the climb, but the golden eyes were filled with devotion as she offered her gift---
Because of love.

The entire herd looks to Freedom when we are worried, unsure, or just want a good friend and gentle guide. We love him and know he keeps a sharp eye on us at all time. We are in good hooves.
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Christmas for Cowboys

What a wonderful song, the DOR and I really like it.

Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Quote for the week-Christmas

"Jack it is supposed to be HAVE A HOLLY JOLLY CHRISTMAS not have a grumpy rumpy Christmas"

~The DOR

I hate dress-up, really hate it!! To make matters worse this silly hat had blinking lights, the top flipped around, and it sang Have a Holly Jolly Christmas. How much do I have to take? The DOR is lucky I love her and did not kick her in the rumpy.

I do want to wish everyone a merry holiday season. I just want to do so in my own special appy way.

Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Freedom speaks Saturday-let it snow

This photo is from last year, new seasonal photos coming out soon.

Today was supposed to be farrier day, but the weather did not cooperate. The snow dumped with a vengeance and the farrier can't get here from there. It is a good thing too. The DOR and I have an understanding that I need to be able to keep being able to have my feet worked on by the farrier...it is important to my well being. Yesterday when she was out it was very obvious that I wouldn't be able to do that today. My hip is not working like it should and I am dragging my right hind again. The DOR looked at me and said "Fur face I have been thinking that you don't need to have your feet done tomorrow. I am thinking that you can wait for the next round." She was a bit sad telling me that, she is worrying about if I can get stable enough to have my feet done again. I also know she will keep coming up with excuses not to ask me to stand for the farrier if she knows I can't. Bless her for understanding and not asking for more than I can give. The DOR realizes that there are things I can't do anymore, that I give my best when asked to do something, and feel badly if I fail so she never sets me up to fail.

She is also hoping that another older mush face will be joining me soon so we can keep each other company and swap stories.

Life is sooooo good!

Here's your sign

A friend of the DOR sent her this picture...I think it says it all.

Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

National Day Of The Horse

Encouraging citizens to be mindful of the contribution of horses to the economy, history, and character of the United States and expressing the sense of Congress that a National Day of the Horse should be established.

Whereas the horse is a living link to the history of the United States;

Whereas, without horses, the economy, history, and character of the United States would be profoundly different;

Whereas horses continue to permeate the society of the United States, as witnessed on movie screens, on open land, and in our own backyards;

Whereas horses are a vital part of the collective experience of the United States and deserve protection and compassion;

Whereas, because of increasing pressure from modern society, wild and domestic horses rely on humans for adequate food, water, and shelter; and

Whereas the Congressional Horse Caucus estimates that the horse industry contributes well over $100,000,000,000 each year to the economy of the United States: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That Congress--

(1) encourages all citizens to be mindful of the contribution of horses to the economy, history, and character of the United States;

(2) expresses its sense that a National Day of the Horse should be established in recognition of the importance of horses to the Nation's security, economy, recreation, and heritage; and

(3) urges the President to issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States and interested organizations to observe National Day of the Horse with appropriate programs and activities.

So join the DOR and celebrate horses, give a horse a hug or donate to a rescue to help a horse.

Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Freedom speaks Saturday-twerps in the paper

The two twerps Jack and Friend made the local paper this week. Jeeze thanks Mr. Photographer Reporter Man! Now the only thing bigger than their two appy butts are their two enormous appy egos!!!

Oh well, this old man was in his shelter staying nice and toasty with my lady friend when the photographer showed up and I was not coming out.

I am glad the twerps made the paper, they are pretty nice guys.

Life is sooooo good!

Pete's progress

This is a picture of Pete when he arrived to do his rehab with the DOR. Worked out well-he needed to gain weight and she needed to loose weight.
RCER took this horse into their rescue and when he was ready he was made available for adoption.

This is Pete today after getting his blanket off because of our heat-wave. As you can see he has made a lot of improvement in the past month and a half that he has been rehabbing. He is headed to his new home next weekend, he is going to a fancy barn and learning dressage.

I am glad the DOR and her friends can see with their hearts and can envision what a horse really is not just what they are on the surface.

The DOR loves helping bring horses back to health and happiness-she loves seeing them get a second chance at life.

Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Apology

I have to apologized to our readers. This past month has been busy and I don't know when things will slow down. I have new herd members to educate, an OTTB to help rehab, and the mini Mafia to tease. The DOR is writing grants for work, writing reports for work, writing letters for work...she is doing a lot of writing. We are working on our book now while the winter weather is here. The DOR goes to work in the dark, comes home in the dark-she says she feels like a vampire only being outside in the dark.

I will try to be better about posting

Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Quote for the week

If it doesn't have spots it can't possibly be a "real" horse

~Cactus Jack Splash

The horse in the photo is an Icelandic named Mighty Mouse (Mäktign Müs).

Yeah that's right I have an "ism". I suffer from spotism...if a horse does not have spots it can't possibly be a real horse, it is just a second-class impersonator.

Now we accept Shandi because she is a baby and she is my Doll. Salty has some mottled skin, so we have made him an honorary appy. But this little stud in the photo-NO WAY! I don't care that he has a wavy mane like Friend. I don't care that he is the size of my Shandi Doll. I don't care if he has a smoochy nose. He better develop spots if he plans on being part of this herd, otherwise the most he can hope for is to be considered a mascot and that is only if he pays proper homage to the spotty butts!

Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

The wonderful photo is by Amanda Barber of Amanda's Veranda...go to her website to experience some wonderful photos-it is a feast for the eyes.

Freedom speaks Saturday

"Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light." Helen Keller

I find this saying so profound. In my long life I have always had friends to walk through this life with. I have horse friends who keep me company and watch over me. I have Mushboy, my special human, who brings me hot mush twice day and always takes time to scritch me in my favorite spots. One of the things about getting to be my age (48) is that your eyesight does start to get bad and sometimes I get a bit confused. There is always a friend, be it furry or human, around to help me get where I need to be. I want to thank all of my friends for taking such fine care of me.

Life is soooo good!

Determination

One of the things the DOR has learned from us is determination. I have taught her determination through working on recovering from my injury. Sir Royal Pain had taught her determination in the manner which he works with her to become a better horseman. Friend teaches determination through his quiet/clear way of communication. Salty the Wonder Horse teaches determination by not allowing his disability to slow him down. Harley, Ginger, Lucky Horse Casino, Annie, Scooby and Hank along with so many more horses taught their own special lessons in determination. And Freedom, well he teaches all determination by his longevity and attitude about life.
Now how have the lessons paid off. Well the legs on the left are the DOR's in August and the ones on the right are her legs in November. She is determined to get into shape for an endurance ride on Friend this summer and to be light enough for us to dance together again. I have to say we have taught our lessons well-she has lost 100 pounds since she decided to loose weight, 60 of those pounds in the last three months.
Imagine all the things humans could do if they only took the time to learn the lessons that horses have to teach.
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug you DOR!

A Rider's Prayer

A Rider's Prayer
Dearest Creator in Heaven,
Give me strength to guide my horse.
Make my hands soft and my head clear.
Let my horse understand me and I him.

My heart you have blessed with a special love of these animals.
Let me never lose sight of it.
My soul you have gifted with a deep need for them.
Let that need never lessen.

Always let my breath catch as the sun gleams on an elegant head.
Always may my throat tighten at the sound of a gentle nicker.
Let the scent of fresh hay and a new bag of grain be sweet to me.
Let the touch of a warm nose on my hand always bring a smile.

I adore the joy of a warm day on the farm.
The grace and splendor of a running horse,
The thunder of its hooves makes my eyes burn and my heart soar.
Let it always be so.

Dearest Creator grant me patience,
For horses are harnessed wind, and wind can be flighty.
Let me not frighten or harm them.
Instead show me ways to understand them.

Above all, dear Creator, fill my life with them.
When I pass from this world,
Send my soul to no heaven without them.
For this love you have given me graces my existence
And I shall cherish it and praise You for it for all time.

Author Unknown

Louise Firouz helped save the Caspian from extinction. Before she died at 74 in 2008 she told Reuters that she had ignored doctors orders to stop riding horses. "I'm not too old to ride," she said. "I'm too old to fall off."
Borrowed from HorseCentric

The DOR fully agrees with this statement. Her doctor has asked her why she keeps riding. She tells him riding is not the problem it is the unexpected unseating that causes problems. She loves riding, it brings her joy. Even at her age she is learning new things like how to pony a horse, riding English, dressage, and the desire to do an endurance is great motivation for her to get into better shape.
She plans on riding as long as she can get on a horse.
How long do you plan on riding?
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Freedom speaks Saturday

Curly Friend has a great sense of humor. I don't know if I told you but he is now keeping Jack company, turns out they are distant cousins.
Yesterday the DOR was blanketing the members of the herd who needed blankets because of the expected freezing rain. Now all the horses are well trained and know about blankets, but one of us does not like the sound the blanket makes. You guess it-Jack. Jack had to be a bit silly about getting on a blankie. He pranced, he danced, he snorted, and he did his wild appy eyes. The DOR told him that he she thought he was the smartest horse at the ranch and he was not living up to her expectations, after all Friend had his blanket on. Jack decided to stand still, roll his eyes and wear his blanket. Friend gave him a supportive raspberry.
I am so amused by the antics of the youngsters...sometimes they are so silly.
Life is sooooo good!

Skywatch Friday, Season 4, Episode 20

The view this morning. The grapes are full of birds and squirrels having a feast.

Please go visit the other great Skywatch participants at Skywatch Friday There are wonderful photos from all around the world!
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Happy Thanksgiving

I want to wish all of you a Happy Thanksgiving! May you have a day filled with family, friends, love, laughter, and plenty of treats-errr I mean food.
The DOR and I have so much to be thankful for. We are thankful for all of our friends and family. We are thankful for the people who read this humble blog. We are ever so thankful for the people who mentor us on our journeys together. We are thankful for the members of our herd and the gifts they each bring to our lives. We are also thankful for each other. The DOR heard a song that said, "Breathing in and out is a blessing can't you see?" so I guess we are all truly blessed.
The DOR has special treats for us and we are thankful for that too.
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Less words Wednesday

Supposed to get down to 2 degrees, boy that is darn cold. As you can see all the card carrying members of the Burly He Man Gelding Club are doing our best to make sure no on sees us sporting our jammies.

The Horse Guardian told the DOR that she hates to see big ol appy butts shivering. I would rather we were spotted shivering and looking tough than sporting jammies....oh the shame of it all.

Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

I might want a blankie

It is a Noreaster here! Snow, northeast wind, and flipping cold. It was a sudden, nasty onset of winter. My cousin Friend was blanketed for the first time in his life...he acted like an old pro at it. If this keeps up I might consider my blanket aversion and ask for my blankie too.

Freedom is getting extra rations of his hot mush. It arrives steaming hot and Freedom loves it.

Hope you are staying warm.

Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Quote for the week

There is a time for everything under heaven

One of the important lessons that we horses have taught the DOR is that life has its own rhythm, one that no matter how much you try to change it will play out the way it should.

Try to put weight on a skinny horse too fast will make it sick. Worrying about finding a rescue the perfect home seems to delay the finding of a home. Fussing about training issues leads to more training issues. Learning to dance to the rhythm of life and enjoying the journey makes everything go smoother and not take as long.

Not Just Any Pete was brought in to rehab. No time was set for weight gain, training, or rehoming...the DOR knew it would take the time it takes. Yesterday Pete had his first visit from a potential adopter. They fell in love with him, but then who wouldn't Pete is a big old teddy bear of a horse. They are going to finalize the adoption process and Pete will head to a wonderful home.

See what happens when you let the rhythm of life play out without meddling?

Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Freedom speaks Saturday

Here is 'Not Just Any Pete' this week. He has been gaining steadily and is adjusting well to ranch life. The farrier was pleased at how well he behaved to have his racing shoes pulled and his feet trimmed two weeks ago. Pete is having a visitor today. A lady is interested in adopting him from RCER to be a dressage horse. I hope he steals her heart!
I have been feeling like a young whipper snapper with this cooler weather. While I am a bit slower in my old age I still have a spring in my step. I am happy that the DOR listened to my advice and is getting Curly Friend to be her endurance horse. Now I don't have to worry about where he will end up and I know he will always be taken good care of.
The DOR tells me I do an excellent job watching over all of the ranch critters. What she doesn't realize is my main job is watching over her and Mushboy...I want them to be safe and happy.
The snow is coming and I have a real furry coat going. My mush has been doubled, I have my shelter and a friend to snuggle next to if needed, and my warm blankey for when it is real cold. I am looking forward to what this season brings.
Life is soooo good!

Skywatch Friday, Season 4, Episode 19

The evening sky from the DOR's front porch.

Please go visit the other great Skywatch participants at Skywatch Friday There are wonderful photos from all around the world!
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Lucky

A friend of the DOR sent this to her. I am hoping that she and I will be featured in a newspaper article like this when she is in her 80's. Of course I will have to live as long as Freedom for that to happen...it is doable.

Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Less words Wednesday

Friend and I looking at the llama. As you can see Friend is hiding his face and I am fiercely staring down the spitting creature. It is my job to teach my cousin about ranch life.

Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Coelho

Coelho went to his first ever show last Saturday. He was a guest horse for the CWU equestrian competition. He was a very good boy and did his riders proud.

The SCC leases Coelho from Sunny Acres Ranch. Hard to believe that at one time this horse was a rescue...

I am hoping that next year I will be recovered enough to go do walk/trot classes.

Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Cousins

Friend and I played together in the arena yesterday. Well actually we scarffed leaves and stared at the llama. We got along so well that the DOR has put us together in the same pasture. I did have to teach Friend that I get to pick the hay pile that I want and if I change my mind he has to move. I wasn't mean, I would just pin my ears and stare at him.

It will be nice to have my cousin hanging out by my side, sharing my pasture. I will not be sharing my treat tub with him though....I don't care if we are related.

Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Freedom speaks Saturday

The DOR headed out early this morning, really early. She and a friend are taking three horses to Ellensburg for the competitors riding in the CWU Western Equestrian event to ride. I am glad I am fully retired....3:30 am is too blasted early for me.

The DOR did tell me that if this had been a few years ago I could have gone. I would have showed all those youngster a thing or two that is for sure. As it is the youngest horse that is going today is a spry 18 years old.

Oh to be able to go and see them show off, but I will be catching all of my zzzz's and eating my mush. Good luck and good show to my friends who are going.

Life is so good!

Skywatch Friday, Season 4, Episode 18

Sunrise the other day

Please go visit the other great Skywatch participants at Skywatch Friday There are wonderful photos from all around the world!
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Wordless Wednesday

Friends come in all shapes and sizes. We horses know all about how to be a good friend.

Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Icelandics

The DOR had the privilege of spending this past Sunday with the largest Icelandic Horse herd in the nation. This is a video of the stud herd. These horses are kind, sensible, sturdy, smart, and gaited.

There was one little smokey paint that caught her eye. But alas she couldn't find any spots on him so he will not be joining our herd.

Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Time for therapy.

The DOR's oldest son, the Musician, is home for a visit. This is a photo of him having a hot sauce eating contest with Mushboy...Mushboy won.

The DOR has asked me to pay some special attention to the the Musician, seems he needs some horse therapy. His life is going through some big changes and he is having a hard time right now, home is where he needs to be. I am going to help his heart heal and teach him to find the same joy in life that I showed to the DOR. By the time the herd is done with the Musician he will be whole and happy again.

Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Freedom speaks Saturday

Here is Mushboy all decked out in his FFA outfit. He participated in a potato judging competition yesterday. He did really well for his first competition.

In this photo he is doing his star vs paparazzi imitation. I am not sure how he knows so much about potatoes...he does love his French Fries.

If there was a competition for horse scritching he would win hands down.

Life is soooo good!

Chicken

Sooooo the new horse is a chicken, a coward, a lilly-livered wanker. The DOR is riding him English and what should he spy out of his wild appy eye? A llama in with the horse across from the arena. The llama stared and the new boy went all silly. Sir Royal Pain loves to chase the llamas. I choose to ignore them for the most part. Mr. Smarty Pants here was thinking about heading for the hills.
The DOR isn't real confident in an English saddle yet and she didn't want to become unseated so she decided that getting off was a good idea. The two of them stood and looked the llama over for a bit. Maybe the DOR needs to take out her western saddle and take Mr. Smarty Pants out to herd the llamas.
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Mission Control

Take a look folks (Grandfather's favorite saying when he was almost 100)! See the space shuttle in the photo? Cool huh? The DOR and I are going up on the one that is launching this week, well our photo is going up. Yes we are virtual astronuts, I mean astronauts.

I am excited.

I think I am pretty special. After all none of the other DOR's horses has worked so hard to send her to the moon.

Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Yoga

Freedom has taken up yoga. He swears that is what is keeping him spry at his advanced age. He is busy trying to recruit the rest of the herd into practicing yoga with him. So far he has only gotten Curly Friend to execute this same maneuver.

Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Family

Here is my stunning self with my distant cousin off in the distance. I think he should keep his distance, especially when it comes to my treat bucket.

Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug you DOR!

Quote for the week

The quieter you become the more you can hear

One of the things that all of us horses have been working with the DOR on is learning to be quiet. It isn't that she talks too much, sometimes she needs to be still. She has learned that if she will just center herself and be quiet/still she can hear the most amazing things. Sometimes if everything is right, she swears she can here us...she can.

Now she is using that quiet to figure out what name the new member of our herd would like to have.

Have you ever been so quiet that you can hear the most amazing things?

Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

PS

Turns out that this guy and I are distant cousisns...

Freedom speaks Saturday

This is my new friend, Curly Friend, I think he is a great horse. I have picked him out to be the DOR's new horse. Curly can do anything...she is going to love him. That way I can keep him with me always.

Life is so good!

Not Just Any Pete

Not Just Any Pete is staying with us for a couple of weeks. He will then head to Ellensburg. He belongs to Rodeo City Equine Rescue. Pete's trainer placed him with RCER when his owner decided he didn't want him any more.

Pete is working on gaining weight, learning about pasture life, and is even learning a bit about living in a herd. Life is different at the ranch, he is used to a small paddock and race tracks.

He likes getting scritches from Mushboy and is very quiet around him. Pete is a big love of a horse. He is very gentle and just floats when he moves. He nickers when he sees us and trots over when you call him to get loved on. He follows politely when the DOR carries his grain bucket in, he doesn't try to get it or get pushy, he waits until it is hung up and she is out of the way. He leads nicely with a rope around his neck. He is going to be a grand horse for someone.

If you are looking for a nice horse with lots of potential contact RCER


Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Wordless Wednesday

You may smooch me now...

Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

A bit of a fit

Yes, here I am having a bit of a fit. It isn't a big one, not like I usually have, it is just a teeny tiny one. I am having this fit because I want my treat tub NOW! I don't care is Sir Royal Pain's paddock is first, I have been here the longest and should get my treats first. The only good thing is that Freedom's Curly Friend gets his last.

Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Quote for the week

When in doubt, let your horse do the thinking

Some humans may think this isn't a good idea, well I beg to differ. You see sometimes the DOR over-thinks things, struggles with figuring out what to do, and then doubts her decision. Horses on the other hand, have perfected the art of quick decisions and fast acting. We have had to do that in order to survive all of these years.

The other thing that happens is when a rider or handler is busy trying to make a decision we become unconfident. Your doubt causes us to doubt, it also drives us nuts.

So practice acting with confidence you will be surprised what happens. If you are in doubt trust your horse to do the right thing.

Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Freedom speaks Saturday

This is me and my friend. His name is Freckles, I call him Curly Friend. He is a kind horse and stands by me as often as possible. He has even worked his way into my pasture a few times.
I like him a lot. He smooches me, doesn't steal my food, and is a mellow laid back guy. Sometimes I toss my feed tub over to him when I have eaten all of the sweet feed out of it.
I am so glad that such a kind horse has chosen to be my friend, it keeps this old guy happy. I do have one wish though-Curly Friend needs a human of his own. He is a bit lonely and wants his own human, one that will keep him forever-he doesn't like change.
The farrier is coming today. Time for me to work up all my strength and stand to have my feet done. Maybe Curly Friend will help me.
Life is sooooo good!