Wordless Wednesday

Odd couple hanging out on the dandelions.
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Steady Eddy?

The DOR did a personality test about me and this is what it said:

Your horse is a ... SLCF(Submissive Lazy curious Friendly) - The Steady Eddy
If you are a novice or amateur, this is the horse for you. They are quiet and predictable, loving and engaging, willing to learn new things, willing to hang out with you and do nothing. This is not your big ego, career-oriented horse. They are happy to just be. Consistent and loyal, all you need to do is enjoy!

Do

Whatever you want
Appreciate them
Play with them
Keep variety in their work
Keep workouts short

Don’t

Have huge expectations
Overtax them
Ignore them
Bore them

The DOR read this and thought it sounded so much like me. Now I will admit that I have had a weirhorse episode, well maybe two, but for all points and purposes I am still green because I lack a bunch of saddle time. But when the DOR is at risk or there has been danger when she has been riding me I have stepped up and taken stellar care of her.

Well now that she knows the type of horse I am we will see if that changes the kind of DOR she is.

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

Quote for the week

“The greatest gift you can give another is the purity of your attention.

” —Richard Moss

In the past the DOR is often distracted when she is out with us horses. We have teamed up to eliminate that behavior...if she is distracted we do something to draw back her attention to us. She doesn't like it when she is working with us and she doesn't have our entire attention, well neither do we. Giving your partner, be the animal or human, or full attention tells them they are important, that they matter, that nothing can replace them.
The DOR is making an extra effort right now to give me her attention, with nothing else in her mind, while she does my therapy. When she does this the exercises get better results, when she doesn't we both have to work a lot harder that we should. She is also just coming out and sitting with me or Sir Royal Pain, doing nothing other than being with us and watching what we do. I think she has been trying to read our minds-that isn't going so well since all I think about is food since I am on a diet and since Sir Royal Pain thinks he is a stud his thoughts are xxx rated.
So how about this week we all try to give the purity of our attention to every creature we have an interchange with.
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Freedom speaks Saturday-Who will wear my bridle?

Yesterday the DOR took her beloved Scooby's bosal to a friend to try out on their horse. The bridle was hung up two years ago when Scooby could not longer be ridden. The DOR has mixed emotions every time she looked at Scooby's bridle. She has fond memories of the times she rode Scooby and she feels sad knowing she will never ride him again. I think she has kept his bridle because she wasn't willing to completely admit that she would never ride him again. Passing his bridle on to another horse is her final way of saying she knows their riding days are done.
The DOR is a bit funny about bridles. Each of her horses have their own bridle. She thinks it is gross for us to share bits. I am not sure what she is thinking after all we sniff each others rears, poop, and scratch each other using our mouths-but we indulge her weirdness.
My bridle is still hanging in the tack barn. I wonder when the DOR will decide it is time to pass it on to another horse? While I don't want to be bossy, I do have some criteria for the horse who will be allowed to fill my bit: they must have a sense of humor, they need to be tough, they need to be willing, they need to be a bit stubborn, they need to love their human with all their heart, they need to watch over their herd, they need to be willing to give the humans they are around 110%, preferably they will be an appaloosa (because we are the best), never show their age, and they need to enjoy playdays-in short they need to be like me! The horse who wears my bridle needs to be pretty special, after all they will have a big bit to fill.
Have you ever wondered who will "wear your bridle" when that time comes? I know whoever wears mine will be well loved.
Life is so good!

Skywatch Friday-Season 4 Episode 50

The last of our stormy weather this week. I am glad for the sunshine, but could do without the heat.
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Please go visit the other great Skywatch participants at Skywatch Friday There are wonderful photos from all around the world!

Dinner to go

My order is to go please....
Does this bucket go with my outfit?
I got major bling going on!
I am just trying to look like the puffed up rooster in the pasture next to me...
Okay enough joking. The DOR fed me my treats and supplements in a hanging feed tub because one of the exercises I am supposed to do has to do with tucking my head and keeping it up, something about a telescope. She hangs the bucket so she can rub on me while I eat. Well the other day she had to hurry off to a meeting and didn't have time to rub on me, imagine not spending time with me-well I had to do something. As she was pulling down the driveway she looked over to wave goodbye and the SCC said, "Look Jack is carrying his treat tub around the pasture like Hank used to do." and laughed. The DOR saw the bucket swing and realized I didn't have it in my mouth. So the car was stopped, the SCC headed out first followed by the DOR and the tub was unhooked. Mission accomplished-I got more attention.
The DOR was puzzled because in the three years she has used these tubs something like this has never happened. Well of course it has never happened, it is a feat that has to be done purposely. I don't think she will be short changing me attention in the future.
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

The DOR here,
I have to tell you that only a couple of months ago this would have had Jack in a tizzy. He would have been snorting, blowing, and dancing around as we tried to help him. Jack is an emotional horse and when things go side-ways he has a tendency to react and not think, which makes him tricky to handle when he is scared. So what has changed? Throughout the journey we have taken since Jack's accident he has learned that I am always looking out for him, that I will protect him, and that he can trust me. These things have come about in part because I have learned the same things about him-he will look out for me, he will protect me, and I can trust him.
I am so proud that he dealt with this weird situation with a calm, thinking head...we have come a long way.

Less word Wednesday

This is what a horse's day should look like. Well throw in scrithes, treats, hugs, treats, grooming, and treats.
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

I have "boogie butt"

Just whistle and I will come

I have missed being home. I missed the DOR, Mushboy, the SCC, the Horse Guardian, and the Cow Boss. I missed my blog friends. I also missed my herd something fierce. I made a new filly friend at rehab and threw a bit of a fit when she couldn't come home with me, but once I saw my green pasture she was quickly forgotten.
I was out grazing and the DOR whistled for me, I hurried over for scritches and smooches. The DOR is still my favorite human. She was so happy to see me, she looked like a prancing horse. The DOR is going to make sure that I continue on my nutritional plan. She will carry out my physical therapy and make sure I exercise to build my core strength back up. I was able to get up to 30 minutes of walk/trot intervals while being ponied before I left rehab, that is a lot of work for a spotted pony. The DOR and I will take "walkies" everyday for 20-30 minutes, it will be good for both of us. She is going to need help with the ponying part since Sir Royal Pain is buy acting like a spaz over his mare.
I will fill you in on what is going on with me throughout the week. The DOR is relieved not to be doing the blog anymore, she felt she wasn't living up to my talent.
Well I am going to much some grass and tease Sir Darby by making eyes at his mare.
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Happy Father's Day

Hunnies I am home! But today I want to pay tribute to dad's.
This picture is of the DORs dad. It was taken at the gathering of the herd this winter. The DOR thinks he is the best dad ever.

This picture is of the Support Crew Chief and his dad. As you can see the SCC liked horses as a youngster. He jokes that he learned to ride on the horse from heck-an appy/Shetland cross, I am sure all of the bad behavior (and there was plenty of it) came from the Shetland part. The SCC's dad spent years protecting our forests. He is a gentle, loving man and raised one of the nicest men I have ever met.

















I am going to have to hunt for a picture of my dad. Until I find one here is a photo of my grandfather, the famous Paul Easter.
Have a wonderful Father's Day, humans and animals all.
I am so glad to be home and the DOR was so happy to have me home her eyes started leaking...
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Freedom speaks Saturday

I don't like shelter hogs! Salty and I manage to share one side of the shelter just fine during the day. I have my own side that I get put in for the night to eat my mush. Now it seems that we have a shelter hog in our mist. Coelho won't share.... He stands in my side of the shelter and makes pinny eared meanie faces at anyone who tries to join him. To make matters worse he makes pinny eared meanie faces and charges at any horse trying to use the other side. Salty and I will stand with our heads in the other side just to bug Coelho, but poor Rainie just stands under the tree where we have our coffee breaks. Salty and I are thinking that Coelho needs his bottom kicked, but neither of us are up to doing the job. Maybe Coelho needs to go back in with Sir Darby to be chased around a bit. That might remind him to be nicer and to share with his friends. Oh well, I get my side all to myself every night and that is when I like being in the shelter, the rest of the time the big old tree is perfectly fine with me-plus I get to hang out with a lovely spotted mare.
Life is so good!

6/19
Dear Jack,
I was disappointed when you had to wait to come home. Turns out it was a good thing because I spent all of Friday in bed sick. I feel better today, but not 100% yet. I am looking forward to you coming home this afternoon, I miss you Boogie.
Have a safe journey and see you soon.
Love the DOR

Skywatch Friday-Season 4 Episode 49

One of my favorite photos of the ranch sky.
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Please go visit the other great Skywatch participants at Skywatch Friday There are wonderful photos from all around the world!

Bring your best

This is an old photo of Jack and I working with his nemesis the white grocery sack. One of the other lessons that I have learned from Jack, along with other horses, is to bring your best.
Every time I work with Jack he gives me his best. In return I give him the best I have. Some days my best is better than others, but whatever my best is for the day is what I put out there. Jack knows when I am slacking and not doing my best. On those days he pushes me until he gets my best, he never settles for less. I thought about this behavior of his and realized that is what I do with my students, I ask for their best and push them until I get it. Seems like my little spotted horse is a wise teacher.
Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass...it's about learning how to dance in the rain.

6/17
Dear Jack,
I have had a migraine headache for the past two days. I hate these headaches because I feel so sick. I wish you were here, you seem to mitigate my headaches. I am moving my office to the new building.
I have still been doing my therapy, it is hard some days.
I am so excited because you are coming home tomorrow afternoon. We will carry on your therapy here for the next month until you need to go back for a re-evaluation.
See you soon Boogie!
Love the DOR

Wordless Wednesday

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass...it's about learning how to dance in the rain.

Importance of the herd, another lesson learned

The little horse in front is Jack's Shandi Doll. She is hanging out with Beau and his harem while Jack is gone.
I have a tendency to do things on my own. I don't like asking for help, it makes me feel like I am not doing enough. At work I would rather do things myself than ask others to do things, I am getting better about my job change because I have no choice. I am also a bit on the shy side, my family says I am a recluse-I know a bit hard to believe. I was the kid that would cry if the teacher called on them in class. I can't stand crowds, a visit to WalMart can set off a panic attack.
Jack has taught me that the herd is important. Each member has a role to play and each role is important. That there is a security to be found with others, a camaraderie that enriches your life. With Jack's help I have gone to clinics and ridden with people I don't know, something that I couldn't have done without his lessons. I find that I want to venture out and expand my herd, add friends, and have new experiences. Maybe one day I will go on an extended trip to a several day horse clinic, ride with a whole herd of strangers an not feel panicked at all.
Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass...it's about learning how to dance in the rain.

6/14
Dear Jack,
Your Shandi Doll was herding llamas today. She seems to be having fun playing with the big girls.
I did some extra walking today. I may have done a bit too much because my ankle swelled up. I guess we can want too much too fast.
A friend sent me a photo of an appaloosa that is in Australia that reminded her of you. While he was nice looking he couldn't hold a candle to your good looks. I bet if you visited Australia you would be a rock star in no time.
I hope your therapy is going well. Remember to give the therapists plenty of smooches, it will earn you extra carrots.
Love the DOR

Listening with your whole self

These are Jack's cute ears. Seems that they are always listening for something. He doesn't just listen with his ears though. I have noticed that he listens with his feet,eyes, his nose, his body...Jack listens with all of his senses and then responds.
Listening is something that Jack has been working with me on. Sometimes I don't listen with my ears as well as I should, I think I have heard all I need to and then I act. There have been many times that I have missed some important piece of information in the desire to get things done. So I have been working on my wait and respond time.
The other part of "listening" is using all of the senses in the same manner that Jack does. I have found a wealth of information available to me if I use all of my senses, information that I can access without my ears.
My life has been so enriched by taking in all of the things around me using all of my senses. The colors, smells, feeling, and sounds are so rich and abundant that I find something wonderful each day.
Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass...it's about learning how to dance in the rain.

6/13
Dear Jack,
I don't know about you but I am sooooore! I pulled a muscle in my stomach and my ankle is complaining about having to work hard. So I took today a bit easier, I know I am a slacker.
Your Shandi Doll is out with Beau and the mares. You should see her running around with her tail up like a flag. She is teasing the old mares, playing tag, and stretching her legs. She is very interested in the cows, stands and stares at them and follows them along the fence-line.
I hope you are having fun with you new friend and enjoying your treats.
See you soon
Love the DR!

Quote for the week

Don't out smart your common sense

Yep that is something that we all catch ourselves doing at one time or another. We know what to do, but then we start thinking...thinking and making something harder than it needs to be.
When I first got Jack I spent a lot of time studying, watching what he did, and trying to figure out why he did it. Now that wasn't a bad thing, but it did become a problem when I stopped dealing with the behaviors I was seeing and started trying to unravel why they were happening. I really needed to just address the horse that showed up each day and move forward.
We often need to listen to that "gut instinct", our common sense. In our attempt to show how smart we are we often make mountains out of molehills and overlook simple solutions. Common sense is a wonderful thing.
Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass...it's about learning how to dance in the rain.

6/12
Dear Jack,
I am not as good at blogging as you are, it is hard some days to know what to say.
We painted my new office yesterday, it is alfalfa and sweet grass green. I can feel like I am at the pasture all of the time.
I am struggling a bit with my change in diet, seems that a sweet tooth has reared its ugly head-oh bother. Did lots of walking yesterday and worked out my ankle.
You are going to hang out by Sir Darby when you come home. He has turned into a royal pain now that he is in love with a mare, it will be your job to get him to think that mares are yucky.
Love the DOR

Freedom speaks Saturday

As you know I have been taking care of a little wild filly. She had not been treated very nicely by humans in her past. It was my job to teach that humans as a general rule are good and the ones here are wonderful. I also needed to teach her that she could be friends with other horses, she was not too friendly for a bit.
She and I became very close, I love her. The DOR named her Freedom's Lady, that made her an extra special horse. I called her Free.
Free learned everything she needed to learn here. The DOR and I worked hard and made sure she was ready for her next step. Free left on Wednesday to go stay in the mountains and continue her work with a human she calls "the rope man". Free likes the rope man and he likes her. He is kind, gentle, and honors the horse that Free is. She especially likes the scritches that he gives her.
Free went to meet Bryan Nuebert on Thursday evening. Yesterday she wore a saddle for the first time, she wanted to show the rope man that she was smart and willing. A human even sat on her. Bryan says she will be a gentle horse, I could have told him that. You see I have been telling her how much fun it is to play with humans, how when you wear a saddle you get to go see things and run in the hills. I taught her about bravery, friendship, and we talked about the importance of forgiveness and trying again. All the humans here made sure she was treated with love and understanding. Free was more than ready to move forward when she left.
I miss her, but my good friends Salty the Wonder Horse, Coelho, and Reinie are keeping me busy. I wanted to stay with her but I am to old for 5 hour trailer rides, running hills, and chasing elk. For the time she was here Free made sure I felt young again. I think we traded...she gave me some youth back and I gave her wisdom.
I am going to keep my eye on what Free is doing. If she ever needs me the DOR says that Free can come back and spend time with me. I am proud of my lady, she has come a long way from the terrified horse that arrived here.
Life is so good!
Here is a photo of Freedom's Lady saddled for the first time...she wasn't too upset. Seems that whatever Freedom has been whispering in her ear worked.
6/11
Dear Jack,
I so enjoyed the two hours we spent together today. You seem so calm and at ease. It was nice to brush you and not have to hurry to do other things. The next time you want a tropical smoothie let me know, I will get you your own-that way you won't have to drink all of mine.
I am looking forward to you coming home next week...we all are.
Keep working hard on your therapy, I am working on mine.
See you soon Boogie
Love the DOR

Forgiveness

Forgiveness is another lesson Jack, along with many other horses, made sure I learned. Jack will be upset with me about some stupid thing I did-usually involving braiding, costumes, or not handling him in the manner I should have. As you can see in the photo Jack is very good at making "mad faces". No matter what I have done Jack expresses his upset and then forgives me.
Now in my past I wouldn't express being upset and would just pack around what ever hurt/upset that I felt for a long time. I was making myself miserable not being able to forgive others and most of all not being able to forgive myself for things that I had screwed up.
I have seen abused horses forgive humans and try again to build a relationship with a new person. Horses have an amazing capacity to forgive, it is a capacity that we humans would benefit greatly from if we could cultivate it. By being able to look a something that needs forgiven, breathing deeply, forgiving and letting go I have found harmony with the world around me. Jack also taught me that forgiving doesn't mean forgetting... forgive and be wiser.
Thanks Jack, forgiveness is a lesson that I will always have to work at-especially when it comes to myself. I am glad Jack is around to remind me constantly of this lesson. Maybe one day I will get it just right, but until then I just keep practicing.
Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass...it's about learning how to dance in the rain.

6/10
Dear Jack,
I didn't get all of my exercises done today, I spent too much times in meetings. I hope you had better success with your therapy today than I did. I did stick to my diet, so that was a success.
Freedom is missing Free a bit, luckily Salty is paying extra attention to him.
Marge at Space Coast Beach Buzz posted a message to you on her blog. I submitted a picture of the two of us together to NASA, it will be on the next space shuttle. Yep, we are going to outer-space...exciting!
I am glad tomorrow is Friday. I am going to try and sneak away for a quick visit with you.
Love the DOR

Face your fears

When I was younger, in my teens, I was like most people-I was fearless. Something happened as I got older, I discovered not only could I be hurt but I could be hurt badly. Fear reared its ugly head and started placing limits on what I did.
One of the things Jack has made sure that I learned in this time we have been together is how to face fear. He has taught me how to look my fears in the face and to approach them. Jack has also taught me that you approach and retreat, approach and retreat...pretty soon you are closer to what is causing the fear and staying there longer. Before you know it what was once a fear becomes something you can live with. Jack and I have worked through fears together, his fears and my fears. After Jack's werehorse indecent where I was hurt badly there was fear to overcome for sure. The fear on my part was so deep I knew if I couldn't face it that I would never ride Jack again. Jack was patient and very careful with me as I relied on him and my friends to help me work through the deepest fear I had ever felt. In the process our relationship developed from a surface one to a partnership where we worked together, not two separate beings just hanging out. He has also taught me that sometimes dealing with fear means waiting for a better time to face it. I have become a wiser about dealing with fear with the lessons Jack has taught me. He has made me a braver more confident being.
Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass...it's about learning how to dance in the rain.

6/9
Dear Jack,
I don't know about you, but my therapy is making me sore. Today it was hard to want to do the exercises, but then I thought about the promise I made to you...to do my therapy too. Shandi misses you, but the other horses are taking good care of her. Free left for her new place today, it will be different not seeing her at the gate each day.
I hope you are getting lots of hugs and smooches...I miss you Boogie.
Love the DOR

Love like crazy-the second lesson

I had a good visit with Jack, Scooby, and Hank yesterday. Jack is still being evaluated, lots of information so far that I will share at a later date when I process it all.
Because of things that happened when I was younger I am not a very demonstrative person. I am reserve with the people I love, I have a hard time letting them know how much I care. I was even that way with my animals, well that is until Jack wouldn't stand for it. Jack has taught me to love like crazy. If I wouldn't hug and smooch him he would fuss my hair, shirt, hands, anything until I would give him his hug. If I didn't pat him for a job well done he would pout until I praised him. He always finds a way to make sure I laugh and smile every time we are together. Slowly inch-by-inch he cracked the shell that I had surrounding me, protecting me, and taught me that love has no limits. He taught me that opening up and allowing love to flow just brings more love. With love there is no limits. He showed me that a simple gesture can somehow have the most powerful impact. When Jack places is nose in my hands and stands there or asks me for a hug the love he passes on to me in those moments is so deep and rich. I learned from Jack that a smile, a touch are simple gestures that my family appreciate so much. Jack has taught me how to show others they are loved and appreciated without being fearful of doing so. This is a lesson I will forever be grateful for. Being able to love like crazy has sure made me so much happier.
Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass...it's about learning how to dance in the rain.

6/7
Dear Jack,
I did my stairs and worked on walking properly. I was a bit amused to find out we are essentially working on the same things right now: hills and proper gait strides. I was so happy to see you today. I have missed your hugs and smooches.
Your new little friend is cute, nice you two get to hang out together. I hear you are the only horse that she doesn't kick...she must have figured out how special you are.
Thank you for your special surprise yesterday. To pull up to the rehab facility and see that brought me to tears. I just sat in the car and cried for several minutes before I got out to come and see you.
I am looking at spots where you and I can go for "trail walks".
See you soon
DOR

Jack's first lesson, what he taught me

So Jack arrives home and I am thrilled beyond words. I felt like I was living a dream, that I would go out to the pasture and he wouldn't be there, that I couldn't possibly deserve to have a horse like Jack. I also wondered at times if I was up to building a partnership with a young, green horse...what was I thinking. But there are times we just follow our hearts and do not need to ask questions.
So Jack set about to teach me the first lesson he felt I had to learn...appreciation. I thought that I knew what it was to appreciate something, but I had never felt the depths of how deep that feeling could run. He taught me that to appreciate something doesn't require that something to have a job, to do anything, to have a role. No, there are times we can appreciate something simply because it exists. To be able to sit and just watch Jack grazing brought about so much joy that first week I often felt overwhelmed. To have him nicker to me and walk over, putting his nose in my hands made me feel special at the end of a long day. If Jack saw me as a worthy person at the end of each day, that was all that mattered. He quickly became my yardstick. So as the first month we were together was spent getting to know each other, Jack had already begun to change my life without me even noticing. Jack became my new teacher, a role he still continues with amazing talent and skill.
Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass...it's about learning how to dance in the rain.

PS
6/7/10
Jack, I did my therapy today. I walked up and down the long stairs 4 times today. I also did my ankle strengthening exercises. I had a moment of panic when I drove by your section of the pasture this morning...you weren't there and that early in the morning it took a minute for my old mind to remember you were at rehab.
I will see you on Tuesday afternoon
Love the DOR

Finding Jack

I didn't set out to get a horse like Jack. In fact on the day I first saw Jack I was on my way to look at another horse to buy, Sand Man. Sand Man was a been there, done that, 19 year old Peppy San bred gelding. Sand was nothing special, just a good solid horse who would take the place of Scooby and allow me to ride again.
I had a friend with me, she was going to help me look Sand Man over. We arrived to the ranch to get a look at what I was sure was going to be my next horse, but the man who was going to show me the horse was still working. So we went for a short drive, returned only to find out that he wouldn't be home in time to show me the horse. As we drove back home my friend said "Tim has Jack up for sale, let's stop and take a look at him." Now I love looking at horses, even if it wasn't a horse I was interested in buying, it is always fun to look. After all Jack was green, had been sitting in a pasture for three years, and was not the dead broke bomb-proof been there/done that horse I was looking for. Nope he was not even in the running for being my next horse...I was just going to look. We got to where Jack was and there stood one of the prettiest horses I had seen in a long time. Well it is always nice to get to look at a lovely horse. I went out to the pasture to get a closer look at Jack, the person who was boarding him told me that I wouldn't be able to get close to him because he was hard to catch. No big deal, I just wanted to look at him. I entered the pasture and stood to take a look at one fancy boy. Jack lifted his head, let out a bit of a woofle and walked right over to me. When he got close to me he placed his nose right on my outstretched hands, this has become a greeting we have shared almost daily since we have been together. I was sunk...this horse picked me and there was nothing that would change it. Jack stood there while I scritched him all over and he even let me pick up his feet. He followed me around, often bumping my shoulder with his nose so that I would reach out and touch him. He likes walking with no halter but with my hand resting on his neck to this day. My friend contacted Tim to find out how much he wanted for Jack, his price was out of my range...I felt gutted. Here was a horse that made it clear that we were going to be partners and I didn't have enough money. Thanks to my friend vouching for me Tim was willing to take payments. Jack came home the very next day.
I don't know how to explain meeting a horse that feels like it has been there waiting just for you, like it has some how been a part of your life all along. But that is what it was like when I met Jack. Sometimes I think he can read my mind, sometimes it seems as if I can hear him speaking to me.
I do know that my life has been better, happier, and healthier since Jack has entered it. I also know that this journey of ours will be taken together no matter what the future holds.
Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass...it's about learning how to dance in the rain.

Quote for the week

I am ready to move ahead, now is the right time for me to start.
~Jack to the animal communicator

Before the final decision was made about Jack going to rehab was made we had the animal communicator help me tell Jack what was going on and to see what he had to say about things. The last time I sent Jack off was to trail horse boot camp. It was a good thing for him to do, but he felt I had sent him because I didn't trust him anymore. The truth was I didn't trust myself enough to work through the things we needed to work through. I didn't make that clear to Jack and he was a bit upset with me. This time I was going to do things differently. I had planned on sending him twice at earlier dates. The first date came and Jack made it very clear he was not going, he wasn't ready, and that was it. The second time another horse needed to stay longer at the rehab facility than initially planned. Now we reach the third try, I was not sure I was ready for Jack to go, the outcome of the evaluation could change everything for us and I was afraid...
But this time there was an ease around Jack that there hadn't been the previous times. He wasn't moaning any more when he saw the halter coming when he had to do his therapy here. He would line right up to the mounting block when we were in the arena practicing and then stand there, even when I would lay across his back instead of dancing away. He had a confidence around him, he was feeling secure with himself finally.
When the communicator facilitated the conversation between Jack and I some interesting things came up. Jack was worrying about me, he felt I wasn't doing some things that I should be doing to take care of myself. He wanted a promise that while he was a rehab I would do the things I needed to do to address my own physical issues...promise made and promise will be kept. Jack also wanted me to know he believes he is going to be just fine, that he thinks I will be riding him again so I shouldn't be sad. Jack also said he wanted to move forward, he was not liking being stuck and limited in what he could do. He was ready to go to rehab, in fact he knew that now was the right time.
So yesterday Jack loaded up in a trailer, he did a lot of sniffing to see who had been in there before. Neither he or I had any reservations about him leaving. In fact Jack seemed excited to embark on this new part of the journey. I was pleased to see him be able to bear his own weight for a bit on his hinds while he sniffed the trailer. A month ago that would not have been possible. He traveled well during the 2 hour trip. Then, as if to punctuate how ready he is to get back to normal he backed out of the trailer on his own as soon as he was unclipped. The therapist thought she would have to turn him to unload because he has struggled with just backing up. Jack is making his wishes clearly know, he plans on getting back to normal and we are going to do everything we can to grant that wish.
I am going up on Tuesday to spend the day with him and to visit Scooby.
I am excited and happy that Jack and my journey together continues, I am looking forward to the next few miles.
Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass...it's about learning how to dance in the rain.

Freedom speaks Saturday

Sorry the post is very late today, but I have been really busy! I got my feet done today and it is hard work for all involved. Mushboy holds my lead rope, the SCC now has to help me stand up and stay balanced for the farrier, and the farrier works hard to make this as easy on me as he can. Salty even pitched in and helped support my front end. I did really well for the farrier today and it wasn't to much of a struggle for me to stand like I should. There have been a couple of times lately that I could barely keep my feet so the farrier could work on me. I am thrilled that today went as well as it did...this old guy still has a few surprises in store for the humans around him.
After the farrier finished with my feet the equine therapist gave me a massage. The DOR showed her the rack she uses to give us all big scritches with. The therapist scritched me silly....
It was a great day for all of us horses and all the humans at the ranch.
Jack left with the therapist. He will be spending the next week being evaluated and working on his body issues. The DOR is a bit sad, but she is also happy that he is getting the help he needs.
Life is so good! Oh and Jack told me to remember to say: Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Skywatch Friday-Season 4 Episode 47

Stormy weather all week. This has been our view for the past 5 days.
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Please go visit the other great Skywatch participants at Skywatch Friday There are wonderful photos from all around the world!

PS -a few people commented on the interesting fence in the photo. The "fence" is actually the top of hop poles and the left over twin on the wire webbing that the hops climbed while growing.

Packed and ready

Look at the DOR hanging on to me like she will never let me go. But let me go she must, well at least for a couple of weeks. My bags are packed, my transportation arranged, and Shandi has a babysitter lined up. I will be leaving for rehab on Saturday.
I am going to be evaluated to see where I am physically and neurologically at this point in time. Then a plan will be made on what I need to be working on now. I will be spending my time working hard on getting my body and mind to work together like they should. The DOR is planning on coming up to visit me as often as she can, she actually would like it if she could see me everyday.
This is a big step forward for both of us. We will find out what direction our journey will be taking us next. The one thing the DOR and I are sure of is that no matter what the future holds for us, we will be spending our future together...we are lifers!
This is my last post until my return. The DOR will post updates about my progress.
The DOR will also be authoring the blog for me while I am gone.
Have loads of fun and many appy trails.
Don't forget to hug your DOR!
See you soon
Love Cactus Jack Splash

Less word Wednesday

Here I am trying to get my rope released from the hitching ring the DOR had me connected to. I thought if I could escape and run around the arena like a crazy horse she would give up on the braiding. I wasn't able to get loose.
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Here is a photo of the tie ring...if your DOR gets one be afraid, be very afraid-they are hard to escape.

Why?

Why? Why does the DOR insist on braiding my mane and tail? I tolerate it, I stand nicely while she does it figuring she will give up and go braid Sir Darby's tail, he likes to be foofy. Do I look happy with the results? I don't think so...in fact I think I look cheesed off!
She is jeopardizing my membership in the "he man gelding club"...I wish she would just quite doing it.
Good thing I will be away from the ranch for a bit. All of the other geldings should forget this indignity before I return.
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!