New Years Revolutions...I mean Resolutions

It is New Years Eve and the time of year that humans make resolutions.  The DOR was quick to point out that I should probably make some for the upcoming year, so I will oblige her since it will mean extra cookies for me if I do.  Yes I can be bought for a cookie-is that a bad thing?
My New Years Revolutions Resolutions:
1.  I will not make pinnie ears at other horses who ask for attention from the DOR (unless it is Tahkoe the Terrible, then I might even snap my teeth because she irritates me).
2.  I will not step away from the mounting block when the DOR goes to get on (unless she has made me stand there for too long, then stepping off is fair to teach her to hurry up).
3.  I will not groan when the DOR gets seated for a ride (she could help with this by loosing 1/2 a ton).
4.  I will not tear the straps of my winter blanket (unless the DOR puts one on me that is in direct violation of the code of conduct for the He Man Gelding Club).
5.  I will not use my nose to shove the DOR in the butt when she is bent over so she falls flat on her face (unless there is a puddle handy, then it simply must be done).
6.  I will not buck while being ridden (unless my rider asks for it and then I must do as asked).
7.  I will not fart or poop while the farrier is working on my back feet (unless I absolutely can't help myself)
8.  I will come when the DOR calls me and not make her hike across the pasture (unless she is working on her weight and then I am going to make her chase me to heck and back).
9.  I will not mug the DOR for cookies and peppermints (unless she has them in her pocket and then I am reaching right in there and nabbing those suckers).
10.  I will never forget to hug and smooch my DOR every time I see her (sometimes I might have to do it twice)
Blessings for your New Year and thanks for being my friends.
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

And Santa says....

I have heard the humans talk about Santa.  The DOR has made me wear a Santa hat and dress up for the holidays.  I have always thought it was all make believe, just like the Great Pumpkin and the Tooth Fairy.  Boy was I in for a surprise....
I was hanging out up by the barn hoping to mooch treats when the DOR came out to the ranch and some strange guy shows up in a red suit.  He was wearing the same kind of hat the the DOR says is a Santa hat.  He was pretty hairy and had a really happy look.  He came in and gave me a candy cane...I love candy canes.  He called me Boogie, now how would he know that is the name that the DOR calls me? He said he was Santa and was here to let me know if I had been naughty or nice.  He gave me a scritch and then began thinking, soon he started to speak....
He said that I need to quit making stinky faces at the little Icelandics and probably should not be calling them trolls.  He also said that sneaking up on Shandi when her head is in the feed bunk and nipping her on the butt was not very nice either.  How does he know this stuff?  I always check to make sure no humans are around to catch me and my shenanigans.
Santa then told me that the DOR brags to everyone about me.  She tells people what a good boy I am and what a big heart I have.  She also uses me to illustrate how one should never give up.  According to Santa the DOR thinks I am the best horse ever.  He told me I made the good list, but to keep working on being on my best behavior.  I am thinking I am going to get more sneaky with my shenanigans.
I want to wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year.
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

And we go on...

I have been missing in action for a bit.  Things are fine, just busy with lots of puzzling about things. The DOR had a hard time with her dad being gone this Thanksgiving, it made her very sad.
The world seems to be a bit wakko outside of our pastures.  We horses just sigh and shake our heads at the behavior of some humans.
I do want to point out that there is still so much happiness in the world.  Take a look at this photo of a boy and his very own, and 1st, horse.  Joy!!!!
The young man is Sharkbait, the DOR's grandson.  The horse is King Henry, aka Hank, he has come to retire with our herd.  King Henry was one of the DOR's co-workers up at the mountain for the past two years.  He was the go to horse for kids and nervous riders.  He performed his job with pride and competence.  As a reward for his service, and while he is still sound and in good health, Red (owner of the mountain horses) decided to retire him.  Now he owns a little boy of his own and the little boy is delighted.
If humans could learn to be like horses there would be less violence and more joy in the world.  I encourage all humans to make an effort to spend a day with a herd of horses.  Watch how we live, how we communicate, how we treat each other then go out to the world and teach other humans what we do.
The DOR says that God sent horses to humans so they would see how he intended humans to live.
May you find peace, love, and joy in the coming days.  Remember to live and eat like a horse.
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Happy Thanksgiving

Wishing you and yours a wonderful Thanksgiving.
We are so thankful for are of our blessings.  Thank you for being our friends.
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!
 

The DOR is not straight...

The DOR talks about how I don't travel straight.  Well I have news for her-she isn't straight either, so there.  In fact she travels darn crooked and it interferes with my ability to travel straight.
I have been pointing it out to her for a bit now and she finally got it.  She promises me that she will work on going straight.  A back injury, her heart attack, and just plain getting older have all effected her balance and her ability to stay straight.  She is now working on walking straighter, sitting balanced, and limbering up her tight muscles.  She is also working on balancing with her eyes closed without weaving.  She has ridden me a few times in the round pen with her eyes closed to work on her balance.  She is also using a mini trampoline to work on her balance.  Besides working on the physical aspect of balance, she is also working on her emotional balance.  She is learning to center herself and to focus on the things that matter.
I am glad she is going this.  When she tips and does not stay centered it makes my job of moving more difficult.  How am I supposed to make quick turns after a cow if I have to worry about her leaning and loosing her balance.  She is also working on looking where she wants me to go instead of yanking on me. 
So here is to the DOR going straight...it will make our partnership a much better one.
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

SSgt Reckless and Veteran's Day

The DOR's grandfather told her about this horse when she was a little girl.  Reckless has always been a hero in her eyes.
Thanks to all Veteran's, human and animal, for our freedoms that you fought for.
Some information on SSgt Reckless:

Life Magazine named the filly in the photo as one of the Top 100 Heroes in American History.
She was a former Korean race horse who was purchased by a Marine at a Seoul race track in 1953 for $250, and she served in the Korean War with such distinction she was awarded the rank of Staff Sergeant USMC. Her name would become SSgt Reckless.
One of her battles….the Battle of Vegas was hopeless. Chinese troops outnumbered the 2nd Battalion of the 5th Marines by ten to one. It seemed there was no chance for a victory other than to withdraw the Marines and regroup for a counter attack, but the troops at Vegas were nearly cut off. Escape was almost impossible.
The Battalion determined the best tactic for escape was to protect the movements of the Marines with cover fire, and a heavy “wall of fire” was to be provided by launching continuous rounds from recoilless rifles…otherwise known as reckless rifles. High ground was chosen for the gun placements, but the needed ammunition was heavy. The rugged winding trails leading to their placements were 45 degrees up-hill. Supplying ammo would be difficult, but constant re-arming of the guns was needed in order for the plan to succeed. The “wall of fire” could not stop until the Marines were safe.
Reckless had been trained to supply these “reckless rifles” on the front lines with ammo while avoiding enemy fire as much as possible. Her learning had been swift, and she did her task without assistance from a human.
The battle lasted for five days. In one 24 hour period alone, while under heavy fire, the little sorrel mare made over fifty trips up the rugged winding trails of the forty-five degree hill. On that day she traveled over 35 miles, and carried more than 4 tons of ammo to the gun emplacements with no human assistance. She stopped only once: to put herself between three trapped Marines and enemy fire while “shielding” them to safety. Twice wounded, she was undaunted. She knew the importance of her task, and every Marine in the Battalion knew it, too. They gave her water and food, and cleaned blood from her eyes as she passed them by.
In the end the plan worked, and constant fire never ceased. The fire curtain held, and protected the Marines as they regrouped, and then re-took the territory. The battle was won.
At the end of the battle, Sgt Reckless was given a rub down and special treats. She drank water, beer, and soda from the helmets of grateful Marines. The next day she awoke with lameness. She walked around constantly until the limp went away. After she “shook it off,” she returned to the munitions depot on her own accord….ready to carry ammo up the hill again. It’s what she wanted to do. There would be other battles to fight….this had been just one of many.
On November 10, 1960 she was given the rank of Staff Sergeant, USMC in a ceremony held for her at her Camp Pendleton, Ca. home. In attendance at the ceremony were her comrades in arms from Korea, her two foals whom she had given to the United States Marines and Marine Corp Commandant Gen Randolph Pate whom had fought side by side with her in Korea. Gen. Pate personally presented the stripes to her.
 In May of 1968 SSgt Reckless, USMC died. Please never forget her…..and don’t let history forget her, either.

Her Facebook page is here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sgt-Reckless/168429476628917?ref=ts&fref=ts

Her website is here: http://www.sgtreckless.com/

reprint of an article by John Byrd

— with Sgt Reckless.

Please Vote

 

 

I have run a quiet, grassroots campaign this year-emphasis on grass, nice green grass.

 I have traveled and talked to the local critters, listening carefully to what they had to say.

I probably won't be voted in as president, that is okay.  I am proud that I did not engage in mud slinging, okay there was some rolling in the mud, but no slinging.

I encourage those of you that are allowed to vote to do so.  When you vote please keep us fur and feathered citizens in mind.  Select a candidate who understands that we are important and to be valued also.

Until there is a horse in the White House we will just have to keep muddling through with the best human that we can-to bad the DOR didn't run for president.

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

 

 



Dona Nobis Pacem

Blogging for peace...Dona Nobis Pacem

Dona Nobis Pacem

 

Bloggers for peace.  Join a world wide movement to promote peace Novemember 4th.

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

Princess fingers



Sorry I have been gone so long...there has been a lot going on.  Here is a picture of me being ridden by the clinician who called me guano butt.  He is showing the DOR how light and responsive I am.  See I have been trying to tell her to stay off my face, that I don't need micromanaged.  He told the DOR to ride with 'princess fingers'

Here is the DOR riding me with princess fingers.  The clinician made it even harder on her by putting slipknots in the reins.  She was not allowed to loose the knots of she would have to perform some kind of Marine torture exercise to remind her to be light on my mouth.  It was a grand success and I was thrilled to have her finally get the message loud and clear!

I would like to thank the clinician for helping her be closer to the rider I want.

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

 

BlogBlast4Peace 2012

Join the DOR and I on November 4th as we, and many others around the world, blog for Peace.
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Guano butt?



The DOR and I attended a clinic this weekend.  I decided that my belly itched while I was tied so I did what any itchy horse would do, dropped my haunches and rubbed my belly on the ground.  The clinician couldn't remember my name and called out that the bat guano butt horse was sitting down.
Guano butt...what the heck.  The clinician explained that in other countries the easiest way to explain an Appaloosa is that it looks like it has guano on its butt.  I beg to differ.  The photo on the left is bat guano, the photo on the right is my butt.  Do they look similar?  Quit laughing, I can hear you.
The DOR says guano butt is better than guano for brains.  She says I know have a new nick name...Guano Butt.  If she calls me that I am going to give her a new name with a game to go with it-Splat The Rider, I shall call her Splat for short.
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

I be stylin'

 

The DOR bought me a new saddle.  It is a Tucker Gen II trail saddle.  I think it looks very nice on me.  It is a lot lighter than my Western saddle and has shorter skirts so it doesn't bother my hips. 

It will take the  DOR and I a bit of getting used to, but all in all it is a great deal as far as I am concerned.  The DOR has to get used to the extra swing the stirrups have, she says it is like riding an English saddle.  I do know that she likes the fact that it is so much lighter as much, if not more than I do.

The one worry I have is that it might make my butt look big.. stinky face Shandy says it is my big butt that makes my butt look big. She keeps up that kind of talk and the lumps I leave with a big ol' appy hoof are going to make her butt look big.

Well here is to many happy trails!

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

Head em up!

 

The DOR and I went cow sorting Wednesday.  I am happy to report I was a rock star!  Well okay I will tell the truth, I was a bit naughty.  Our first two sorts I was a good boy and worked hard.  The DOR was so proud of me and the job I was doing.  Then we had to wait for others to have a turn.  I got irritated about standing waiting to chase cows so I bucked-yes I threw a spotty butt fit.  The DOR made me trot around, but not with the cows, so I bucked some more.  We went in for our third sort and I cut loose with some crazy skills.  I showed I could buck and sort at the same time.

Now while I was not being a particularly good citizen the DOR and I were having a blast.  She does feel that I was being good for my third ride of the year and all the excitement.  We are going again next Wednesday and sort some more.

From the horse that could barely hold up his own rear to this...  The DOR asked the Horse Guardian if she ever thought she would see me sorting cows and she said no.  Just goes to show you should never under estimate an appy we are tough as nails and to stubborn to throw in the towel.

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

Moooove you doggies

Here is Hanna on her first solo ride in the hillside pasture.  She was out there taking a look at the cows, the neighbor horses, the cows, the sprinklers, the cows...

She is not too sure what to do with the cows yet.  When she first spotted them she crouched down a bit like a cat.  I think she wanted to stalk them but she didn't get to this time.

I on the other hand have been trained, okay I went to a clinic with Joe Wolter and he rode me, to work cows.  I am going to show them how it is done at Speck Arena this coming Wednesday.  The DOR better grab a deep seat, grin real big, and hang on for the ride..just sayin'.  Yep rollin, rollin, rollin, get those doggies rollin rawhide!

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

Labor Day

Happy Labor Day to all of the workers!  Without a strong work force the United States would not be where it is today.  So many have worked so hard to keep us strong, free, and prosperous.  Please do not forget the critters that labored beside you. 

Yeah that's right DOR I get the day off too so don't even think about asking me to work.

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

Pedicures and bulls

We all got pedicures yesterday.  The hoof lady said we were all pretty good.  I got my shoes taken off until next spring.  This means I get a bit of a break until my soles get used to being on the ground again.

Little Sister, who is not so little anymore, stepped on the DOR's right foot and re broke her toe.  That poor little toe has been broken several times, all but one of those times caused by a horse hoof.  Yep, the DOR got a big ol' appy hoof award!

The Rodeo Rider and The Mighty Q drug Bob the bull around the arena.  It is harder than it looks because Bob is heavy and the little wheels are not much help in the sand.  Next ride is going to be out with real cows.  The DOR still shakes her head every time she thinks about how close Q came to loosing his life.  How humans, in their lack of understanding horse behavior, would have deemed him dangerous.  Q was a big/strong horse who was misunderstood and needed to be treated in a manner that he could understand.  He is just a big love of a guy.  The most dangerous thing about him is he would love to crawl in your lap if you would let him.

Hanna also took her first ride out in the cow pasture with the Rodeo Rider aboard.  The DOR didn't get to do any riding because of her toe, but she will be back in the saddle soon enough.

We are getting ready for our upcoming clinic.  Robin Shen of Enlightened Horsemanship will be coming to the ranch.  After he gets past the awesomeness of the herd, especially my spotted butt, he will be coaching the humans on how to pay better attention to us.  The DOR is very excited about the whole affair.  I am excited to show Mr. Shen how well I have trained my human. 

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

A DOR went over the mountain.

The DOR and the Horse Guardian went up to the mountain last weekend.  They got to ride up to the top of Magpie and back down.  It is a bit of a steep mountain, making them work hard.

The DOR promised me that if she is going to spend as much time up there next year as she did this year I get to go.

I love the mountain and I think she should send me there for the summer whether or not she goes.  I am very popular with the guests and I get lots of attention.  At the mountain I am The MAN!

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

Silly scritch face

Around here we sure enjoy our scritches. Mushboy thinks that Fritz, the Cow Boss's horse, makes the best scritch face.

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

Starring Cactus Jack Splash...

It was a dark and cloudy day, a perfect day to capture the essence of a snag that the DOR loves to ride by up on the mountain. I am thinking that it would make the perfect backdrop for a bit of a scary story:

Lucky the lumbering Clydesdale was crawling up the hill with the DOR on his back.  His load wasn't heavy, he is just lazy at heart and not working very hard.  What Lucky didn't realize was that a cougar matched them step for step.  The cougar was waiting for its opportunity to snag an easy meal.  As Lucky and the DOR neared an old snag the cougar sprang into action.  It made a wild leap at the oblivious horse and rider.  Luckily for them Cactus Jack Splash had been keeping an eye on the two of them.  He was jealous over the time that the DOR had been spending with Lucky.  The DOR had been neglecting their relationship for the love of the mountain.

Jack moved with lightening speed and planted a big old appy hoof upside the cougar's head, dropping it like a fly.  Lucky squealed like a mare and stood shaking.  The DOR dismounted to check on Jack and at that moment Lucky the chicken took off leaving the DOR in his dust.  Jack kneeled and allowed the DOR to get on his back.  Carefully, since he was not wearing a saddle, he carried her down the hill to the stable and safety.  The DOR swore to Jack she would never leave him behind again and told him he was the best horse in the world.

Yep I think that is a perfect appy story.

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

Fire update

 This is what the Trail Boss and the Mule Skinner faced late this evening.  There wasn't enough spit, muscle, or determination that would allow them to win this battle.  For 48 hours they held the line and allowed the herd to stay safely in their home...but they could do no more.

Mounted on Steele the Trail Boss drove the herd to safety and waiting trailers.  They are now resting at the Fair/Rodeo grounds.
Thanks to all who are helping evacuate livestock and providing safe haven for humans and critters.  Blessings to you all.
I have a herd of big hoofed appys still ready to do a bit of a 'stomp dance' on the fire if needed.
Prayers for safety and a quick end to this fire.
Love,
Cactus Jack Splash and the DOR

Ellensburg and Fighting Fire

This is the Trail Boss, he is a talented horseman and one tough dude.  He has Dos Arroyos Ranch in Ellensburg and is one of the people who is surrounded by the fire.  He and his friend The Mule Skinner (no he doesn't really skin mules) are dug in and protecting the herd at Dos Arroyos.  Freedom's Lady is there and the DOR is a bit worried about her, but  knows she is in good hands.

If you live in that area and have to evacuate you critters take them to the Rodeo grounds.  You can also contact Rodeo City Equine Rescue and they can set you up with a safe place to take your animals to.  If you have no choice but to turn your critter loose please identify it in some manner.  A tag on a collar or halter, use permanent marker to write your name and number right onto the critter if needed.

I am ready to come stomp the fire with my big ol' appy hooves if needed.

Prayers to all my human and fur friends in Ellensburg.

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

Madame President...

Little Sister moved into the He Man Gelding Club pasture a bit over a month ago.  None of us mind, she is quiet and mostly keeps to herself.  When it is treat time she goes first, after all we are gentlemen-that and she will kick our rears if we get out of line.

The DOR says that Little Sister is like our dorm mom, keeping us in line. Even if that is the truth we still enjoy her company.

I personally think that she is just the boss...the president of the pasture.  Imagine that, our little herd has a female president long before humans do!

Don't forget that I still want to be the President of the United States even though Little Sister is the President of the Pasture.

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

He's baaaack?

Since the Hanna has arrived I have been seeing ghost horses...really I have!

The DOR brought home my 1/2 sister, Bohanan's Rhapsody Splash AKA Hanna, and it made our little family complete.  Two full siblings and Hanna now reside at the ranch.

The DOR finds Hanna delightful, of course she would after all Hanna is an appy.  Hanna is a bit naughty though.  She will buck, lift off in the front, and squirt at pressure (she takes after her big brother).  She is given some grace though because she is only 5 and still very green.  The big difference in our temperaments is she has that mare spiciness that I, being a He Man Gelding, do not have.

I was a bit concerned the other day when I looked up and thought I saw Hank the Tank in the mare pasture.  For a moment I thought I was seeing a ghost.  I took a second look and realized it was my little sister.  Now I know why the DOR liked her from the get go, she looks like Hank.  Not only does she look like him, she acts like him a bit too.  The DOR loved Hank very much and misses him.

Now I am wondering if Hank was a cousin of some sort?

By the way, the herd has several nicknames names for Hanna:  Nanna Banana, Squirt, Princess, and my favorite Stinky Face. 

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

Go to work!!!

The DOR's summer break, such as it was is over.  She has been back at work this week and not to happy about it.  I made up this special poster to encourage her to keep going to work.  I am sure this will provide the exact motivation she needs to go to work and hopefully enjoy it too!

Yep that's me, Cactus Jack Splash AKA Boogie, the DOR motivator extraordinaire.

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

Magic

Salty the Wonderhorse entered Mushboy's life several years ago.  It was love at first sight for both of them.  The little boy who didn't speak much found a kindred spirit in the unspoken communication that he shared with Salty.

Salty helped him learn to face the world with courage, confidence, and little by little to come out of his shell.  Salty is at least 27 years old and still goofs around like a youngster.  Salty's bum knee does not slow him down, it has however limited his riders to very small children and then only on occasion.

The other day the two boys were hanging out together.  Salty was a bit mopey and Mushboy was missing the peace and centeredness that sitting on Salty always gives him.  He misses Salty just wondering around the pasture while he flaps his arms and pretends to fly.  So for a moment Mushboy mounted up, Salty proudly carried his boy, and time was turned back.  In that moment the DOR was struck by the depth of their friendship, the clarity of what they truly mean to each other and the magic that Salty the Wonderhorse has woven in Mushboy's life.

Well if she had asked any of her herd we could have told her that these two were destined to be together, that they need each other, and their bond will never end.  Sometimes the DOR can be a bit dense.

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

Masked...

The DOR has been frustrated with most of the herd, me especially, because we won't keep our fly masks on.  Salty the Wonderhorse and Sir Darby (better known as Sir Royal Pain) keep theirs on-the big suck ups.

She puts them on, we take them off, she hunts for them, she puts them on and the cycle continues.

Now you think she might find this to be a bit of fun, but noooo she grumbles the entire time.  Things like; fine let they flies eat your eyes right out of your head, maybe you like having the flies bother you all the time, if I have to spend 30 minutes to find one more mask I swear I won't put them on you ever again.  But still each day she goes out and hunts our masks and puts them back on.

She did buy some new, more stylish ones for us.  Little Sister and I appreciate the new masks and have kept them on since getting them.  I am hoping that the DOR has learned that not only do we want our masks to be serviceable, but we want fashion too.

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

 The DOR is back and will be staying back for a bit. 
She has been at the mountain for the past two weeks playing wrangler.  She has had a good time and is now ready to face her real job.
Today was farrier day and all the horses were good.  The weather was hot and she was tired so she had the Bull Rider ride Q and Hanna for her today.
She did a wrap on my leg and then went home.
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Paging Dr. DOR...

See that bump inside the red circle?

Maybe you can see it better here...Dr. DOR needs to take care of it stat...it is goofy looking.

That bump should not be there.  It also developed while the DOR was off playing on the Mountain.  It appears that I am growing a calcium deposit for some reason, most likely an old injury site. 

The DOR is going to start doctoring me up with a sweat that is designed to dissolve such growths. 

This will keep her busy until she heads out again.

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

Lucky says his prayers

Leah Shepard took this photo of Lucky up at Sun Mountain. 
I think he heard the DOR is heading up to the mountain tomorrow to play faux wrangler for several days.  He is praying all her pants rip out, her riding boots get holes in them, a bee stings her in the rear, and that she develops what her brother Steve calls 'the huckleberry hurries'.  He is also praying that with all of that she won't be able to make him work, but will spend all day feeding him treats...
Keep praying Lucky and let me know how it works for you.  The DOR is pretty determined when it comes to getting to ride at the mountain.  I think you should just be praying for good weather for her to ride you in my friend, because ride she will.
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Saturday doings

Come join the DOR, Mushboy, and the Wrestler at this event tomorrow.  It is a fundraiser for RCER.  This organization has helped many of my friends and herdmates:  Freedom's Lady, Aunt Beau, and Mickey just to name a few.

Thank you so very much!

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

Sitting again

Shoe update: not only did I get my lost shoe put back on, all my shoes were reset.  Now I have no valid reason not to put my spotted rear back to work. 

Here is a photo the the DOR enjoying one of her favorite things to do, gentling a horse.  She loves the time, peace, and centeredness of working in harmony with a horse.  The gentling process always teaches her something important about herself.  It is like spending hours on self reflection as she and the horse mirror each other.

I think she would love to have a job where all she did was gentle horses.  I do know she would miss the students that she works with.  Especially the ones at the alty, she says in many ways they are a reflection of what she does with us.

I wonder if I start acting like a wild/ungentled horse the DOR will spend hours trying to gentle me and not making me work....

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

Almost Anniversary

Little Sister has been with the herd for almost a year now.  She joined us starved, dehydrated, 1/2 blind, bad feet, and with scrapes and marks all over her.  She has blossomed while wrapped in the warmth of the herd's care.  She has even developed some appy spots, good thing since the DOR love us appys best.  Sister is 21 years old, that is middle-aged for an appy.  She gave here first ride to a light rider this spring.

Please consider taking in a horse in need...they will reward you greatly for your kindness.  Sister is the mother of world champions, hard to believe the heights and depths this fine lady had been to.  She is enjoying her retirement and gives so much love back to all who meet her.

If you live near Ellensburg, WA please join the DOR at Rodeo City Horse Daze and consider adopting one of their available horses.

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

Find my shoe...

DOR, DOR what you gonna do?  Your favorite spotty butt has thrown a shoe...
DOR, DOR how you gonna ride?  I am missing a shoe on my front right side.
DOR, DOR you look a little sad, I am getting time off and that makes me extra glad...
What?  You called who?  I am getting new shoes and have extra work to do?
Well cow poop!  It was good while it lasted.
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Hey, I think you forgot something important.

The DOR created this poster to reminder of all the things she has learned while in the saddle.  If you look closely you will see my spotted butt wearing that saddle. Given that this saddle spends most of its time on my back one has to ask 'Is it the saddle or the extremely talented horse wearing it that she has learned from?'
I do have to say that the saddle does have a lot to do with it.  She loves this saddle and it fits us both so good that we are able to do things we didn't before she got it.  I also know she uses it on other horses (but not my bridle!).  I do have to say she would ride me bareback if I would let her, she rides Sir Royal Pain that way.  I don't like being ridden bareback...it tickles and makes me squirty.
I hope the the DOR and I have many years to keep learning together.
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

More therapy!

If you have followed my blog for long you will be familiar with the two years of therapy that I went through.  The DOR had a variety of therapists, nutritionists, and what I refer to as 'WooWoo people' working with me to help me recover.  The DOR followed through on the regimes they recommended for me and now I am better than ever!

Now it is my turn to help deliver therapy to humans.  I have been helping a nice lady provide Equis Therapy.  I am pretty darn good at it if I do say so myself, that may be from my own past experiences.  My job is to mirror the emotions of the human I am with to help them see themselves honestly and without judgement.  Then I help them learn to work on the skills that they need to be able to move forward in their lives in a happy/productive manner.  I like this new job of mine.

Yep Dr. Boogie, I will help you learn to dance the happy dance.  The Dr. is in the house...well in the pasture.

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

The Rodeo Rider is back from his competition.  He qualified for the National High School Rodeo finals...I guess that means he is good.  I am not sure how he did, but he returned in one piece.

The Rodeo Rider loves to ride bucking horses.  So far none of the DOR's horses he has ridden have offered to buck for him.  I am thinking that maybe she should have him ride me.  I could give him a run for his fun-I might even launch him to the moon.  After all I want to make sure he is happy and having fun!

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

Appy strong

I know a lot about being strong.  I have learned about inner strength and physical strength.  I also know that sometimes one must struggle mightily to become stronger.

I learned these lessons from many places.  My mom who survived to be rescued from a terrible hoarder/abuser.  From the humans who have been in my life; Bub the soldier, Mushboy, the Horse Guardian, and the Cow Boss.  I learned many lessons from the horses at Sun Mountain.  Little Sister, was so thin and is blind in one eye, still she loves to chase cows.  Salty the Wonder Horse who is lame, but every once in awhile will challenge us to a hoof race.  The Mighty Q who had to learn to trust and give his heart to someone.  Then there was Freedom Dancer who taught us all a lessons about being strong,  how to live a long and happy life, along with the importance of taking care of those you love.

The DOR used to tell me when you are down on your knees you just need to stand.  Stood I did, not only did I stand, I learned to run and dance.

I encourage anyone who is struggling to realize what a great opportunity they are being given to become stronger.

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





Happy 4th of July

Happy 4th of July.
Thanks to all the individuals who ensure that we remain free!
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

What does Darby do?

Just what does Darby do?  Seriously, what the heck is his job?  He expects to be treated like royalty and won't share his pasture.  The DOR rides him about twice a year.  He isn't too old, isn't lame, he is broke so why does he get to collect welfare?  It is like he is a perfectly fit riding horse who is retired.  I just don't get it, the rest of the herd have jobs, unless they are in retirement like Salty the Wonderhorse and Little Sister and they even help out where they can.  So again I ask...What does Darby do?



Well here is the answer...Sir Darby packs a very special little lady around when she comes to visit her grandmother the DOR.  The Little Princess calls Darby 'her horse' and indeed he is.  He loves her and will spend all day carrying her on his back.  He is genlte, kind, and ever so careful with her...a bit of a surprise considering he will harrass and terrorize any horse who dares to try and share a pasture with him.
The DOR says moments like this are why he is here and the rest of the time he just gets spoiled.  She says when I get older and calm down I can have the same kind of job.  I don't think so, I have no patience for little kids and their shenannigans.  I used to think Darby was just a grumpy, pompus horse.  Turns out that I was wrong, he has the patience of a saint and the courage of a hero.  I guess I need to quit talking mean about him...at least while the DOR's grandkids are around.
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Tahkoe the tolting princess

Tahkoe is Mushboy's little princess.  Mushboy calls her Tahkoe the Terrific, the herd calls her Tahkoe the Terrible because she chases us and likes to nip our rears.  It is a good thing Mushboy loves her.

The DOR has been working with her and has The Rodeo Rider starting her under saddle.  This is her third ride, taken yesterday, and the first time she has worn a bit.  She loves to tolt...actually I think she is trying to run away from her rider if the truth be told.

She will be entering training full-time shortly and will return as a nice saddle horse for Mushboy.  While Tahkoe is gone the DOR is going to start serious groundwork with Mighty Mouse.  I am not sure that he will be happy about that at all!

I was the the DOR's partner for her first equis therapy session.  I have never done that before and was surprised at how well it worked for her. It is the first time that she has had a real happy smile on her face and pure joy in her heart since the Heard Leader died.  I plan on having her do her homework and keeping that feeling there for her until her next session.  It is true that the outside of a horse is good for the inside of a human.

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

Ugly Donkey Face

People comment about my beautiful spotted rear.  Sometimes they comment about my large foundation appy head.  Okay, comment is mild...they often state I have a jar head that resembles a mule.  That is okay, the DOR thinks I am beautiful-even my head.
I will tell you that my little sister Hanna has a dainty, fine boned head.  You think that would make her pretty now wouldn't you.  It would if she wasn't busy making an ugly donkey face at me.  The DOR took us both to the arena at the same time.  It is the first time that we have been together in the same space.  We have been next to each other in pastures.  We have played kissy face and scritched each other's necks, but being together in the same space is new.  After we were done doing our work the DOR took me over and introduced me to Hanna and told her I was her big brother...look at the face she made!  You think she would be happy to find out we were related.  You think she would be thrilled to have a brother whose picture went into space on the space shuttle!  But noooo, I get the ugly donkey face.  She also did some weird spitting, tounge scrapping thing like she was trying to get rid of germs.
I am beginning to think that all mares are a bit crazy.  I think I will just stick to the He Man Gelding Club.
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug you DOR!

A little bling for my little sis

 

My little sister Hanna has a bridle of her own.  She has been using mine, but I really don't like other horses using my bit.  I have a very special bit that the DOR got for me and I really like it. 

Her bridle has some bling along with interesting conchos and buckles.  It also sports a horse hair macate.  I did give her my old copper mouth D-ring snaffle bit, so don't say I never share okay Hanna.

The DOR and Hanna took their first ride together with this rig and it worked well.  Hanna did not try any of her rearing tricks to get out of going forward.  She didn't do any of the fancy footwork that I did, but with time she should get there.  I do have to say she can buck and pitch a fit as good as her big brother.  Hanna put on quite a show while she was being lunged.  She loped, she bucked, she snorted (even sent unlady like snot flying through the air), and she flew her tail like an Arabian...makes me feel proud.

I will have to speak to her about having better manners though.  Better manners earn treats and we all love treats.

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

Blind trust

The DOR came out and spent the afternoon yesterday getting a bit of horse therapy.  I made sure she had a wonderful time by being on my best behavior.

We played with the barrels.  I usually do figure eights around two barrels...today I showed of by doing a clover leaf pattern using
three barrels.  The DOR was delighted with my new ground trick.
I made sure that she got lots of horse hugs and snuggles.  I even showed her how much I trust her by letting her cover my eyes and lead me around.  For some reason this made her cry...I guess showing blind trust in a human really overwhelms them.
During our ride I made sure not to give her any appytude about being in the arena.  I trotted and walked laterally...eat your heart out Buck!  I was light and responsive and to top it all off I did not do one single imitation of a Mexican jumping bean.
Turns out with humans tears and smiles can all come at the same time, which is a good thing.
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

Ride DOR ride

I am very concerned about the DOR.  As her trust steed it is my duty to keep her healthy and safe.  With that in mind I have been looking for ways to find a way to keep her in shape so that she is ready to carry me to Mount Everest.
I know how much she loves to ride horses and was very pleased when I found this photo.  See, she combine her love of horses with a fitness routine.  In fact if she rode a bike like this out to feed me treats at least twice a day life would be good for both of us.
Now I just have to figure out how to get the SCC to make her bike look like this...
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

I am not a sardine!

The DOR has been looking at trailers.  Now I have some concerns about that... What if she gets a trailer that is too small and it makes my butt look big?  What if she tries to take too many horses at once and we look like sardines in a can?  And the biggest concern is that this means she will be hauling me more places and making me WORK!

My solution? I will be happy to go anywhere the DOR wants as long as she hauls me there in the manner depicted in the above picture.  Yep that's right, as long as she is willing to carry me to the site I will carry her once we get there. 

Hey DOR, want to go up Mount Everest?  I am ready anytime you are!

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

Happy Father's Day

The DOR has a bunch of special friends.  They made sure that a special horse, some trails, and lots of riding would help her make it through the first Father's Day without the Herd Boss.

She wore a red hunting hat like the Herd Boss wore.  She traveled in the area where he had taken her in her youth.  There were tears, smiles, laughter, and many fine memories. She said it was the first time in a long time that they traveled the trails together.

It was a wonderful Father's Day!

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

Be aware of your cues

The DOR thought this was a darling picture and so very true. 
She has learned to be careful how she asks her horses to do things.  There have been a few times the responses to her requests, while just what she asked for, were not what she wanted.  These little boys are going to find out the same thing shortly.  In all the years she has ridden she has had horses take off at a faster speed than she wanted, turn too quickly, stop to suddenly, and other unplanned maneuvers.
Buck do as little as possible, but enough to get the horse to do what you want it to do.  Seems it takes lots of practice to get that down.  Seems most humans start out doing too much...
The DOR has a friend that is making sure that she is spending her first Father's Day without her dad in the mountains he loved.  What a great friend!
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!

There are limits

 

For those of you who have be familiar with me for a bit my next statement will come as no surprise.
I am still not fond, actually I fear, white grocery sacks!
I have become a good solid citizen since the DOR got me.  I rarely hop or buck, I try hard to do what is asked of me, and I take good care of the DOR when we are on the trail.  But even Superman had limits, he could never get past the effects that kryptonite had on him.  Well I may never get past the effects that a white grocery sack has on me.
The DOR has tried everything.  She tied one to my saddle when she was lunging me-took me almost an hour to quit running in circles like a crazy horse.  She would put my treats in a tub put inside a treat bag-I gave up treats, after all I have to watch my figure.  She hung white grain bags over my hay tub-I lost weight grabbing mouthfuls of hay and running off to eat.  She did catch me after I had been on the trail for a day and managed to rub me down with one of the blasted bags.  I was too tired to do much and was pretty itchy so I was able to hold myself together.
Well Superman and I will just keep working on our one big weakness until we beat it.
Look! It's a bird, it's a plane...no it isn't Superman-it is Superappy leaping a grocery sack in one mighty bound.
Enjoy your day and don't forget to hug your DOR!