Quote for the week

"Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?"

The DOR tends to be a terrible worrier. She worries if we are warm enough, if we are too hot, are we eating enough or eating too much, are we out of adjustment, do we get enough attention, are we too spoiled.....and the list goes on. Now look at the list, those are worries she has just about us horses-imagine the worries she must have in the rest of her life? What can a human accomplish if they spend so much of their thinking time worrying. Surely more could get done with less worry.

Believe it or not she worries less now the she is listening to the lessons we horses are teaching her. I have challenged her to try and have a worry free week this week. How about joining her in my challenge? See what a difference it makes.

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

Grumpy Old Horse Ranch News

This morning was 11 degrees as the farrier and equine therapist pulled into the ranch. The DOR had on three shirts, fleece lined jeans, fleece leg and neck warmers (made by her friend Jody), gloves, and a hat...she was having a hard time moving with all those clothes on. The DOR and SCC were bundled up so much that if they tipped over they would probably need help getting up.

Coelho, Shandi, and I got our feet done and we were very good for the farrier. The therapist gave me an adjustment...it felt wonderful. She also worked on Darby. The DOR was going to take a lesson on Jack, but she was so bundled up and would have struggled getting on and off of Jack. As it was time just ran out so they didn't get to the lesson.

We were all shocked to see the 32 year-old horse who boards here give the farrier a really hard time. We have seen some hard to trim horses before, but this guy put them all to shame.

The farrier will be back next week to trim Sir Darby and Jack, along with other horses.

That is all the news from Grumpy Old Horse Ranch where not all the horses are old and Sir Darby is the only one who is grumpy.

We have lift off!

Discovery successfully launched for her last mission. The DOR and I are now in outer space, well sort of in outer space. Our photograph was selected to join other photos on this historic mission.

I think it is fitting since I tried to launch the DOR to the moon during my werehorse episode.

Safe journey to our fellow astronauts.

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

Three Amigos

Just like with horses, there are human herds.

The herd in this photo consists of the DOR's grandson the Little Prince, Mushboy, and the DOR's nephew the Wrestler. They all get along so well. They don't kick, nip, or do pinny ears at each other. They play lots of games and share really well. The best thing is when they all come to the ranch we get really spoiled.

I took a "hay poll" of the ranch residents and they all feel that the three amigos should get together at least once a month and come out to spoil us for a day.

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

Old appys and little kids

This gentle old soul is Aunt Bee. She was rescued by RCER and is rehabbing at the ranch for now. She is a registered appaloosa and has spent her life taking care of her riders. When her usefulness declined because of her age her owners quit taking good care of her, they tossed her aside. Poor payment for a job well done.

This weekend she became the first horse that the DOR's grand daughter had ever touched, ever groomed. She became the first horse that this little girl has fallen in love with. How can you place a value on that? How can you watch a little girl and her dad gently groom a horse, enjoying the moment, finding calm, feeling peace and say that Aunt Bee is no longer useful?

The DOR finds watching a human fall in love with a horse for the first time so special to watch. She also thinks Aunt Bee is a very special lady. Some where in the world are other Aunt Bee's waiting for their opportunity to help a little kid fall in love with a horse...Personally I hope they all meet up soon because the world would be a much better place.

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