12.24.2013

Merry Christmas from me to you

To each and every one of you,
sharing your kindness,
and your knowledge of horses:

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas,
and a Healthy Happy New Year!!

2013 Handmade Christmas Card
(cover & inside saying)

12.22.2013

all over, randomly

WI is suppose to get some snow this weekend, at least I hope so! We headed north to ride earlier then usual, just incase the dumper of snow hit before expected. We were surprised to find the barn completely quiet, just the way - I - love - it!! My hubby raked the arena, again......and so, we got to ride on freshly raked sand!

He suggested two things for this ride, that turned out fantastic! One, try loping Koda off like I used to (before the 360 circle-off's) just because, and two, try putting cones in random order, instead of in a pattern - say what? 

I tried, but every single cone I randomly placed ended up in a pattern regardless of where I placed them - I am hopeless! So, I moved those darn cones and re-re-placed them until they were patternless, or at least as well as possible!! I also set up some trot poles...





Surprise surprise, with the freshly raked sand Koda loped off a corner on the first try - and yes, on the correct lead! Hmmmm? Truth be told, Koda offered the wrong left lead on a similar lope-off later in our ride (never ever has he given the wrong lead on his much preferred right side) but, we re-tried and got it - sans circle. I am getting sooo much closer to feeling his lead 100% either way on his tricky left side, and that my friends is a huge thing (in my world).

The specialness about freshly raked sand is the way you can SEE your horses footprints. I was giddy to see when Koda did TRUE side-passes, the writing was in the sand!!

As for those random cones, simply genius! Hubby said he read a recent article, counter to what you hear on the TV/Internet where you don't want to believe everything you hear/read, but instead try what makes sense - these suggestions made sense. 

With cones placed all over, multi-patterns were left up to horse and rider to create on the fly, and yes it was so much more interesting then cones in a row! Of course, we had a ton of fun playing follow the leader around and occasionally through (oops!) the random cones, towards the end of our ride - did you have any doubt?!!

As for our horses, they also had snow much fun inside & outside!!


Koda, Nemo, Cierra (L-R)


12.20.2013

one trick pony

My horse does a new trick.

I couldn't have taught him to do it if I tried.

Not sure if it was our unintentional one week break, or the deep sand, or combination thereof, but Koda decided it was easier to switch from left to right leads at close to a stand still, in mid air - then it would be to take the asked for left lead.

It goes something like this...

Pro-action: 360 circle at a trot, to assist in getting the correct left lead at a lope

Step one: cue for some power/lift from behind

Step two: start circle by turning away from the wall

Step three: keep horse moving forward through circle


Not a step: despite my best efforts, Koda slows waaaay down in anticipation 

Step four: while coming towards the wall (at whatever degree that is) cue for a lope, so the next natural step is the correct lead leg

Not a step: he doesn't take the cue. we are now at our beginning point, next to the wall, at all but a stand still, for a split second - in movement, in time, in air - as Koda sloooowly reaches forward with his left front inside leg - and does some funky bait-n-switch, that feels like it happens with a whoohoo hop, resulting in his preferred right (in this case, outside) lead.

Really horse? That is a lot more work then taking the dang correct lead! First try had me puzzled "did Koda just do what I think he did?" We loped a bit while I processed. He has the smoothest counter canter to the left...stopped, and tried it again.

Second try, I have a witness. Brad yells out "he just switched leads in mid-air". Yes, yes he did - I can clearly feel him doing it. 

Koda takes flying lead changes to a new level.

Third airborne acrobat move earned Koda a swat on the butt. He knows damn well what I am asking for! We have been practicing this for weeks, and had many, many successful lope-offs as well as some unsuccessful ones that led to subsequent tries. 

Were these executed perfectly, no. Do I need to keep Koda moving through the entire circle, yes! I am trying, it would be nice if he met me half way. I've gained approval from our trainer on several circle lope offs in the recent past, while visiting during our rides. It helps my confidence to have had a trained eye watch.

In my past, I've gotten plenty of smiles from trainers on my corrections. I dislike applying pressure (aka getting after my horse). So much, that some result in "is that all you got" looks from my horse "I thought that was a fly". However when I know it isn't me, or it's clearly naughty/unsafe, and fear has not welled up, I am capable of applying appropriate pressure. 

We had this down, and had worked back up to corner & even some straight wall lope offs - again. What a difference a week makes. I know Koda knows exactly what I am asking for, and so we progress onto...

Step five: horse remains moving forward, takes the correct lead and lopes off, continues collected and loping until I ask him to stop. That was the nicest lope I've gotten in a long time, what a sweet feeling! 

I could feel my horse thinking, as we rounded the arena with ease. He was probably cursing my name. Koda earned a big long break, and lotsa "atta-boy" affection afterwards. So much easier, and less work, then being a one trick pony! Later in our ride, we did the circle-off correctly again - with the first ask.

Sweet Koda

12.17.2013

how loooow can you go

Nemo



Koda


Our boys crawling to the gate on a recent cold sunny December day.


12.12.2013

honey I shrunk the horse

Koda has been miniaturized, on a greatly reduced scale. He was only a few feet away from me, when he was made into an extremely small size. They say this happens in order to keep volume or weight to a minimum.

So, that's what I've gotta do to lose weight? Miniaturized myself? Can you even imagine? Me either.

Miniaturization happens when you are made to be much smaller then normal. Reduced to tininess. On a very small scale, a minute version of oneself, or in this case a mini version of ones horse...


Little Koda


I am glad the condition didn't last long. I've become rather fond of Koda, just the way he is...



12.11.2013

the next best thing

They replaced the indoor arena flooring at our barn last summer, and put new sand in. Unfortunately the service door recently broke, and dragging the arena has been problematic. With all the traffic it gets, it doesn't take long for holes and sand dunes to appear in the deep arena sand. 

Before we rode my hubby rigged a ratchet type pulley on the door, so he could test out a new arena drag they are considering buying. It happens to be the exact same one we look at every year at Horse Fair. We dream of the day we have a reason to buy one of our own! 





I helped briefly hold the chain, and then went to check out Koda & Nemo's new (to them) turnout pasture. It is further away from the barn, but has access to automatic water. I think they'll like spending their days out there?



Why is she not bringing us in?

Between the work, play happens with this little guy running around...



5 months of happiness

I helped our trainer shovel the sand away that builds up on the corner walls. It's much harder then it sounds. Brad got things adjusted on the drag, so it could go round and round with ease. We had to stay on our toes to get out of his way!  She mentioned it looked like he was having fun running the drag, trust me - he was. My hubby was so happy, it's the next best thing to owning your own...






What a huge difference! Nemo & Koda noticed it right away. I set up some poles & cones, and we ended the afternoon with a nice ride on freshly raked sand!!

12.07.2013

will it fall out?

Last summer I made a living wreath out of 80 succulent cuttings, it hung on the side of our shed. I enjoyed watching it grow and begin to fill out. In November, I took it down for the winter. I am attempting to overwinter it outside until spring, hoping at least some plants will make it through the winter...




...for the past month, I've been looking at that bare spot and thinking I should really make a winter wreath. Something inexpensive, that can take our harsh WI weather. Evergreens wreaths are the obvious choice, but I'm no Martha Stewart. I decided on a grapevine wreath. I figured they come from nature, and don't cost a lot. I let the idea ferment in my head for a while...

...with coupon's in hand, I found a pre-made grapevine wreath and picked up a few cheap-o decorations. I intended to make this winter wreath using all natural decor, but after walking my frozen gardens I realized I don't grow much that could be used. I looked into buying natural dried decor, holy cow do they charge a lot per stem! I made my wreath for less then five dollars, but its worth a lot more then that to me...

...I coated one of Harmony's old shoes with a light sparkle clear lacquer that I had, repurposed some old "berries" I saved years ago, secured them together, and whalaa - my homemade winter wreath:










I've become rather fond of it, and hung it on my front door instead of the shed outside. So much for filling that bare spot on the shed wall!! 

I like things slightly off center, and tipped the horseshoe. I wasn't even thinking about all the superstition that surrounds them...until my hubby teased that now all our good luck was going to spill out! I believe a horseshoe is tipped so it can catch good luck. That's my story and I'm sticking to it, unless bad things start happening...

12.02.2013

closing out november

On the last day of November we arrived at the barn to find the boys outside enjoying some lunch and peacefully soaking up the warm Fall sun...





...with no more then a slow head raise, Koda & Nemo look up. We think they are saying "oh sh&! they are here" as they sink their muzzles back down into the hay to continue softly chewing. One of the best, most soooothing, sounds in the world!!

I soak up some pasture time with them, for just a short while. It's one of the things I miss most about not having the boys at home. Just plain 'ol hanging around with them...


Nemo


Nemo was barely concerned with the arena door on this ride, and continues to follow Brad around like a puppy dog. He is always in his back pocket.



Koda

Koda is happiest with his nose nuzzled deep into a pile of hay. He doesn't fidget when I halter him, and pokes along behind me to the indoor arena. We had another great ride, no odd breathing. Koda continues behaving so well. I am enjoying every single minute with him!!

When we were done riding, I felt kinda bad. Koda & Nemo didn't get to go back outside to their sunny pasture. We decided it was best as it was close to supper time, and with the warmer day their winter coats brought on a bit of sweat. The sun wouldn't be up much longer anyways, and they would be content with the fresh piles of hay in their stalls. They seem so much happier living the routine at Iron Horse. 

November is a transition month for me. The last of the lingering winter chores get completed and family gatherings happen. We get a taste of the cold weather to come. Numbers chalk up that tell me I am older. It's the month we are reminded to be grateful. After 5 years I still wonder how we got so damn lucky to have these amazing horses enriching our lives....and for that, I will forever be grateful.



11.29.2013

cold weather riding

This is the first winter in a long time that I have had access to riding in an indoor (unheated) arena on a regular basis. Our past couple rides have led me to brush up on cold weather riding tips, to make sure I'm not forgetting anything.

We continue to consistently ride our horses 3X a week, last week was 4X for me. Typically pulling Koda & Nemo out of the turnout pasture before riding, and doing the usual things to prepare. With the added cold, we started keeping our bridles inside the house, and warming bits up as best we can once we get around to riding at the barn. 

Cold weather warm ups & cool downs are longer, and our horses are not ridden hard. When we are finished riding our boys are typically warmish, but not sweaty. They go into their stalls, and not back outside. They live in the unheated wing of the barn. In the past I've used coolers (and even hair dryers) on other unclipped horses, but so far I haven't felt the need for them with these guys.

On my last ride, anything more then a walk brought on heavier breathing/panting and lasted ridiculously long. I wondered if it was the cold air? or possibly feed/water/boredom related? Outside low temps this past week have been around the twenties/teens, with the indoor arena warmer. Doubt I could handle the cold otherwise. I remember a past trainer mentioning something about air temp (below freezing?) being too cold for horses lungs. I've done some Googling on the subject, and found this to not be a concern. Regardless I started taking longer breaks, and was about to rule loping out - except this unusual breathing reminded me of our trail ride last Fall. Once again I wondered if something truly was bothering Koda, or if he figured out a way to work less. If that is even possible. Have you ever heard of a horse doing such a thing with breathing? Puffing out when cinching is the only semi-related thing I can think of, and that Koda sometimes does. Note; the conditions of the two mentioned rides are very different. I am such an over-thinking worry wart!

All the horses at the barn are being ridden inside with these temps. Haven't heard of any weather related issues. Nemo doesn't appear to have any cold weather riding concerns, unless you count the evil arena service door that just might eat him! No clue what brought this on either. It has made the beginning of the past several rides interesting for my hubby, with some serious convincing that the arena door is ok.

Before ending our ride, I decided to do a half arena lope transition to a half arena trot, into walk - both directions. Just to do a little loping and see how Koda handled it. He didn't seem to have a problem, so we walked around cooling down before ending our ride. Which leaves me wondering, and curious to see what Koda will be like next time...

11.20.2013

quiet your mind

Between the late Fall wind, rain and clouds, an occasional sunny day shows up. They can be rare this time of year. Sunny days give me a burning desire to spend time outside, preferably with our horses, trail riding in the woods. It's all I can think about after returning home from my hot yoga class. I recently ramped up my practice, and altho the instructor offered plenty of challenge - it was the first time I didn't feel like I sweated my vinyasa self into a puddle. Trust me, I had my moments...but came home with renewed energy. 

I decide to forgo all the "should do's" and enjoy the sunny day, and then I realized my saddle was still in hubby's truck. Darn it! My mind started doing the yo-yo thing....it goes something like this: Maybe I should just stay home and get stuff done? But I really don't want to. Who knows when it will be sunny again. Maybe I should call Brad and get my saddle? I don't want to bother him. Do I really want to ride without Brad & Nemo anyways? I want to see my horse! If I show up unannounced, will I even be able to ride? I wonder if the outdoor arena is dry enough to ride in? It's sunny...and just like that, my husband pulls in the driveway. I think he read my mind!

I try to convince him to play hooky & come riding with me, but he can't. Lucky for me, I can. On the long drive up to the barn I damper the uncertainty that creeps up, with the calmness yoga teaches me. If nothing else, I'll hug our horses and snap a few photos. Pictures are so much harder to get now that our horses don't live at the home farm. It really doesn't matter if I ride or not. What matters is that I am taking the time to do what I love, to be with our horses.

It's quiet when I arrive at the barn. One rider getting ready to leave, people dropping off a horse, and me. I guess they knew our trainer would be gone. I certainly don't need her there to ride (no offense). I just prefer someone be on the property if I am going to ride alone. We find her assistant, and she is genuinely happy (and surprised) to see me. She is off to take care of the folks dropping off a horse for training, and I am off to the pasture to get my horse.

Koda & Nemo seem happy to see me. Cierra must have gotten worked earlier, because she was in her stall. It makes it so much easier to get out of the pasture with one horse, because Cierra always wants it to be her. Nemo walks with Koda & I to the gate, just a few soft spoken words then he turns and goes back to grazing. He knows his human is not here. Koda has been so sweet and easy going lately, and meanders to the barn with me.

The outdoor arena was not dry, looks like another indoor ride for us. I still get my dose of sunshine, so much that it blinds me as I round one of the arena corners. It doesn't bother me. Instead I close my eyes, and soak it up as we quietly ride through it... 

We eventually progressed to loping. It was then I realized I had an audience, including a short human. I can feel Koda's eyes migrate to him as we ride past. They all laugh as the little guy automatically steps back, guess the big brown horse flying around got a little bigger by the gate! The little guy must be around two, and doesn't want to leave. He wants to watch me ride, and puts up a short fuss before they head out. It was super cute from where I was!

Koda & I finished up a really nice afternoon! We haven't done much riding alone, and it warms my heart that he trusts me enough to do it willingly. We had zero issues, and he did everything I asked - including left leads. My good boy got to enjoy a short grassy snack before heading into his stall. 

Before I knew it was super time at the barn, and the horses were starting to come in. Nemo called out to me to make sure I didn't forget about him, as if I ever could. When I brought Nemo in from the pasture, he was sugary sweet with a light touch. Not sure what he was saying to me with those expressive eyes of his, but he had such a soft look...

My ride home felt much different then the ride up. My mind was filled with the quiet belief and gratitude, that only horses give you...


my sweet boy

11.18.2013

time for some sunshine

Thank you Tails from Provence for awarding me the Sunshine Award! I went to see what the sunshine was all about, and learned interesting things! Check out the beautiful photos, inspiration and humor Tails from Provence shares and while you are at it, vote for her deserving blog in the HayNet 2012 Blogger of the Year competition!!

The sunshine award goes to “bloggers who positively and creatively inspire others in the blogosphere.” I'll do my best to follow the rules, altho I may will bend the last one.

1) First, the nominee must thank the blogger that nominated them and link to their blog.

2) Then, answer a list of ten questions and post them on the awarded blog.

1. Do you prefer Mares or Geldings? 
Doesn't really matter, altho I seem to partner better with Geldings

2. English or Western?
Western


3. Do you prefer “younger” or “older” horses?
Younger, well-trained horses. 

4. Have you ever trained a horse from ground zero?
No, I've done parts with guidance. I enjoy working with young horses. Maybe someday?


5. Do you prefer riding or ground work?
Riding, but I believe in the importance of ground work



6. Do you board your horse or keep it at home? 
We switched to full-time boarding this year. Like everything, it has it's plus & minuses

7. Do you do all natural things or commercial stuff?
A blend of our own

8. All Tacked up or Bareback?
Tacked up, altho I would like to do more bareback riding

9. Equestrian model?
None...I've deleted my answer so many times - that is when "the dot-dot-dot" comes in


10. What’s your, one, main goal while being in the horse world? 
To be able to enjoy the endless wonder equine offer, for as long as I can
3) Next the nominee must nominate ten bloggers for the award, and let them know.

I really enjoy the sunshine these listed blogs spread (in no particular order). They keep it real, complete with fantastic photos and stories of life happenings. I can relate to each of them, and feel like I've gotten to know these wonderful folks through blogs:



I hope to get to know the rest of you wonderful bloggers better, for I have no doubt you spread sunshine too! So grab your award and play along, or not ~ you are all winners regardless!! 

11.06.2013

yoga and horses

Notice I didn't title this post "yoga ON horses" altho apparently that is trending. Not remotely why I started putting my thoughts to the keyboard. Besides the occasional yoga for riding books, there is a whole plethora of equine related yoga happening out there on (and off) horseback. Who knew?

I recently started practicing yoga consistently, on a mat. After only six months I've barely scratched the surface, and yet yoga has already helped me be true to myself. 

It helped me find the inner strength to make an agonizing career change, and cleared my head so I could get out of my way while riding Koda.

I am happier, just ask my husband. I am more balanced, just ask my horse. I am more at peace, just ask my heart. 

Yoga has made me physically and mentally stronger. Have I lost a ton of weight? Nope. If that is what you seek, you are missing the point of yoga. I can say the same exact thing about horseback riding, it makes me physically and mentally stronger.

When I talk to others about yoga or horseback riding, I typically find one of three things (in order of frequency):

1) Resistance "can't do it because of _________ " 

I assure you, you can do yoga. It's not about twisting into a pretzel. It's about connecting your mind with your body. You can do that in a chair if needed, or in the presence of a horse. 

Barring major physical exceptions, you can also ride a horse. You just haven't met the right horse, or person to help you find the right one.

Find a quality instructor for yoga or horseback riding. It's worth the time. 

2) Glazed Response

The conversation ends before it begins. These people just don't get it. If you've read this far, be thankful you are not one of them. I am.

3) Wishful Thinking

How many times have you heard "I've always wanted to...or wish I could..."? I try to inspire these folks. It might just be the catalyst for them to take that last step. There is only one person stopping them...

So who out there practices? Do tell. Doesn't have to be formal yoga, could just be whatever practice brings you to a mindful place. Could be running, something that used to be my reconnect. Could be the woods, which still is for me. I only wish I had regular access to woods...perhaps I should reread number 3 above.

What do you do to connect with your inner self? I know the horse lover in you does, even if you think it's weird to talk about.

I'm not going to go all yogasana on you, nor will I be taking my physical yoga practice on horseback. What I really meant to say in a nut shell, is yoga is a lot like horseback riding ~ soulfully rewarding.

my yogi

11.03.2013

where did that come from?

After we got rained out on our first attempt, another Friday group trail ride was planned. It wasn't suppose to rain, but once again it did. As the rain fell, so did the prospective riders. Eventually even the hardiest of us gave up the idea of heading out on the trails. We were going to do another farm ride instead, but the rain never let up. Those of us that remained at the barn, rode inside and turned a rainy day into a valued riding day.

Our morning ride was good, four of us riders worked in the indoor arena with our mounts. All the horses were less then motivated with the new deep indoor arena riding sand, but Koda was ridiculous. He was draaagging, leeeaning, and resisting to lope. Where did my willing boy go? I finally "cried uncle" and got some helpful tips from our trainer.

We took a break, and got treated to lunch at a new diner in town. We had good food, and great horse conversation. I had a yummy sandwich I've never heard of before, called a Monte Cristo. Have you ever tried one? Always fun to discover new foods.

Our afternoon ride was good too, and gave Koda & I another opportunity to work on getting his left lead. We finally did get it several times in a row. Nemo got the afternoon off, and Brad rode Cierra. She just keeps getting prettier under saddle. 



Cierra on a recent sunny day

At times we found ourselves just sitting in the middle of the arena, observing while our trainer coached her apprentice. She was working on lope offs too, but with a younger horse. Our trainer has such a wealth of knowledge, it's so interesting to listen and see her work with horse & riders.

As the day went on, a few challenges stood out:

• Horses really don't care for deep sand

• Getting a correct left lead is a work in progress

• Horses can strike out of no where

Wondering about the last one? Me too. It involved a horse that has never ever - ever - struck out at anything or anyone. A horse that you wouldn't expect to strike. That horse would be my Koda. If I had not seen him do it, I wouldn't believe it. Neither would anyone else that knows him.

Koda likes domestic animals. He always nuzzles and seems to enjoy them. But something unexplainable happened...and I have no idea where it came from. There is an adorable, lovable, well behaved dalmatian puppy at the barn named Happy. He has lived there for months, and Koda sees him every day. When Happy came running up to us, he dropped a small Jolly ball, and it rolled towards Koda crossing in front of his legs. It must have startled him, because Koda took one step forward and struck at Happy faster then the speed of light!! 



younger days

I had just finished tacking up and was standing right next to Koda's head. Thankfully Happy scooted back just as fast as Koda moved forward. It turned out not to be a close call, but could have had a different outcome. It was naughty! I was completely stunned. I am so glad the puppy didn't get hurt! Did Happy startle Koda? the ball scare him? I don't know. We briefly tried to figure it out. We rolled the ball towards Koda, and brought the puppy up by him, but got no reaction. Koda doesn't have a mean bone in his body, whatever happened is anybodies guess. I just hope it was an isolated incident. We didn't make a big deal out of it, and we moved onto better things.

Time goes so fast at the barn. Early evening had snuck up on us, and before we knew it we were done riding for the day. A prospective client was stopping out, so we quickly helped tidy things up. Sweeping the barns goes a lot faster when everyone pitches in. I worked up a sweat in no time. Note to self: if ever cold at the barn, start sweeping.

On the long ride home, hubby & I revisited the days revelations. Altho things didn't turn out as originally planned, we got to spend an entire day with our horses ~ always the best kind of day.

10.31.2013

bareback

It's been years. Maybe ten? Maybe more. So long I can't remember what it feels like...I've always wondered, what does Koda feel like bareback?? 

Koda has no idea what a human feels like on his back, will he like it? Does any horse? I don't know, never asked one. I wanted the time to feel right to try riding Koda bareback. No rushing. No judgmental eyes. No pre-planning. Just letting it happen, whenever it might... 

Last night we enjoyed a misty outdoor arena ride. Altho we try to adjust our timing on weeknights, our rides tend to land during feeding time. Our boys are never very thrilled. What horse wouldn't rather eat then ride at supper time? They all know the signals and sounds. It's hard for them to stay focused, but they do. Doesn't matter if we ride inside or out, there are still signals.

I've been working on several things with Koda, mainly continuous movement. He makes me work so hard! I have also been asking him to listen more to my legs, and less to my hands. Needless to say, we have a long way to go. Side passes are better, but now our turns have gotten sloppy. There is always something to work on!

I have thoroughly been enjoying our rides, and last night was no exception. We typically end with one of us humans asking the other "are you done riding?" cuz if we asked our horses, we all know what that answer would be! When I got the "not sure" response from the husband, I saw my window of opportunity. I was done riding. Koda did everything I asked. So we unsaddled.

The look on Koda's face was priceless...he wondered why on earth are we going back into the arena? Did I forget something? He was too cute, silly horse!

First things first, how the H am I going to get up there with no stirrups? Koda stood like a rock by the mounting block for me, as I slid on....aww, my Koda is so warm - and 'um bony. Holy high withers! 

Couldn't remember if it was better to sit towards the withers, or further back? I shifted around, until it felt right. Bareback lessons from back in the day started flooding into my memory...toes up count, even more so.

We slowly sauntered, weaving around obstacles. My legs hanging, yet gently wrapped. I loved feeling Koda's strong shoulders shift, slowly from side to side. I wasn't ready to try faster gates. No need to rush into things. The idea wasn't to work anyways. It was to re-connect. To feel something different. Something special, like those big beautiful eyes gazing at me...





10.29.2013

four hundred posts later

With some encouragement, in April of 2009 I started blogging. Not much has changed over the past five years, and then again a lot has changed…

Some things that have not changed:
  • In the very first paragraph of my first post I said “…makes me want to work in the equine industry...I'll keep thinking about a nitch I may be able to fill, that combines my design skills and my love of horses…” Yep, I am still thinking. Sigh. 
  • All three original horses continue to be a big part of our lives, and will be forever. I still don’t get to see our daughters horse Harmony very much. 
  • I continue learning new things about being a horse owner, and wholeheartedly believe the not so little things done during the early years set the foundation for your horse’s entire life. 
  • I'm still getting limited responses on my posts, altho people are viewing them. Five years later, my blog continues to be reflective in nature and non-controversial. Responses or not, it’s how I roll.
Some things that have changed:
  • Koda did not end up being our son’s horse, as I had predicted. He no longer thinks that “Koda’s a beast” now he just thinks horses are time consuming and expensive.
  • None of our horses live on the family farm anymore. 
  • Blog authors/past readers disappeared. Some have gone the way of Facebook. Don’t be fooled it’s apples vs oranges. Hope someday they’ll be back. 
  • Nemo’s color
photo from breeder
photo from three days ago

Have things changed a lot, or just a little, since you've started blogging?  

Of course there are a lot of other things that have changed for me since 2009, and yet much is the same. It would be silly to recap them all into one post, that's what those 399 links are for in the sidebar. Maybe I'll reorganize my posts someday? But then again,

“Life is a journey, not a destination.”

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson