good news

I watched a news feature story a few days ago that left a lasting impression on me. I found it so heartwarming that I rewound the TV and watched it twice. The news clip is below, for those of you who did not see it.

still making an impact on young lives at 86 yrs young 

a horseman, not a cowboy

horses thriving and serving a purpose

riding the streets

horses go back over a century on Fletcher Street

intersection

smiles say it all

cute featured kid on his favorite pony Pandora

Taking the Reins news clip (4.38 secs)

Just curious if you have heard of the Fletcher Street Urban Riding Club? I had not. Now I want to watch the movie Concrete Cowboy.

Who knew such an impact could be made with horses ~ in a big city. Good news stories like this gives me all the feels and renews my faith in humanity.

a new documentary

PSA: Incase you haven't heard, there is a new horse related documentary called "A Mind Like Still Water" featuring clinicians Mark Rashid & Jim Masterson. 

You can see the documentary trailer here: https://youtu.be/LJlXILj42oE

"Once a year, world-renowned duo, horse clinician Mark Rashid and equine massage therapist Jim Masterson hold a dual clinic in Littleton, Colorado. Participants Mindy and Linda come to learn how to connect better with their horses, unaware of the vulnerability it will require of them."


"A Mind Like Still Water" chronicles the time two women spent with their horses at a clinic, and the profound changes in their horses, and themselves, as a result of working with the principles of softness. This is not only eye candy, but heart candy as well."
 

Editorial Review "Mindy and Linda arrive at Happy Dog Ranch to attend the clinic of world renowned horsemen Jim Masterson and Mark Rashid. Although they anticipate a few days of simple tips and tricks to connect better with their horses, the participants quickly realize this isn't an average workshop and that their horses aren t the ones who need to change. The more Mindy and Linda connect with their horses, the more they start to question how they've navigated their lives outside of horsemanship. In an emotional and life-altering week, they learn the art of softening, and let go of the truths they've held on to, until now. A Mind Like Still Water proves it's never too late for change."


It is 39 minutes long, and available for pre-order now (Amazon, iTunes or Apple TV and who knows where else). The documentary will be released on December 29, 2020.

Looks like a good one to watch, learn and feel!!

Online Horse Documentary

Just incase you have not seen this offer and are interested, there is a new horse documentary "Listening to the Horse" being offered online for premier free viewing starting Monday, November 12, 2018.

"This 7-part documentary series looks at many aspects of our lives with horses, including acknowledging when our horses try, feel, timing and balance, fixing problems, working with wild and young horses, groundwork, liberty, footfall, why collection is important for your horses health, feet, teeth, general health, bodywork, healing, animal communication, saddle and bit fit, fear and confidence issues, mental health, home and environment."

The documentary includes an impressive number of equine professionals:

After one enters their email for a "ticket" aka spot to view the documentary, the schedule appears:

I doubt I will be able to sit long enough to watch allll of the episodes, but I will catch what I can - and hopefully my email won't be bombarded with sales pitches. Link to sign up for viewing in first paragraph.


Disclaimer: The images & information shared above are courtesy of Listening to the Horse.

there is good in the world

Sharing some good in the world, for those of you who may not have seen the video below.

Good luck keeping a dry eye.

sharing video's

I try not to hit forward on most things that cross my feeds, and add to our over stimulated society. But some things just hit home, and warrant repeating. Incase you didn't see the video that is circulating on a blind horse and his owner, you should. It warms my heart. What a great guy, and rider!

Have you noticed an increase in forwards & shares, in general? I have. Altho I rarely click on this type of stuff, I would not have seen this blind horse video, or the one below of an 87 year old woman's last wish, if someone had not taken a second to share it.

https://www.facebook.com/Beeldwerk.TV/videos/1289047834471385/

Sorry this video is via a link. I can't find the actual video (you can see it even if you don't do Facebook) because it's um, in German. However, words aren't needed. It too is worth the time to watch. If you choose to do so, stick it out until the end. It will pull on your heartstrings. 

The world could use more positive stimulation, and less negative. Just spreading the good word.

snowy ride in spain

Ride along snowy trails in the beautiful Basque region of Spain. This fun video is sure to bring some smiles to your winter!!

Can you believe the breathtaking beauty that surrounds them?!! If it looks this good in a video, one can only imagine what it feels like in person...sigh. I'm not much of a video watcher, but found this short one to be captivating. It has some interesting trail activity. 

Have you ridden in a unique location (s)? or a favorite? Do share. Until this girl can get out on the trails, you'll find me dreaming of riding them...

WI Trail Survey

Just a shout out and effort to help spread the word to those of you who use the trails in Wisconsin. The WI DNR is doing a short trail survey. It's a good chance for horseback riders (and other trail users) to speak up!

Kickapoo Valley Reserve
Fall 2014

Click here for information on the trail survey and council. The actual survey link is below. I am not big on survey's (because they are often overused) but this one is easy to take. More importantly, it's an opportunity to voice your opinion on a subject that affects you and your horse. 

Let them know we as horseback riders exist, and that we care about the trails we ride. What type is preferred, and if maintenance, expansion or new trail creation is desired.

"In an effort to gather up-to-date information about the state of our trails, how they are used, what can be done to make them safer and more accessible, the council has created a nonmotorized trail use in Wisconsin survey [exit DNR]. Please take a few moments to fill out the survey and share the link with fellow trail enthusiasts."

Mark Rashid's blog

Just spreading the good word, Mark Rashid started a blog! 
The first post is about training tools.

http://consideringthehorse.wordpress.com/

10 Rules to Live by in Evacuations with Horses

Disasters can happen anywhere, natural or accidental, and at a moments notice. Here are some wise tips shared from RFD-TV:

10 Rules to Live by in Evacuations with Horses from Wildfires or Natural Disasters

1. TEACH YOUR HORSE TO LOAD (and tie)! And I mean immediately step into a trailer.

2. Take at least one bale of hay and a BUCKET, you never know where your horse is going to end up.

3. No matter what, if you take your horses or not, MAKE SURE you take your proof of ownership/BRAND INSPECTIONS! This will help you prove the horses are yours later on! (Photos work in non brand inspection areas!)

4. If you CANNOT TAKE your horse, TURN THEM LOOSE! They have great survival instincts, its better than dying in a locked barn.

5. IF YOU TURN THEM LOOSE, write your phone number on them in some way! Spay paint/shoe polish, whatever you can find.

6. If you turn them loose TAKE THEIR HALTERS OFF! Imagine all the debris your horse is going to encounter! You don't want them caught on!

7. If you turn them loose, LOCK THEM OUT OF THEIR BARN/PEN/STALL/YARD. They WILL go back!

8. If you take your horse to an evacuation center, it is still a good idea to have your horse marked in some way. Sometimes evacuation centers have to evacuate!

9. If you take your horse in a trailer, PLEASE tie them if you safely can! I cannot count how many times we were evacuating and found a loose horse we needed to load with ours, if the horses are loose in the trailer that is a disaster waiting to happen.

10. If your horse is in a large pasture area, cut the fence in corners and leave gates open! When horses can't find their way in smoke/debris they will follow fence lines.

For more info: http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/livestk/01817.html

horses and veterans ~ day of experience

While I can't seem to find good horse news, other's just seem to know where to look. Note to self: visit my friend Google more often. I was reading North Horse when I stumbled across a link with follow-up information to my post about horses and veterans. 

The volunteer representatives from Wisconsin AT EASE (A Therapeutic Equine Assisted Self-Confidence Experience) had the honor to represent our state and military veterans in the Presidential inaugural parade, and almost didn't make it! 

I found their experience to be heartwarming for many reasons, including humanity and the human-horse connection. Where a stranger offered to board their horses (who does that?) when they had vehicle trouble in West Virginia, and backup from WI jumped on the bandwagon traveling many miles, to help get this crew get to the parade in Washington D.C. 

In the end, they made it! I can't even imagine what it would be like to ride in a parade of this magnitude, can you?? What an incredible once in a life time opportunity they had...

"...all the famous monuments that I had only seen in picture books; we got to see them by horseback as the sun was setting..."

"...there were a couple of times where he was so frightened, and you could feel his heart between your legs..."

"...he put his hand on his heart and pointed to Terry and mouthed 'thank you'... "

It doesn't matter which side of the political fence you are on, read the many amazing experiences of the day here it's worth the time.

horses and veterans

After the non-stop mysterious deaths, burglaries and child beating stories comes some refreshing news worth reading. The kind that reminds you, there is still some good in the world. A Wisconsin group that pairs horses with veterans for therapy, will march in the Presidential Inaugural Parade in Washington D.C. on January 23rd! If you tune in, watch for our states only entry of three horse & riders carrying an American flag, a Wisconsin flag, and this flag:

Lighthorse Cavalry Association of Wisconsin Flag
photo credit: Dan Killarn

The bigger news is the feeling of connection and freedom this group offers. One veteran with no horse background called AT EASE (A Therapeutic Equine-Assisted Self-confidence Experience) "a miracle for him" he said "I just go up there and pet them, and groom them, and just be near them. It mellows you, it keeps you calm." AT EASE has personable equine of all shapes, sized and abilities, and offer a five acre "play land" confidence course, equine soccer, and cart driving. How wonderful to make this available to those who served our country! Read the whole story here for my kind of news.

help find flirt

Help spread the word, if you know anyone in the Bellingham, Washington area ask them to watch for/help find Flirt: http://mustangdiaries.blogspot.com/2012/11/flirt-is-missing.html

helping horses

I received the email below from a co-worker. Thought I would do my part to pass this info along, incase anyone in the WI area can help or knows someone who can...it's so sad. They are being offered free. I have contact info for anyone who is interested. They sound like nice horses, that find themselves in a bad situation...

"Hello, I apologize for such a large mass mailing but I am reaching out to my friends and colleagues who may be interested themselves or may have connections to someone who may be willing to help out my family. I am trying to put the word out to anyone who may be willing and able to add one or more horses to their family. My brother has several horses and is unable to properly care for them.  He said if they are not able to find a new home for them asap, they will have to have them put down so they don't suffer and starve.  My brother, is a fireman and works very hard. He had an unfortunate accident in the Summer of 2010 where he endured a life threatening brain injury.  He has made a miraculous recovery and is back to work, but his finances have suffered greatly.  I'm sure he is probably feeding his horses before himself, but there is really nothing more he can do.  I understand the economic times are hard all around and it is expensive to care for a horse, but if you or anyone you know has room to add one or more of these beautiful creatures you would be saving their life.  I told my brother I would do what I can to get the word out.  Here is a list of the horses he has. 

Age	Breed	Sex	Trained
3 yrs	50/50 Arabian, Checkner	Male	No Training
2-6yrs	Arabian – Black	Male	Halter Broke
2-6yrs	Arabian	Male	Halter Broke
2-6yrs	Arabian	Male	Halter Broke
2-6yrs	Arabian	Male	Halter Broke
14-15yrs	Thouroughbred	Female	Trained
9m	Saddlebred/Arabian	Male	Halter Broke
3-10yrs	Arabian	Female	Broke
3-10yrs	Arabian	Female	Broke
3-10yrs	Arabian	Female	Broke
3-10yrs	Arabian	Female	Broke
3-10yrs	Arabian	Female	Broke
3-10yrs	Arabian	Female	Broke

einstein

Did you catch the story that is blanketing the news today? Three day old Einstein may be the tiniest horse in the world. He's a 6 lb 14" pinto stallion, now that's teeny tiny!! Hope the little guy does okay in this big world, he's definitely making headlines. If you didn't catch the story, this link includes video.

grand prix riders announced

The Midwest Horse Fair riders for the Nutrena $40,000 Show Jumping Grand Prix have been announced. I’m quite frankly surprised there aren’t any riders from the Madison area, where I thought jumping was prevalent. Guess not, or at least not at this level. I was also surprised to see so many pairs, and in one case triplets, with the same family name get invited from the same location. Perhaps it’s common., but why not spread it out?

Some local radio/TV/Olympian celebrities are training for another jumping event, the Ariat Jumping with the Stars. These should be entertaining to watch, and learn more about jumping. With that said, the only jumping I have any interest in doing would be over a log on a trail!

The list of riders are posted on the Midwest Horse Fair site

breaking justice

Just got done watching Steve Boyles "Breaking Justice" segment on RFD TV in awe. What a great trainer. I've never seen a horse kick that much, makes a person wonder what that poor horse was subjected to. I was impressed with how gentle, persistent and patient Steve was - he didn't need any gimmicky training jingles lol!

I had never heard of Steve before, have you? Those of you on the West Coast probably have. Here is his website, for those who haven't www.steveboyles.com

A letter from your horse

A friend sent this to me, thought you would all enjoy it as much as I did!

A Letter From your horse (the original version):

When you are tense, let me teach you to relax.
When you are short tempered, let me teach you to be patient.
When you are short sighted, let me teach you to see.
When you are quick to react, let me teach you to be thoughtful.
When you are angry, let me teach you to be serene.
When you feel superior, let me teach you to be respectful.
When you are self-absorbed let me teach you to think of greater things.
When you are arrogant, let me teach you humility.
When you are lonely, let me be your companion.
When you are tired, let me carry the load.
When you need to learn, let me teach you.
After all, I am your horse.

And now, the REAL story......

When you are tense, let me teach you that there are lions in them thar woods, and we need to leave NOW!
When you are short tempered, let me teach you how to slog around the pasture for an hour before you can catch me.
When you are short sighted, let me teach you to figure out where, exactly, in the 40 acres I am hiding.
When you are quick to react, let me teach you that herbivores kick MUCH faster (and harder) than omnivores.
When you are angry, let me teach you how well I can stand on my hind feet, because I don't feel like cantering on my right lead today.
When you are worried, let me entertain you with my mystery lameness.
When you feel superior, let me teach you that, mostly, you are the maid service.
When you are self-absorbed, let me teach you to PAY ATTENTION. Remember? I told you about those lions in them thar woods?
When you are arrogant, let me teach you what 1200 lbs. of "YAHOO LETS GO!" can do when suitably inspired.
When you are lonely, let me be your companion. Let's do lunch. Also, breakfast and dinner.
When you are tired, don't forget the 600 lbs. of grain that needs to be unloaded.
When you are feeling financially secure, let me teach you the meaning of "Veterinary Services"
When you need to learn, hang around, bud. I'll learn ya.

Sincerely,
Your Horse

news story on karas show

The local news did a nice story on Kara's Memorial Show:
news story

horse lost, lower Kettle Moraine area, WI

Helping spread the word, as of last night they had not found the horse...hoping they do, and soon!

HORSE LOST, LOWER KETTLE MORAINS (KETTLE MORAINE, PALMYRA) WI
Posted Date: 2009-09-15, 8:14PM CDT

Sunday September 13 about 2pm a FLEA BIT GREY ARABIAN 8YEARS OLD horse ran away on the trail and has been missing since. Please help in spreading the word around to anyone who may be out on the horse trails, or someone who hikes or bikes in the S. Kettle area. Also if you know of anyone in the area, please pass the word around to be on the look out for a horse, we think he may be looking for a barn on horse to buddy up with.

Last seen going away m(E) from Horsemans camp near the picnic table or pop stop

Has saddle with breast collar on

Has on splint boots

Halter and lead also on the horse

Bridle and yellow horn bag were hanging on the horn

I can only imagine what it would be like to be missing a horse for this long, please help spread the word

WAMSTAR and the DNR spent 71/2 hours searching the Palmyra area, and Eagle trails today (Monday) but didn’t find anything.

Questions please contact Peggy Waters at 608-235 4267 or contact the DNR or Police in the area you find the horse