Horses Are Our Lives

For the New Website

2014-08-16T18:41:00.000-05:00

Website – About Me

I grew up with 13-14 hand Welsh cross ponies. I rode all over our 120 acre farm and the western Pennsylvania hills for miles around the farm. They taught me to love them and to hang on when they ran. With their stubborn ways, they taught me patience. Others had troubles with their ponies, but I never did. My parents have a photo of myself, my younger sister and older brother hanging onto very small ponies. I think we were 3, 5 and 7. Ponies and horses have been part of my life, except for a few years during college and early married years.

Tom and I have 3 children. Sara is married to Jake and they have Makenzie and Kaytlyn. Jacob is married to Amber and they have Caden and Tyler. Our youngest son, Micah, lives close by in Lincoln. All 3 children rode and showed Quarter Horses. Sara did all around Showmanship, English Equitation and Hunter Under Saddle, and Western Pleasure Horsemanship. All 3 children showed Barrels and Poles. Micah added Reining and Working Cow. We were privileged to have the children show at the Quarter Horse Youth Worlds when the event was held at Fort Worth, Texas. The boys made finals in Pole Bending and Stake Race.

Empty nest came. I operated a tack store for a few years. Then I decided to go back to raising some foals. Over the years, we raised many Quarter Horse offspring from our Good Asset stud, Grand Duke of Asset, out of a Boston Mac Granddaughter. The last 10 years, we felt the decrease in the horse industry, and we only raised ½ dozen colts. And a few years ago, our stud became a gelding that I love riding. He and Shaggy, one of Duke’s sons, are my main 2 horses that I ride in my Centered Riding Clinics.

I grew up trail riding and I started trail riding more. I started riding CTR’s, Competitive Trail Rides, in 2007. I knew I wanted to get an Arabian as they were meant to ride distances. I heard about Rushcreek Arabians and how well they rode. When I heard that Rushcreek Arabians were liquidating, I knew I had to go out to Lisco, Nebraska and bring one home. I ended up bringing 2 fillies home in the spring of 2012, 6 year old Rushcreek Allie and 5 year old Rushcreek Bonita. Both are lovely greys. I just love their heads, their personalities, and how much they have bonded with me.

I rode in a limited distance AERC Endurance Ride in 2013 as well as The Tevis Trail Educational Ride in CA. I caught the endurance bug. I want to do this! Last year, I rode RC Bonita, as RC Allie was coming off an injury. This summer, I started getting Allie in shape for fall CTR’s. I hope to try a few 50-100 mile AERC rides each year.

But raising babies is what I love. So the summer of 2012, I also purchased 3 Rushcreek youngsters, 5 of the older mares and 2 younger mares. We had our first 3 Rushcreek bred offspring in 2013 and 4 more in 2014. In 2013, I leased Shalimar Playboy, an Al-Marah bred grey stallion, and purchased him the following year.

For a while, I’ll continue the heritage of Rushcreek Arabians. And I plan on getting out there on the trail on a few of them!

“God provides the opportunities, but it’s up to us to take them.” A line for the movie, “Stranded in Paradise.” I’m a romantic at heart. With a great love for horses! And Foals!

The Last 9 Months... Part 1

2014-07-14T22:53:00.000-05:00

The last 9 months have been totally different than the previous 2 years. I rode over 1300 miles in 2012 and over 1600 miles in 2013. This year, I think I have less than 100. But that is soon going to change.

Mom and Dad at their 65th Anniversary 3 years ago

My mom had been sick with Scleraderma, an arthritic like problem that causes a thickening of the skin and poor circulation, for over 50 years. Her symptoms worsened over the last 10 years, including other internal problems. And about that same time, she started having memory loss. The last 5-10 years, her dementia declined, even though she always knew people.

My mom passed away last Oct 10^th.At the time, we were on our way home to Pennsylvania for a visit. We were 3 hours of arriving at my parents when we got the phone call that she had peacefully passed away at home. The 5 days that we had planned on visiting were spent with funeral details and helping my dad. He wanted me and my younger sister to start going through mom’s things. I think that he had lived with her being sick for so long that he had already processed this. He seemed like he wanted us to do this, and to make sure mom’s clothing and jewelry were taken care of.

October 10th was also the same date that Finny had passed away 4 years before. I think I was in shock, as I organized more of my mom’s items than I ever thought I would have been able to. I believe it helped that my dad was ready to do this. I’ll always be sad that we weren’t able to get home earlier in the year, as we have always done in the past.

Dad also wanted to plan a garage sale before the weather got colder, as he had the home for sale, hoping to move closer to town. After the funeral and flying back to home, I just couldn’t be motivated to ride, plan on going on any CTR’s or endurance rides, or even get excited about starting to ride and condition for the following year. We were planning on returning for PA for the 3 day garage sale early Nov.

On top of all of this, we would return home on a Monday or Tuesday, and our youngest grandchild turned 1 and had her birthday party the following weekend. Even though we hated missing her party, we just couldn’t see traveling over 7 hours back and forth to be there. We decided to have a few weeks of rest and we went to visit our Colorado family for Thanksgiving.

The holidays came and went, with memories of mom and dad popping up all the time. Bittersweet memories. I knew my mom is now pain-free, happily visiting with her older sister and younger brother who had both passed away within the year also.

The New Year came. The previous 2 years, I started riding early January. This year, we were taking all the family on a beach vacation, and left early January. When we returned home from the holiday, the weather didn’t cooperate for winter riding. Even though we didn’t get much snow, we had the cold.

What happened to spring? Late arriving after what seemed like a cold and wet March. I don’t know what happened to April. I did host 2 Centered Riding clinics, one in April and one in May. We actually got a garden in, then it promptly started raining, and raining, and raining. Living in Nebraska, you never complain about the rain, because drought is always possible and could start at any moment. We had our horse lots muddy for most of the spring though. And most of the garden washed away.

I was planning on the May CTR’s, but dad decided to have another garage sale, and then he would pack up whatever wouldn’t sell. I needed to go home to help, and to continue to go through Mom’s crafts, dishes, and quilting items. I ended up bringing back items that I couldn’t believe I left in the fall garage sales…. Mom’s 1950’s Phaff sewing machine, Mom and Dad’s Radio/Record player console, Moms manual typewriter, and a few smaller items. I went through all her old glassware and dishes, as well as anything in the garage sale that didn’t sell, to have keepsakes for all family members.

Hubby’s mother lives 3 hours away. When we go home, I stay with my parents and he visits his parents. We have the choice to do that and spend 5-6 days with our own parents but alone, or visit each parent for 3 days and be together. As our parents aged, we decided length of stay was more important. That meant either I or hubby only spent a day or 2 with the other’s parents. Yet, whatever we were able to do, our parents were pleased. At least that was one area that didn’t stress us out.

After we got home, we headed to Colorado a few days later for Makenzie’s, our 5 year old granddaughter, dance recital the following Sunday. We arrived on Thursday and watched her and 1 ½ year old Kaytlyn on Friday. That gave us a long weekend with family. Once we were home to Nebraska the following Monday, we would be home for the summer.

Time to get ready for foals.

Part 2 tomorrow.

(I tried to upload photos, but Blogger was not be cooperative. I'll try to upload more photos tomorrow).

Memorial Day

2014-05-26T22:07:00.001-05:00

Memorial Day.

A day to remember.... the military who have kept and our keeping our Country safe and free.

A day to remember... our loved ones who are no longer with us, but will forever be in our hearts.

A day to remember... the pride of our Country.

A day to remember... to raise our Flag.

A day of remembrance.

Forever in our hearts.

Brenda

"Do you have a Golden Horse"

2014-04-06T22:38:00.002-05:00

Horse listening posted this today:

http://horselistening.com/2014/04/06/why-everyone-needs-a-golden-horse-a-poem/

“Do you have a Golden Horse? You can spot him from a mile away.

He is “golden” because of his heart of gold. This is the horse that takes care of you even more than you take care of him. You know you can rely on him to not spook, not get unnerved and let you enjoy what it was you set out to do. In fact, it seem that he enjoys his job even more than you do!

If you have a Golden Horse, you will soon realize how lucky you are. You will never want to part with him. Because as you learn and grow through his graciousness, you realize how much you are benefiting from him, and how much he is giving you. Every ride becomes a gift and every workout is easy because of his willing nature. You become the rider of your dreams because he lets you!

Although that calm generosity can be learned by good training, upkeep and handling, some horses are just “born that way.” So, for all the Golden Horses out there, here is a poem of gratitude.”

(by the Horse Listener)

The Golden Horse

Interested ears forward pricked,

patiently waiting through soft velvety nose-kisses,

the Golden Horse

loves the grooming attention;

two hours of brushing, polishing and wiping

with nary a fuss but more like a sweet relaxation

reminiscent of a day at the spa.

Solidly standing for the mount,

quietly ambling the first strides

into 100% effort.

Team player to the point

Of two becoming one.

Reciprocal listening, flickering ears back and forth,

gives and takes and loose flowing backs,

seamless communication seemingly telepathic,

mindreading aids and signals, snorts and strides,

bounces and swings -

there is no better synergy

than when two combine.

Patiently waiting through your confusion,

Kindly caring through less-than-perfect risk-taking,

he is the ultimate teacher

in your quest to grow.

One of a kind.

OK… now granted… not every horse acts this way with his owner… but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a connection. If you ride your horse, and care for your horse, there is a connection!

My Golden Horses.... when I was a child, I had Jennifer, my welsh cross pony for many years. 18 years ago, Starlet was one of my first foals I raised. 7 years ago, Finny was my 1st competition horse. Last year, Bonita bonded with me as I rode her. Now I have Allie who I feel a strong connection with.”

This poem struck a nerve.

I've had a few "Heart" horses during different times of my life.... my youth, one of the first foals I raised, my first horse I rode a lot after the kids got done showing, now during my competition years. I think we need to share our heart with many horses... to get over "horse ache". I could only get over Finny after I knew I had to share my heart with another horse.... and Rushcreek Allie seems to be doing that with her quiet and gentle way with me...

“Caring” yes, I care for my horse…. And I know my horse cares enough for me to take care of both of us when times get tough.

Yes, my horse is a teacher…. I learn so much from all my horses…. As they teach me to share my heart. My “heart” horses teach me how unselfish they are. They give willingly.

“He is “golden” because of his heart of gold. This is the horse that takes care of you even more than you take care of him.”

Finny was my horse that had a heart of gold. I wished I could say they he still has a heart of gold, but he has been gone for 4 years now. He took care of me more than I took care of him, as he completed a CTR then went down with a fatal colic the minute I stepped off of him, with no prior notice. I will always be sad/sorry/angry/anguish/angry with myself/hurt/sadden/ and every emotion you can think you could have when your horse/best riding partner/the one who knows you/ and the one who you know… dies. It is a very sad time of your life. It took me 2 years to get over him, and another year to understand it, and another year to realize this happens to a lot of horses… BUT I will never understand why this tragic death had to happen to Finny. He was a wonderful horse and would have gone on to teach a lot of kids how to ride. I’ll always be sad about the way he had to die. That makes me so sad. And it always will.

But I came to the realization that I couldn’t keep the love of horses buried. I needed to keep the love alive. What horse could I love? Do I love all the horses I have equally? Would that take too much of my energy? My heart?

“One of a Kind”

There are many horses that are one of a kind. Do they all become our heart horse No. But the ones that do… they are one of a kind.

“It sure felt good to be on a horse”

2014-03-22T15:13:00.000-05:00

“It sure felt good to be on a horse”. That was my first thought, and the comment I texted my hubby, when I rode last week. It’s been a long winter for me, and this was just my 2^nd ride of the year. Compared to last year, I had many more rides in, with almost 100 miles recorded by now. Not so this year, but the minute I rode off on Bonita, while ponying Allie, I couldn’t believe how great it felt! I couldn’t believe I’ve waited so long to ride this winter/early spring.

Most winters, I’ve given the horses a rest Jan and Feb. I start consistent riding from March on, as the days get warmer…. usually. Last year, riding for the Horsetrailriders Distance Derby, I started riding in January and rode every day that I was home, and the weather cooperated. This year, March is here, 1^st day of spring came and went, we’ve had some near 70 degree days, and I still didn’t get extra days of riding in. But I did take the time to just be with the horses during chore time, moving among them, petting or rubbing on some of them, standing quietly by the ones that just want the closeness.

With my mom passing away last Oct, and hubby having some health issues this winter and recovering from a recent surgery, life with horses not only got slowed down, but got put on hold. Tiredness doesn’t always have to be physical. I think mental strain/anguish/stress makes you so much more tired and drains what energy is left over from the day. I didn’t have any problem sitting and doing nothing. I guess it was my body’s way of telling me that I’m not ready to be as busy as I was last year. I felt the need to take the time to rejuvenate. I knew I not only had to build up my energy, but also my desire to want to do more with the horses.

A mid-winter vacation is always welcomed. Sun and warmth does wonders for the mind and body. So does spring sun and warmth! I love to hear the birds singing. I love to see green grass. I’m ready to see the trees bud up and leaves start to come out. I’ve had my winter rest. I’m really ready for the tans and browns and grey tones of winter to change into the greens and yellows and reds and oranges and blues of spring grass and flowers. I love flowers and taking photos of them, especially roses. Maybe I’ll plant more perennials this year. I’m starting to feel the growth of spring in my body and mind and soul. I’m starting to see the true colors of spring again.

Spring is here. Hubby and I just had our 33^rd Anniversary. We have 2 small grandsons that are spending the night tonight and next weekend, we’ll see our 2 young granddaughters. Then I’ll be ready to start riding, and working young horses, and petting on yearlings, and watching the broodmares. I’m starting to get excited about seeing this year’s foal crop come this summer!

Just writing this makes me want spring even more. I’m ready to get back into the saddle. Watch out… the ride is on. Hope you are able to get back on the trails too. And as always, “Embrace the Journey!”

Happy New Year’s Trails

2014-01-01T20:27:00.002-06:00

“As 2013 comes to an end, so does the old paths. 2014 will bring new paths, new choices, and a new way of life. What will you chose for 2014? Will you stay on the old path? Maybe with new direction? Or will you take a totally new path? Will your priorities stay the same or change? Will you focus on the same issues or decide to focus on something that is more important now, due to where you are in your life now? I know I will.

As we ponder the New Year, we can let go of the old year. It doesn’t matter what we didn’t accomplish, what we could have done, what we did but shouldn’t have. But then, maybe these things do matter. It’s all in the context of what you did or didn’t do, the meaning of your thoughts, and the reasoning behind what you did or didn’t do. Yes, I’m sure I would undo some of the things that I did. I would try now to do some things differently or with a different mindset. But, regardless, it is what it is. And we can take what we know now, learn from it, and move on. Change for the better. Maybe some areas of our life don’t need to change, and that is great also!

That was my point in my New Year’s Eve Blog about new paths and new choices. I wasn’t so much asking the questions for myself, because I knew some of my answers. I was asking them for you to ponder about also. We all have choices and sometimes we follow different paths, for different reasons. That’s ok to go off the original path and follow other paths/distractions/goals. Our lives change constantly and we need to change our paths to best suit where we are at the moment. I try to do that. I try to change when I need to, but sometimes I’m slower than I need to be. Sometimes, I want to change faster than the situation needs. Sometimes I change, but not in the way I should have changed. The point is, be open to change when the time comes.

So now, on New Year’s Day, we are on the 1^st day of our 2014 path. And now, we can ask ourselves the question, “what path do we want to take this year?” Is our path based on a new personal goal, a change in last year’s goal, a life changing decision to try something totally different? Or will we continue on our same goal with some different choices, and by following different paths, will that lead to the same goal?

I think I will revise the goals that always seem to be part of my yearly decisions. Family needs to be prioritized. We are trying to go to church as often as we can in off season, as sometimes horse competitions and rides takes us away from church. During those times, I think of God in the beautiful surroundings around me as I ride. God’s country is beautiful! Sunrises, sunsets, trees, hills, mountains, and in all the lovely scenery!

I am thinking of where I want to go with the horses this year. I will be breeding more Rushcreek bred endurance Arabians and I will have more foals this year. I need to handle last year’s foals and start my coming 3 year old and a coming 5 year old. I need to start 2, 3 year old QH’s as well as ride 2, 6 year olds.

I need to decide what my riding goals will be. The last 2 years, I have pushed for miles on the Horsetrailriders Distance Derby, but this year, I don’t want to push for the miles. Instead, I need to spend more quality time with the horses that I haven’t done so with this year. I need to spend quality time with my riding horses also. A plan may be riding one day, ponying the next day, then doing some arena and slow work the 3^rd day. I do need to keep 2 horses in competition mode though, and do some fast, longer miles. Maybe I’ll work on interval training with longer, faster distances then slower work.

Wherever life leads me this year, wherever my horses take me this year, whatever happens in my family life, I know that I can turn to God for answers and to help me through any choices. But one area in my life is constantly changing, and that is to be the best person and horse person that I can be. My horses are my life, my soul and my being, and I will always do what I can to protect the horses in my care and to learn as much as I can about thinking like horses.

“Embrace the Journey”!

Happy New Years Eve Dec 31, 2013

2013-12-31T22:13:00.001-06:00

Stay Straight and Focus:

As I rode Allie today in the field, I thought “stay straight and focus” on where you are going whenever she would turn her head to look back at the barn. She would turn her head left or right, depending on what she was seeing off to the side. I thought, “come on, girl, go straight”.

Then I realized my life was just like this. I would try to go straight and stay on the course that I, or God, had chosen for me. Then something would catch my attention and I would start looking to the right or left. Sometimes I would keep going straight, but like Allie today, I had a hard time thinking of going straight as my attention would be on what was either to the right or left of me. Sometimes, I wouldn’t go straight and would actually veer off course and start going to the right or left.

What is it that draws our attention off of our initial or desired path and makes us look or go a different way? When we think we have our path clearly in front of us, and we start making plans to follow it, and we do start to follow it, why can’t we follow it to the end? Before we realize it, there are little turns to the right and maybe even bigger turns to the left. Sometimes, there are delays and something we have to go backwards a few steps.

I start to think that I am meant to follow the new path. Why, what is wrong with the old path? If I start the new path, do I know where it is heading or what I am suppose to do? Probably not. But if I was not suppose to follow this new path, then why was the choice in front of me?

I begin to think that the path that I was initially on isn’t the path that I want to be on any longer. The new path is taking me into a different direction, one that I wouldn’t have thought of earlier but now looks like a good choice. Just like Allie wanting to take another route around a brush pile or through a field, maybe when there is a turn in our path we need to think that the new path is a better path.

New paths bring different choices. New paths make us choose between old ways and new ways. New paths bring a difference to our lives.

New Paths. New Choices. New Ways. Sometimes, different choices aren’t what we would want. Sometimes they are sad, sometimes hard, sometimes they are ones that we don’t want, but once the choice is made, and we let ourselves change, sometimes we see that the choice make us a better person. New paths make a wonderful difference in our lives if we choose to follow them. One thing is for sure, though, we can only change if we follow different paths. Make a change, make a choice, and become what you are meant to become.

As 2013 comes to an end, so does the old paths. 2014 will bring new paths, new choices, and a new way of life.

Once Again

2013-01-22T08:10:00.000-06:00

Once again, it’s been a long time since I’ve blogged. Life gets busy and when we start to add too many extra things to our schedule, then something has to go. With liquidating the store, I finally added Facebook, and last July and August, I stayed busy adding inventory to a FB page. Now that Christmas shopping is over, sales have slowed down. I hope to find that extra time, that I used to have, to blog more. And to read.

Winter is my time to find that extra time. Usually that starts about November, slows down in December and then I have lots of time in Jan and Feb. I’m behind this year as my free time just started last week. Now I need to establish a routine of staying on track with my time.

My other plans are to start reading and discussing more books on my Horses Are Our Lives chat, which I just started to do. Join the chat and read and/or discuss the chapters with me or anyone else who joins in. You don’t need to buy the books, as I hope that the review and discussion of the books will give you a good idea of what the book is about.

And I hope to find the time to take more photos. We finally got a DSLR camera, and now to read the booklet to figure out how to use it! Maybe I’ll try to take an online class or even some classes at the Community College.

Sometimes, I just need to set a schedule to get things done. Are you like that? Or are there days that you just say, “I need to do this, then this, then this before the day is over”? I know, for me, if I have days like that, or even a week like that, then I need to get up in the morning and get started right away. I’ll set a schedule that includes reading and typing up and posting a chapter of whatever book that I’m reading. Then I need to work on my FB pages, continuing the Clothing Sales (as there isn’t tack left). I need to promote my Messick Performance and Endurance Horses, and continue posting photos of the mares, their bloodlines, and the foals that will be coming early summer.

Somewhere in there, I need to take the time to start yoga again, and follow a DVD tape of both yoga and my horse exercises. And continue a work out on the elliptical and weight machine.

I hope I can get this all done in one day! Maybe I’ll need to treat myself like we condition horses. Once I get in shape, all I’ll need to do is 2-3 times a week, and one long day. That might make staying on track and keeping up with my schedule a little easier. I just need to do everything every other day! By doing that, I’ve cut my work load in half!

Thankful for....

2012-12-09T21:20:00.000-06:00

I’ve had another Thanksgiving meal today, with Jacob and Amber, almost 4 year old Caden, and 21 month old Tyler. For thanksgiving, we were in CO with Sara, Jake, soon to be 4 year old Makenzie and 10 day old Kaytlyn. Today, Kaytlyn is a month old already! Today, we had a fun time with her cousins. Today, we had our Thanksgiving meal here. This is a great reminder that Thanksgiving can be any day. This is a great reminder that any holiday, or special event, like birthdays, anniversaries, etc, can be celebrated on any day.

Today’s thoughts are on what we should be thankful for are. I am so thankful for my 4 grandchildren and their health. For Makenzie and her outgoing ways and ambition and energy. For Caden and his quiet ways of figuring things out and wanting to know if we can play with him. For Tyler’s laughter, his soft side, his tenderness, and not wanting his feelings hurt. And little Kaytlyn, so young, so do we really know her personality? But she is so calm, so peaceful, so content. She teaches us a valuable lesson. I am so thankful for all my family, my children, my SIL and my DIL, and my grandchildren.

Then there are our horses. They teach us so much!

The shake of their heads. The stance. The demeanor. How, and why, they like, and how they don’t like certain horses. And do you figure out the why? I have on most of the horses, and then there is always a surprise.

Starlet, the boss. Fought with Doc, a gelding who was gelded as a 12 year old. They did not like each other for 3 or 4 years. Now this year, they stand close to each other. I think still figuring who is the ultimate boss.

Shaggy who isn’t a threat to any horse and every horse likes him. From birth to 9 years. No one fights with him.

Chick who could be a nasty show mare, but with a calm influence, shows well. But she hates to be separated from her pasture mates. And let’s all horses around her know that!

The quiet yearlings who turn into monsters when new young horses enter their space.

The old horses who accept anything, some who move away from nasty horses and some who put younger horses in their place.

And the young horse who is bossy, pushy, fights with everyone and then meets their match with an older, mature, confident, mare or gelding, and teaches a valuable lesson.

This is most of my herd. What is your’s like?

“Embrace the Journey!”

And Embrace your Horse’s Journey!

My Mom's Sister and Brother

2012-10-27T19:18:00.000-05:00

We are at an age where all of our aunts and uncles are aging.

My Mom's Sibling:

Aunt Ann, Uncle Jr, and my Mom

My mom lost her sister a few months ago,

then about a month ago, her brother-in-law passed away.

This past Wed, her brother passed away.

My Uncle Jr was always goofing around,

and always laughing.

I will miss all of you.

And earlier in the week, a cousin posted that it had been 10 years since her father passed away. (This would have been my dad's brother. My dad was 1 of 3 boys, but the first boy was still born).

I had to change my weekend plans. I was still having trailer tire problems and decided not to haul 4 hours away for the CTR in Kansas. I just didn't feel like going. Maybe I just need to stay home and think about my aunt and uncle. And what my mom is going through. My mom has some dementia. I'm sure all this sadness is affecting her health. You're in my thoughts and prayers, Mom and Dad, as well as my cousins and their families.

Fall Weather is for Riding

2012-10-10T09:59:00.000-05:00

Time to get back to riding the Arabs and the Quarter Horses. I'm still thinking of what name I should be using now. I'm thinking Messick Quarter Horses & Arabian Performace and Endurance Horses. I'll be having my website updated over the next few months, so I need to decide.

The Arabs,

Allie

I just love her head!

Bonita when I first got her,

and under saddle. She is so smooth.

Shaggy, just love his trot! He is for sale now.

Duke

Duke is fun to ride. Fantastic lope!

Duke as a 3 year old. I need to get him back to looking like this, but he is 15 now, so we'll see.

And Sox, the 12 year old Arab gelding that I bought for the fall trail rides and CTR's.

I can't wait to do the next to Open CTR's on him. I decided to get him as he is more seasoned than Allie, and I can work on me this yearto go the distance. Allie will be ready next year!

I hope you are getting some fall rides in too! The wind isn't blowing as much as the last 2 days, so I should get a few rides in today!

I Cherish Your Memory

2012-10-10T09:43:00.006-05:00

I cherish your memory. Time has passed. You were so strong, yet so delicate. You were my little colt, orphaned at 1 month to turn into a tall black horse. What a pistol as a weanling, yearling, 2 year old. So small and so light on your feet that I could almost pull you over on the lunge line. So graceful as a 3 and 4 year old. So easy to ride. Your lope was lovely. I miss you so much. I cherish the years we had together, even though so few, yet so meaningful.

Over the past 3 years, the grief has turned into pain, into heartache, into sadness and guilt and into so many questions. Why? Why now? Why so soon? Understanding comes in time. I still don’t understand. But I don’t grieve. I am sad and my heart still aches. But I can think of you without crying. Even though a lump forms in my throat when I think like this. I was able to hang a picture of you this year. I have looked at photos of you and me. Now I think of what we had and I don’t think so much of what we missed out on. The good memories need to come so this terrible lump and tears forming in my eyes go away. With time, comes acceptance. I have accepted the fact that you are gone. I just don’t like it though. Sometimes, I catch myself just looking out into the fields and thinking and remembering. I feel you there, even when I’m on a different horse.

From http://www.searchquotes.com/quotes/about/Acceptance/

“Acceptance, though a hard thing to do, is an essential thing that helps you to improve in life. When you accept a friend as such with his plus and minuses, you gain friendship. When you accept a past deed, you prepare yourself to face the future, when you accept a situation, you become more comfortable. Acceptance is the essence of life and if we try to shun away from acceptance, life becomes a bed of thorns.

As K C Theisen said, acceptance is not submission; it is an acknowledgement of the facts of the situation. It also helps you to decide your future course of action. Those who accept things that cannot be changed are as wise as grass that grows in the riverbeds and those who refuse to accept are like trees there. When a storm blows, the grass accepts and survives but the tree falls to the power of the wind. Acceptance is an important character that we have to inculcate in us, to survive successfully in this world.”

I will love you forever. I will miss you forever. Until we can meet at Heaven’s Bridge and you can carry me home. I’m not crying. I look up to the heavens to watch you gallop by.

Finny

May 26, 2001 - October 10, 2009

1000 Miles!

2012-08-29T17:54:00.002-05:00

I've ridden 1000 miles this year on my horses! A group of us belong to the Distance Derby, where we are keeping track of our miles and hours.

Either in the fields or in the arena or down some trails, I've ridden quite a few different horses this year, but my main mounts were Shaggy and Savannah, starting in Jan. I added Duke and a few rides on Starlet. Then the Arabs, Allie and Bonita, joined the herd, and I put some time on them in May and June. Savannah was sold in June, then by mid-July, it got too hot to ride, even during early mornings. I started riding again last week, and added Sox, an Arab gelding, to the mix.

Today, I knew I was going to cross the 1000 mark. I made sure I was riding Shaggy! He has been my main mount these last 3 years.

I'm going to miss him when I sell him later in Sept. I need time for the Arabs.

But for now, I'll enjoy the cooler fall days, that are yet to come, and enjoy my rides on Shag in the fields and at the Centered Riding Clinic.

I just can't wait to ride the fields!

Summer has been busy!

2012-08-12T15:24:00.001-05:00

Bonita, May, 2012

I haven’t blogged in ages! This summer has been busy with horses and riding! At the end of April, I bought 2 Rushcreek Arabian mares, to start conditioning for the Fall CTR’s. During May, I was riding them, Shaggy and Duke, and through May and June, tried to bring in 2 4-year olds to be saddled and lunged. This didn't happen every day, but I tried to work everyone a couple of times a week, and ride Shaggy and Allie and Bonita most of the time. I was also riding Savannah, and did sell her in June. The first weekend of June, I hosted a Centered Riding Clinic. Through May-July, I was giving kid’s lessons when it wasn’t too hot and humid. Even at 8-9 am, if I thought it would be too warm for the horses, who are lesson horses and out of shape, I cancelled lessons. We didn’t have many July lessons, due to the extremely hot days. I found myself inside sooner and sooner. At least, I’m catching up on house things… some cleaning, paperwork, putting things away. Why is it that I look at my dresser, and it keeps collecting “things” and I never get that cleaned off! I need to put a box under my bed to put that stuff in to!

Time to take on a project! LOL For a few year, a different room was painted. About 4 or 5 years ago, I finally took out 70’s kitchen cupboards and had the whole kitchen re-done, with new paint in the kitchen and eating area. Along with that major project, the tile guy finished our master bathroom tile. This is a tiny bathroom, just big enough for shower, toilet and sink, and it had been tore up for a year! Once we watched and saw how the tiling got done, we had the toilet and sink and vanity in within days! Those 2 projects lasted my “let’s get something done” for a few years.

But a few years later, the downstairs basement family room got new carpeting, as grandbabies were first starting to crawl. The next year, the living room got new floors, and since we were down to the wood subflooring, the family room, which was directly under the upstairs living room, got some extra ceiling lights! That room used to be so dark and 6 new lights sure made a difference. Last year, the main bathroom was done by hubby and me. The 80’s wall paper, and underneath it the edges of the 70’s flower power wallpaper, was replaced by tile. We put in a very small jet tub that would fit and tiled the tub shower area. And I was very pleased by how it looks! Love it and my horsey home décor items!!!

This year, I turned to the office/exercise area. Not much exercising is getting done, but it needed organized. Hubby has taken over some of the area too. This room used to be the boy’s bedroom and was a great room for exercise equipment, but is too small for that and 2 office spaces. But I’m trying to make it all fit.

But getting back to “summer has been busy” made me think about projects. August is usually about when I start a new project, because it’s too hot to be outside. July ended up being that month! I still rode early mornings, but not even every week. Hubby and I did go home the first week of July to visit parents in PA. I did ride the 2^nd week of July, and the horses were riding great after 9 days off. But then the 3^rd week of July, horses and I shut down. They were hot and sticky, I was hot and sticky because they weren’t riding easy, so I decided if I had to work at riding, everyone was going to have a break! Then my major project started.

I am, and have been, liquidating my tack store inventory for the last 2 years, since closing my store March, 2010. I have been selling items in vendor booths at a few horse events, and reopened during the Christmas season the last few years. I had discounted my prices and offered sales at 50-60% off. Up until now, I had refused to offer more discount and lose money. But I felt it was time to do just that. I decided to sell items at 50-75% off online through Messick Tack & Feed Facebook Page. By the end of the 3^rd week of July, I had tables lining my basement walls, and laid out all my inventory. My clothing racks were already against 2 walls, with hanging clothes on them. So I really only had to organize the T-shirts, books, caps, jewelry, kids item, Christmas cards and Breyer ornaments, Home Décor, and jeans. The few items I had in storage in the barn, like cinches, grooming supples, first aid supplies, and a little bit of tack, and supplements were laid out on racks and tables in a room of the barn. I was ready to see what I could sell. And stay out of the heat on those 100+ days. Check out the sales under the Photo Section!

Wow, the sale on the FB took off! The minute I started posting photos of what the rooms looked like, I had messages as to what I had for sale and at what price. I realized I needed to take close ups of each area, list the items, and put info and sale prices under each photo. Easy to do, but time consuming. For the last 3 weeks, that is what I have been doing. Each day, or every 2 days, I tried to post new photos with prices. The past 2 weeks, I took individual photos of all the jewelry, tank tops and t-shirts I had, and posted them with sizes and prices. The Montana Jewelry sold out within a day. Trying to keep up with messages and orders made for some long days. But this is good news. I see the piles slowly going down, yet I have a good selection of everything. I don’t have all sizes in everything, but if not in one style, I have it in another style.

I’m looking at the whole picture now, from start of the tack store 8 years ago, until today. And before that, I had feed sales. Profit is still there. If the use of social media would have been greater 4 years ago, or if I would have started using FB more, 4 years ago, (I’m not sure when FB started), I may not have closed the store. I know I should have liquidated more items every Jan and Feb, when sales are at a slump after Christmas. I should have offered more items at 60-75% off, just to move them, and make room for new items.

Hindsight is wonderful. Along with that, comes knowledge. I’m a better businesswoman now. Even if my business is turning another corner. I’ve learned quite a few things from having the tack store. I’m not sure I’ll deal with customers any differently, but I can understand customers better. I’ve worked hard at helping customers find what they need and not what I could sell them. I have always held that honesty and integrity and truthfulness is a must.

I’ve been so busy, and have had very little free time. I think within another week, I’ll be caught up on taking and posting photos, and then I’ll have some extra time. I want to get back to blogging and posting informative articles and tips on my Horses Are Our Lives chat group. I need to get back to working all these horses since we are having cooler mornings. I want to get back to reading all these books I have and talking about them. And I need to getting back to taking more photos to post on Sunday Stills, which I haven’t done all summer! I’m not sure when I posted there last. I miss it! I miss that interaction.

I did check FB this morning, and realized that I couldn’t take the whole day off. If I hadn’t answered some messages, tomorrow afternoon would have been terribly busy. I organized some piles of product that people were wanting and I can start invoicing more orders. This is after invoicing a large amount of orders last week, too.

Then I sat down to blog! It’s amazing when you finally sit down, and do nothing, how slow time goes. I’m liking this. And I might just do this every Sunday afternoon from now on… when I’m not riding. Those projects and chores will wait and be there tomorrow. Time to grab a cup of coffee, lay my head back on this lounge chair, listen to the wind and the birds, and watch my horses in their lot.

Has it really been this long?

2012-08-02T23:08:00.001-05:00

All summer. I did buy 2 Rushcreek Arabs at the end of April and I have spent a lot of time with them.

May and June, I've been busy riding and giving lessons. I could ride the cooler mornings.

During July, I think we had the hottest July on record. Hubby and I went home to visit parents the first week of July. When I got home, the horse rode great. But the next week, hotter than ever, the horses were just not cooperating. They were hot and tired too!

I decided to set out all the Tack Store inventory and offer a 75% off Sale.

Time to end the store.

Time to move on.

If I ever dig out of the sales that accumulated this last week, I'll post more photos and I'll start to let you know what the next stage of Messick Quarter Horses will be, as well as the Arabian part.

Until later.. Nite.

Stretching and Exercising

2012-06-19T16:00:00.000-05:00

I highly recommend stretching before you ride. There are a lot of good books and exercises to do while riding also! Start to incorporate a few exercises into each day's ride.

Equestrian sports and exercise. It would seem if you rode a horse, actively... posting, 2 pointing,etc, your legs would be in shape. I have a 10 session Groupon at Cross Fit that I started using yesterday.... oh, I'm feeling the thigh muscles today. The key is to get in shape, then stay in shape! I wonder if I'll do these warm up exercises daily, as its obvious that I need to! Just the few minutes of lunging (and I think of lunging a horse when I say this, but it's not... leg lunges), 2 days in a row, and my thighs know it. I think it will be easy to keep this going... If I remember all the variations.

One thing I will always try to remember is to lunge, with say your right foot forward, and turn your body one way, then lunge again with the other leg and your left foot forward, aand turn your body the same way as the first time. With each motion that you do with your body, you are to do it twice, on each stretched leg.

Make sense???

That's what I have learned the last 2 days... that and to wear longer gym shorts, maybe capri length, as now my thighs have a rash from the mats! Yesterday, I did squats, situps, pushups and pull ups with the rings. No rash this morning, but a rash has developed after I came in from outside. I'm not on any meds, so no allergic reaction to the sun. I've put cortisone cream on the rash so hopefully better tomorrow.

Yesterday's exercises were the leg lunges, about 10 different types, then 40 squats, 30 situps, 20 push ups (which just about did me in) 10 pull ups and 500 meters on the rower. I did this in 9 min 59 sec. I was sweating, but I did go at noon yesterday, and no air conditoning at that gym!

Today was same leg lunges, then work with the kettle ball. I was to swing the kettle ball from between my legs to up and just over my head (I never quite took it that far!) I was to do 10 groups, and in between groups, i was to run/jog a short distance. Starting with 10 kettleball thrusts, each group had 1 less kettle ball thrust until I was down to 1. I did this in just 10 minutes.

I hope my legs survive the next 2 days, then I'm off Fri-Sun from the gym!

Patience

2012-06-14T22:45:00.000-05:00

Allie

Once, about 10 years ago, I asked God for patience. I'll never forget this. I went to work for a grade school, helping a child that has behavioral problems. I'm back to working with horses.

Bonita

Then God gave me many horses to work with, some young and some older. Now he brought me Arabs. And I'm loving them. To me, they are not any different than working with a sensitive Quarter Horse.

Duster

The horses are tied in the barn for a short time to help with patience. Learn to stand still. Learn to stand still when your buddy leaves. Learn to stand still when you are alone. Learn to stand still when other horses come into the barn or leave.

Honey

Some horses, like Honey, just need to learn to wear a saddle. She is extra sensitive, and needs to learn to be comfortable with a saddle on her back.

Shaggy just gets to eat! So he thinks. He got to work on his patience today too. He stands tied all the time, until he has to wait on some other horse coming and going. He had a patience training time today.

One chapter just closed tonight.

2012-06-09T00:23:00.001-05:00

One chapter just closed tonight. I just sold Savannah, my TWH, that I bought to do CTR's after Finny died almost 3 years ago. The people got along great with her! She even wanted to keep going up to the man. He really, really liked her!!!

Like hubby said, "she wasn't the horse for you." Finny was, and still is, a hard horse to replace. Shaggy and Duke, as well as Starlet and Duster, AND the yearlings, and Chick, all have a place in my heart. The Arabs, Allie and Bonita, are filling a void. Allie is beginning the next chapter. As well as Shag, and Duke, and Duster, and...

Every time a horse leaves, for any reason, it is sad. But there is a reason for everything, I do truly believe! My belief is the only thing that kept me going after Finny died. I still have a gulp in my throat just writing this. I believe there is a purpose. I'm still waiting on God's timing on the "why" for Finny dying.

That's a whole different chapter, and for now, I have to close a different chapter. Savannah went home to a couple who just love her! That is so neat! The day started with her just riding well! I rode her in the indoor arena to show them what she can do, gait, sidepass, pivot, forhand turn. Then I took her outside. She was perfect. She never startled at anything! Katie came out with her horse to show the difference with having a horse around, and there was no difference. Katie took her horse back inside, and brought Shaggy out for me. I rode Shaggy in a halter and leadrope and he did great. I trotted him beside a beautifully gaiting horse.

I am still astonished about how well Savannah did for this couple. It was meant to be!
Until it came to loading her tonight! She did not want to go into their 2 horse trailer, so we delivered her. She thought she was in heaven, in a shavings-bedded stall, with a stall buddy next to her. It may take a few days for the horse to buddy with her though. He was striking the stall at her. She basically ignored him!

I will help Cliff with anything he needs help with. He rode her so well when he came back to ride her. I am excited that she is going to someone who loves her movement, her looks, her attitude. I am excited that he found the horse to take the place in his heart that he lost a month ago...to colic also.
Maybe this is God's plan. Finny left so Savannah came. I found the person who needed a horse to love because he had lost his first horse love.

Hard lessons. Harder yet to deal with a horse leaving us, and leaving a hole in our hearts. Cliff was hurting and Savannah filled his hurt.

Maybe Finny left to help Cliff find another horse???

I need to think this way as it makes a reason for why Finny left me at such a young age.

Maybe....

It's been awhile since I've posted...

2012-05-23T08:21:00.002-05:00

On Shaggy at the FAMDR

Wow, it's been 2 weeks since I blogged! With the nice weather, I'm outside more. Conditioning 2 horses on longer miles plus spending time with 3-5 other horses takes up my day, along with paperwork and trying to post clearanced tack store inventory on facebook, which I haven't done much of that the last few weeks either! I'll blame the weather!

Views at Turkey Creek

This month has been a busy horsey month. The first weekend, I went to Turkey Creek, Newcastle, NE to help judge a ACTHA ride. A friend car and trailer pooled with me. We both took our gaited horses and we were able to ride Friday evening after settling in, and Sat and Sun afternoons after judging. We put on about 23 miles.

Covered pavilion at Turkey Creek

The next weekend was the NECTRA clinic, which I'll post what I remember doing. Now, memory has to kick in! NECTRA is the Nebraska Competitive Trail Ride Associaiton, a division of NATRC,North American Trail Ride Conference.

Distance Derby Riders at the FAMDR

Last weekend started on Friday with the FAMDR, the Friday After Mother's Day Ride, which Tammy, horsetrailriders.com, organizes. I think there were over 100 riders, mostly women. A few guys ride along as safety riders, but I think they come to enjoy the ride also. We rode a 14 mile roundtrip stretch on a great trail from Valparaiso to Loma, NE.

This past Saturday a training horse went home. I showed the owner what the horse was acting like walking around the barns, standing tied, being in the arena by himself. She had brought her other horse, so we went to Branched Oak Lake, which is about 25 minutes from me, to ride the trails. The training horse rode great. He is a 9 year old part Arab, part Paint, and it is just his personality to be a little high strung when he is by himself. The owner had ponied him as a youngster and worked him a lot, but he just remained goosey at things. I hope the consistent month has made him calmer for her!

We had some rain Sat evening and night, but even though it dried up on Sun afternoon, hubby and I relaxed some. We cleaned up some paperwork in the office, froze some of the strawberries that we had picked, and went to a gun show. Well, he went in to the gun show while I did some internet work.

Lately, I've been posting more on my Messick Quarter Horse Facebook page, about the lessons and events I'm doing. I'll have to get back to posting more updates here! I have a Centered Riding clinic here in another week and excited about that. My level 3 instructor is coming and I have 10 riders!

I've been spending a lot of time riding and enjoying the 2 new Arabs, Allie and Bonita. Bonita has the sweetest lope. Allie is starting to pick up speed at the trot and I think she is going to have a ground eating extended trot!

The review of the NECTRA Open Clinic was:

Open Obstacles at CTR Clinic

Clinician Cheri Jeffcoat, Past Open Rider

ON GROUND:

First, we came into the arena without horses to have a question and answer session. Cheri gave her advice on what she would do at obstacles, preparing for obstacles, nutrition, etc.

Then we came into the arena with only halters and lead ropes on the horses. Cheri wanted us to rub the horses all over to get them to relax. A lot of what she said to do during this clinic will transfer to when you ride them. The 10-15 minutes that we took to rub our horses set us up to have a more relaxing training time with them.

We walked with the horse, stopping, and we waited until the horse stopped. We worked on leading and stopping from both sides.

We were to back the horse, without turning around. Stop, walk backwards and have horse back. We worked on both sides.

We were to walk the horse 1 step at a time. This sets the horse up to take just 1 step when it is needed on the trail.

We walked over logs, stopping with front feet over 1 log, counting to 5, walk on. We were to lift the horses head and front end by lifting up on the lead rope. This will help the horse to lift his/her feet and not hit the logs.

We worked on having the horse do forehand turns by moving hip both directions, working from both sides. We did the same with having the horse do pivots, working both sides to move the shoulder. And we worked on having the horse side pass, working both sides.

ON HORSE:

Now, my memory has to kick in, but I think we did a mixture of walking and stopping, walking 1 step at a time, and stopping and waiting.

We walked and trotted over logs, lifting the horse’s head up as we go over the legs, to help the horse to lift his/her feet. We walked over the first 1 or 2 logs, then stopped and waited over the 3^rd log.

While trotting over logs, we were to be in a 2-point seat position as if we were going uphill. Our lower legs were to be solid on the horse. We were to hold with our thigh so our lower legs wouldn’t move.

I can’t remember if we practiced the pivots, forehand turns and sidepass while mounted.

We did drag a line that was attached to about a dozen plastic jugs. My horse wanted to see what others were dragging, but he didn’t like to drag it, as he went sideways.

We worked on straddling a log by the length of the log, which the horses wanted to step over it.

We worked on opening and closing the gate, by asking the horse to back through it.

Everything we do on the ground with the horse transfers to when we ride!

What a great clinic!

A Quiet Evening with my Arabs

2012-05-09T23:19:00.000-05:00

Tonight was one of those nights that I just wanted some quiet time with a horse. Tonight, I had that quiet time with 2 horses.

Earlier, I rode a training horse and Duke. I finished chores, then I went to spend time with Allie and Bonita.

It's amazing how what you thought would happen, doesn't. And then more amazing is when something better happens.

I've saddled, lunged and rode Allie a few more times than Bonita, just because she is a little bigger, and I thought was a little bullier, so any extra time I had went to her. Today was no different, as I started with her.

I'm trying to get this "natural" horsemanship feeling brought into my training program. "Feel" is what I've always tried to teach. Now, because of Centered Riding and a few other things that I'm trying to learn, I take the time to really watch the reaction, and wait on the reaction, of my horses.
The first time I cinched up Allie, and I always cinch up slowly, she turned her head to nip. Hmmm. Day 1 home. We need to learn more about each other. Let's take the time to desensitize you more. Next time, I'll spend more time rubbing her, like Lyle did when he showed her to me.

Today, she was fine. She just stood there as I saddled her. I moved her hindquarters both directions, and every time I moved, she turned to face me, moving and crossing over with her hindquarters. I took her off the leadline, and asked her to move around with the saddle on. All she wanted to do was to turn and come back to me. Ears forward, watching me, walking with me. I think my stubborn filly has bonded with me. A pleasant surprise. And I'm liking her even more.

I brought her by the platform to mount, and she stands quietly. I ask her to walk off. I've decided to talk to her as I ride her, asking her what she needs me to do, telling her what we are doing, and asking her what she will teach me. I forget about talking as much as we trot off, both directions, sitting and posting the trot, and riding in 2 point, which I will do a lot during competitions. We only ride for a mile, but that was long enough. I dismount, and I ask her to follow me over the platform. She hesitates slightly but slowly extends one foot, then the other, and then walks towards me, where I stand on the other side. Ears perked, coming willingly. I turn her to walk over the platform from the other direction. She hesitates slightly, then walks to me. What a wonderful feeling.

I leave Allie in the arena when I open the gate to bring Bonita in. Bonita was the quiet one, so light to ride. She seems a little grumpy tonight (and I hesitaite to put human emotions to a horse, because it's not the same. But something is a little different with her). I rub her a little, but didn't ask her to move her hindquarters before I saddle. She just doesn't seem as quiet as I saddle, and I make sure to ask her to move her hindquarters after I saddle. Still not quite right, I took her off the line and ask her to move away as I free lunge her.

She went off willingly, and wanted to crow hop a little as she went in to a little canter. As I sent her away from me, Allie went with her. Bonita loped off but Allie came back to me. At one point, Allie came trotting up faster than I think she needed to, and as I put up a hand, she stopped right in front of me, actually in front of my raised hand, and I rubbed her forhead. What a good girl. She wants to be with me! That is a good feeling!

Bonita, on the other hand, has decided to stay away. Stopping by not turning towards me. So I keep sending her away, until she turns to me. It was funny to send her away, or turn away from her, and Allie is right behind me, so I rub her between her eyes, and turn back to Bonita.

Bonita has decided to turn towards me, and I walk to her, rub her between the eyes, and walk away. She follows. I attach the lead and ask her to move her hindquarters both directions. She does. Time to ride.

She is light and responsive, and moving out. I had to tell her we were done, as she would keep trotting and going.

I also ask her to come over the platform. She hesitates a little also, but comes.

I told Tom that I think this is different from Quarter Horses. If the QH didn't want to do this, they would pull back and argue, and you would need to spend time teaching them and showing them that this is ok. These 2 arab mares hesitated, I relaxed but held the rein with a give and take, and they walked right over.

I'm enjoying these 2 girls. They are going to teach me my next stage of horsemanship. That is one of finesse. They along with Shaggy, and Savannah, and Duke, and Duster, and Honey, and Dove and Fawn. And I'll fine tune everything with Starlet, who I know so well.

I guess that means all horses will teach you something, no matter what their age is and no matter where you are at in your journey.

"Embrace the Journey!"

Love this type of evening....

2012-05-07T23:52:00.003-05:00

Riding done. Chores done. Time to sit outside with a cup of coffee.

And while I was on the lounge chair, drinking my coffee, I heard the doves, which I love. The cooler temps were refreshing, almost a little chilly.

I looked around, seeing all the new flowers that are blooming.

The rose bush that was ablaze with blooms.

Hostas are loving the wet weather.

The perennials are loving this weather!

So many different shades of green.

My 2 Rushcreek Arabians

2012-04-24T08:47:00.002-05:00

Bonita and Allie joined my Quarter Horse herd on Sunday!

6 year old Allie

5 year old Bonita

I'm excited to start my open CTR and endurance rides!

Tyler's 1st Birthday Party

2012-04-18T13:47:00.000-05:00

Tyler's 1st Birthday Party!

He has a train cake!

with his own engine cake!

Tyler is standing when holding on to something, but not quite walking.

Big Brother Caden gets to help open presents.

Tyler likes his ball!

All the younger cousins enjoy playing with the toys!

The cousins are watching Tyler with his presents.

"What do you think, Uncle Micah?"

I like the balls the best!

Time for family photo.

Time to blow out the candle!

" Do you mean I can eat this?"

This looks yummy!

"Are you sure I can eat this?"

"I'm having so much fun!"

Peek a Boo or ham-ing it up!

"I'm getting full!"

"ok, I'm done."

"I only got a little cake on my face!"

Happy Birthday, Tyler!

Love you, bunches and bunches!

Grandma and Pop

Grandkids Riding Chick

2012-04-15T17:09:00.000-05:00

Sara and Makenzie wanted to get Chick out to ride. Caden spent the night, so he wanted to ride, too! This would be the first time that Caden would actually ride, not just sit on the horse! He was excited to help groom and saddle! (Thank you, Traci, for having him brush Bob!)

They are waiting at the railing with Pop!

Sara warmed up Chick. (Oops, we forgot to bring her helmet out!)

Caden has his first long ride! He even trotted and loped a little!

Makenzie wasn't happy waiting, but I told her that it was Caden's very first ride and she gets to ride all the time.

Caden was all smiles! He ia already a naturally relaxed rider!

Makenzie is riding too!

It wasn't long before she was giggling!

Makenzie even rode Chick by herself and rode in circles. Quite a horse woman at 3 years old!

Grandma just had to get on Chick with Makenzie for 1 picture! (Sorry I didn't have my helmet!)

The Cousins are Playing

2012-04-14T23:44:00.002-05:00

Our family gathering for Easter is happening a week late. The 3 cousins are having a great time playing!!!

Caden picked out Easter Bunny ears for himself and Makenzie. The grown ups laughed but the kids thought they were fun!

Tyler gets to try on both of them!

The kids love playing in the yard!

and "baby Tyler" just smiles and keeps on crawling to the next toy!