THE EQUINE NOMAD

California Living September, 2012

2012-09-23T00:08:00.000-07:00

Maggie is a jumper too!

Terri and Rosie at the Peju Wine Stomping
Bottoms up!

These are the grapes that make the wine that tastes so good that makes your clothes come off...

Dany and Isabella first day

Jesse Clayburgh
Yes, he has my hair

Just love those painted ladies.
This one was next door to where Jesse lived this summer.

Jesse in San Francisco Streets

He's so cute!

The Infinity
Jesse's home for a few weeks.

"Sick" apartments in San Francisco

EWAM Garden of 1000 Buddhas - post #111

2012-07-19T15:26:00.001-07:00

A visit on my way home, to the beautiful garden of one thousand Buddhas in Arlee, Montana

Stupas are consecrated with sacred objects to offset negative energies in the world.

The mother of all buddhas

Lamas and volunteers observe a sun dog.
A full rainbow around the sun this day.

Buddhas awaiting placement in the sacred circle.

Buddhas at work.

One of a thousand Buddhas

Circle of sacred stupas

Horses are ready to go. Akheil is dressed for the occasion.

This Lama didn't hesitate, even though I came uninvited during his lunch.

A ride around a thousand Buddhas...

Joyful Tibetan people in Montana

Wife and child of the Lama that dreamed of a thousand Buddhas in Montana

The Garden nears completion

Maggie and Moonlight (Om El Akheil) enjoy the view.

Om El Akheil proudly wears his talisman gift from his favorite Lama.

Rebecca Farm Horse Trials

2012-07-19T13:53:00.002-07:00

After the long drive to Montana with Maggie and Moonlight in tow, I attended the "Event" at Rebecca Farms in Kalispell. It was a great and inspiring experience. Here are just a few of the 500 photos I took. Let me know if you want me to post more...

This awesome horse and rider team was the grand winner of the upper level division.

This team was the first to clear the challenging new "keyhole",
a water to water feature that challenged every rider.

Rebecca Farm has resident artisans who are employed full time to create interesting and diverse jump features.

These riders found a high spot to stand to observe the upper level division riders on course.

Coming in at a full gallop to attempt the 6 foot drop into water.

One of the many excellent horses competing at Rebecca Farm 2012

An excellent rider receiving one of the many awards given by the Brousard family.

Stadium jumping at a world class level.

Eventually, the grand champion, here seen competing in the stadium jumping

Rebecca's daughter and her father presenting one of the many awards.
Here, the grand winner of the highest division receives several awards of distinction.

BFF reunion in Somers, MT

2012-07-11T12:20:00.005-07:00

Moonlight (Om El Akheil) grazes Tammy's yard after a bath.

Akheil watching for summer storms brewing

Butterfly enjoys one of Tammy's many beautiful flower baskets

Fields of gold at the north end of Flathead Lake, Somers, MT

Girls on the Porcupine Creek Kayak float

A much deserved beer after paddling across Swan Lake in a stiff wind.

The Kayak shuttle with a packed back seat

Sleeping in the Love Shack baby, a homesteaders cabin on Tammy's place.

Mock Orange smells sweet. This is the setting of a pub with live music near Bigfork, MT

A trail ride up Jewel Basin to Strawberry Lake.

Kayaking the Porcupine River on a warm summer day.

Tammy my host and BFF

A stop for sandwiches and ice cream

Nothing beats a long time friendship

SAN FRANCISCO PAINTED LADIES

2012-05-18T00:41:00.001-07:00

ONE DAY, I WANT TO LIVE IN ONE OF THESE

WHAT A COLOR SCHEME!
PARTY HOUSE!

LOVE THE WORK THESE FOLKS HAVE DONE
TO RESTORE THESE BEAUTIFUL VICTORIANS
SOUTH OF HAIGHT ST

NAME THIS FLOWER?

CLEMATIS ON THE ARBOR

FABULOUS FUSCIA IN THE GARDEN

WISTERIA ON MY FRONT PORCH

Equine Yoga - Comes to Golden Gate Park May 15

2012-05-07T23:44:00.000-07:00

Midnight Bows: Stretching his forehand, shoulder, back, and hamstrings

Magic looks on as Midnight moves deeper into his bow.

Moonlight says Hello! Feeling good.

Om El Akheil (Moonlight)

Moonlight is still tight in his back and legs.

With gentle progress, he will learn to stretch, relax and soften.

Napoleon likes my bumper sticker.

Midnight, in fine condition

Maggie in Pedastal pose, great stretch for the stifle area and the
tensor fascia latae muscle of the hind legs (front of the hind leg)

Pedastal pose

At rest in my favorite spot.
Snuggled up with Midnight on a sunny day.

Zakian Tree Pose

Zakian Tree Pose
Heart Lake, Olympic Penninsula

Equine Yoga. Good for the Soul.

Spinal Twist

Backbend or Upward Bow

Spinal Twist

Crane Pose

Camel pose

Lord of the Dance Variation Pose

Ardha Bheka Kapotasana

Half Frog Pigeon Pose

Savasana

Legs to Sky Pose

Supta Paschimottasana

Upward Facing Westward Pose

Navasana
Boat Pose

The famous "I love Magic" Pose

Equine Yoga Comes to Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA

May 15, 2012 12:00 noon

Yoga with Horses in Golden Gate Park, followed by guided horseback excursions to Ocean Beach.

Come and watch or be one of the first 10 people to sign up to participate in Equine Yoga...bring a yoga mat, and wear boots or sturdy shoes.

Suggested donation for yoga class participants: $20.00, but nobody turned away. For observers: $5.00 donation suggested

Horses at liberty. No bridle or saddle. Yoga instruction and Horse Herd interaction during a one hour class.

Guided horse rides available by appointment after the class. I can take up to 3 riders on a one hour ride to the beach. $35.00/person

For more info, email me at trish.wild@yahoo.com. You must make an appointment with me personally in advance to have a chance to ride to the beach.

EponaShoe Video

2012-05-04T20:31:00.001-07:00

Golden Gate Park to Ocean Beach

2012-04-23T01:28:00.004-07:00

Arrival at the Mounted Unit, San Francisco Police Department
Golden Gate Park

Mounted Unit Station

Our officer gives us a tour of the Tack Room
Historic Memorabilia and Photos
Document some of the rich history of the Mounted Unit
Second oldest unit in the country (1874), after NYC (1872)

Officer Jeff Roth of the San Francisco Mounted Police.
Tour of the tack room.

"Courage is being scared to death
but saddling up anyway."
Somehow, I doubt these seasoned officers of the SFPD are ever scared to death,
but I'm sure they would saddle up anyway.

Touring the Stables
With Terri and Officer Jeff

Each horse in the Unit has his own blanket and plaque on his stall.

Everything neat and organized.

Desensitizing Obstacle Course
Police horses have to be "bomb proof".

One of the SFPD mounted unit horses.

Terry, a volunteer who helps care for the horses.

Officer Jeff tells me "there is a 27 year wait list" to get on the mounted patrol.

We were honored to be allowed to wear the "colors" of the Mounted Patrol.
We also were given "badges", and bought Sweatshirts with the logo of the Unit.
Midnight would make a good police horse, don't you think?

Midnight bows to Officer Jeff.

Classic barn of the Mounted Unit, SFPD

Fred Egan Memorial Police Stables

The old logo for the Golden Gate Stables

Separate from the Mounted Unit,
The Golden Gate Park Riding Stables is now out of business.
It was kind of sad to see it all boarded up.

An officer and his trusty steed return from duty.
Officer Roth told me he "smiles ever day" he comes to work.

This woman has led Therapeutic Riding in Golden Gate Park for many years.

"There's a lot of need. People need us for therapy, and we need financial support to survive".

Terri and Midnight on one of the fabulous bridle trails in Golden Gate Park

The trail leads all the way to Ocean Beach!

Ready to hit the beach?

We were very popular....

Thousands of people on the beach on a nice warm Saturday.

We called ourselves honorary Mounted Patrol Members.

Lots of city kids got to pet the horses...

Moonlight is a great ambassador!

Well behaved kids....

Fun on the beach...

lets go!

Terri and Midnight "on Patrol"

One of the Dutch Windmills at the Western edge of Golden Gate Park

Another great bridle path in Golden Gate Park

Time for refreshments after a long day in the saddle.
Yelp said Durty Nelly's was the place to go.

Enter as strangers, leave as friends.

Terri is heading to Cork, Ireland, in May for work...

Irving Street, Sunset District, San Francisco

I have no idea what kind of business operates here.
Maybe cosmetics? Maybe groceries?

Time to eat some yummy Thai Food!
Marnee Thai, Irving Street, San Francisco

Our delicious food.
We had the specials. My favorite was the Green Mango with Shrimp and Avocado.

Terri says "YUMMAY"

One of my favorite places in San Francisco
Used to be a huge Bath House right on the cliffs of Ocean Beach.
Now it's a famous restaurant recently upgraded.
Great stop for a sunset view.

Another glorious day fades from view....

Juice Fasting Classes and the Los Altos Hounds

2012-04-16T04:32:00.000-07:00

If you've been reading my blog for a while, you know that my life has been dramatically changed by my practice of intermittent juice fasting. I have shared that information with plenty of people over the past year, and am happy to celebrate the wonderful benefits with hundreds of successful fasters who have lost weight, cleansed their bodies of toxins, and achieved new heights of health and vibrant living.

Recently I decided to formalize my "sharing" and two groups will attend my pilot programs this week. My newly designed "Intro to Juice Fasting" classes will provide my students with an overview of a 21 day cleanse and revitalize intensive. I will be tracking and documenting their successes and challenges here, but attendees will have access to personalized, private website that provides direct support to "Fasters only" on another blog.

Roman Riding in Woodside, CA

I want to thank Terri and Cathy for allowing me to post their fasting stories here. Both of them completed the 21 day program, and achieved their weight loss goals for the fast. They are looking and feeling great, and we will soon be posting photos and more about their achievements. Both of them lost more than 10 pounds, and have been enjoying healthier food and eating in new ways ever since! They are planning to attend the new program as my assistants and share their success stories. I am so thankful for their help and enthusiasm. They plan join for another fast with the new groups, and by the end of the next fast should be nearly at their goal weights for spring. I am so happy for their success and accomplishments. Check back often to see how they're doing!

In other developments, I am thrilled to tell you all that I have been invited to join the Los Altos Hunt Club for their spring wrap up to the 2011-12 season. I am really looking forward to meeting and riding with the group on May 12th, 2012. I hope to be allowed to join the ranks for the season which begins in October. Check out their website here: http://losaltoshounds.parks.officelive.com/default.aspx.

It's an old tradition I'm hoping to learn a lot more about....

Zakian celebrates his 21st birthday!

2012-04-16T04:27:00.000-07:00

The Embarcadero of San Francisco, CA

San Francisco Bay Bridge in Background

Looking good at 21!

Long Boarding on the Pier - Oakland on the far shore

We spy the perfect place for celebrating in North Beach...

A stroll to Broadway and the Clubs

Happy Birthday Zakian!

Libations suitable to the occasion.
North Beach restaurant on Columbus, San Francisco

Mussels and Garlic Fries - decadent foods for a special day...

Strolling the streets of North Beach
Photo Bombed!

Awesome architecture in North Beach

Another Juice Fast and A Woman's Perogative

2012-03-16T23:10:00.000-07:00

Beautiful Salad Prepared by Terri
Raw Foods for 3 days, then Juice Fasting

Terri and Cathy
Terri leases Midnight, Cathy leases Magic
We've banded together for a Detox Juice Fast

It's time for another Juice Fast. This will be my first of 2012. I am joined this time by Terri and Cathy, new good friends that are also leasing horses from me. They help me out with paying for board and giving the horses exercise and love when I'm at work. They are fast becoming dear friends.

We started with a 3 day Raw Food transition, and tomorrow, St. Paddy's Day, will be day 3 of juices only. This is the first time I've done a fast at work. So far, so good. I've had to resist pizza, muffins, bags of salted caramels, thickly frosted carrot cake, and other delectables offered in the Stanford ER breakroom. I would have eaten it all, but instead, I stuck to my fresh organic juices. Mango, papaya, kale, tomato, spinach, basil, orange, grapefruit, celery, berries, apples, and carrots instead.

Delicious! I feel lighter and brighter already.

Regarding my previous post : I changed my mind. I was all set to head to the head wrangler job in Wyoming, and then took a ride with Zak and my friend Sharon to the top of "Windy Hill" on Skyline Boulevard. It had been raining and the day was brisk and breezy. Oh, so beautiful! The views as we climbed from Portola Valley up to Skyline were spectacular and refreshing. It was muddy, but so green. Moss covered oaks, rivers, and a small lake along the way, and then everything opened up and we could see almost all the way to San Francisco.

I realized that I'm not done here. I feel drawn to stay longer, to discover more wonder in California.

The timing, as attractive as the job in Wyoming sounded, was just not right.

So I signed up for another 13 weeks at Stanford, and will be here at least through June.

Son Zakian moved out on his own last week, and is doing well, living in San Francisco, looking for work.

I have my little cottage to myself, and the garden is blooming. Every morning, I notice something new. Right now, it's the Acacias, and the huge blooms of the magnolias that perfume the air and catch the eye.

Photos to come - I just replaced my battery charger and will be gearing up.

Next on the agenda - EQUINE YOGA video. Stay tuned!

Back to the Wild

2012-02-27T15:39:00.000-08:00

Ring Lake Ranch, Wyoming

As my time here in the Bay Area comes to a close, I am happy to announce that I just today accepted a position as "Head Wrangler" on a ranch in the beautiful Rocky Mountains of Wyoming. I will be leaving the Bay Area on April 10, 2012, and making my way with the herd in tow, to this beautiful spiritual retreat center east of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. My job description includes the management of a herd of 24 trail horses, and I'm excited to be following my heart's desire to work full time with horses in a wilderness setting.

I enjoyed my stay here in California, and the experience of working at Stanford's Level One Trauma Emergency Department was certainly one I won't soon forget. I was an employee of American Mobile Nurses, and I am happy to say that they took good care of me. My recruiter, Susan Delaney, was very personable and quick to respond to all my needs.

The "Green Zone" of Stanford Emergency Department

I considered staying here in the Bay Area longer and applied and was offered several jobs, but nothing really made my heart sing. All the positions offered would involve "day jobs" that would keep me from being where I most want to be - which is with my horses. A voice within me kept me looking for the right feeling....that feeling that tells me I am following my true calling.

When the offer came through for a position where my first responsibility will be to "head to the barn and bring in the horses", I just had to embrace it with a "YES!" Here it is, my chance to live and work with horses all day in a beautiful wilderness setting.

I will be staying in Portola Valley until April 10th, when my last month's rent is "up". Then I'll be packing up the entire herd and heading back to the wild for a summer in the wilderness. If you think you'd like to come visit - check out the website at ringlakeranch.com. Here is some info from their home page:

Discover Ring Lake Ranch-a special place of refreshment and recreation set high in the Wind River Mountains of Wyoming.

The beauty of the mountains with their silent lakes, waterfalls, wildlife, birds and flowers beckons the soul to celebrate creation in quiet and wonder.

Friendly horses, miles of hiking trails and fish-laden waters offer both the novice and experienced outdoors lover physical challenge as well as relaxation.

Stimulating seminars, thoughtful discussions, and informal interaction among guests and distinguished session leaders provide a unique educational opportunity and intellectual experience.

Individuals are able to savor the opportunity for solitude as well as to participate in group activities.

The Ranch is located just east of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. The Whiskey Mountain Bighorn Sheep Unit and the Shoshone National Forest, immediately adjacent to the Ranch, offers the opportunity to view bighorn sheep, moose, elk and deer. Bird watching, from our resident osprey family to chickadees and eagles, is a favorite pastime. Numerous ancient petroglyphs are located in the valley around the ranch.

I hope you'll join me on the journey. I'll be taking every opportunity I have to continue to explore the horse world here in the Bay Area until my departure in April. I have mixed feelings about leaving, but as the Equine Nomad, I've learned that it's always the case. The price of adventure is leaving behind the comforts and friendships of familiar surroundings. Someday I will probably be ready to "settle down" in some great place, but not yet.

Not yet. There is still so much more I want to experience, and so much more I have to learn.

Thanks to the staff at Ring Lake Ranch for choosing me. I'm looking forward to meeting you all in the coming months and having a great summer working together on the ranch.

Time for moving on...

The Spanish Walk Oh YEAH!

2012-01-26T22:49:00.000-08:00

This is Dany with Ole', a 7 year old Fresian Gelding he has been training.
I cannot wait for the day that I can take of photo of Midnight and I doing this move.
Dany is such a wonderful teacher, for the first time, I know I can do it!
Is this an awesome horse or what?
The stuff that dreams are made of.

Yes, I know Ladies. Dany's not bad either. ;-)

Riding in Portola Valley - Training with Dany

2012-01-25T22:23:00.000-08:00

One of the many trails in Portola Valley
This one near Page Mill Pastures
Maggie finally takes the proper frame.

Dany Bert, riding Midnight.

Arastradero Open Space Trails:
My new favorite place to ride.

Ah. There, she's got it.

Dany won this battle for collection.
Coming home after a good workout.

Everyone ends up friends.
Training is hard work with a big pay off.

Training with Dany

2012-01-05T22:35:00.000-08:00

This is photo of my new trainer, Dany Bert. I have had 3 lessons so far, and I'm excited to learn more. I'm working with Midnight to start, and maybe Maggie also. My goal is to become the best rider I can be, and I look forward to learning what I can from Dany.

The rest of these photos are from the "Sea of Dreams" party in San Francisco on New Years Eve. A good time was had by all - as far as I know. Good music, good acts, good vibes.

Stanford University Hospital

2011-12-28T10:48:00.000-08:00

San Francisco Fog rolling in to the Bay

Yes, that's right. I'm now employed again, and settled in to work at Stanford. I came here to visit my son Jesse at Thanksgiving, and was surprised to find a beautiful pasture for the horses. Jesse, Zak, and I went for a ride and found ourselves at the top of a hill, looking down on the Stanford campus. Suddenly, I had the clear knowingness that this is where I was "supposed to be". I said to the boys, "You see that hospital down there? I'm going to go down there and get hired this afternoon".

On the hill above Palo Alto

And basically, that's what happened. I started orientation in the ED on 12/12/11, and worked my first shift on my own on Christmas Day. In the meantime, I found a place to live in Portola Valley, a little 2 bedroom cottage on a 2 acre property where there is a little barn below my deck overlooking the gardens. As the place isn't ready until Jan 10, I'm staying with my wonderful friends Nancy and Art in San Carlos.

Page Mill Pastures

The horses are doing well, and have been accepted into the large herd at Page Mill Pastures. Moonlight has been leased to a trainer who is using him for beginner lessons, and Magic has been leased to a school teacher who is planning to take lessons and enjoy his company 3 days a week. This way, my expenses for them are covered, and they get attention and love, while I focus on work.

One of the many horse trails in Portola Valley

I'm excited. The nurses I've worked with so far at Stanford have been friendly and welcoming. It's been an adjustment and culture shock for me to return to work after the freedoms of the open road, but it is also good to be earning money again, and I think I'm going to really like it here. The silicon valley is a beautiful place, and Portola Valley is a premier place to live. Most of the residents have horses, and there are trails through the area all over the place.

Brothers reunited

It's a good place to cozy up for the winter, and who knows? Maybe a bit longer.

Job Search Continues in Napa, CA

2011-11-03T18:26:00.000-07:00

I am getting to be a fixture at Starbucks in Napa. The folks here greet me by name when I come in to do my jobsearching by computer all day long. It's an interesting experience, to say the least. Over the past week I have applied to probably 75 jobs, gradually widening my net from the Napa Valley to all of California, travel agencies, Kaiser, Banner Health, and finally, I'm starting to search my old home state of Montana.

I have not enjoyed the experience of online job searching yet. I have always been employed quite quickly in the past, and I now realize that pretty much, I have always been hired for any job I ever applied for!

So it's a new experience searching online and completing online jobs apps over and over again. Patience is required. It's a strange sensation to apply online and wonder if I'll ever hear...

Only just today did I feel a bit of movement. An agency called to tell me that they thought they could place me. I am hopeful, but nervous. It's probably good to have a taste of what unemployed people everywhere experience, but no, I am not liking this.

The horses are safe, but stand for long hours tied on a highline in Skyline Park. Zak has been helping a lot, and keeping watch over the herd, but yesterday I dropped him off to take part in an adventure on a boat/barge up the delta. So now I'm alone again with my herd, and I worry about them when I'm spending long hours on the computer at my "Starbucks office".

I guess this is one of the drawbacks of my chosen lifestyle. Even with all my years of nursing experience and currents certs and licensures, it's still a challenge to get a job in this economy.

If anyone has any advice, I am open, and ready to work ASAP.

It's all fun and games till you can't get a job...
Sailing on the San Francisco Bay

Bay Area Job Search, Sequim Newspaper Article

2011-10-25T02:09:00.000-07:00

Maggie and Me
Mount Shasta, CA

Hi everyone. I'm "holed up" in the San Francisco bay area. Planning to spend the winter here with the herd. I've been the guest of my generous friends, Anton and Federika, at the deluxe boarding facility they operate here called "Somerset Farms". I celebrated my birthday with great new friends after a week of filing applications, renewing my CA nursing license with the BRN, and taking an ACLS class to renew my Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification. Now it's time to send my resume out on the airwaves, in hopes I can find a nursing position that pays well enough to allow me to get back on the road in the spring.

I've got some other ideas as well for fund raising, so stay tuned and wish me luck!

While I was in Sequim, WA, I gave a presentation to a group of interested horse enthusiasts, and among them was Karen Griffiths, a reporter for the local paper: the Pennisula Daily News. She wrote a nice article about my journey, which was recently published. Here's the link if you're interested:

http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20111019/NEWS/310199998/karen-griffiths-horseplay-column-farm-tour-equine-nomad-highlights

Thanks to all my blog readers who submitted suggestions and support. I am held in the arms of Love, and I thank you all for being here with me on this journey.

EponaShoe Testimonial Video

2011-10-18T04:14:00.000-07:00

EponaShoe Video Release

2011-10-18T04:11:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! Check out the new EponaShoe Video. Just released, it explains the features and benefits of these great shoes. Share the news with your horse loving friends!

http://youtu.be/Y6y1QAwVBq8

EponaShoes helped Moonlight to grow back strong hooves after they fell apart in chunks back when he was in steel shoes. From bare sole to sound in only 4 months! All my horses will always wear EponaShoes!

Two weeks after his feet broke off in chunks.
EponaShoes keep the pain down and help support the foot.

John, from EponaShoe keeps a close eye on the work.

EponaShoe glued on first at the Epona Institute in Paso Robles, August, 2011

Casting material applied to provide additional support to the right hind

Monique and the EponaShoe Farrier apply the finishing touches

To this!
In only four months...

Thanks EponaShoe!

The 13 Fish Hooks Caper: Vetrolin Detangles a Mystery

2011-10-04T01:44:00.000-07:00

While I was traveling north through Oregon this August, I woke one morning to a crazy and confusing situation. The mystery was never really solved, but a product called "Vetrolin Detangler" saved Moonlight from injury. It was so mysterious that I knew it would make a good story for the blog, so now that I have finally had time to write it, I sent it to the company as a testimony to this excellent product, and today I include a copy of the email to Farnam Products. I'm never without a bottle of Vetrolin in the trailer tack room now, and have used it for years with great results. My horses all have thick, coarse, easily matted tails and manes. Vetrolin has always been my product of choice because it simply makes grooming those thick tails a no-brainer. In fact, the worse the tail condition is, the more fun it is to see how well Vetrolin works.

Here's the story of a morning I'll never forget:

Dear Farnam product manager:

I just wanted to tell you an amazing story about your product, Vetrolin detangler. I am the Equine Nomad, with a goal to ride 200 miles in every state. I travel with four horses and usually tent camp in wilderness areas. I have been on the road with my herd for 14 months now, having ridden more than 2000 miles thus far, in 6 states.

Recently I was camped overnight at a state campground in Oregon. There was no shower at the horse facility, so I went over to use the facilities at the regular campground, leaving my 20 year old son in charge of the herd.

As the location was quite remote, he did as we often do, and released the 3 geldings to graze, leaving the mare tied to "emotionally tether" the rest of the herd nearby. When I got back, he had already gathered them up and they were tucked away each in their own sturdy log corral.

We bedded down just as darkness fell, but were awakened early to the sound of heavy equipment operators moving right through camp, building a road. We decided to break camp and get on our way, as the environment had quickly become unappealing due to noise of diesel trucks and swearing working men.

Not my favorite animal to see in the wild...especially at 700 am!

I tied each horse in turn near their morning feed buckets, but when it came to my beautiful white arabian, I heard a strange sound - like a clanking of keys every time he swished his tail. What the heck? I thought, and then saw a colorful flash of something in his tail....

13 lures - a fishy mystery!

You can imagine my dismay when I found his tail to be loaded with fishing lures! Many! and worse, they were all treble hooks, getting more tangled by the moment as he swished and swished his tail, smacking himself with those sharp points with every swat! He was dancing around like a cat on a hot tin roof. Poor guy!

Well, there was no doubt about it. As nasty as the campsite was, we would not be pulling out until every hook was removed. This was a formidable task, and getting worse with every clanging swish of the jangled mess of his tail. I was worried about him, but also worried I'd catch myself on one of those hooks. As an ER nurse, I've seen quite a few nasty fish hook injuries, and had no desire to experience it first hand.

I have been a long time user of the Farnam product, Vetrolin Detangler however, so when I saw that all those hooks were stuck beyond my wildest nightmare, my only hope was that Vetrolin could help.

I grabbed my bottle from the trailer tack room and squirted a little on the first hook. Wonder of wonders! That hook and then the next were released easily within a matter of minutes. In fact there were a total of 13 fishhooks removed from Moonlight's tail in about 15 minutes.

I was so pleased, I took photos afterward with the hooks, and with the vetrolin bottle. I'm planning to copy this story to my blog with photos from that memorable morning if you're interested.

Thanks so much for making such a great product, and saving my horse's beautiful tail that day. Instead of a major hassle, it was only a mystery that ended on a note of amazement and renewed confidence in your wonderful product. All of my 4 horses have long thick manes and tails, and combing them out is never an issue with Vetrolin around.

Even when things get a little fishy...

Thanks again!

Trish Wild, RN, PhD

The Equine Nomad

Look how the brush glides through his tail!

Vetrolin to the rescue! So glad he didn't lose his tail!

The mystery of the 13 treble hooks was never solved, but the tail was saved....

Fun on the Olympic Pennisula

2011-10-02T16:40:00.000-07:00

Unloading the packs at Horsehead Camp, Olympic National Park

"Sacking out" a bit more with Maggie.

Moonlight's first pack. He loved it!

One of the many waterfalls along the way to Cat Basin, Olympic National Park

Our beautiful route through the tall trees...

Some nice guy took a photo for us. Zak's first pack trip!

Our beautiful camp in Cat Basin

Nice view of the Olympic Range

The Olympic Range, Olympic National Park, WA

A little Equine Yoga, Heart Lake, Olympic National Park, WA

Equine Yoga over water!

Magic provides a good base for a great pigeon pose.

My first view of a black bear in the wilderness.

Moonlight loves the Cat Basin Camp

Olympic View Stables
Bareback jumping

Bareback jumping has a steep learning curve...

Our host in Sequim, WA - Dr. Bob, a retired veterinarian.
"Take your time leaving, and hurry back!"
Thanks for everything Bob!

Equine Yoga, Feng Shui and more photos from Capital State Park

2011-10-02T16:21:00.000-07:00

While Zak was in Portland, my friend Michelle and I went to work to Feng Shui several rooms in her house. We rolled up our sleeves and transformed her space from clutter, disorganization, and darkness to a light, bright, supportive and pleasing space.

The kitchen before.....

And After....All surfaces cleaned and all cupboards organized.
The dog is very happy with the energy shift..

The Bathroom before

And the bathroom after....

After leaving Michelle to continue her Feng Shui on her own, I met up with Zak and we camped and rode in Capital State Forest, near Olympia WA. His friends came out to visit and enjoyed some rides with us. Morgan even was brave enough to try some Equine Yoga....

First riders over the new bridge in Capital State Park, Olympia WA

A good river gallop!

Zak's friends Andy and Nick joined us for an afternoon.

Morgan tries out some Equine Yoga!

Not bad for a beginner!

Olympic Peninsula of Washington

2011-09-12T15:17:00.000-07:00

Zak the firemaster

My last entry was quite a while ago I see. My apologies to my readers, but I can't really say I'm sorry because it just means I have been living in the wild, out of range of internet coverage. Loving it!

After leaving the beautiful hot springs on the Columbia Gorge at Bonneville, WA, Zak hopped out in Portland, OR to visit his buddies who moved there from Fort Collins. I continued on to visit my dear old friend Michelle.

Today is her birthday! September 12. Happy Birthday my dear friend!

Michelle and I decided to do a juice fast together, after first dining at a beautiful restaurant in Eugene. Delicious fresh oysters, lovely cocktails, beautiful slow roasted wild boar, and a lovely Tuna Tartare. Scrumptious meal and great service. Good bottle of wine also....

The next day we began our fast, and a major Feng Shui of Michelle's place. During the next 6 days, we transformed her bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom. Next time I blog, I'll have the before and after photos for you. We did a lot of work in the "Wealth and Abundance" area of her home, and while we were there, Michelle found a forgotten notice that she needed to renew her nursing license, and was inspired to call her credit card company and get her interest rate reduced from 28% to 0% interest.

She also decided to sign her beautiful dog up for training with a company named "Sit Means Sit". Her german shepard, "Nanuck", has been charging the fence in her front yard, scaring her neighbors, kids on bikes, and one guy in particular, who threatened to kill her dog while I was there.

Clearly time to change the energy in her reputation. Nanuck is off to school next week, and I'll let you know how it goes for them in future blogs.

The first night, I arrived late and put the four horses in Michele's front yard. So funny to see, and MOST of the neighbors were cool about it.

Always in search of wood to burn...
Beats a gym workout everytime!

Zak and I are back together again. I picked him up in Portland and we headed to the coast of Oregon. We stopped at a State Park geared for horse camping, but it wasn't our cup of tea. Too suburban for us. The camp host even scolded me for parking "on the grass" when I stopped briefly to grab a shower on the way out. The "grass" was dried up, yellow scrubby stuff, and I really wasn't parked on it anyway. It's an interesting phenomenon that those "camp hosts" end up controlling little bitches who think they own our state parks.

From there, we hit the Oregon coast, but it was not exactly horse friendly in the area we chose to land. So we drove north and almost got back into Washington before stopping to camp at a boat launch near a wildlife refuge. The horses spent the night tied to the trailer, and Zak and I put our mats down on the launch, and enjoyed a lovely night, waking to a beautiful sunrise.

Next morning we crossed a bridge over the Columbia Gorge, and arrived on the Olympic Peninsula. We found camping in Capital State Park, and have been riding the trails there for a couple of days. It's a Park in transition and should be nice one day, but at the moment it has quite a lot to be desired. The trails are in pretty poor condition, but the "Friends of Capital State Park" are in motion, and Zak and I were the first to cross the new and sturdy bridge they completed minutes prior to our arrival.

Clearing trails and maintaining campsites is a big job. We've seen all sorts of variety in our travels, and Zak and I both rated the Capital State Margeret McKinney Horse Camp with a 2-3 out of 5 stars. At least there is pumpable, potable water in the campsite. And the camp host is not a little bitch yet.

Our plan is to hang here a couple of more days, and then head up the Peninsula to the Olympic National Forest and National Park. It's a rare sunny day, and we are feeling pretty happy to be here!

Midnight - such a good boy!

Wild times in Washington

2011-08-31T20:14:00.000-07:00

Have I mentioned I love this Zorse?

Another Zebra Transformation....

And later that day....

Zorse on the loose!

If you've never painted your horse, you should try it sometime! By the way, Akheil is available for parties, weddings, celebrations of any kind! He can be painted any way you can think of...

Even rainbows....

He's a darling...and rideable by just about anyone.
Even bareback...

Atlas Shrugged....

Zak and Maggie enjoy the view
Wenatchee Wilderness, Cascades of Washington

Equine Yoga in the Cascades
Horse Camp in the Wenatchee Wilderness

Stopping at a lovely fruit stand near Wenatchee, WA

What a beautiful drive through wine country. Fruit country. Recreation heaven. I love Washington!

Biggest Blueberries I have ever seen! Yum!

View of the Grand Coulee, Central Washington

We're now in Bonneville Hot Springs, on the Columbia Gorge. What a beautiful place. Sorry - must head back to the water for one last soak before they close...More on this wonderful establishment later...