Green n Green = Black n Blue

Visit Day!

2012-02-12T21:57:00.000-08:00

Saturday was our trip to see the girls! (Ophelia lives there now too.) This time Ophie's Mom's Boyfriend came with us to see the girls. Our first stop was to my friend's Polo Lesson. It's fun to watch, but I still think I should focus on staying on a horse before I try a new sport. My friend is a MUCH better rider than the other two guys who are in her lesson, but I still don't need to embarrass myself.

When we got to the barn Ophelia and Denali were side by side in their pasture/run. They haven't taken the temporary fence down yet, but I don't think there will be a problem. Denali was a good girl. We took her blanket off and de-mudded her. She was so gross. She seems to have pony dandruff? After taking her blanket off she kept kicking her belly. Turns out she was pointing to where she wanted a good grooming. At one point she lifted her hind leg like a dog and held it while I scratched behind it, and under her stifle. It was pretty funny. She even kept her brain attached to her body for the most part.

Her feet are still looking really good (for what I know about feet.) I was going to ask my friend to take a picture for you to judge, but I forgot. :-/ Next time. I know the wet ground is making her frog a bit squishy, but the rest of her sole felt hard. Her feet have changed so much since going barefoot 2 years ago. I bet that she has gone up a shoe size.

Now for some photos! (Most of Ophie since her momma now lives in San Diego and hasn't seen her in two weeks.)

Please read what the 'Big Kids' get. I laughed so hard. The 'Big Kids' are her personal horses. Of course they get fed. :)

So itchy!! SOO SOO Itchy!!

Ophie with her make-up. She was so upset that we took it off.

I love this mare...

Oh Mare-Face. You look so ugly when you are being nasty-mare-face.

This is Denali's Right Hind in 2009. The Lump has never gone away, and it was always pretty swollen.

Same leg yesterday. The lump is almost gone!! Yay. Not that it will make her magically rideable, but one less thing to worry about.

Ponies, Ponies, Ponies

2012-02-09T23:19:00.000-08:00

Still working out the details with the big man, but I will try to get some photos of him this weekend. I sort of feel weird taking pictures of him without his owner knowing that he is now on the Internet. Tuesday I went out to the barn that Denali use to live at prior to the whole almost dying thing. A friend of mine moved her mare there at the start of the month and I wanted to visit her.

One of the lesson horses was just finishing up, and the trainer offered me to take her for a spin. I haven't ridden since I started my crazy work out routine (aka, not working out ever to 4 days a week, 2 with a personal trainer). I could tell right away that "wow, this is much easier with muscles." I didn't feel like I was 'amazing' but could focus more on what I was doing since I felt pretty stable.

I think I mentioned before that my doctor wouldn't give me anti-anxiety meds for my fears post-trailer accident. She thought I had PTSD and made me go talk to someone. It actually is something I sort of have a hard time talking about on here so I don't mention it a lot. I guess I'm embarrassed? The doctor grew up with horses too. My "homework" is to tell stories of good things that happened to me in the past, or times that I felt really confident. She thinks that this will help me since so many of my memories in the past year and so were so negative or traumatic. SO, what does that mean? You will have to listen to me ramble some. I figured I'd write them on here.

Well...

2012-02-06T16:53:00.000-08:00

After a lot of thought yesterday I went out to the GWB to resign. I have a lot of trade saved up, and haven't used any of it.....instead I have a horse now. Opps. Okay, well, he's not "my" horse, but I am leasing him. He's a beautiful 18 year old school master who was imported from Germany and competed up through 4th level. I think he's 16.3/17.0 hh. He's a big boy is all I know. The lease starts March 1st, and I am going to have a few lessons on him before that...

So much for quiting. I'll get some pictures of him and post them soon. Gulp.

Happy Friday!

2012-02-02T22:00:00.001-08:00

Miss Me?

2012-01-28T21:51:00.000-08:00

I apologize for lack of posts, but my main subject now lives 2 hours away from me....

Live always seems to speed up in January, and there is no slowing down until April. I don't remember March at all last year, and before you know it summer is here. Let me sum up the month.

I think I mentioned before that I tried to talk my doctor into giving me Xanax due to fear issues. She wouldn't give it to me (Boo) but told me I "needed to go talk to someone." So, I've gone to go talk to someone. While I have my own thoughts, I have to say I actually feel somewhat better. You don't need to listen to all my rambling on the subject, but she helped me realize how much Denali and her subsequent illnesses/injuries have done to me. Great, I get that I have extreme guilt for everything she went though, but moving on...not so easy.

After 6 years of steadily gaining weight I decided to join a gym....I have a LOT of weight to lose... When I joined the gym I decided to join their "Transformation Challenge." It's 90 days and the winner gets XYZ. I've been busting my ass and lost 7ish pounds. I also got a personal trainer. It has made me really sad, but I used my "saddle fund" money to do so. I realized that I'm not going to need that anytime soon. I don't have a horse, and riding horses (while fun) just makes me feel so sad about Denali. Riding her still feels the best of any horse I've ever ridden, even fancy warmbloods. I know I should take every opportunity to ride as many horses as possible (and I am) but I think that Ophie's Mom's Boyfriend put it best, "She's just so much a part of my day to day life that I am lost without her." (That is in reference to the next topic.) Denali was my world with so many happy memories or riding/training and enjoying her. The past two years I spent on baited breath hoping that she would make it to the next day, that she was feeling okay, hand walking, wrapping, icing, drugging, etc. I enjoyed my time with her, but not the constant wondering if she was going to live.I started to see things differently. I miss that feeling. I don't know if that made sense at all. I'm just STILL so grateful that she's alive, she's happy, and she's healthy (FINALLY.) What a hell of a battle! I'm slowly going through Denali's stuff, selling what I know we won't need. Lots of tears, but I know that WHEN I get another horse, I'm going to want to buy him/her their own stuff. Denali is the queen, and if someone is going to use it, I don't want to know about it.

Ophie's mom moved. She left today to move to San Diego. I'm so, so sad. Not as sad as her boyfriend, but maybe a close second? Ophelia was retired, and moved in today with Denali! The caretaker (aka: wonder woman) reports there were lots of pricked ears and sniffing, but not a single squeal. I bet it was adorable. Wish I could see it. I am planning on going down next weekend to see the girls.

Lastly, my husband and I foster cats for a local rescue. We've fostered 6 or 7 but this one had my husband wrapped around her paw in no time. She is around 6 months old and was feral up to October 4th when her momma was caught. She has some interesting colors and has her moments. Why can't I just have normal animals!?! Welcome Nittany

Downfalls of Snowpocalypse....

2012-01-23T10:04:00.000-08:00

Let me tell you a story....

A friend of mine owns a beautiful Thoroughbred. Last week during Snowpocalypse, I was sitting at home doing nada, and saw that someone posted one her Facebook to "Call --------- Emergency." I didn't think much about it, but then quickly found out that her worst nightmare was coming true.

Along with Snowpocalypse came ice. Lots and lots of ice. The trees were thick with ice, and one on her property finally gave way. It crashed down right onto the fence that her horses are in. Her horse took off running down the road, and ran right into a car.

Her boy went through the front window and knocked heads with the driver. The car was totalled. Believe it or not, beside some glass in his head and a few cuts and scrapes, he is "okay." He is recovering at a barn that is across the street from where he was hit, but he's doing okay.

How crazy/lucky is that horse!

Anyone else have some amazing stories of survival? Since Denali survived the impossible, and is now living the life, there is something to be said to the strength of horses and miracles. I would love to post your stories of survival. If you have one, feel free to send it to me at rehabdenali@yahoo.com and I will post them here!

For Sale

2012-01-22T16:58:00.000-08:00

Ophelia's mom is moving, and Ms. Ophelia is retired now. She is selling her saddle and her girth.

17.5" Kincade Dressage Saddle. MW. Regular flag. Clean and cared for, but worn in places. Black.

Eric Le Tixerant ergonomic dressage girth, measures 28" buckle to buckle. Fabric discolored and stitching loose in one spot, but fully functional, and worn areas are not visible when on horse.

Additional pictures are available Here

All offers considered. If you have questions about the saddles e-mail me at rehabdenali@yahoo.com (Rehab Denali....what a joke. Still shorter than Rehabdidntworkhorsestillbroken@yahoo.com)

I'm trying to suck it up and sell my stuff, but it's hard.

Survived Snowpocalypse. I haven't been to work in a week. Tomorrow is going to be rough!!

Snowpocalypse 2012

2012-01-17T20:56:00.000-08:00

Real Photo

The city is pretty much shut down....there were hardly any cars on the road today during "rush hour." You ready? We have currently 2 inches. I LOVE this city!!!

For your viewing pleasure:

Denali Visit

2012-01-08T20:00:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was our visit with Denali. I wish I could explain my emotions when I go to visit her. I'm always so excited, but also worried. You know those bad day at the barns? The ones where you go back the next day to fix it and feel better? I have 4-5 weeks between barn visits, and I know that I will worry about it the whole time.

Ophelia's mom, a friend of mine from the Center and I made the trip south. We got there after my friend's polo lesson. Ms. Denali must have run the Kentucky Derby before we got there. Ophie's mom took her blanket off of her, and she was just STEAMING.

We gave her a good grooming, and then OM suggested that I hand walk her. I started walking Denali down towards the other end of her pasture/paddock/run. About 2/3 of the way she decided to pull out her shit. The first thing that I thought of was, "Yes! At least now I have proof of people watching her be an idiot."

Denali tried pulling back, she reared up and "thought" about pawing out (it was her new favorite game with her friend at the rehab barn.) She ran around me. I actually don't remember everything she did. I was trying to keep my heart out of my throat. BUT. I got her listening and was proud of myself. Denali thought there were cougars in the woods, and for some reason I was leading her to our death. Eventually she calmed down and we walked around again.

Best part of the visit? No (zip, zilch) neurological signs at all. I put her back on the Nano-E and don't know if I will ever take her off of it.

This morning I was in the shower thinking of the visit. Then it dawned on me...I didn't see her "off" at all. Even with all of her running around, and her buck, rear, buck game, nothing. She looked totally sound! I left there feeling so good about everything.

AND at the end of the month Denali is getting a new roommate. Ophelia is moving in to enjoy retirement alongside Denali. Oh lord, I wish I could see their faces when the see each other again. I wonder if they will recognize each other?

Look how good see looks!! Dang.

Denali's face while she has two people grooming her. She LOVED it.

Had you seen this?

2012-01-06T19:12:00.001-08:00

WOW is all I can say!!

Guess What I Did?

2012-01-02T21:17:00.000-08:00

(caution: blog post is perfect example of rambling.)

I rode a horse.

I ran out to the barn (also known as GWB) to see my friend's new boy. Someone had asked, he is an imported Dutch warmblood gelding by Houston x Oldenburg x Joost. He's been at our barn for over a year, and is a LOVE. He's training Prix St. George. I'm so glad that she got him. He's awesome. When I showed up she had her mare out and a friend's boyfriend was riding her.

I ran off to untangle one of the babies who turned his blanket into a toy and managed to LOSE his tail strap and take the blanket off his back and carry it around like a toy. I had my "nice" jeans on and rolled up the pant legs as high as they go since I had to tromp through the mud. When I got back she told me to get my helmet. I somehow let her convince me to just "sit" on her mare. I LOVE THIS HORSE. The other horses were running around and no problem. I haven't ridden in a Western Saddle in I don't know how long, so that felt weird, and the leathers (?-NO idea what you call them on a Western Saddle) were way too short, but we did walk/trot/canter and OMG so fun. I know you are ALL jealous of my rolled up jeans and muck boots.

I don't remember the last time I just hopped up on a random horse and tried them out. It was before Denali I know that. It was the first time in a LONG time that I didn't feel really scared. She was SUCH a good girl. It was fun.

After our quick ride I was up chatting with the girls when I see a black streak go running past. One of the trainers horses broke loose from the guy hand walking him and took off. Luckily her property is all fenced in, but still there are thing that they can get hurt on. I always just see $$$ signs running around. I know what some of these horses are worth, and it is more than I will make in a LONG time. I walked over and yelled at the gelding who just stopped and looked at me. I grabbed him and started walking him down to the worker. I didn't want him to get away with it.

As I was walking him down (and he was HOT to TROT) a woman who takes lessons there yelled, "You're holding him too tight." Too tight?? hu? I was really confused since I wasn't holding "him" but his lead rope. I was holding it closer to where it attached, but only because he was trying to rear up and I didn't want him to get up very far. I made him back up, but had to walk him past

"Too tight?"

Tell me, is there such a thing as holding a horse too tight while leading them? I wasn't being mean, I wasn't being harsh, I was simply walking him back down the hill, holding the rope a little closer to his halter (maybe 2 feet from his halter.) I've seen people hanging off of halters when their horses were being super stupid (I don't like that.) I don't know why her comment frustrated me so much. I take my "horse leading in job" too seriously I guess.

My goal this year is to ride 100 times. I guess that is 1/100 right?

All is well in Ms. Denali's world, I guess... I wish she was closer, but having money in my checking account is a really nice thing (although I am just putting it into my "new horse" account.) My next horse is out there and I figure when I'm ready, it will happen because it's suppose to happen.

Have you made any New Year's Resolutions? Beside trying to ride more I want to FINALLY lose weight. I think life is funny sometime. I said in early December "I wish I could just lose weight." Then I started to not feel really great. It was after eating, or in the middle of the night. My stomach just always hurt, and I thought I was having cardiac episodes. Nope. Really bad, body burning heart burn. For now to ??? I am not suppose to (read suppose to) eat chocolate, tomatoes, mints, onions, caffeine, fatty meats, alcohol, and there are more on my "don't touch" list, but the list might as well say "My Favorite Things." UGH. I keep cheating, and pay DEARLY for it. Pretty much anything I eat make me sick, but those things make it unbearable. The only thing that I can eat, without feeling like shit...Brussel sprouts. :) SO hopefully this eating healthy thing that I "have" to do will become habit.

Maybe that should be my motivation. When I lose 50 pounds I can buy my next horse. If I keep saving, I will probably be able to buy Ravel by that point. I don't diet well. We'll see!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T21:39:00.000-08:00

A fresh new year is ahead of us. A new year is like a new pair of sneakers, unmarked, and perfect. You have no idea if the shoes will fit, or give you blisters. I hope 2012 doesn't give me blisters. I will say that 2011 was no where near as horrible as 2010.

I got back Friday night from Pennsylvania. We were home visiting family. It's always a whirlwind trip. So many people to see with not enough time. In the tree days that I've been home my friend's husband bought her a horse (Merry Christmas to her!), my best friend had a kid, and I have taken more naps than I have in years.

Positive about friend buying the horse? She needs someone to ride her mare and asked me. I have so many horses that I've been offered to ride, I need to pick one and stick with it. I wish it was easier than that. I just miss Denali. Bah! I am putting money away for my next mighty beast. :) At least saving for him/her makes me feel better.

Oh well! What are your plans for 2012?

Vit. E

2011-12-21T16:55:00.000-08:00

So what is the next logical thing to do after watching your horse stumble, stumble, stumble? Freak out.

I went through hell last year, and I'm not going back. I spent yesterday reading up on Neurological problems (even though I've read them all before.) I then decided that she needs more Vitamin E. Pia's mom gave me the website for the Nano-E that she gives Pia. I stocked up on a few bottles, and then decided to check out her smartpak. For some reason, I took her off her Smart Protect and so she was getting a very low amount of Vitamin E. I hope this helps her.

Does anyone out there give their horse Vitamin E? What kind do you give it?

I sent a long e-mail to her caretaker (who I LOVE) telling her my concerns and asking her if she minded adding the Vitamin E to her grain. No problem. She is also willing to give her Adequan shots! I had to stop last month because I didn't think that she'd give them. She was a vet tech for a bit, and I really trust her. Plus, her best friend is a vet so I just pay the "at cost" price for the Adequan.

Who knows. I just hope this was a fluke and that she will do better. I just get really sad when I think that she might not get to live a long life. I also get sad when I think about moving back to the East Coast, and that a 3,000 mile trailer trip might not be the best thing for her. We'll see. I suck at taking things a day at a time!

Visit with Princess

2011-12-18T20:13:00.000-08:00

My friend and I met this morning bright and early to drive the two hours to see Denali. She had a polo lesson near the farm, so we stopped there first and I got to learn how to do a Polo Braid. It looked like a lot of fun, but hell, I can barely stay on the horse, I think that a stick would be a bad idea.

We got to the barn around lunch, and I was so excited. I've missed Denali so much. She was eating in her stall when I got there. She looked really happy. I unloaded her Christmas presents and some grain and she was very excited about her apples.

I took her blanket off and started to groom her in her stall. She was a good girl (of course) but refused to give me her right front. She wouldn't allow me to get even close enough to touch it. It looked okay, and she moved okay, but still I didn't want her to A. think she gets to make decisions, and B. I wanted to make sure it was okay. I decided to battle her outside her stall and walked outside with her. She followed me but as soon as I went for her leg she tried to take off, then it started.

trip, stumble, trip, stumble, trip

My heart went into my throat and I tried to not cry (successfully I might add.) I ran and got her halter and put it on her when she calmed down, and grabbed her leg. It wasn't hot or swollen, so I'm not sure about her adamant decision that I not touch it.

So of course I've spent the rest of my day analysing her decline.

1. Her Christmas stocking. She spent about five minutes bending her neck oddly trying to get at her stocking before I went into groom her.

2. Vitamin E- I took her off of Smart Protect, which has the most Vitamin E and she wasn't getting as much.

3. Winter-It's colder out and this is the time that she declined least year.

4. Adequan-She got her last shot on November 5th

5. Life Sucks.

So go go along with number 5, I'm not sure. The owner of the property said she hasn't seen Denali act neurological at all (of course no one saw her trip, stumble, trip) and told me she'd get her property care taker to watch out for it. It's just sort of heartbreaking to have put the past year of work into her for her to backslide so quickly. I stand by my choice of as long as she's fat and happy she can live the retired life. I just hope she can keep getting around happy and safe. She and Duchess still are not getting along. Denali is now sort of sharing the paddock area with a very small pony named Henry.

I'd like to add that I wasn't afraid of her at all, until I saw her stumble and then I felt sick to my stomach, but not afraid. I just really worry about her.

January 7th we go back down to see the Princess. Until then I've added more Vitamin E to her smartpak, she's going to be getting Adequan again, and we'll just keep an eye on her.

Looking good!

I love my girl!!

Can I haz treat?

Santa Pony came

Mare

2011-12-15T21:57:00.001-08:00

In terms of financial reasoning, not even a possibility...HOWEVER. I can't get this mare out of my mind!

Week update

2011-12-09T14:34:00.000-08:00

What a week. Sunday was the Holiday Bazaar, and it went really well. The center that I volunteer for was able to raise a nice amount of money that will be very helpful towards the care of the horses. I'm not sure if I've ever explained what we do at the center, but we provide medical care for horses who sometimes wouldn't make it otherwise. With community donations, we are able to take a horse on, rehab it, and charge the rescue a very low amount of money (between $350-$600) per month. Those horses are really costing around $1100-$2000+ per month for their care. Community donations offset the difference and make it so we can provide the low costs to rescues. Also, our vet works for next to nothing, but we can't keep asking her to do that. Right now we are auctioning off one ton of hay, which was donated to us. Sure, we could have fed it to our horses, but my thought was that if we sell tickets for $10.00 we can make enough money to feed the horses for a few months. So far, so good!

Wednesday was my birthday, but I'm at the point now that they are no longer fun, so no need to mention my age. My husband took me out to a nice dinner, and Denali left me a message asking where her gift was. Her caretaker then noted that horses get confused on birthdays, but she'll try to explain it to her.

Denali Update

2011-12-04T19:06:00.000-08:00

Before I got into my Denali update I wonder if you can wander over and vote for Denali's photo. If she wins she gets to be the calender girl for the vet hospital for the month of November 2012. That would make me pretty excited.

In Denali news, she is doing well. She is making out with Duchess over the fence, but they are not in the same pasture yet. She said that Denali is doing great and that they love her! She can't believe that Denali is as naughty as I said. Apparently Denali is nothing but snuggly, and super sweet. Thanks Denali for turning me into a liar. ;0)

I am going down on the 18th to visit the girl. I asked the caretaker and she said that was fine, but that Denali has a large stocking on her stall that she expects to be filled. I think I can do that!

Denali says:

2011-12-02T13:00:00.000-08:00

Vote for me!!

Really??

2011-11-30T22:24:00.000-08:00

Read the description on YouTube.

One word: WOW!

War Horse

2011-11-29T08:35:00.000-08:00

Guess who has a ticket to go see an advanced screening? This girl! I'm pretty excited (mostly because I haven't been to the movies in forever.) The owner of GWB's husband had them pinned up in the barn on Sunday. My friend and I acted like little kids I think when we took them. Actually, the owner of the GWB is currently in CA getting ready to ride in the National Dressage Symposium. A friend of mine went with her to help groom, and when they got there the first horse she saw was Ravel. Drool. We've been messaging her, trying to talk her into getting nice and close and taking pictures. She said she didn't want to embarrass our friend, and another friend of mine agreed that is why she got to go and we are back here at work. (If you followed that.) Ha. I think it's kind of cool that one of the horses I wrangle is the National Champion for 4 year olds. Look where a Craigslist ad get me!

In other news, there is no news, which is good I guess. I'm still checking out horses to ride, but think that I might just take two lessons a week instead. That is about how much time I have to really ride, and I think I will learn a lot faster. We'll see. I'm still suppose to go out and try out the big guy at the barn.

Also, I don't know if I mentioned it on here (Denali gets PISSED if I mention anything other than her) but my husband and I started to foster cats. What's the next logical step? Write a blog about it!

Uterus for Rent?

2011-11-27T19:37:00.000-08:00

Before you freak out. The answer was no.

Now for the story.

When I had my momentary freak out over Denali a few weeks go, and felt the urge to rehome her I put an ad up on Dreamhorse. I think I described her to a T and left nothing out. I'm sure that I exaggerated and made her sound much worse than she is, but if someone was really interested in her I wanted them to know all about her. Now that she is at retirement I realized that 95% of my stress was the massive bills that I had. I always pay off my bills and that meant we didn't have much left. Since she moved, I feel so much less stress and I am so glad that she is still MY girl.

Just in the past four days I have had FOUR breeding farms contact me interested in seeing more photos of her, and talking to me about taking her on as a broodmare. FOUR! It makes me sick in the stomach honestly. Of those Four contacts, two of them are racing farms. They want to take my baby and turn her into a baby machine. One of them wants her for her bloodlines, but to breed to their warmblood stallion. The other farm in in Ohio (I think) and breeds and raises Hunters.

I'm a horrible person. I haven't replied to a single person. Not one, and I feel bad. I got one on Wednesday and sort of was shocked. I got two Friday (Black Friday shopping?) and then one today. I don't know what to even say. Denali DOES NOT need to be having babies. She broke so easily, and while her confirmation isn't horrible, it's not "perfect" and I don't want her babies to be broken in a few years and then put into a horrible situation.

In updated Denali information, she is having a grand old time in retirement. They love her, and for that I love them. They sent me a video of her playing with some toys they put in her stall (to try to talk her into going into it.) They always comment on how sweet she is, and what a good girl she is. I'm a proud momma!

One year.

2011-11-25T22:14:00.000-08:00

Exactly a year ago today I got the phone call that the "truck has to cancel." A the time I thought it was the worst thing ever, and that all I wanted was for everything to be over. I'm so glad it snowed!

So, for a little fun. I saw this and had to chuckle!

‎20 signs your dressage test need work . . .

Under judges remarks she writes only: "Nice braid job."

Horse confuses dressage arena rail for a cavaletti; exits at K.

Your circles shape reminds the judge that he should pick up eggs on the way home.

Your serpentine was perfect, except that it was supposed to be a straight centerline.

Sitting trot has caused some fillings to be loosened in lower molars.

Your horse believes "free walk" means leaving the arena and heading towards the nearest patch of grass.

Your working trot had you working harder then your horse.

In your salute, your inadvertently use your whip hand causing your horse to perform airs above the ground.

Your walk seems to be more "rare" than "medium."

Impulsion improves only after the horse sees monsters in the decorative shrubbery near letters.

Your horse's response to the canter aid is "Can't, er, what?"

Your twenty meter circle involved jumping the rail twice.

Your halt took place in the judge's lap, instead of at X.

Your thoroughbred interpreted elasticity to involve trying to kick himself in the head with his back feet during the working canter.

Your horse entered the arena at A, and M, and H, and B...

Judge's comments include words like "unusual, dramatic, explosive, and tragic"

Leg-yields involve your leg yielding before the horse does.

Free walk was interpreted by your Arab to involve prancing, a rear, and a few bucks.

The judge asks you take the broken letters with you when you leave.

Voodoo dolls of your horse were found in the possession of the show's grounds manager.

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T21:11:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving

I am Thankful for my husband who keeps me sane when I want to give up.

I am Thankful for my family who raised me with strong values and beliefs.

I am Thankful for my friends who are there when I need them the most, even if it means listening to me ramble on and on either excited about something, or terrified.

I am Thankful for Denali, and the extra year that I wasn't suppose to have with her (this was suppose to be her last Thanksgiving last year.)

I am Thankful for Denali's vet for saving her life and giving her the chance to be a horse.

I am Thanksgiving for you, for joining our journey, supporting me and Denali, and being there when I had told things that no one in my personal life know about (and not judging me.)

I hope your Thanksgiving is the best!

Building the Ark

2011-11-22T21:58:00.000-08:00

It started to rain sometime last night. Not the normal rain, but bucket dumping, wind blowing, rain. It made me so happy that it worked out that Denali was shipped out already. I would really hate to have this storm hanging out around here this weekend, and have to take Denali down in the storm.

I got an adorable short video of her last night. She looks so happy and that makes my heart sing. I was worried that she'd be lonely and sad, but she seems to have stepped right into her role of snack taster and is happy to do it. The caretakers are so great, I don't know what I did to deserve to find them. I'm so glad that they like Denali so much. I've gotten multiple text messages about how sweet of a girl she is and how much they like her. I did tell them all the horror stories, so they probably thought that I was bringing a flying hell-beast. I know I probably exaggerated, but I don't ever want someone to not know what they are getting, and then Denali to suffer because of it. The caretaker told me she's adding a scoop of grain (total of 2) to try to get a little extra weight on Denali before winter really sets in. I'm glad she's worried about Denali. She's been getting fed 3x a day, and has access to the hay field.

Tonight I had a meeting for the center that I volunteer for and found out that one of my volunteers is taking polo lessons 7 miles from Denali!! We are going to plan trips together. I will drop her at her lesson (it's 3 hours) and go see Nawlers, then pick her back up. I'm glad to have someone to go with.

In other news I went out tonight to watch the owner ride the Dutch Warmblood I might lease. I did NOT realize how big of a horse he is. He is a big, big boy. He's a beautiful, beautiful mover and is a really good boy. He spooked once, and it of course made me nervous. GRR. The owner of the GWB is amazing, and she suggested that I take some lessons on him. I feel really stupid telling people in my life that I am really afraid of riding. Everytime I have ever came off a horse I have hopped right back up. After the trailering accident it took me months to be able to walk normal, so hoping back up wasn't easy. Now, when I get comfortable with a horse, I do okay, but I wish I could just go back and ride all different types of horses with no fear. It takes a lot to talk myself into getting on their back. I hope to go talk to the doctor soon. I don't know what she can do, but I figure that's the first step to get over my fear. It would be different if I didn't want to ride again, but I miss it a lot. It's hard when my head is telling me NO and my heart is saying get going and ride!

Thanks for your nice comments. I'm glad you won't mind listening to me babble.

Photos!

2011-11-21T22:06:00.000-08:00

Denali meets Duchess for the first time.

First, "I HATEZ YOU!"

Nah, I lovez you. (HUSSY!)

Denali meets Henry the Pony

Denali meets the herd of horses through the fence. The pony LOVES her!

Beautiful Girl!!

Unloading, and calm (unlike mom.)

Hussy.

Hello? Iz just sawz ponies. Wherez they go?

A million thank yous again to Ophie's mom who gave up her Sunday to not only horse handle, but to take the above awesome photos!! I love them! I have gotten several updates on Denali, and that makes me so happy. She is doing great. She went into her stall at some point over the night and they found her there munching this morning. They sent me a picture of just her nose (because she thought the camera was a cookie.) She looks bright eyed and really happy. It makes me feel really good that she's doing well.

I had to call up the vet hospital that they use today to set up an account. They had me go through the things that I authorize for them to treat, and things that I do not authorize. They asked me lots of questions, and it made me feel good about the move. I gave them our credit card account and an amount that they treat her without contacting us first.

Still can't believe that she's moved. It went so well. I'm so happy and feel so much less stress. Getting $1,000 bills each month takes a toll on ones sanity. I just hope that she does well at her new barn. I was happy that the caretaker told me she thought Denali could gain some weight. Makes me feel better that they want her a little fatter (instead of her looking fine, and maybe not trying to get weight on her.) She looks great for Denali, but anything extra that they can get on is great.

As for this blog, I'm not sure what to do with it. Do I stop here? Do I just pop in to do random Denali updates? Or include my new horsey exploits here? I don't know yet. Thoughts?

This week last year I was in intense pain emotionally and physically. A year ago we decided to put Denali down and my heart broke. I love the idea of retirement. She's still my girl, and she will always be my girl. This week is going so much better than last year! Yay Denali!