The Saga of the Weanlings

Do you get the look. Wilda is saying "Enough with the pictures" Come on Wilda, you are really photogenic. Let me take some more.

If you have ever had a mare with a foal, you know that separating a mare and foal is not an easy thing to do. Last post I talked about taking my weanlings away from the mares. It is really hard on both.

I really do not have a good set up for handling the difficult task of weaning foals from mares. But this week end it got easier. But before this week end, I have had no success in separating the foals and mares.

I got them separated easy enough. I thought to myself, piece of cake. But alas, some things are not as easy as they first seem. Case in point. I had gotten the mares separated from their colts. They were in what I thought was a secure barn with tall round pen panels at each end. The sides were heavy oak rails on one side and the side of the barn on the other. The side of the barn is wood with aluminum siding on the outside. Of course nailed into heavy oak boards. And open about half way up. Too high for foals to go over. And the mares couldn't get in either.

The first night all went well. I went up to the barn, fed and watered and of course they were happy to see food. Day two. A friend of Mike's came by the house and told me I had one of the young horses out. It was in my yard. I thought it was a yearling. It was actually one of the weanlings. I could not understand how he could have possibly gotten out.

We put him back in the field with his mother. Of course they were glad to see each other and he nursed and she was happy to have him there. A little later, I went to the barn and found a panel had been opened and not secured back. So when Blaze got to pushing on it, he pushed it enough to get through to the out side. From there he found his way to my yard and was just across the fence from his mother.

I put the mare and Blaze in the barn and fed them grain. I managed to get the two of them into the stall where the weanlings were being kept. Then I got Magic Rhythm out of the stall and closed the gate on the weanlings and put Rhythm back out in the pasture. No problem. I was quiet pleased that I had been so clever. While I was patting myself on the back and thinking how good I am at handling the horses, we took a trip to Van Berts to ride and bring home some of the horses that were in training. I will keep them here over the winter.

I have more on the trip to Van Berts soon. Eleanor wants to tell Michael Brummer what happened there herself. I can hardly wait to write that blog but I promised Eleanor.

While in Stanton, I made arrangements with Chris and Stacie for them to deliver a free standing stall I had bought from them. It is a very heavy stall and I had plans to set it up in my stock barn to put a horse in that I needed to keep in for any reason. I also thought it would be good to keep weanlings in for a time to get over the separation anxiety.

I brought two fillies home with me. One a weanling, Ann's Mt Treasure and a yearling, Flair for Fury. Lucy went into the barn and turned the lights on and I got out to open the trailer to lead the weanling, Annie, out. Lucy called out to me from the barn asking me about where the weanlings were in the barn. She asked me if there was suppose to be weanlings in the big stall. I thought surely she just wasn't seeing them.

I walked into the barn and sure enough there were no weanlings in the stall. I soon saw the problem. One whole panel on the side of the barn was laying flat on the outside of the barn. The barn has been there since the early 70s and the boards are open to the weather so there is some rotten wood. I reasoned what had happened was that the mares were there talking to their babies and putting their heads up in the open spot and pulled it down. I bet there were four surprised horses when that came crashing down.

So I went to plan B as to where to put the weanling for the night. We tucked the two fillies in with hay and water and turned out the lights and came to the house.

The next morning I fed the fillies in the barn and hurried off to a wedding I was invited to. While I was gone, Chris and Stacie delivered the stall. I found I was needing it now worse than ever.

Mike and his friend Jimmy set it up in the barn for me. It was no easy task because that thing is really heavy. I am really grateful to them for doing that. The two guys put their heads together and came up with a plan and soon it was setting in my barn ready for a horse or two weanlings.

Magic Rhythm and her weanling, Blaze was near the barn so I let them in and gave them some feed. Mike helped me put a halter on Blaze and we led him over to the new stall. We secured him in the stall, fed him hay, water and grain. He was a happy as a lark for some time. That is until he found out he couldn't see his mom anymore.

When I left the barn late this afternoon, they were calling to each other. But he is securely fastened in the new stall. And he will be there in the morning. Tomorrow he will get his little room mate back. I get get Wind Socks and Celine in the barn and we will soon have her in with her little pasture mate. Together they will get over being separated from their moms. Soon they will be just as happy with the generous amount of hay and the grain 2 times a day. Plus plenty of water.

I have hired a young lady that is 18 to help me for a couple of months. I am so pleased to have Annie helping with the horses. Today, well yesterday now, Annie and Natalie rode up on the hill. Natalie has been nervous on her horse, Romeo. Annie rode him down and got him to minding her before Natalie got on. Natalie is so thrilled to ride Romeo and actually make him mind her. He has pretty well known that he was the leader in their herd of two. He made Natalie believe that what he wanted to do was how it would be. Annie has already shown Natalie how to teach him she is the herd leader.

Annie rode Blooming Rose yesterday and fell in love with her gait. And her nice disposition. She thinks that Rosie is just the best ever. Annie is a competent rider and will help me learn to be more confident while she is here. Tomorrow the farrier will be here and Annie and I will get the horses in and we'll get the job done sooner. Rosie needs shoes and trimming as well as some of the other horses will need a little trimming.

So once again, I am hopeful that I have someone I can trust with my horses. So far, I haven't found anyone that suited me. Each time I was excited to have help but none have turned out to be what I needed here on the farm. I have known Annie for over a year and never would have thought she would want to come to work for me. But I found out differently last week and she will be here until she goes into basic training in January. She is in the Army Reserves.

We saw H T Friday and he is in pain with his broken ribs but he was in the barn while we were there. Wilda is doing well. She is enjoying J Lee Walker and says he is the best horse she has ever ridden. And she has ridden more than she could remember.

Vera and Larry are both better. Larry seems like he is recovering slowly. They have had a bout of nasties going around on the farm with Wilda and H T both injured this year. And with Larry and Vera both being sick with whatever they had.

And an update on Alyssa. She now has her feeding tube removed and will hopefully go home this week. Her Mommy has sure had a long wait to have her baby girl home with her. Alyssa is almost 5 weeks old now. They may come here for Christmas. We are excited at that prospect.

God bless and keep you in his tender and loving care.

Regards,

Mary

When you are buying a horse, take care not to fall in love with him, for when this passion hath seized you, you are no longer in a condition to judge his imperfections.

Sleur de Sollesell

For I know all things work together for those who love the Lord and for those who are called according to his purpose.

Romans 8: 28

It is a Cruel World

Pictures of some of the horses. Middle and bottom is Celine's Shinin Star (by Sudden Impact) with her mother L S Mountain Wind Socks.

Today was the day. I weaned this year's foals. I put them in the barn with some grain, hay and water. Blaze (by Sam I Am) didn't seem to mind. Celine ate some of her grain and then started looking for her mother.

She has always been the one who was most dependent on her mother. Blaze seemed from the first to be more independent. But for the first several weeks, Celine was not five feet from Wind Socks any time I saw them. Blaze walked right into the barn and Celine followed right behind him. It was easier than I imagined to get them into the barn and away from the mares. Wind Socks was searching and calling for Celine. And Celine was calling for the mare. But Magic Rhythm didn't seem to mind Blaze being gone. We will see tomorrow morning how she feels with a tighter bag. A side note. I read recently that a mare will give in excess of 11 gallons of milk a day. WOW

I expect she will be happy not to have to nurse a young one anymore. She is already carrying next year's foal by Blue on Black. He is standing at the Van Bert Farm and has been showing this year and having a pretty successful show season under saddle. Wind Socks did not settle on her foal heat and as luck would have it I was without my truck at the time of her next heat and the next heat was too late in the year. So I will be breeding her back later. I will be trying for a fall foal next year.

We had a very busy week last week. I think I say that pretty often. Eleanor and I went to the KMSHA show Thursday and Friday. We came home on Friday evening. We were having a birthday party on my farm. It was Melissa's 7th birthday and she had been planning on this party since last March. She had asked me back then if she could have the party here. Of course, I said yes.

But first more about the show. The show went pretty well. My horses all performed well. We won the reserve grand championship on my yearling filly, Flair for Fury. She placed second behind her brother Flashback. Better known as Flash. I hoped for the championship of course but I am happy for Mike and Judy Brummer for their successful year with Flash. He has won almost every time he entered the show ring. Flair has had a very successful year as well and will receive the High Point Award for Yearling Filly at the awards banquet coming up in December.

My yearling colt won the reserve championship for the yearling colt class. Behind Flash. There was a nice class of yearling colts and we were happy to have won reserve champion in that class behind Flash. So congratulations again to Mike and Judy for that win as well.

Rockin Andi and Velvet also gave it their all in their classes. Velvet placed 4th in her last class despite having an abscessed tooth that required an extraction the next day. She was already swelling in her jaw before that class.

In all we had more than 50 people here for the birthday party. There were around 17 children. It was hard to get a count. Counting that many children is like counting a can of worms. We had hay rides both before and after dark. There was also a pumpkin painting contest. There were balloons and decorations with a Halloween theme. The children came in costumes. And there were trophies for various categories of costumes. There was chili and hot dogs. A good time was had by children and adults alike. And Melissa had a great time at her party.

She is already planning her 8 th birthday party. Since her next birthday will be 10-10-10 she is having a 10 theme. (What else). But here is the plan. Instead of a gift, each person who wants to will contribute $10 and that will go to the children's hospital in Louisville Kentucky. A very worthy cause. She is already planning to have it at Chunky Cheese. Or was that her Mom's idea. This party was a lot of work for Mom and Granny. Aunt Debbie and Aunt Andi helped too. Uncle Mike repaired the hay wagon and drove the tractor. Greatest Grandma went to the party and ate chili.

We all did our part.

Please pray for H T. He had an accident yesterday and ended up with broken ribs. He is home and resting. H T you and Wilda please be more careful. Larry and Vera have both been sick. They are back on their feet but still not up to par. No wonder, as hard as they both go. I am keeping all of them in my prayers and hope you will do the same.

May God bless you and keep you in his loving care.

Regards,

Mary

Whatever things are true, whatever things are pure, whatever things are just, whatever things are lovely, think on those things.

Philippines 4: 8

A horse is the perfection of people's dream about themselves; strong, powerful, beautiful and it has the power to give us an escape from our mundane existence.

Pam Brown

From "Chicken Soup for the Horse Lover's Soul."

Melissa, Rose, Andi and Velvet

First picture is of Melissa riding Velvet. Her she is being led around the arena. She had just fallen off and gotten back on so Stacie was leading her to help her transition from falling off to rebuilding confidence. Second picture, Melissa on Blooming Rose (Rose)

This picture was taken back in 1960. Bill and I had already gotten married. It seemed as soon as I got married and left home Daddy bought the horse we would have all loved to have. Her name was Cherry and she was a Quarter Horse. She was a sorrel and we all loved her. Especially my Dad and brother, Bob. Bob had saddled Cherry up that day and Cherry and I were ready to go for a ride. I was like Melissa then. I had no fear of falling off. I think I had already fallen off of her once but it was ok. I was 18 and full of myself and confident that nothing could ever really hurt me.

We certainly had a busy day yesterday. Melissa, Lucy and I went to Stanton to ride again at the Van Bert Farm. Jamie was there to greet us and soon had Blooming Rose out for Melissa to ride. It wasn't long before they were in the outdoor arena. Melissa had asked Jamie if she could go out there with Rosie. So he agreed to let her ride outside again.

Melissa is having a hard time with the same thing that is hard for me. She will not take the reins up far enough to get a real good hold on the horse. I am learning from watching Jamie teach Melissa to ride. Rosie got away from her a little but S T stepped out in front of her and stopped her. Melissa then did better about taking the reins up. I too had a problem with that because I am fearful that I will get into her mouth too much. I am fearful I will hurt her mouth.

After lunch Jamie got Rockin Andi saddled up and I rode her. I am getting more comfortable in the saddle. Then Lucy had a turn. Lucy is really loving the riding. She even rode with others in the barn. That always makes me a little uncomfortable. I am always thinking that maybe my horse will do something to startle the others or they will do something to startle my horse. But Lucy is getting more comfortable on Andi and I truly love that little mare. I liked her the first time I ever saw her and knew that was a horse I needed to own.

Our afternoon soon came to an end at Van Berts and we drove over to see Chris and Stacie at Cool Shade Mountain Horses. They have two of my horses in training and have been showing the two of them this year.

Stacie and Chris want to work with Melissa so she can ride Velvet. She is a nice calm 2 year old mare that is a daughter of Choco Dock. I really like that Stallion. I have owned Velvet since she was a weanling. When I got her she had been taught to lead, load and walk across obstacles. She has been an amazing horse from the time I first got her. The farrier and the vet has always liked her because she shows no fear of either. The first time she got her coggins after I owned her, the vet was trying to take care not to scare her but Velvet showed no fear and was not startled when the vet stuck the needle in her.

So Chris and Stacie thought Velvet would be a good horse for Melissa. Lucy, Melissa and I got to their stable just as they were getting Amego out to ride. Stacie soon had Velvet in the cross ties and she and Melissa were grooming her. Stacie put her saddle on Velvet and rode her until she was warmed up. Then Melissa's saddle was put on Velvet. Melissa got on Velvet and was in the process of getting her reins in hand when Velvet walked off with her. Melissa had tightened her legs on Velvet's sides and Velvet knew that meant to walk on. Melissa gripped a little tighter and was having trouble with the reins. Velvet was confused and Melissa gripped a little tighter. And off she came. Velvet stopped.

Her Mother picked her up off the ground and after a few comforting words, Melissa was ready to get back on. That girl is a real trooper. So Stacie led her around the arena until she was too tired to walk any more. Then she had Melissa to guide Velvet a circle around her. Chris stepped into the arena and told Melissa to ride to him and then back to Stacie. They did that several times. Then Melissa was ready to go it alone around the arena. She has a lot to learn but she is not afraid to try and she does love to ride. And now so does her Mother.

We had already loaded Blooming Rose onto the trailer so after a good ride on Velvet we headed for home. We had already agreed to bring Melissa back for more lessons. I was excited to be bringing Rosie home to the farm. I really like her. Today I went to the barn early. Mike had already put water in for her this morning and she was pacing back and forth in her stall. She is in a new place and not accustomed to the strange sights and sounds of this different place.

I took her out of the stall and led her around in the barn and a little outside. I tied her up and groomed her. Then put her back in her stall and gave her grain. Tonight I went back to the barn and fed her more grain and hay. After she finished her grain, she continued her pacing back and forth in the stall. I caught her halter and started petting and scratching her neck and shoulder. She stood still for me. I let her halter go and she still stood. I talk to her and make over her and she is beginning to relax a little more now.

Saturday will be a big day for her. Melissa is having her birthday party here and she may have some little riders that want to take a ride on Rose. We will see if Rose is ready for that before Saturday. She may not be settled into her new home by then.

I have an update on Alyssa. Alyssa now weighs over 5 lbs. She will be three weeks old tomorrow. It has been a busy three weeks for her. Thankfully most babies do not have such a full schedule in their first three weeks as Alyssa has. By all indications she is doing pretty well. Thank you all for your prayers. If you would continue to remember her in your prayers, it would surely be appreciated by all of her family. God has already touched her in his marvelous way. He has answered our prayers for her in his loving kindness toward this, his little one.

May God bless you and keep you in his loving care.

Regards

Mary

"A horse is worth more than riches."

~~~Spanish Proverb~~~

Holly

I have no picture to post tonight. Somehow, my external drive that I have my pictures stored on is not working with my laptop.

If I posted a picture tonight it would be of my good friend Holly.

I first met Holly when she was only a couple of months old. My husband called me at work one day shortly before Christmas to tell me of her arrival at our house. I was eager to get home to meet Holly. I did not know what her name was then but we ultimately decided on Holly. One reason for choosing that name was that Christmas was so close. Holly always brings back memories of Christmas in a special way.

My Dad had a holly tree in is front yard close to the house. Every year when we were getting ready for Christmas, he would go out and cut some holly branches from the tree. We would use them to decorate the house. Perhaps a little on the mantle. Always some on the dining room table adorned by Mom's best china. There were silver hurricane lamps in the middle of the table and the holly was always worked in between them with its red berries. It made a lovely center piece. Of course the table was overflowing with the good food we had been cooking for a couple of days.

When Mom was living, there would always be a jam cake on the food cart ready to be served for dessert. Besides the traditional turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy and dressing, one could expect banana croquets, broccoli casserole, creamed peas, corn and green beans. The list would go on and on. You get the idea. Mom was a wonderful cook like both my grandmothers before her. She learned from her mom and my dad's mom taught her some different dishes that were traditional from her family.

So it wasn't hard to choose a name for our new puppy. Holly was so much a part of our family tradition and it brought back so many good memories it just seemed the right name for a puppy that arrived shortly before Christmas 14 years ago.

When I first got home that day, Bill was already in the house waiting for me. Of course, the first thing I looked for was the new puppy. She was no where to be seen. Bill informed me that when she first came in, she found a hiding place behind his recliner and there she stayed.

It wasn't long before the new Labrador Retriever puppy had wiggled her way in to our hearts and into the family life. She was smart and learned very quickly. She didn't stay behind the chair long. She was soon out exploring her new home and making friends with both of us. Before long she had learned to sit and stay and Bill soon declared she was the smartest dog he had ever seen. They became constant companions.

There are many stories I could tell of Holly and her exploits but one thing that stands out in my mind is River Bend and potato wedges. Bill often ate at a service station in Taylorsville that served some really good fried chicken and he always liked their potato wedges too. He always shared the potato wedges with Holly. She of course being a lab loved anything food and especially those wedges.

We lived about three blocks from the store. At the end of our sub division, if one walked over the hill and across the street you would be there. Holly soon got the scent of those wedges and the frying chicken from up on our hill. Sooner or later someone would call us from the store and ask us if we owned a black lab with a blue collar bearing the name Holly. That was actually a no brainer. The collar had our phone number. Of course we said yes and one of us would get into the truck and go get her and bring her back home. This went on for several years.

She had Bill's number in nothing flat. She knew if he had food, she would get something tasty for herself. She loves all kinds of food. There isn't much she won't eat. She won't eat onions and will not eat chocolate. As long as he lived, Holly got a portion of Bill's meal. She would stand by him at the table. She didn't beg him. He did not allow that. After he was unable to get to to go to the table and I took his meals to his bed, he always saved a few bites for her. She would wait patiently by his bed. She knew he would share. She loved him and he loved her and thought she was the most wonderful dog that ever lived. And she being a lab thought he was the most wonderful person in the world. She loves me but Bill was her master.

Now there are people who would sniff and say they never feed table scraps to a dog. It is not good for them. Holly is 14 years old. She will have her birthday in a couple of days. Some one told me his dog, a little leg biter, lived to be 17 and never ate a table scrap in his life. I don't know if that made the difference but I do know Holly would not trade all her human food for 3 more years of life.

Today the vet called me with the news that Holly doesn't have much longer to live. The growth removed from her back last week is an aggresive form of cancer. She may already have it in her lungs, speem and blood stream. I don't think I will even let him xray her. She has congestive heart failure already and has been on medication for that for a couple of years. When is enough, enough? I think with Holly that point has been reached.

As long as she is not suffering, I will not consider putting her down. When she does, I will make the decision to do the humane thing for her. She has been a good and faithful pet for me and for my family. She will be leaving me wih her daugher Lilly and granddaughter Erica. She will leave a legacy of love, forgiveness and faithfulness. The greatest wrong we ever inflicted on her was to leave her at home and not take her where we were going. Until the last couple of years that had been infrequent.

She traveled with us to Mississippi to see my son on several occassions and even alerted us one night when a panter was prowling around his home. She traveled with us to California where she learned that digging in the yard was pretty easy there. She stayed in motels with us and never left a mess. She never slept on the furniture or took food from the counter.

She slept in the hallway of the house in Taylorsville. Here she sleeps by my bed. Or where ever she decides she wants to sleep. It is up to her. But before the night is over, she will be on the rug by my bed. In the future when we have a thunder storm, I will remember that she hated them and would stand by the bed and ask me to comfort her. When the cows come up close to the fence I will remember that she stood at the french doors and barked as if to tell them, "Don't you come in my yard. I am watching you."

She is a beloved pet. She gives just a small glimpse of how God loves us. He loves us with an unconditional love that is always forgiving. God is always faithful. The only action required on our part is to ask for that forgiveness. In effect that is how we relate to Holly. We give her a friendly pet and she greets us when we come home. Some day God will greet us when we get home to Heaven to be with him and to be all he intended us to be.

I wonder, will Holly be there already by Bill's side waiting to be part of my welcoming committee? It is a question that we can only answer by guessing. But I do know my Savior will be there waiting for me to welcome me home. And that will be Glory for me.

May God keep you in his loving and tender care.

Regards

Mary

For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that who so ever believes on him should not persish but have everlasting life.

~~~John 3: 16

One Last Show

Mt Girl's little sister. Celine's Shinin Star was born May 22, 2009. In this picture, she was just a few days old. She is out of the same mare, L S Mountain Wind Socks, as Mt Girl and this filly is by Sudden Impact, a son of Choco Dock. She, Mt Girl and their mother are almost always close to each other in the pasture.

With the World Show now a recent memory, the International behind us and the Mountain Pleasure Show over, we are now preparing for the KMSHA show that will be held in the horse park in Lexington in a week and a half. The trainers at Van Berts are busy riding and perfecting the gait, the back up and all the other things that go into a good showing by the talented horses entrusted to their care.

S T was riding my stallion on Monday when we were there. I can never get over how beautiful he is and how strong he looks both under saddle and in halter. My goal is to ride him someday. Probably not in a show ring but just to walk around the barn on his back would be a dream come true. I am so thankful to the Monhollens of Silver Creek for allowing me the opportunity to buy Cody. And to Van Berts for approaching me with the news he was available. Thanks Larry, Rebecca and Eddie.

I rode at the Horse Park the first year (2007) after I bought Blue Ridge Mountain Girl. I was a terrible rider and nervous as "a hen on a hot rock" as Chris Tipton put it. Mt Girl was only two years old. I was 65 years old and had been riding her for four months. I was terrified that I would fall off of her in the arena and make a fool of myself. As my daughter asked me "What is the worse that could happen?" My answer, "Well I could embarrass myself" And her question, "And that has never happened before?" Mary Beth sure knows how to put things in prospective for me.

So I rode. The first class I rode in there were 5 entries. I got fifth place. I wasn't embarrassed about the place. I was just happy I was able to escape with my life. I didn't fall off and I did have some compliments on how well I did in my first ever show. My friends were being very kind to me.

The next class, I got the next to last place. I won a moral victory on that one. No, moral victories don't pay very well but it does the heart good. I was just recovering from a fall I had taken off of Mt Girl just a couple of weeks before the show and I felt like I had achieved a lot by getting back on her and riding in the show. But, the worse was yet to come.

I was feeling all good and confident that I was able to ride in the show and do reasonable well. Staying on her did fit that category. I took Mt Girl home and the next time off of her was devastating to my confidence.

I was boarding her at a barn near my house. I still lived in Taylorsville. I had a friend that came to the barn one day to ride with me. She saddled up Hershey and I saddled up Mt Girl. She made sure Mt Girl stood in place while I mounted. We rode in the barn since it was December and cold outside. The barn is built with the stalls in the middle. So we were riding on the outside walls. Sheri and Hershey were in front and Mt Girl and I followed along. At one point, I stopped Mt Girl to get her to stand without walking off until I asked her to do so. And I backed her several times to perfect her backing.

Hershey and Sheri had gone around to the other side of the stalls out of sight. I signaled Mt Girl to walk on and she took off running to catch up with Hershey. I knew I was going off but I had a glimmer of hope I would hang on until she caught up and slowed down. No such luck. As we rounded the corner she was going faster than the winning horse on Derby Day. Well maybe not. I didn't make the curve and off I went. The sliding barn door broke my fall and I in turn broke the barn door. As I fell, I looked up and all I could see was flying hooves.

I was terrified to get back on a horse for a long time. The next month, we went to Van Berts and I got back on Mt Girl but I was too terrified to ride her. When Chris walked out of the barn to the tack room I was terrified. Mike got her reins and held her until Chris came back and helped me get off. It was hard for me to get over the fright. It was hard to talk about it for the longest time. I felt so inadequate. So much like a coward. To just think about getting back on Mt Girl terrified me. My heart raced and I could not draw an easy breathe. When I drove up to the barn, I did everything but scream and go running off. I had a lot of excuses for not riding. I forgot my helmet, it was getting too late etc. Anything that gave a an remote excuse for not riding. Such as I wore the wrong color shirt to ride today. You know. I came up with some pretty valid excuses actually. The wrong color shirt was one of the better ones.

In the spring I finally did get back on her and I was starting to get comfortable again. We were in White Plains Tn at a horse show down there. I was going to ride in that big arena. She was now 3 years old and I was getting control of my emotions. So Chris and Stacie said ok and they saddled her up for me. I got on her outside of the practice arena. It was some time before the class and I was riding to practice. I have never ridden a horse that was so good to ride. Mt Girl was getting better and better. She had settled into an easy gait and we were riding around and around the practice arena. I felt like I was riding on a cloud. Her gait was awesome. I felt like I was beginning to understand what I was doing on a horse. It was the best riding experience I have ever had.

I had taken a few lessons close to home and I was once again getting more comfortable on a horse. I don't know what happened but all the sudden Mt Girl was startled and she went one way and I went the other. Off I came in the middle of the wet rocks. It was soft fine rock and barely hurt at all. My pride was injured more than anything. I think this was the first time I really got to know Jamie as the kind and sweet person he is.

He helped me up and walked with me to the wash bay and turned the hose on and helped me wash the rocks off of my arms, hands and face. I then went to the motel, took a shower and changed my clothes. When I got back to the show grounds Jamie was there ready to take me to lunch and put me at ease. He has a very kind and gentle heart. That is why Jamie is such a good person to teach Melissa how to ride Mountain Horses. He has a kind, gentle easy going way about him that keeps her in the right frame of mind to ride and do what she needs to.

Thank you Jamie.

God sends us angels. Sometimes we can see them and we call them friends.

Alyssa is off of the respirator and the other tubes and now is only on monitors. She may go home next week. The doctors are surprised at how well she is doing and say she is doing better than they expected. We who know the power of prayer are not surprised. Thank you Heavenly Father.

H T told me Wilda has a new horse and rode some last week end. She is so brave. She gives me courage to ride. Wilda's new horse by the way is J Lee Walker. Let's see how long she gets to ride this one. Good luck, Wilda. Don't let H T sell him out from under you.

May God keep you in his gentle and loving care.


Regards,


Mary

He has galloped through young girl's dreams, added richness to grown women's lives and served men in war and strife.

~~~Toni Robinson~~~

From Chicken Soup for the Horse Lover's Soul

Then were there brought unto him little children that he should put his hands on them and pray and the disciples rebuked them.

But Jesus said "Suffer little children and forbid them not to come unto me for of such is the kingdom of heaven".

And he laid his hands on them and depared thence.

Matthew 19: 13-15

A Fun Day

After such a stressful week last week, Lucy, Melissa and I took a trip to Van Bert's Farm today. My purpose was to introduce Melissa to a horse I bought with mainly her in mind. I have been expecting that Morning Glory would return to Vermont any time now and so I was searching for a horse that would be as easy to ride as Morning Glory and as safe as well.

I had the opportunity to buy a horse named Blooming Rose. She is a pretty red mare about 4 years old and very calm and gentle. She stood for Brandon to mount her from the ground without putting a foot in the stirrup. She barely noticed. She stood still until he asked her to move forward. She gaits well and she has a wonderful disposition.

Upon the introduction, Melissa walked up to her and Rosie put her head down to get acquainted. Melissa told me she and Rosie had to get to know each other.

As usual, Jamie rode her until she was very calm and under control. The wind was really strong today and she had been in a stall over the week end and not ridden so she was somewhat frisky when she was turned out for a run. She had a good run and then was saddled and Jamie settled her down before Melissa got on. The term for that is "riding her down". Jamie is very considerate about taking care of Melissa and the rest of us as well. He and Melissa have really hit it off.

So Melissa got on and rode until it was time to go to lunch. When we got back from lunch, Jamie saddled up Rockin Andi. He rode her and gave her a workout. I asked if Melissa could ride the two year old filly with him leading her to make sure she stayed safe on her. He said yes and put Melissa on her. Before long, Melissa was walking her around the barn with a very happy look on her face. Jamie has told her that next year they would do a "Mentor and Me" class at the Rocky Mountain International. That will be a lot of fun for her. I think Jamie is looking forward to it too.

I rode next and ask that I be allowed just to walk her mainly so I could get a good feel for her and of course, Jamie said sure to do whatever felt comfortable to me. Melissa kept assuring me she had rode Andi down for me and that she was ok for me to ride. Of course, I thanked her and told her I felt good about riding after she had ridden her down.

So I rode a while and when I got off, Lucy asked if she would be allowed just to sit on Rockin Andi for a few minutes. Before I could say Jack Rabbit, Lucy was riding the two year old Rockin Andi around the barn. Melissa assured her that she would walk with her every step of the way. And that is exactly what she did. Lucy and the horse did not take one step that Melissa wasn't right there with them. Most of the time she was instructing Momma what she was supposed to do. How to sit, how to hold the reins, how to place her hands and etc. She was fun to watch as she continued to instruct her mother in how to ride as she had been told to do during her riding lessons. This little six year old walking by her mother and the horse and teaching her how to ride. It was cute and sweet beyond description.

In all this Jamie was constantly laughing at his little student turning in to the teacher for her mother. Jamie is such a good hearted sweet person and just wonderful with his little student. He is also very patient with me as well. I am not the best rider. I don't even ride as good as Melissa. But he assures me that we are going to work on that this winter and I would be riding in horse shows next year.

At this point, I want to again congratulate Jamie on a nice first place win in a trail obstacle course in Tn last week end. I gathered he and his Dad, H T were the only two riding Rocky Mountain Horses. So they made great ambassadors for the breed. Jamie won his first place riding a gelding named J Lee Walker and H T rode Blue on Black. H T came in third in his class and was only 4 points behind the first place rider.

It was a wonderful day and ended on a very high note for the three of us. The six year old, her mother Lucy and me, the Greatest Grandma. (Melissa's assessment of me) We headed home, a happier trio not to be found anywhere.

In way of an update on Alyssa, she has her drainage tube removed now and we are thinking that the doctors will take her off of the ventilator by this week end. The doctor has expressed surprise that she is doing so well. Of course, we are very pleased but not surprised. After all, isn't that what we have been praying for. God is good and he answers every prayer.

Don't tell me he didn't answer your prayer. God doesn't always give us what we ask, even beg, for. He knows best and we don't always understand but God is still God and he is in control. Tonight we are giving him thanks and praise for his gracious goodness to our family.

May God bless and keep you in his loving care.


Regards

Mary

There is nothing like the outside of a horse for the inside of a man.

~~ Winston Churchill~~

More Rides on the Roller Coaster

Alyssa Grace on Sunday night is sleeping peacefully in her mother's arms. Surgery was scheduled for the next morning. A week ago tomorrow. See why I say she is so beautiful.

Just when I thought the crazy week was going to end on a better note, it all broke loose. It was not Alyssa this time, thank God.

This time it was Holly. She is my 14 year old Lab. She has congestive heart failure and breathing difficulties. I find that I need to keep the house cooler for Holly than I would like. It was the same with Bill and his breathing problems. The house was extremely cold sometimes because he could not tolerate breathing any warm air at all. Holly likes the house cool too but thankfully not cold.

Thursday and Friday nights she wanted out in the early hours of the morning. I am talking about 1 or 2 AM. So I let her out both nights. The first night I waited for her to come back thinking she would come back in but she didn't want back in. The next night, the same.

Saturday morning I went out to feed the dogs and when she came to me there was blood everywhere. On the side of the house, on the deck and dripping from her back. She had a growth on her back near the top of her tail. Natalie had told me it had drained while I was gone to the horse show but it was not as large as it had been. I looked at it when I got home and it was smaller but still there. So I thought it was alright then. When I saw it Saturday morning it was huge. The night before it had been much smaller.

I hastily put the other dogs in their crate and loaded Holly on the back of the truck and got her to the vet's office within 30 minutes of my discovery of blood. They immediately took her to surgery and removed the tumor. They have sent the tumor off to have it diagnosed.

She is home now and resting comfortably. She will need to go back to the vet's office to get the staples removed in about a week and a half. And she will hopefully be alright now. The other dogs keep wanting to inspect her wound and they are annoying her but they are driving me crazy. That will be a short trip. The other two would like to find a boyfriend. That is not happening. No puppies this year. They want out. I want them to stay inside. Usually they want in and I want them out.

The news from Virginia is getting a little better. Alyssa may get her breathing tube out later this week. She is doing well. Sarah stays close to her and despite her young age, she seems like she is going to be a good mother. I know she loves that baby. It shows in everything she does and says.

We are going to Van Bert's farm tomorrow. Melissa and Lucy are going with me and Melissa and I are going to ride. She is going to be introduced to a new horse since Rose's Morning Glory either has gone home to Vermont or will be going home soon. I will let you know how that goes in the next blog.

May the Lord bless and keep you in his loving care.

Regards

Mary

"Bad times are only 'a little something extra' in your life. Persevere and work through the trouble because tucked into every bad circumstance is a pilon, a magic pocket of beauty or love that is waiting, for you, if only you have the eyes to see it"

~~~Nancy Minor~~~

From:

Chicken Soup for the Horse Lovers Soul

I thank my God upon every remembrance of you

Philippians 1: 3