Champions!

Here's the buckle we won at the Gold-N-Grand. Zazu was a great partner.
What a high!

Back in the Blogg Saddle Again

It's been a long time since I posted something on my blog - about 8 months.  I was using Facebook instead.  Then I forgot my password and getting another one was a big hassle.  Then I remembered it.  As may be expected a lot has happened since the last posting.  In August Zazu and I were champions at the Gold-N-Grand competition in Rancho Murieta in one of the two divisions we competed in - Show Trail - Amateur Select - Walk/Jog.  I'll post photos and tell more about that soon.  Also, we got lights for the area so I can ride in the winter when I get home from work and its dark - and in the summer when the heat of the day is sweltering.  Little Tessi, now 4 years old, went to an endurance trainer yesterday to have some trail miles put on her.

Self Portrait at Camp Far West

I took this picture of Nora and I moments before a loose herd of horses came thundering at us out of nowhere.  I reached out and tapped one of them and they all took off at a full gallop disappearing just as suddenly as they had arrived.  Nora acted as though she had been expecting them.

A Visit to Parelli School for Tessi

I visited my friend Sherrill's Parelli Natural Horsemanship Group. The group meets on Friday nights to play together with our horses in Sherrill's lit arena.   Little Tessi and I went for the first time yesterday and met up with 7 other participants. It was a totally new experience for Tessi. Her eyes were bugging out for the first hour because she is not used to having so many horses around her. She also got to meet Sherrill's two adorable little donkeys - "Oakie" and "Dokie". Even though they were trying to be friendly she was very scared of them and tried to strike them with her front legs. Luckily, she missed and they scooted away none the worse for the experience... Later in the evening, Tessi also kicked out at a horse she felt was too close. Fortunately, the Parelli folks in this group are really nice and understanding. They even gave us an opportunity to practice walking through a sort of corridor of horses to build Tessi's confidence. This is a great opportunity to socialize my youngster in a fun, friendly and safe environment - and get her ready for group activities such as trail rides.

Happy New Year Ride!

We participated in our traditional New Year ride with friends and acquaintances. The ride was organized by Sherrill and her Parelli students. Nora and I led the group (We are the 3rd in from the left). We managed to just squeeze a ride in before the rain started coming down. Then we gathered under canopies for delicious hot dogs, chili and other goodies. A great way to start the year!

Riding to the Children's Receiving Home

A group of us rode our horses to the local children's receiving home to bring the children Christmas presents. Folks decorated their horses with tinsel and ribbons. Members of the Search and Rescue unit were there also with their dogs. The photo attached is of some of the children petting Don's horse.

Darlene's Poem

He died in the summer

and now there's frost

on the ground.

My beautiful boy with

big Egyptian eyes

rimmed in black kohl.

By day I work, I cook,

I love, I laugh, through

intermittent cramps

of sorrow.

But at dawn

when the horses are fed

I imagine him walking

to me through the frosty mists-

My gallant friend

I miss you.

The mists become

his warm breath.

I take off my gloves

to feel the heat

of his spotted coat.

Kentucky arches his

majestic neck down to

hold me to his chest.

Come in to the barn

let me groom you -

Your brother will be so happy

to see you.

Kentucky's eyes, long ago filled

with hate and anger

Shine on me as they did

during our years together.

There is only love.