Showing posts with label Holidays. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Holidays. Show all posts
Friday, February 14, 2014
Happy Valentine's Day!!
I hope everyone has a Happy Valentine's Day and make sure to give lots of hugs and kisses to those you love (especially your horses!)
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
2013 Review
The year 2013 was not one of my favorite years... Each month didn't really have anything too significant but let's see what I can make up!
Although the snow and coldness may have been keeping us from trail riding around The Ranch we actually made a lot of progress in our training through this month. I was also training my aunt's horse, Poco at the time.
March
Although I was still grieving about Wolfie my school was hard to focus on but I got through it nonetheless. This was also the time I found out that I had to leave The Ranch and find a new place to board. My old barn manager didn't want to run the place anymore so he was going to shut it down. I was so disappointed, The Ranch was the only place I could call home in the horse-world.
April
Ava got an abscess this month and boy was that scary! When I first got the news I thought I would have to eventually put her down but those were just my crazy hormones talking. She didn't get better for a few weeks but thanks to my old barn manager we got her taken care of.
May
This was the month we left The Ranch and moved over to Sunset Ranch. In the beginning we had a hard time transitioning to the new place but it eventually became a good place to be. The horses have over an acre of their own pasture, lots of hay, and tons of open space to ride around on. At the end of May I took on lifeguard training which I didn't think would take over my summer.
June
This was the beginning of my lifeguarding job. Although the training was a blast the people I had to work with were not very responsible or friendly, they were all in the same friend group it seemed and didn't want me to be apart of it... So obviously I won't be doing lifeguarding again! I have to admit though, I loved the job and wish I could almost get a career in it I couldn't stand the people, not mature enough for that kind of job. Besides work I only headed down to the barn to say hi and give a treat.
July
Lifeguarding still took over my life and only rode a few times. On top of that school was starting soon and finally work was coming to an end. All I was thinking was, "BARN TIME!" School was and is still less stressful than lifeguarding would ever be.
August
This month was a little scary. Our whole valley was in the midst of a gigantic wildfire and we even had to evacuate the house for a night as well. I ended up not doing much with Ava either because the smoke was insanely bad- to the point where you were wearing masks. After that, school started.
September
Life kicked in and I only got in one ride. It was an amazing ride though. Otherwise I was in school and still dealing with the fires.
October
This is when I started deciding for Ava to be a trail horse/long distance horse. I could tell that she loved be out of the arena and exploring. On top of that my blog got nominated for the Sunshine Award, thank you so much! And on top of that Ava and I got second place in an online horse show for Showmanship. Things picked up after this month.
November
Although not much riding was gotten in due to school and unsuccessful planning I got some amazing news. I was accepted into the college I applied for! I will be going there next fall and of course will be taking Ava and Poco with me. This was also when I decided that I have to buy a trailer by spring.
December
This was a busy yet fun filled month. I got multiple rides in and started getting Ava back into shape, made some good money off of babysitting, and had a great holiday. I also decided to definitely start training for long distance riding, I think it will definitely suit us.
Aside from that this basically concludes my year... Not too exciting eh? But anyways I am already sure that 2014 is going to be different, very different in a good way and I can't wait to see what journey it holds for us. Happy New Year everyone!!
2013 Review
JanuaryAlthough the snow and coldness may have been keeping us from trail riding around The Ranch we actually made a lot of progress in our training through this month. I was also training my aunt's horse, Poco at the time.
February
This month changed a lot of things for me because I put my beloved ferret Wolfie to sleep. He had battled Insulinoma (pancreatic cancer) for two years and was on a strict schedule- three times a day everyday he was given medication. That kept my life on a tight leash but I loved him and didn't care otherwise. After he was put to rest I kind of fell apart and besides family Ava was the only thing that kept me together. We worked and worked and eventually cantered bareback for the very first time.
March
Although I was still grieving about Wolfie my school was hard to focus on but I got through it nonetheless. This was also the time I found out that I had to leave The Ranch and find a new place to board. My old barn manager didn't want to run the place anymore so he was going to shut it down. I was so disappointed, The Ranch was the only place I could call home in the horse-world.
April
Ava got an abscess this month and boy was that scary! When I first got the news I thought I would have to eventually put her down but those were just my crazy hormones talking. She didn't get better for a few weeks but thanks to my old barn manager we got her taken care of.
May
This was the month we left The Ranch and moved over to Sunset Ranch. In the beginning we had a hard time transitioning to the new place but it eventually became a good place to be. The horses have over an acre of their own pasture, lots of hay, and tons of open space to ride around on. At the end of May I took on lifeguard training which I didn't think would take over my summer.
June
This was the beginning of my lifeguarding job. Although the training was a blast the people I had to work with were not very responsible or friendly, they were all in the same friend group it seemed and didn't want me to be apart of it... So obviously I won't be doing lifeguarding again! I have to admit though, I loved the job and wish I could almost get a career in it I couldn't stand the people, not mature enough for that kind of job. Besides work I only headed down to the barn to say hi and give a treat.
July
Lifeguarding still took over my life and only rode a few times. On top of that school was starting soon and finally work was coming to an end. All I was thinking was, "BARN TIME!" School was and is still less stressful than lifeguarding would ever be.
August
This month was a little scary. Our whole valley was in the midst of a gigantic wildfire and we even had to evacuate the house for a night as well. I ended up not doing much with Ava either because the smoke was insanely bad- to the point where you were wearing masks. After that, school started.
September
Life kicked in and I only got in one ride. It was an amazing ride though. Otherwise I was in school and still dealing with the fires.
October
This is when I started deciding for Ava to be a trail horse/long distance horse. I could tell that she loved be out of the arena and exploring. On top of that my blog got nominated for the Sunshine Award, thank you so much! And on top of that Ava and I got second place in an online horse show for Showmanship. Things picked up after this month.
November
Although not much riding was gotten in due to school and unsuccessful planning I got some amazing news. I was accepted into the college I applied for! I will be going there next fall and of course will be taking Ava and Poco with me. This was also when I decided that I have to buy a trailer by spring.
December
This was a busy yet fun filled month. I got multiple rides in and started getting Ava back into shape, made some good money off of babysitting, and had a great holiday. I also decided to definitely start training for long distance riding, I think it will definitely suit us.
Aside from that this basically concludes my year... Not too exciting eh? But anyways I am already sure that 2014 is going to be different, very different in a good way and I can't wait to see what journey it holds for us. Happy New Year everyone!!
Friday, December 27, 2013
So Much Holiday Cheer!
On the 21st it was the winter Solstice!
Instead of Christmas my family and I have the winter Solstice for our holiday. The winter Solstice is the shortest day of the year and after that day is over each new day becomes brighter and longer. We do our usual morning present openings, bagel and lox breakfast, and go to our aunt's house to exchange homemade gifts. So, here is what I got! (I swear, I am spoiled rotten).
Here are my stocking stuffers along with my new Mountain Horse riding gloves and Carhartt winter socks which are amazing!
Then on the actual day of the day after Solstice I headed to the barn and let the girls frolic and play in the mini arena, they had some fun.
Instead of Christmas my family and I have the winter Solstice for our holiday. The winter Solstice is the shortest day of the year and after that day is over each new day becomes brighter and longer. We do our usual morning present openings, bagel and lox breakfast, and go to our aunt's house to exchange homemade gifts. So, here is what I got! (I swear, I am spoiled rotten).
I had been wanting a piano for so long and I finally got one! On top of that I also got a farrier stand, no need for farrier's anymore! Those were my "big gifts" and I also got some of my favorites movies, a super cool poncho/cloak, Minnetonka moccasins(literally the best shoes on the planet), boot warmers, casual gloves, and even more!
Then on the actual day of the day after Solstice I headed to the barn and let the girls frolic and play in the mini arena, they had some fun.
Over all I had a great day and love spending time with all of my family. Nothing is better than family. I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday and will maybe some of it will rub off onto the new year!
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Monday, December 2, 2013
Run, Fat Pony, Run
The Winter season begins to settle in. It started yesterday with gloomy skies, chilled winds, and rain. Of course, it didn't stop me from going down to the barn and work Ava. I am going to try really hard to keep riding through the winter, may it be only a walk around the field or even just a walk around the snowy arena, I have to keep riding. We have no indoor as well as barn so it will be difficult to cool her down on chilly days but it doesn't sound too difficult. I plan on making a post on how to tell if your horse is cold and what to do after riding in cold climates, this could be super helpful in the future!
Ava worked for me well. I put on her bareback pad so she could still feel what it is like to have a saddle on and then gave her a nice workout. I didn't want to work her too hard but she kept telling me that she did, so, we worked and worked. She got a little spazzy but it is definitely an improvement since we first started. She used to buck, jump, and just be crazy, but now all she really does is lower and shake her head a bit. Which I still get after her for because I know that she is just lettin' loose but I want her as safe as possible and that means there is almost zero tolerance for weirdness when she is around me or children.
Since the weather has been settling in I am debating on blanketing and possibly getting studded shoes for Ava. Since I plan to work through the Winter I want to minimize the risks of falling and her getting too cold. She doesn't have a thick coat as it is but this year it seems shorter than usual. I should probably keep an eye on her, just in case. As for her feet, she has fallen a couple times in the past years, luckily when I'm not riding! But it is still really nerve racking to see a 1000 pound animal fall on the ground. So, I have been looking into studded shoes or even put studs on hoof boots. I don't really know where to go from there but we'll eventually find out.
The awesome holidays are coming up and I am literally going broke buying so many people gifts! In some ways I care but in many other ways I don't because I love buying presents for people. Of course I am going to get some things for Ava, especially now since it is Cyber Monday!! So excited! I hope all of you have great plans coming up.
Ava worked for me well. I put on her bareback pad so she could still feel what it is like to have a saddle on and then gave her a nice workout. I didn't want to work her too hard but she kept telling me that she did, so, we worked and worked. She got a little spazzy but it is definitely an improvement since we first started. She used to buck, jump, and just be crazy, but now all she really does is lower and shake her head a bit. Which I still get after her for because I know that she is just lettin' loose but I want her as safe as possible and that means there is almost zero tolerance for weirdness when she is around me or children.
Since the weather has been settling in I am debating on blanketing and possibly getting studded shoes for Ava. Since I plan to work through the Winter I want to minimize the risks of falling and her getting too cold. She doesn't have a thick coat as it is but this year it seems shorter than usual. I should probably keep an eye on her, just in case. As for her feet, she has fallen a couple times in the past years, luckily when I'm not riding! But it is still really nerve racking to see a 1000 pound animal fall on the ground. So, I have been looking into studded shoes or even put studs on hoof boots. I don't really know where to go from there but we'll eventually find out.
The awesome holidays are coming up and I am literally going broke buying so many people gifts! In some ways I care but in many other ways I don't because I love buying presents for people. Of course I am going to get some things for Ava, especially now since it is Cyber Monday!! So excited! I hope all of you have great plans coming up.
Here are some working pictures from yesterday!!
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| Cantering in the cold |
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| We all have those angles we don't like |
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| A bad trot... |
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| Picked up trot |
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| Stretchy trot |
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| Nice trot! |
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| Coolin' off |
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| Whispers of sweet nothin' |
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| I really need to update this! |
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Happy Halloween!
Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Halloween from my big pumpkin to yours!! Stay safe out there!
Thursday, December 27, 2012
After the Holidays!
The holidays are over and it is almost time to start our new year! Christmas was nice but of course a little stressful. A few weeks before Christmas my grandfather had a stroke. He lives a ways away from us in the winter time but when we got the news my mother and aunt drove down there to make sure he was doing okay. They ended up staying around a week until they came home. They also brought them back to their other home here so we can keep a close eye on them. He seems to be doing better. We had to rush to get things ready for Christmas but we managed and ended up having a nice holiday. Below are the gifts that I got (not including my homemade gifts)
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| Oster Grooming Kit!!! |
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| Fuzzy slippers and adorable kitty face pajamas. |
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| A CamelBak backpack!!! I have wanted one of these for a long time! |
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| Exercise ball (which I am sitting on right now) |
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| Stocking stuff! |
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| Some amazing clothing, I love the scarf! |
In other news I am back to riding! I rode last weekend and then finally got out there today. It was literally the best feeling to be back doing what I love. Ava had lots of energy in the beginning and even tried some new ways to be a little stinker but she is becoming a lot easier to handle in situations like that. When I started riding I warmed her up while talking to Cappy, he seemed to have a nice Christmas as well. Then we kind of parted ways and ended up giving Ava a really good workout; even though it didn't feel like it to me. She was huffing and puffing at the end.
I also went by the tack shop and found a saddle I wanted to try out. It is a Billy Royal saddle and looks amazing. I would be ecstatic if it worked out. The other little western saddle I have been using is actually rubbing on Ava's back so I am trying to find something that doesn't do that.
Friday, December 21, 2012
Freedom and the Holidays!
Wednesday was my Spanish 101 final. It made my brain hurt. After class I was in a stupor for a while until I snapped back to reality. Then finally when I came around I felt freedom all around me! What an amazing feeling to not have to worry about studying, it is so nice. A few days later I found out what all my grades were and I was very pleased with them. I got an A in Pilates, an A in English, and a high B in Spanish, pretty happy! I also picked out the other classes I want to take for next semester. Two are going to be online and the other I will go into class for. Anyways now that I am school free for a little over a month there will be much more barn time.
I went to the barn today and worked my girl. I didn't work Poco because I needed to get back home and work on holiday stuff. After the holidays I will be full on horse girl again! Ava lunged beautifully and showed little signs of having lots of energy. After I lunged her for a while I did some groundwork, she is getting really good if I may add. Then after that I saddled her up in the little english saddle I had. I didn't ride I just wanted to lunge her in it so she can start getting used to it again. She did great, a little nervous but she handled her self really well. Especially with all the snow, ice, and wind that keeps getting worse!
All the boarders at the barn were so gracious about the little gifts I gave them. They also gave me some gifts as well, one of them being this awesome Indian painted horse tile ornament. I now officially have three ornaments for my own little Christmas tree!
I was also given a very sweet thank you card and my BO gave me a $25 dollar gift card to D&B Supply! Twenty-five dollars! I thought that was really nice of him. Overall it has been a decent day. I hope every one of you is enjoying your holiday season, Christmas is almost here!
I went to the barn today and worked my girl. I didn't work Poco because I needed to get back home and work on holiday stuff. After the holidays I will be full on horse girl again! Ava lunged beautifully and showed little signs of having lots of energy. After I lunged her for a while I did some groundwork, she is getting really good if I may add. Then after that I saddled her up in the little english saddle I had. I didn't ride I just wanted to lunge her in it so she can start getting used to it again. She did great, a little nervous but she handled her self really well. Especially with all the snow, ice, and wind that keeps getting worse!
All the boarders at the barn were so gracious about the little gifts I gave them. They also gave me some gifts as well, one of them being this awesome Indian painted horse tile ornament. I now officially have three ornaments for my own little Christmas tree!
I was also given a very sweet thank you card and my BO gave me a $25 dollar gift card to D&B Supply! Twenty-five dollars! I thought that was really nice of him. Overall it has been a decent day. I hope every one of you is enjoying your holiday season, Christmas is almost here!
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Between the Misty Mountains
Went to the barn today and actually worked Ava and even rode! When I got there I saw that some clouds were covering the mountains, it was gorgeous!!
I grabbed Ava and walked her inside. She was dirty but luckily I don't think she rolled, my job would have gotten about a thousand times worse if she did. I took her inside and brushed her off. While doing this I noticed that Ava had some swelling on her hind left leg (from her ankle to her the top of her cannon). She gets it a lot in that leg but doesn't seem to cause her any pain; she may have slipped on the mud and tweaked her leg a bit. Exercising seemed to help but at the end I put some Sore-No-More on it just in case. After I groomed her I free lunged her in the round pen until her freshness wore off. I didn't even plan to ride until I was done lunging, I thought I would give it a shot. Got her all tacked up (while she stood like a champ) and then went back into the round pen for round 2. Ava remembered everything, she only needed some minor refreshing on a couple things but otherwise she was great. I'm really happy to know we've made progress throughout this year. If this was a year earlier I would be starting from the beginning again. So she has come a long way! I have been longing for a day like this, I never thought we would get this far.
We didn't ride too long, I thought it was enough for the first day back. I finished with a nice grooming and then gave her a little bundle of grass as a treat.
I also made ornaments for all of the boarders down at The Ranch. They are mini hats, I'll have to show you guys a picture of them, they are adorable and super easy to make! Maybe I'll post a tutorial for everyone to try. Anyways, today was a good day and we still don't have any snow, yay!
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| So pretty! |
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| This one is my favorite, the color is great! |
I grabbed Ava and walked her inside. She was dirty but luckily I don't think she rolled, my job would have gotten about a thousand times worse if she did. I took her inside and brushed her off. While doing this I noticed that Ava had some swelling on her hind left leg (from her ankle to her the top of her cannon). She gets it a lot in that leg but doesn't seem to cause her any pain; she may have slipped on the mud and tweaked her leg a bit. Exercising seemed to help but at the end I put some Sore-No-More on it just in case. After I groomed her I free lunged her in the round pen until her freshness wore off. I didn't even plan to ride until I was done lunging, I thought I would give it a shot. Got her all tacked up (while she stood like a champ) and then went back into the round pen for round 2. Ava remembered everything, she only needed some minor refreshing on a couple things but otherwise she was great. I'm really happy to know we've made progress throughout this year. If this was a year earlier I would be starting from the beginning again. So she has come a long way! I have been longing for a day like this, I never thought we would get this far.
We didn't ride too long, I thought it was enough for the first day back. I finished with a nice grooming and then gave her a little bundle of grass as a treat.
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| Pretty girl in front of the misty mountains, I love this photo! |
I also made ornaments for all of the boarders down at The Ranch. They are mini hats, I'll have to show you guys a picture of them, they are adorable and super easy to make! Maybe I'll post a tutorial for everyone to try. Anyways, today was a good day and we still don't have any snow, yay!
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| Ornaments for The Ranch boarders. |
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving my lovely turkeys! I hope you all have a great meal and enjoy all of your family, friends, and pets. I'm excited for tonight, we'll be going to my aunt's house for a huge feast and stuff our stomachs.
I saw over on Adventures with Shyloh that she was doing a survey that she got from Cob Jockey, so I thought I would do it as well.
Splurge or save:
1) saddle: I would save (no matter how tempting), I want a good saddle
2) board: I try to look for the best deal
3) halter: save, sometimes depends
4) bit: splurge!
5) bridle: already have the best bridle ever!
6) saddle pad: save!
2) board: I try to look for the best deal
3) halter: save, sometimes depends
4) bit: splurge!
5) bridle: already have the best bridle ever!
6) saddle pad: save!
7) trailer: no truck and trailer...
First thing that comes to mind:
1) Haflinger: Shyloh from Adventures with Shyloh!
2) Quarter Horse: Mindy and Diez, Clinton Anderson's horse's
3) Thoroughbred: Seabiscuit
4) Warmblood: my trainer's horse
5) Welsh Cob: nothing 0.0
This or That:
1) english or western: western
2) tall or short: I like me some tall horses :)
3) trail ride or beach ride: Trail ride, never been on a beach ride
4) long mane or short mane: depends
5) hunters or jumpers: Hunters
6) XC or barrel racing: XC
7) outdoor arena or indoor arena: depends on the weather, I can be a wimp :P
8) trot or canter: canter!
9) canter or gallop: canter, galloping can be scary.
10) paddock boots, tall boots, or cowboy boots: cowboy boots
11) horse shoes or barefoot: barefoot, for the win!
12) saddle or bareback: If I had a well behaved horse I would always ride bareback.
About you:
1) How long have you been riding? I would say about five years of true riding.
2) Do you own or lease a horse? Own
3) Breed? Age? Height? Name? (if you don’t own or lease, you could talk about your lesson horse) Paint, 6, 15.3hh, WW Miss Smoke Sarah, Ava
1) How long have you been riding? I would say about five years of true riding.
2) Do you own or lease a horse? Own
3) Breed? Age? Height? Name? (if you don’t own or lease, you could talk about your lesson horse) Paint, 6, 15.3hh, WW Miss Smoke Sarah, Ava
4) Do you have any other pets? Yes, personally I have three ferrets (Wolfie, Stella, Nala)
5) If your horse was a person, what kind of voice would they have (you can use a celebrity for an example) Most of the time Ava would be some kind of snarky and sassy teenage girl.
5) If your horse was a person, what kind of voice would they have (you can use a celebrity for an example) Most of the time Ava would be some kind of snarky and sassy teenage girl.
6) Does your horse have a “color”? If so, what is it, and what do you have in that color? Purple!!
7) Does your horse do any tricks? She prances and rears up like a circus pony...
8) Have you ever dressed your horse up for Halloween? No
Favorites:
1) Breed? Paints, Arabians, Quarter Horses
2) Discipline? Don't really have one, trail riding?
1) Breed? Paints, Arabians, Quarter Horses
2) Discipline? Don't really have one, trail riding?
3) Coat color? Gray and dappled horses
4) Famous horse? Hmm, Seabiscuit, Zippo Pine Bar, Secretariat
5) Horse race/competition? Kentucky Derby!
6) Brand of tack? Circle Y
7) Thing to do with your horse? Trail riding and treating her like a dog a times.
4) Famous horse? Hmm, Seabiscuit, Zippo Pine Bar, Secretariat
5) Horse race/competition? Kentucky Derby!
6) Brand of tack? Circle Y
7) Thing to do with your horse? Trail riding and treating her like a dog a times.
Gobble Gobble!!
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