Christmas with Blondie '11

Blondie got a new bridle for Christmas!! It was a pain to put together but it turned out looking quite nice :) she also got a hat, boots, a fly mask, treats, braiding bands, a bit for the bridle, her own sweat scraper, a new halter,...and I think that's it. I still have to get a saddle pad. Looks like I'll be making a trip to Full Spectrum Tack Shop soon.

    Blondie got skinny again. I don't understand how that horse can eat so much and not gain anything. I don't even work her as much as I used to at Fox Den Farm. We're giving her grain twice a day again till we get her back up to weight. Ugh..what a horse.

    ALSO I did join up with her the other day!! She still hasn't gotten the idea of what I'm doing and that she's not just being worked in the round pen like she's been trained to do. She gets all confused and throws in a buck or kick here and there. Which is perfectly fine. She still achieved join up through the "short cut" way, but I'm working on getting her to do it herself. It's going to take some time.

 I'm also trying to learn how to do the half-pass on her. I've seen another rider do it with her before, so I know she can. I just have to remind her while trying to learn how to do it myself. It'll take me up in the dressage level of experience at least. I also think Blondie would make an amazing Eventer! Screw hunter/jumpers. Without a martingale on, she flies! Her canter is sooooo springy and full of life on top of her love towards jumping that I think she'd be great at it! Either that or Jumpers with the 5 and 6 foot jumps!! I'll have to wait till summer to try anything like that with her though, the ground is always too wet and slippery, or frozen stiff now.

Winter chills

Was able to go to the barn 3 days in a row. Didn't get to ride, but I got to see Blondie and hang out with her more. Today we got our picture taken with santa hats! I will have to post them when I get them!! 

I worked Blondie in the round pen some. She's getting lazy since I haven't been able to ride...stupid snow. This is when I would really appreciate an indoor arena! Oh well. 

My barn manager was telling me about this famous rider I had never heard of, who lets people stay on his horse farm and work for him over the summer! How cool would that be?! And get this, he's ridden in the Olympics several times!! Ohh what I'd give to go watch the Olympic Equestrian team...

Blondie's feet need trimmed soon =/ urg. Her back feet have been bothering me, because she looks like it hurts when she walks on her back feet. But I'm also over-protective of her so I could just be seeing things..

One of the boarders gave me some hand warmers that are absolutely amazing!! They're called "Grabber warmers and I love them! You just stick them in your gloves, on the palm of your hand and insta heatness! I was able to withstand the cold while working Blondie and I would totally consider getting some! They last for nearly 7 hours, too!

WIN andddd fail..

 

Well, it's official. BLONDIE GOT FAT!!! SeE?? ^^^ Finally we got some weight on her. Ironically, she's still pretty skinny. Ugh. I'm just glad we got some fat on her before winter rolled in. AND it doesn't hurt so much to ride bareback cuz of her chub* haha. She still doesn't get along with some of the horses...if you can tell by the marks on her butt. She actually had NO marks ANYWHERE until the day I took this picture. She got all those scrapes in just one night. Crazy right? nope. one of the other mares, Faith, thinks she rules the world. I'm not too fond of her for doing this to my Blondie..

Anyways...Thanksgiving was fun. I went flying out of the saddle thanks to a giant, purebred german shepherd who thought it would be a great idea to charge at Blondie from behind..while I was riding. Well Blondie jumped..and I ended up in the dirt. I was so mad at that dog I stood up, shoulders raised, eyes wide, nostrils flared, and I looked straight at the dog. He booked it back to his house as fast as he could!! He found out what happens when you mess with my horse. He's just lucky he's faster than me. 

Anyways, so I'll be sore for a couple days. Nothing out of the ordinary when it comes to horses haha

Until next time!!

Horsin' Around

Went to the barn last week and convinced my friend to ride out on the path with me! We got another boarder to come with us and we all lost control of our horses!! They ran like they were free and had just come alive. It was amazing! I knew once Blondie got ahold of the bit there was no holding her back. I just held fast with my legs, turned in my knees, and grabbed some mane as she galloped with excitement. And surprisingly I wasn't scared at all. I had a smile on my face the whole time! I even laughed because I was so happy. There I was, about to die, and I was the happiest person in the world. Amazing what horses can do..
We rode bareback while we cooled our horses off. My friend had never ridden bareback before so it took a little convincing on my behalf. But once she gave in, she loved it!! Now we love riding bareback!! We can't canter or jump bareback...but we're learning. 
     But can you imagine? Heading full force down a grassy path, no control, wind in your face, hair flying, sun shining, smile bigger than ever...it's the best feeling in the world. The rush, the adrenaline, the freedom!! It's the feeling I LIVE for. Why I love horses! They make you come alive. Help you find something to live for. They are amazing, and I will love my horse until the day I die.

Rainy Day at the barn

Went to the barn today after school even though it was raining. Planned on painting fences but cleaned stalls instead. All of the horses were in so I figured they better have a clean stall to do their feet some good. The horses also got their feet trimmed today, including Blondie, who have been needing it badly. A friend came out to help muck and we had fun with the horses and dogs. The barn doors were open just enough to let the sun in, while keeping out the rain, so we pulled some campfire chairs over to the little ray-of-sunshine after we finished and just basked in the light. It was the best chill session I've had in awhile! It felt good to sit down after doing some work and be at peace with my surroundings. BUT then I decided to get Blondie out of her stall and moving. I had already groomed her earlier and picked out her feet so she was ready to go. I put a bridle on and hopped up bareback before heading down the road. There's a grassy path that goes around the barn, out along the fields, that we usually ride on. I just decided to ride it bareback this time. She did great too! I even trotted a little (her back is super bony! ouch!!). She got a little nervous when the trees blocked the barn from her view, but I just applied my legs to reassure her and told her to keep going. Which she did. She didn't even spook at the deer crossing our path, dogs hurrying after. It's moments like that where you just pause and take everything in. The moment, the memory, the happiness. There's something magical in it. Every time I ride Blondie I feel it. Electricity, excitement. Life is a gift, nothing is forever. You have to seize those moments while you can and never let go.

  

There is also a new face at the barn who arrived just as Blondie and I got back from our ride. He's an Appaloosa and is absolutely adorable!! His real name is Rick. Yuck right? My friend wanted to call him Checkers, but I thought he looked more like a Scotty. You decide. I'm still calling him Scotty. It's sad to say that he won't be staying long as he already has a potential new owner. 
sad face*

College Visit/Blast from the past!

Sooo..I haven't blogged in awhile due to the fact that I have a life now :) no offense to other bloggers out there! I recently took a college visit at the University of Findlay to check out their equine programs and it's everything and more. This is the college of my dreams! The riders know what they are doing, the facilities are high tech, the horses are amazing, and their reputation precedes them. I was blown away by the stables!! I also got to see a freshman dressage class working in the main indoor arena while I was there. The instructors are professional and know what they're doing. Which is what Blondie and I really need! I wanted to live there!! The environment, the classes, the horses....ahhhh it was Heaven on Earth! I haven't seen any other campus stables, but I am sure when I say that Findlay is a winner in my book! The only problem is the tuition...and the $400 per month boarding fee. yikes...

Also, I'd like to share a picture with you guys of a very important person in my life (who also loves horses). My grandpa!!! He had horses when he was younger so he shares my passion and can understand the need to have a horse in order to be happy and fulfilled. Here is a REALLY really ReAlLy old picture of him and his horse...

EDITS!!!

One word: College

Not that I'm in enough debt already (mhmmm Blondie) but I've been thinking about and looking into colleges. Equestrian colleges, to be specific. With all the scholarships that are offered at Elmwood along with their financial aid plans, who knows, maybe I'll be attending college in the near future. I'm graduating from high school this year ,after all. It's time to look at my life, decide what I want to do with it, and "get up and go." It involves Blondie, of course. If I can get into a good college without being massively in debt for the rest of my life, I plan on taking her with me. Duh..you could've guessed that.

     There aren't that many colleges that are specifically based around a good equine program. There's one nearby that I'm looking into that actually does. I'm hoping to have a college visit on Oct. 14th with them. Then there are the colleges that are farther away say...Minnesota, West Virginia, Mississippi, etc. Some are regular colleges that offer riding on a team while others are solely about horses. Which would be great if they weren't so expensive...

     Also, I've made the decision that (*drum roll please!) I'm going to double major in Equine Studies anddddd Journalism!! I love writing almost as much as I love horses. Notice I said almost. I still love horses more so don't jump to conclusions. But if I want to write a book some day or write for a famous magazine, newspaper, etc. that I'll need some education in that area as well. So instead of using the process of elimination and just choosing one..I decided to follow both. Why not?

     Of course I'm just "exploring the possibilities." There is no guarantee that I'll go to college (even though I would really like to) or that I'll get a magic scholarship that will pay my way like some lucky ducks out there. No, no I'm simply creating more pathways toward my future. Which one I'll walk down will reveal itself soon enough. 

    But either way, college or not, the future looks pretty good from "my side of the mountain." I have Blondie and that's all that matters.

Stomach Pains

Blondie and I are certainly two of a kind. September 24th was the set date for the Mutt Strutt. A once-a-year charity event, hosted by the Wood County Humane Society, where you collect donations and walk your dog. What does it have to do with Blondie? Nothing at all, but you'll understand after you read this. 

     My sister and I had been planning on attending the Mutt Strutt for a long time. It's something that has always been on our so-called "bucket list." I woke up at 7am to an upset stomach, most likely from the bad pizza I had eaten the night before. Every time I got up I felt as if I'd vomit on the spot! I was determined not to give in. I was going to the Mutt Strutt! After walking around for awhile I finally got my stomach to empty itself in the bathroom sink and I automatically felt relieved!! I know, eww. So we loaded up our supplies and the dogs and drove about 40 minutes to the park to walk our dogs. 

     This is where Blondie comes in...

  September 26th; I went to the barn since I had work off for the first time in a long time. I pulled up to the barn and saw Blondie walking around with the other horses as usual so I went to get her lead rope. Upon my return I found Blondie laying in the thick mud. I figured she just wanted a good roll, but still had the little voice saying something was up. I brought her up to the barn, hooked her halter to the cross-ties, and groomed her. At first she was fine, but then she started sidestepping and raising her head. Blondie always sidesteps in the cross-ties because she doesn't like the floor mat, but this time she was doing it because of something else. Her head was raised and her eyes were wide, yet not scared. I knew her feet had been a little sore lately due to all the rain so I took her over to some grass and hosed her feet off, thinking it would clear up her antics. WRONG. She kept laying down in the grass, but not rolling. At first I just thought she was excited about the grass, but when she laid her head down too, I immediately began to panic inside. Of course, I didn't let Blondie know that. 

     The barn owner came out and I addressed her about the situation and she made me trot and fast-walk her. We let her eat some more grass and gave her a dose of pro bios (like paste in a tube) to help aid her digestion. I walked her some more before we put her in her stall to see what she would do. Almost immediately she laid down, but didn't roll. It was good that she wasn't rolling because it could make things much, much worse. She actually fell asleep and started dreaming and snoring, muzzle in the sawdust. One of the dogs, Zepher, woke her up and we brought her out of her stall and into the pasture. I let her go and she laid down in the mud, not caring one bit how messy she looked. But then she tried to roll and I ran and shouted to get her back up. Which she did. The barn owner gave her a dose of a different medicine prescribed by the vet and Blondie did fine for awhile...until she tried rolling again. This time I had to yell and smack her on the butt in order to get her up. But at last Blondie relieved herself and got a drink of water. Good signs!! She stopped laying down and my heart stopped racing. Crisis averted!!! 

     Blondie is doing better today and will be back to riding soon. I, on the other hand, have some shopping to do before October begins. Horse meds/colic prevention here I come!!

On a side note..Blondie was put in a different pasture due to the various cuts and scrapes she got from her previous herd members. In the picture above she's with her new pasture-mates who get along with her very well!! Oh..does the picture remind you of anything?? The Black Beauty trio!!! How ironic :)

~photoshoot at the barn~ & Lancelot

I finally got some senior pics taken!! And better yet...WITH BLONDIE!!! I'm still going to get some pictures taken around the barn and with my dog..but that can wait a little longer...but before winter rolls in. 

Anyyywayyyys, Blondie behaved so well for being walked around, backed up, asked to stand, etc. etc. Plus, she looked b-e-a-utiful in her pictures!!...well, our pictures lol. Some of the shots didn't turn out so well since she kept moving, but we managed.

There's actually a book called A Horse Of Her Own, which I swear is practically a biography about me. The main girl loves horses but can't have her own so she rides at a camp and is in love with a horse named Beau. (Just like a horse i loved name Boo). 

   She ends up getting heartbroken because he gets sold to another person. (JUST LIKE BOO!!) Soo she starts riding another horse her instructor insists she rides. She gets a few major bumps and scrapes accompanied by restless sleep from aches and pains and the use of several ice packs. This horse is, ironically, big and reddish, chestnut in color like Blondie. In the book he's called Lancelot. She absolutely falls for this tall, strong, amazing horse and practically devotes herself to him..kinda like I did to Blondie. Soooo..what I'm trying to say is that I always say, "Blondie is my Lancelot." Now you all know why. I'm actually the one who started the whole, "..is my Lancelot," line. Now I've gotten other horse people to start saying it..which is pretty awesome!!

Anywhodoodle..just want to say that...and blog. which I did...so I'll shut up now..

Potential Join Up??

I got Blondie to follow me around the pen!!!!

I got Blondie to follow me around the pen!!!! no halter, no lead, NO TREATS!!!!

Peace and Quiet

Blondie is finally settling in to her new surroundings and making friends with the other horses! I had a day off from work so of course I spent it at the barn. I cleaned some stalls and watered the horses before grooming and tacking up Blondie for a workout. I tried out the barn owner's close contact saddle and fell in love the minute we started trotting! Unlike my saddle, it's thin and flimsy so I can feel all her movements!! She's still getting use to the idea of being worked on grass, since she always wants to stop and eat. Her canter is super fast and bouncy due to unlevel ground, no martingale, and being in a new place. But I'll just have to work at it until I can get her to canter calmly and collected. We've got a long way to go...

I also gave her a bath out in the open instead of tied in the wash rack. I like the space and I think Blondie likes it more. She's too fixed on the grass to really care about running away anyways.

After about a 45 minute work I took her saddle off and climbed on bareback. I walked her around just to cool her off and she seemed totally okay with it!! IT WAS UNBELIEVABLE!!! It was the first time I rode her bareback and I'll be doing it a lot more now that I know what it's like...it's addicting!! Of course I'd never canter her bareback or try trotting while she's fresh, because we all know how that will end...me in the dirt. But just sitting on her with no saddle is something else!! If you're a horse lover you'd understand :)

New Life at Sunny View

  It's official!!!! Blondie has been trailered and I can see her anytime!! Well..any time I don't work..or have school..or extracurricular activities...etc. etc. etc. I actually spent almost the whole day at the barn today with my two amigas, Colleen and Anita. I cleaned stalls and will be painting fences for a discount on her boarding fee. I also got in some riding time before the rain hit. Blondie did well other than being "light on her feet." I realized that my saddle is completely different than the one I used at Fox Den Farm. It was a close contact, meaning there was less saddle. I like being able to feel her movements and be flexible in the saddle..but mine is very stiff and slippery..creating a huge problem when I canter. By problem I mean "almost eating mud." Soooo after I get a car (hopefully truck) I gotta save up for a newer saddle that actually keeps me on my horse instead of giving me flying lessons. I even think riding her bareback would be better than using my saddle. Yea..that bad. BUT!! I found a bridle online from State Line Tack that I used to use on Blondie. It comes with braided reins AND is under $50!!! I keep finding good deals..Ima beast. Let's hope I can find a cheap, but better, saddle along with a martingale and half chaps...oh! and a winter blanket. 

Blondie is a thoroughbred and has thin skin. Not to mention she's super skinny. Sooo she has to wear a blanket in the colder months until she can fatten up..which shouldn't be a problem at this farm. There is nothing but grass, grass, and more grass. Blondie doesn't seem to mind :) There are also two horses at Sunny View that she's familiar with, considering they were at the same barn. She's made friends with a small horse named Mystery, who she stays close to in the pasture. She's warming up to her new surroundings VERY well and I can't wait to work her in the round pen and possibly achieve Join Up?? We'll see..

09/04/11 - Blondie..we made it!! Now and Forever

     Blondie is mine. I am the owner of a horse named Bombshell Blondie. I..am a horse owner. 

Never in a million years did I think I would be saying that today. I knew I would eventually get a horse, but now I just can't believe it. I couldn't sleep last night and was up till 4:30am. When I did fall asleep I had a dream about her. About how our world's changed, became one. And today..they did. I drove over to the stable and handed my trainer a big fat check with Blondie's name on it...literally. It had her name on it!! When I had turned down the road the stable was on I almost had a panic attack!! I had to take deep breaths and calm myself because I was so shaken with excitement and disbelief. I couldn't believe it was happening. Yet it was.

     The rest of the day I felt physically sick and mentally fatigued. My mom mentioned that it could be all the stress (the good kind) of getting Blondie. I had figured I was just sick from something at school or work..but I'm honestly starting to think she's right. I have been waiting my WHOLE life for this day...and it's here. How could I not get all worked up?? I'm the one person who would! 

     I am going to board her at a nearby stable until we can install a hardy and safe fence at our 6 acres. It would be such a relief to have her on our own property where I can be around her 24/7 without having to use up gas or pay an expensive boarding fee. BUT it's also a good thing to board her first..considering she IS my first horse. I want to make sure I'm fully prepared to take care of her before we're on our own. After all...she is my horse. :)

Dreams Coming True

     Stable. Job. Stable. Job. Job. Job. Stable...That is pretty much my weekly schedule now. It feels like I'm never home. BUT I get to hang out at the stable and ride Blondie whenever, which is awesome! 

     I worked at the stable yesterday and hung out with Roy, one of the boarders. He's teaching his horse, Tundra, to respect a rope so he can be entered in roping contests. Well...Tundra does NOT like Roy's new rope..at all. I went out to the practice arena with them and Tundra bolted the minute he was through the gate. Roy couldn't catch him, so I did :) Then Roy decided to bring the rope over while I was holding Tundra. Bad idea!! Tundra tried to bolt so I turned him in circles to keep him from running. Sadly..he stepped on my foot =( Just to give you an idea, Tundra is a Warmblood Percheron cross..very heavy horse. Soooo today my toe is looking pretty mutated. And sore. But I refuse to take meds..ever..so I'm letting it heal on it's own.

  

     Annnyyywayyyyss...we're going to make an offer and see what the owner thinks!! My trainer was ever-so-happy to hear us ask, "Who do we make the check out to?" I'm not the only one who has been waiting to hear that. The whole stable is excited now! I'm excited! Blondie is finally going to be "mine." I've spent my whole life working up to this, I can't let it slip now. Blondie is like my "ultimatum." I think about my future and all I can see is me cantering Blondie freely. It doesn't get much better than that. Actually..it does..I'm getting Blondie :)

Work work work till the day is done

     Having a job, while still in High School, on top of extracurricular activities and homework is the worst thing imaginable. I woke up with bags under my eyes this morning and I'm still feeling the affects of no sleep after 3 large thermal-mug sized coffees. I've been doing the "head bob" during almost every class and I never understand what the teacher is saying even if I'm looking straight at them. All I want is sleep!! My friends are all highly energetic during the day and I can't keep up with them anymore. Even my dog is hard to keep up with. I have no energy, I can't concentrate, and I'm stressing like never before. 

     Although, thinking nonstop about riding is also a major distraction during class. Instead of paying attention to equations and strategies written on the board I'm always going through jump courses and flat work in my head. 

     It's only the second week of school and "senioritis" is already kicking in. I'm careless about my homework, I'm lazy about time, and I don't participate during class. I try to keep a smile painted on my face around my friends, but it seems like the minute I'm away from them I'm back to being on the verge of majorly crashing. I'd even lay down and fall asleep on the hallway floor if I could. 

     Naturally, I'd give something up to balance out my schedule and take away stress, but I'm different now. I have Blondie in my life. Every time I get frustrated and feel like throwing my physics book across the room I remember I'm doing this for her. I have to. "Those who tend to work hard are greatly rewarded in the end."

     If I want Blondie, I have to work. So work I shall !!!!! Starting with the mountain of homework waiting to be conquered by oh-so-lucky me..

Progress and Priorities

     Hey guys!! So things are going along pretty smoothly so far. I've been working both at my new job and at the stable. Got my first paycheck today and my work schedule takes up almost the entire week as I've been getting more and more hours. I am soooooo ready to finally get Blondie!! Everyone at the stable has been behind me 100% and are waiting to have a party to celebrate me buying Blondie.

     Also, Blondie and I have been getting better in the ring! In our last lesson we jumped A LOT higher!!! It felt amazing to be in the air with her!! I wasn't the least bit scared either. I was more focused on trying not to bounce in the saddle after each landing which was difficult a couple of times. And, as usual, you could see a smile on my face as we cantered around the ring : ) 

     I met the owner of Sunny View Stables, which is where I want to board Blondie. We talked it out and I might be able to work at the farm for a lower boarding cost!! How awesome is that!?!?!?!!!!

     Priorities. I actually made a list of long-term priorities, that I wanted to follow and accomplish, and taped it to my bedroom door frame. I think it was around the middle of my Junior year when I did this. The list is still hanging there, waiting to be completed. I look at it every day as I walk out the door. Here is what it looks like:

Priorities:

-Job

-Blondie

-Truck

-College

Of course, I now have "Job" crossed off. I'm sure you assumed what would be next...Blondie!! She is my number one priority right now, buying her before someone else does. I got the job. I'm going to get the horse. Looking at this list reminds me every morning what I want out of life and what is important right now. I am just waiting on the "green light" to call my trainer and say, "Today's the day. I'm buying Blondie."

Blondie's Mark

    My friends know that I get hurt a lot, part of that being that I'm reckless, but recently I've been asked a lot about the scar on my left shoulder. Well, to be honest, Blondie and I ran into a tree. Yes, a tree. I ended up getting knocked off, due to a branch running through my shoulder, and Blondie freaking out because she had no idea what was attacking her. Anyways, I realized that I always told people, "Oh, that's just Blondie's mark." 

     Blondie left her mark on me. Not just the fresh new scar I obtained, but somewhere else, somewhere I can't describe. I can go from the worst day at work, hot, sweaty, and cranky, to cantering around the ring with a smile on my face. Blondie is my rock. And I would do anything for those few moments of belonging and freedom while sitting on her back.

     Considering the fact that we won't be able to get a fence up before winter rolls in, I've decided that boarding her nearby would be smarter. We'd have more time to make our farm "horse safe" before welcoming her. AND she would be around other horses and people who know how to care for them. 

     My only problem is the people who keep putting it off. Instead of being mature adults and giving me a solid "yes" or "no" I have to deal with procrastination and persuasion on their part. First they said I needed my license. So I go my license. Then I needed experience. So I got experience. Then I needed a job. So I got a job. Now?? I don't know anymore. I don't know how many things I have to do before I'm "ready." I'm considering getting a second job to prove how much I want Blondie and that I'm not giving up. 

      The things is...this isn't just a phase. I wouldn't get bored after awhile and get rid of her and move on. It's a passion. A dream. A life. This is real. And being told that my dream "isn't good enough" only makes me more determined than ever. Even if they say "no" do you honestly think that I would give up? Didn't think so.

Sometimes..

~ Reasons ~

I LOVEEE editing pictures!! This is one of my edits with Blondie. I call it "Reasons."

Step Two: War!!

   So we started stacking the wood into piles labeled "good" and "bad." Some we moved completely out of the barn and others we burned. In the picture to the right you can see where I decided to make Blondie's stall. It's the only part of the barn with a high enough ceiling. We used a ladder to get to the weeds growing through cracks at the ceiling. We're planning on spraying weed killer around the inside and outside perimeter of the barn tomorrow. I have to put a board across the bottom of each window for safety measures. One window (not shown) already has a board.The barn has electricity so I also need to make sure no wires are sticking out or any light bulbs are exposed.  Nails also have to be removed from the ceiling and walls. There are sliding doors for entering and exiting the barn which will be connected to the stall. I'm planning on getting metal, panel type gates to block off the doors on the inside.

     I'm going to make some sketches tomorrow of how I want the stall to look. I've already got tons of ideas!! I'm using a couple horse books as resources for sizing and measurements. Her stall will be bigger than 12 X 12 which is GREAT, but it also provides me with an opportunity to convert it into 2 smaller stalls when necessary. But those details will come later. Right now I'm at war with the almost 50-60 year old nails sticking out of the walls. I already stepped on one, which went through my shoe and punctured my foot. If I wasn't overdue for a tetanus shot I wouldn't be so worried right now. I also ruined my recently acquired hammer. I don't know what kind of nails they used back in the day, but they are some pretty stubborn, dangerous, and strong nails!! I'm not going down without a fight though. I cleaned out my wound, wrapped it, and put on my pair of thick bottomed, steel toed shoes. It's war!!

Step One: Barn Clean Up!!

 Step one: Clean out the barn!!

My partner in crime, a.k.a. my sister, helped me clean up the barn a little today. It was full of cardboard boxes, chicken feed bags, chicken wire, wood boards and beams, and garbage. And yes, we did start a fire on our own. With NO men!! Who says women can't do anything?? It's our Hatton side that gets a kick out of doing things on our own. Not to mention that we are farmgirls and we like a challenge.

   The next step is to rip out the weeds, clean up glass, pull out nails, sweep up garbage, and dust out cobwebs. All in preparation of putting up a large stall at the end of the barn where the ceiling is high, we have a lot of work. Due to having a concrete floor I'll have to get stall mats later on before putting down bedding. We had to stand in the rain and hose down the fire to make sure it didn't catch again. We are determined to get the job done!

A Special Treat

    Before and after every ride I always give Blondie an "Apple & Oats" flavored treat. It's become a ritual that she definitely likes! The first thing she looks for when I enter her stall is her treat, ears pricked forward, nostrils wide and searching. The minute I take her to her stall after a ride I gently take her bridle off and give her the other treat, which she also looks for. Sometimes I'll bring an extra to give her while I'm walking her after a hose down. She never becomes nippy, as she is careful not to use her teeth while searching my pockets.

     Recently I've found another form of treat that she could die for!! Peppermint Starlight Mints!!!! They sell for only $1.00 a bag at Walmart yet they seem to be the ultimate treat to get her attention. She practically tore it out of my hand, wrapper and all, the first time I gave her one. Now all she does is listen for that wrapper to know I have one. Patience is usually a test when I can't unwrap it fast enough, but she has never pushed or bitten.

     Of course, I only give her treats if she has been good. Bad behavior shouldn't be rewarded or horses will think they will get a treat every time they act up. There are times where they are simply testing you or think it's a game, but that doesn't necessarily mean they are being bad. Either way, Blondie LOVES her peppermints and knows exactly what to do if she wants one. With that kind of face, who could possibly resist?

Painting of Blondie

This painting was made by one of my friends!!! It depicts Blondie and I in one of our lessons. She initially made some sketches and took pictures which looked amazing! Even my riding instructor was impressed and asked her to make some drawings of her horses. This sits proudly in my room along with all my other pictures of Blondie. Thanks Anita!!

Check out her blog!!

http://bonitaherhandsthatmake.blogspot.com/

Saddled

   I just got done reading a book called Saddled by Susan Richards. I like reading, but I rarely find time to so I had to renew this book to its renewal limit. It was worth it though, because the book related to me and my life unbelievably and unbearably well. She went looking for a horse and the first time she saw Georgia..she knew. Everyone knew. That's exactly how it was with Blondie and I. I just saw her..and I knew. I think we both did somehow. I knew that Blondie was my horse. I was bound to her. I still am. And I won't give up until she's mine forever. That's the way it was with Susan Richards and her horse Georgia. Georgia saved her and gave her a reason to live. A purpose. Blondie IS my purpose. I used to spend days trying to figure out what I wanted out of life to write down on my high school schedule applications. Eventually I'd write "undecided" or "still searching." Blondie ended that search. I can't see past her. I don't know why. It's like she just stepped onto my path, towering over me with such beauty that I never kept moving forward to the end of that path. I don't think I ever will.

     Blondie...is my life. She's not a goal, a conquest, or an achievement. When someone says, "Look at yourself years from now. What do you see?" I only see Blondie. And if she's not there..what then? Nothing..quiet, calm, erased. I'd have no purpose. No passion. Nothing. 

      I want my parents to understand this more than they want to. I wish they could see..feel..the way I do. Then there'd be no question in getting her. No hesitation whatsoever. But I don't really care whether anyone understands it, as long as I do. Blondie and I know what it is. I feel it every time I'm with her. Calm. Safe. Home. Whatever it is, it's not something I can forget and move on. No..it's much, much more.

Check out Susan Richards site!!
http://susan-richards.com/

Sadie. The dog that stole my heart.

   Meet Sadie!! Currently 5 years old, she's a Black Labrador/German Shepherd mix. She was born on March 31st on a small country farm where she ended up being the runt of the litter. I fell in love with her almost instantly and we've been together ever since. She loves pizza, she has her own pool, and has claimed the front seat of the car. A lot of my friends laugh at how much I love my dog and think it's ridiculous to treat her like a human being. Honestly, I don't see anything wrong with it. Our family has always loved animals. We let our dogs use the furniture, feed them left overs, take them for ice cream, let them sleep in our beds, practically take them everywhere, and love them to death. What's so wrong about that? And who says a dog can't be a girls best friend??

Prologue

"Dream as if you'll live forever,

live as if you'll die today."

      My dream includes a 6 year old, 16hh, chestnut OTTB mare named Bombshell Blondie. I'm the type of person who likes lots of horses, but I only truly love a few. Blondie is one of those special few. I've had the horse bug ever since I can remember. Now, at 17 years old, I'm fighting to make that dream become reality.

  I just recently got hired at a fast-food restaurant which was the ultimate "ticket" to making Blondie permanently mine. Now I work at the stable for lessons and gas money on top of a part-time job. But all the sweat and grime is worth every minute if it gets me closer to her. 

 

    I've never had a connection, as strong as I do with Blondie, with any human or animal in my lifetime. It's almost like "imprinting." You live for that special someone and nothing else in the world matters other than the moment you're with them. Your dreams, goals, future, thoughts, and your life are all centered around that one person. Mine just happens to be Blondie.

    My ULTIMATE GOAL for 2011 is to fix up the barn, install a fenced in pasture, buy Blondie, and make her a permanent home with me!! Anddddd all done before this upcoming winter!! Snow puts complications on renovating a barn and putting a fence up so there's no time to lose. I made Blondie a promise and I intend on keeping it.

For Blondie

 

I made this video of Blondie not too long ago. My younger sister shot the clips. Props to Stephanie!! :D