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A special thank you to Erin Burnside of Elkins High
School and all the riders that came to the benefit trail ride for SWAP. As her
Senior project Erin raised over $400. for SWAP. Kudos Erin. If we had 100 kids
do this as their senior project or even just as a fund raiser, they could pay to
feed all our horses for a year!! Please consider us kids when you are doing your
volunteer projects for school or if you want to do a fund raiser this summer.
One kid with the desire to help can make a huge difference, just like Erin did.
Bravo for a job well done!!
Congratulations
to our Executor for her selection and award for the International Who's Who of
Professional and Business Women for 2006/2007. Kudos!!
Yehaa, Kudos again to our Executor for her selection to
receive the National Leadership Award by the Republican Party.
Click here to put
a horse into our adoption program
Click here to
see what we have learned over the years and with thousands of horses.
If you can't adopt, think about a gift to one or
all of our horses: supplies, tack, dewormers, a donation, fly spray, or a new
halter. Click here to be a sponsor to
one of our horses
Great Goals for 2008:
1. Spend
an hour a day with your horses, not just feeding, training and turning out, but
real quality time doing something that is enjoyable for the both of you.
Grooming or hand walking is a great way to bond with your horse and good for
both you and the horse.
2. Get
your loved ones more involved in your horses. Divorce is the biggest reason we
see horses coming back to us. Don't just share the work, share the fun too and find
something they really enjoy doing with horses.
3. Learn
a new discipline, go to a clinic, a horse show, or equine affaire. Come to one
of our clinics or watch a training video. If you are an adopter you can check
out books and video's from SWAP's Library for just shipping costs. Take a lesson at least once a month or Bring your adoption horse
here and we will help you. The better you are, the more fun you will have.
4. Make a
plan for your horse after you are gone or if you have a major injury, let your
will executor know your plans. Make a plan for emergencies or financial bumps
along the way for your horse. Have a plan if you or your horse gets injured,
even for the tough times of year like winter (or summer down south). Ask friends, family and neighbors
to be part of your plan. Most people can not resist someone when they are asking
for help for the welfare of an innocent animal.
5. Get yourself healthy and in better shape to
prevent injury, to live a long life and to more enjoy your horses. Eat 1-1-1
(one ounce of dark chocolate, one ounce of fresh walnuts, one glass of red wine
daily) and 2-2-2 (2 servings of fresh vegis, 2 of fresh fruit and get 2 sources
of fat free calcium). Drink 100 ounces of spring water a day, get a whole
house water filter. Change over to Sea-salt. Take one teaspoon of apple cider
vinegar every morning to keep your body alkaline (cancer and disease can not
grow in an alkaline body). Eat more fish and chicken and less red meat. Get a
good air cleaner and do daily deep breathing exercises, get outside in the fresh
air and sunshine for at least 1/2 hour every day. Get away from high fat food,
processed foods, fast food, can or boxed food, sugar or artificial sweeteners,
soda and don't eat anything if you can't read all the ingredients and know
exactly what is in it. Clean all vegis and fruits thoroughly, buy organic, buy
ocean caught fish, not farm raised, buy fresh meat and raw milk, not packed or
processed. Eat only natural carbs (potatoes, rice, oats) bake/broil or steam
everything. Use your microwave for only heating water, it kills the nutrition
value in food. Get 8 hours of sleep, reduce stress/risk (reduce commuting by car
pooling, tight schedules, cell phone use in the car, watch or read the news only
once a day or better yet once a week, stay clear of
negative people
and those very negative chat rooms and bulletin boards). Stop Complaining and be
Thankful for what we each have. Do one hour of walking, yoga or weight
training every day and it will make you strong, lean, look great and you'll get
wonderful complements from friends, coworkers and loved ones and the horse work
will be easier and more enjoyable.
6. Read
at least one book on training your horse and one on care each year, if for nothing
else but just inspiration. SWAP has a great
library of books/videos that adopters can check out for just the cost of mailing
it. Click here to
see our Library
7. Get
carrots/apples every time you go to the store, your horses will love you for it and
always come running when you call. Don't feed candy or anything sweeter. Carrots
are sweet enough. Get rid of the sweet feeds and you'll get rid of the hot horse
once and for all.
8.
Realize that if you are having a problem with your horse, more likely than not,
the problem is you. Learn more, practice more, ask in a different way, be
patient, change their environment or daily schedule to better suit them. Taking
better care of a horse always brings out the best in that horse. Good
feed/hay, time to rest in a quiet stall out of the elements, lots of fresh water, time to be with you and time to
just be a horse, time with their buddies, farrier and vet care always done is a
good start. The biggest part of this relationship puzzle is you, not the horse.
If you are struggling, then you need to learn more and get better.
9. Ride
at least once a week, regardless of weather. Use this time as your down time for
healing, your therapy, your time to relieve stress and the pressures of daily
life. Even if you don't ride, go sit and read a book in the pasture with the
horses or sit in the barn and listen to them munch on dinner, away from the
crowd and noise of your day. Enjoy the peace and quiet, enjoy hearing happy
horses eating dinner or grass in the pasture.
10. Spend
time leisurely grooming your horse once a week. Rubber curries are shine makers.
You will have a beautiful horse and a very loyal friend who will do anything for
you.
11. Come and spend a week at SWAP HQ,
volunteering and focusing on helping a horse and giving will change your life
plus it will be the best vacation you ever had. Help
an animal in need, whether fostering, being one of our state reps that goes out
to check on our horses in their homes or helps us approve adopters in their
area. Find horses in need and help us find them homes. Buy a horse at a slaughter
auction, get it fat and trained and we'll help you place it into a good home. Foster and
volunteer for your local small animal adoption program. I promise, the good
things you do will come back to you a hundred times over. Every person has a
talent they can offer and if you help one horse or one dog or cat find a good
home, you have changed their life forever.
12.
Know that every goal is obtainable and it starts with a single step.
Take that first step today!! No matter what it is or how big, YOU CAN DO IT!!
Every goal that is written down will come true (really!). Every famous person,
every great or notable scientist, author, trainer/rider, parent or friend
started out as just a thought, just a goal. Remember to take one step today to
reach your goals.
13. Start
every day with thinking about, what is the most important thing I can do
today to change my life and make it better. Do that one thing and in 30 days
your life will be totally different. Can you imagine what your life would be
like if you did that for 60, 90 or even 365 days a year. The opportunities are
endless.
14. Want to keep your horse sound for life? (That should be every horse owners
number one goal) do a
long slow warm up (cold muscle is easy to injure, a warm one is nearly
impossible to injure). The very best cool down is hand walking your horse for 1 hour after every work out.
Yes, get off the horse and walk with it. Its great exercise for you and a good
time for you to bond. Stop riding your horse during cool downs and stop using a
hot walker, do something good for you and the horse, hand walking. Its also the
best rehab for over work and injuries, the only thing better is hydro therapy
and swimming your horse. Allow soft tissue and hard tissue to
become more conditioned before going into any training program... that usually
means 3 months of at least 3 days a week for soft tissues and 10 months of work for bones to become strong
enough to jump or do any strenuous training program. Don't start any upper level
work, jumping or extensive training until the horse is fit and at least between
age 4 and 6 and has been conditioned for at least 10 months (especially if the
horse has never been jumped/worked or not been jumped or worked in the last
year).
15. Appreciate what you have and be thankful.
Instead of looking at what you don't have, look at what you do. Thank those
people who have helped you and supported you. The more you give, the more that
will come back to you. When you give something away or give something to
someone/something in need, you make space in your life for something good to
come to you. We are all very blessed, if we just take a moment to look
around and enjoy those things.
16. Get used to using favorite mantra's and visualizations
every day, simple ones that are easy to remember, like 'I can do this, I will do
this', 'this isn't going to get the best of me' or even, 'I deserve the best' or
'the gift of love, caring, and support always comes back' and take two minutes
every morning as you wake and at night as you go to sleep to visualize the life
you want, the you you want to be, Our thoughts become things, what you see
is what you get, if you expect the best, the best will happen, change your
self-talk from negative to positive and I promise your life will change for the
better..
17. Each person is put on this earth for a reason, each of
us has a mission. What is yours? Seek and you shall find, finding is a journey
... in the journey and the search you'll find your life purpose. If you died in
your sleep tonight is there something you haven't done that you need to do or
want to do? Someone you need to mend fences with, burnt bridges to fix? People
you need to tell them how much you love them? Have you fulfilled your purpose in
your life? Ask yourself, Why am I here? How can I make this better? Who do
I want to be? Who am I suppose to be? What reason was I put on this earth? What
is my purpose?
18. Be an inspiration to your family, co workers and
friends. We all fall on our face, we all make mistakes, we all get discouraged,
most times we all get up and try again.... sometimes we need a nudge. Instead of
being negative or doing negative things, be their inspiration. You do believe
they can do it, so why not tell them. If their self talk is negative, then you
be their positive self talk.... eventually they will start to say it and believe
it too. Life is self fulfilling, failure feeds on itself or causes more failure,
achieving does as well. So if you or your love ones are in a negative cycle,
break the cycle by changing your thoughts, your self talk, achieve something
small to get yourself and your family back into the cycle of achievement.
19. We all file a flight plan every single day for our
life. Where is your flight going today? Just like a pilot flying, the winds, the
gravitational pull will change your flight plan and take you off course, so you
must make small corrections along the way to make sure you make your
destination. Have you selected your destination? Have you picked the steps in
your flight plan to get there? Every goal is really that easy, pick the goal and
figure out how to get there. The easiest way to pick your flight path/plan is
find someone who has done it before you, then do what they did. Its all baby
steps you know. Just keep an eye on that destination and keep saying...."here is
my destination, this is where I'm going, this is where I am now, this is how I'm
going to get there.... I will arrive at this time on this day. You can do
it..... its just like getting in your car to go to the store, its just deciding
where you want to go and how to get there, then take that first step. You can do
it!! No matter how big or how outlandish you may think your dream to be...
it is obtainable.
20. Laugh every day and try (as hard as it is sometimes)
to find the positive and the humor in each situation (and have at least one bite
of a truly decadent desert once a week). Life is just too short to not enjoy it
thoroughly.
21. We learn the most and do our best work when we have
fallen on our face, when we are struggling, when we are worried, scared or
frustrated, when we anguishing over something or troubled by it. It is then that
you have true motivation, when you think clearer. The most brilliant ideas come
to people when they feel lost, frustrated, or at the bottom, helpless or
hopeless. Cherish these times because its when you can come up with your best
ideas to your biggest problems and challenges. You see, there is a reason for
the rainy days.
22. You can't make everyone happy, its useless to try and
wasted energy to think you can. 50% of all people will not agree with you at any
given time, don't worry about it and don't let it stop you. 50% becomes a lot of
people when you are in the public eye. As long as you are not hurting anyone and
you believe you are doing the right thing, then go ahead and do it. If you are
wondering what is the right thing to do, its usually the harder thing to do, the
toughest path to take. The easy way out is rarely the right thing to do.
Instead of worrying over what someone thinks of you or says about you, do
something amazing and outstanding to inspire them or at least have them sitting
on the side lines being jealous, secretly saying, "wow, she has guts". One
person with purpose becomes the majority, one way or another.
This should
probably be taped to your bathroom mirror where one could read it every day.
1. There
are at least two people in this world that you would die for.
2. At least
15 people in this world love you in some way.
3. The only
reason anyone would ever hate you is because they want to be just like you
4. A smile
from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don't like you.
5. Every
night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep.
6. You mean
the world to someone.
7. You are
special and unique.
8. Someone
that you don't even know exists loves you.
9. When you
make the biggest mistake ever, something good comes from it.
10 When you
think the world has turned its back on you take another look.
11 Always
remember the compliments you received. Forget about the rude remarks.
Good
friends are like stars.......
You don't
always see them, But you know they are always there.
"Whenever
God Closes One Door He Always Opens Another,
I would
rather have one rose and a kind word from a friend while I'm here than a whole
truck load when I'm gone.
Always in hope and admiration, Celeita
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Happy Endings for 2005
most
pictures are thumbnails, just click on the pic to see the big picture
from adopter Bev Dee at Bright Futures Farm with Stretch, Arturo and
Bright, one of our very early adopters who has since started her own
adoption program but has always kept our horses and given them a great
home. Thank you Bev for all the great things you do!!
 Quincy with the
Sussman Family at home in Virginia Beach area.
Hi Celeita and Theresa -
My apologies about not getting photos to
you - I need a new digital camera because my close-ups were blurry. But
I thought you might like to see Melody in the pasture with Jack. We have
been riding, and the farrier has been out twice since we got her and she
is an absolute angel for everything. She is just a delight. I will be
getting more pictures for you soon.
Warmest Holiday Regards - Marisa
Marisa E. St. Claire DVM
Merry Christmas from
Ben and Lillie in Bemidji. They are still the
cutest Fjords ever!!! Thanks, Mary
Hi Ladies,
She's fine. We didn't know
exactly what time she was born and Holly was being stubborn
about letting her nurse so the vet put in a feeding tube and made
sure she was getting the colostrum we milked from Holly as well as some
they had brought with them. By later that afternoon Holly began to let
the foal nurse and the blood test the following day confirmed that she
received enough. The girls have decided to name her Lily and if we can
get the others to cooperate I would like to register her with USTA as
Amberlaager. Have you had any other contact with Necole ? I emailed her
a picture of Holly and Lily and the list of mares bred form but she
hasn't responded. I'm still waiting to hear from Mike Lawson as well to
try and iron out that end of it. Do you have any other contact
information for Necole such as a mailing address so I could mail her the
form to sign that I will fill out and provide a postage paid envelope to
send back. Thanks for you concern.
Merry Christmas
Michael Bruno
Greetings from Michigan! I thought you
would like to know that Jamie (and her sidekick, Bella, not a SWAP horse)
are relocated to an absolutely wonderful stable only five miles from my
home! At the time I took Jamie in July, there was no space at Misty
Meadow Farm, but I was able to move the girls on November 6, and they are
enjoying their new home, and Dave and I love having them so nearby. We
are able to see them most days. Even if we don't ride we can at least
distribute pats treats. Misty Meadow has a website if you would like to
know something about it: mistymeadowdressage.com. The stable also has a
full-time trainer, Jessie Myers, who is wonderful with horses and riders,
too. She is training Bella fulltime, and gives me occasional lessons on
Jamie.
Jamie continues to be a sweet,
confident, self-possessed mare. Other than bossing Bella (only about
food, and this has been largely solved with a huge double-sided manger in
their turnout; Jamie finally gave up patrolling both sides at once!),
she really has no vices. Her ground manners are impeccable. If she
hasn't been ridden for a week or so, we lunge for a few minutes before
riding, more as a precaution than anything. She is an angel with the
Ferrier (her feet are SO much better now, and she remains barefoot and
sound!), and even with the dentist she gave no trouble. And no tranq.
I ride her several times a week, and
once a week let a little girl Julie (age 11) takes a lesson on her with
Jessie Myers. Julie's pony has an injury and can't be ridden. Julie is a
good little rider, adores Jamie, and they get along very well. If her
pony isn't well by spring, I would like to let Julie ride Jamie in some
local pony club shows, so that she doesn't miss getting her second level
horsemanship ranking. It involves a short course of 18 inch to 2 foot
jumps. I don't think it would be any hardship for Jamie as she could
almost step over. She has shown no lameness whatsoever since I've had
her, and I keep her on Ensemble Joint Supplement. When I had her trimmed
this month, I asked the Ferrier if he could detect any hock issues. He
said that she is slightly stiffer in her right hock, but shows no
tenderness. And he said that it's not at all unusual for a horse to be
stiffer on one side. Anyway, I didn't know if this would be a problem
with you, and wanted to be sure it was OK before I said anything to Julie.
I've been looking at your website -- so
many wonderful horses. I just wish I could take more, but not having
facilities of my own, it would not be responsible of me. You and the
horses do remain in my prayers and I have passed along your site to
friends.
Please do let me know if it would be OK
for me to let Julie take Jamie to pony club this spring. I think it would
be very nice for both of them.
Best wishes for a merry Christmas and
safe and happy New Year,
Shannon Van Horn
Mom to Jamie, aka Windjammer
Teresa – All the horse magazines talk about Cushings and that worries me
to death (of course, everything worries me to death …). Miss B does seem
to have a slightly thick crest on her neck. I’ve asked people at my barn
what they think about it … but apparently they don’t think very much.
Actually her neck is skinny, but there does seem to be a fatty line up
there … just a little. I don’t think it’s my imagination. I was just
diagnosed as pre-diabetic … so I have to watch myself. And I have to
watch her too. As for being hyper! HA! The only time she gets hyper is
when she thinks I have a treat. Isn’t it amazing how horses can’t learn
some of the basic stuff when you try to teach it over and over and over
again … but they can learn what a plastic bag of carrots is in about 1.2
seconds (and they NEVER forget it). At least they have their priorities.
I am giving Miss B (and me) a Christmas present as soon as my yearend
bonus arrives in January … a new saddle made just for her. I haven’t have
a NEW saddle since 1971 (it was $50 and from Mexico). No joke. I always
get someone else’s old saddle. We are getting one of those Imus 4-beat
saddles for gaited horses (www.gaitsofgold.com). I sure hope it works for
her. We enjoy trail riding (she doesn’t like to be the lead horse,
however) and I want us both to be very comfortable. I sent Imus photos of
B taken from the rear and from above (I was standing on the back of a golf
cart facing her butt) and they told me that she is over developed on the
left shoulder compared to the right shoulder – probably because the
improper fit of her current saddle. I hope they know what they’re talking
about. Guess we’ll find out. Also – I gotta get a Christmas card off to
you guys with a little holiday cheer in it. All the other horses at Second
Wind need to get as chubby as Miss B! (LOL) By the way, my polo shirt
arrived a week ago and I like it. Maybe I will get a chance to wear it
this weekend. Anyway – I’m going to go look at “Best and Worst” and see
what you guys are saying on your Web site. Have a great holiday! I love
the photos of the horses playing in the snow!! Pat
Wow, Celeita and I were just talking about you today and wondering
how things were going since we hadn't heard from you in a while.
Thank you so much for the great feedback about our resolutions!
Have you looked at the Best and Worst of 2005 page yet? There are a
couple of notes on there that you might like ;) We just thought it
was a good time to acknowledge some of the people who make all
our efforts worthwhile.
I'm sure the apples and treats are fine for Miss B as long as
she's not too hyper - don't fix things if there isn't a problem,
right? The only other thing you want to watch out for with a lot of
sugar is Cushings Disease, which tends to affect the older
warmbloods so I don't think you need to worry about it. We give out
lots of carrots here, but we're feeding a low-sugar pellet to
everyone, and anyway we just can't stop ourselves :)
Thanks again for writing and have a wonderful holiday season!!
In a message dated 12/15/2005 1:34:40 PM Eastern Standard Time,
ppape01@7-11.com writes:
I love the NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS on your home page. I am emailing
them to my friends. But now I’m worried! I do give Miss B carrots,
but she also gets Winnie’s treats (not too many … but some…I buy
them through Parelli). They have molasses. Should I quit feeding
those? I go back and forth on that one. She also gets Granny Smith
apples. I hope that’s OK. She sure does love them. You ought to
see her drool when she has a big ol’ mouth full of them. She is SO
funny! Of course, she gets more food than she gets exercise so
maybe I should cut back somewhere.
Also – I have already made plans for her if something happens to
me. I have a friend (an attorney for Exxon) who would get in touch
with you and make arrangements to return B to Second Wind. She has
it all in writing, though it’s just between her and me; however, I
trust her completely. In addition, she’ll take my cats (and would
have taken my dogs if they were still alive). I made these
arrangements two years ago before taking a trip out of the country.
It is very difficult knowing that you may go before all your pets
do. And it’s a concern that you will outlive your horse (B gets
better care than I do and she’s young … so she may outlive me).
Anyway, just wanted you to know the resolutions are good ones.
Thanks, Pat
Alexandra Murnaghan and WB mare Sahara at home in Florida. Thank you
Alexandria for the donation to get Kips teeth done. We'll be calling the
vet this week. What a lovely pair and what a great young lady for
remembering the horses that are still looking for a home with a Christmas
donation.
 Megan
Dent and standardbred gelding, Tropic Knight "Knightly" at home in Ohio,
thank you Megan for the wonderful note. Knightly deserves a great home,
there really is no other horse like him. She's quite special.
.jpg)
Dear Teresa,
I'm glad that you got the film clip that Ashley sent out
yesterday. Cody has been settling in very well. The ferrier has been
by and says that his feet are fine. The vet came yesterday and
floated his teeth. The vet said that it looked like it had been awhile
since his teeth had been floated. Ashley stayed close to Cody and
walked him around when he started to come out of the anesthesia.
Today, we went over and Ashley ran Cody on the lunge line for
about 20 minutes (off and on). Cody likes to take breaks after about
ten laps by going in and getting a hug and some attention.
There were a couple of Amish men there. They are working on
getting the new stalls up and Cody will be going in one. They were
very complimentary of Cody's confirmation and his trotting. But most
of all they talked about his good disposition and his behavior with
Ashley.
We have attached some pictures. Ashley thinks that Cody is the
best Christmas present ever since he is the "perfect horse for me"
Merry Christmas!
Bob Wilkinson
Well she came a couple of weeks
before I wanted but she's gorgeous and healthy. Holly's great and
being a beautiful mom and of course she waited until no one was around
to deliver. They have been out running in the snow everyday since
Friday. What a great sight. I hope to have some action shots for you
soon.
Michael
Hi
Celeta,
Holly had her foal today and mare and filly are doing fine!
Here are some pictures....no name yet, but we will keep you informed.
Mike and Laura Bruno
Hi, this is Lindsey Matlock, I was just
letting you know that the horses (Smitty and Maiden) are doing
wonderful! I will send Christmas pictures soon! Kevin and I bought a
handsome blue blanket for Smitty's christmas gift, but gave it to him
early as winter has finally come to our area. It is going to be 40 to 50
for this week, but last week we dipped below freezing, so both of our
babies are bundled up, nice and warm. Smitty was a little wary of the
new blanket but was glad to have it once he saw the frost outside!
We have begun riding Maiden and
Smitty; they do wonderful. I have not had any bolting problems with
Smitty yet under saddle; the only time he has run away was from a
"scary" tarp he discovered his first day in the indoor arena. Since then
I have led him over it, and he has accepted it as scary but bareable. He
has also come to accept his pasture buddies as "normal" even though they
mostly stand 3-5 inches shorter than him. They're QHs! He has
established himself as the 2nd biggest boy in the pasture of 4 geldings.
They get along well now, grazing and playing together, sunbathing on
nice days.
Maiden was very happy to find a
friend in Star, a gelding in the pasture she occupies. Star is a bit of
a ladies man since he has managed to befriend ALL of the mares in that
pasture! Even the herd leader Sonny has come to accept Star as a sort of
brother; Maiden is fitting right in with her fellow mares. Her best
friends are Star and Bunny, a young mare who possesses as sweet a nature
as Maiden herself.
We have discovered that Maiden does
not care very much for a saddle and bridle, but LOVES to ride bareback
with a halter! Kevin is not comfortable bareback since she has a bit of
a high spine, but I rided her fairly comfortably if I leave her stable
blanket on (it gives a little cushion!) My backside is a little sore
from riding this way this morning, but we hope that with lots of love
and food that spine might not protrude so much. She is getting good
muscle tone, and has developed a healthy appetite.
I'll write again as soon as I have
pictures developed.
Thank you,
Lindsey
Hi guys. Bandit arrived and looks fabulous! He is a sweetheart, and
joined into our routine very well. He is so tender with the girl who
will be riding him. They spent most of the afternoon hanging out in
the field, grooming, and walking the pastures. It was sweet. I will
forward pics after the santa surprise. Take Care, KT
Serious Business "Big" and Sonny at Katie's:
"My treasures do not clink together or glitter
They gleam in the sun and neigh in the night"
Old Arab Proverb
Another Christmas for Jazz & I and I just wanted to let everyone
know that we both continue to be blessed and happy...
Everyday, is a beautiful adventure...a new reason for us to love
one another EVEN MORE!!
We wish for you .....
A lifetime of LOVE,
HAPPINESS,
and SHEER JOY!
Have a wonderful Christmas Season,
If you ride, ride like the wind on your closest friend!
God Bless and keep you!!
Merry Christmas!!
Judy & Jazz 2005
Brioso is doing great. We
have been able to reduce his feed to a normal level (yeah!)
and have a person interested in leasing him.
I took Bri to a few
lessons at Mary Flood. She really likes him.
Janet
Here's a couple of pics of the boys in the first snow-
Walter loved it so much he even laid down for a bit once he
calmed down- his first reaction was to run around like crazy! No
big deal to Petey- guess they have snow in Ill!
Teresa.
I am
going to send pictures this week. Yesterday I turned Ziggy
out in the snow and the first thing he did was go roll in it.
He was tossing his nose into it and then he pawed and rolled.
He is so funny.
When I
brought him in, he had a snow ball in his shoe, he was so
good, he stood there and would not move unitl I picked his
foot, with NO halter on him. He is a good boy.
Jodi
Hi Teresa!
I believe in what comes around goes around. Misty WILL get
hers sooner or later. If you guys ever find out anything about
her, please let us know. We'd love to help prosecute her!
Yes, yes yes the girls do look wonderful. As their mommy(ies)
we have a slided view so it's nice to hear from others that they
think our babies are gorgeous too!
Yep on the age thing. I wish people knew how valuable mature
horses are. Much more settled in the brain, very few uh oh's. If
someone is not looking to compete and want a companion and trail
boss, it's the best way to go.
It was good hearing from you. I hope all is well at the farm.
Give kisses to all the babies waiting to be adopted and I wish
for them a loving and caring home!
Happy Holidays
Michelle
PS Will give a hug, kiss and treat for you today and
everyday. Spoiling them is our pleasure
Hooray, they look wonderful! Thank you for the
terrific update and for being such great horse owners.
I'm glad we could get your girls back for you (and I hope
Misty gets what's coming to her one day). It's so true
about older horses; I rode my pony up until she was 28 and
she was in great health and very peppy. Have fun with
your girls and give them some treats for us :)
Teresa
Hiya Celeita,
I just wanted to write and give an update about
Duckie & Chantilly. First of all they're doing
fabulous! Secondly, we're estatic that the girls are
happy and having fun again. It took a while for them to
loose the hollowed look in their eyes and fill out their
bodies. I am happy to report that their ribs are no
where to be found. Chantilly is back to sticking her
tongue and Duckie making kissing sounds because their so
tickled with their spoiled lifestyle. The other day the
wind was up and they begged for their first game of tag
since they've been back. Happily snorting, bucking and
running around like they we're two again instead of the
19 and 20 that they're turning. Both girls are scheduled
to go to a Natural Horsemanship Training in the spring
to reintroduce them to riding. We are terribly excited
to get back in the saddle again and off exploring the
trails. F.Y.I. to those who might be concerned about
adopting an older horse. As long as the horse is feed
healthily and given lots of pasture room to roam to keep
muscles in good working order, there is no reason why
mature horses cannot be ridden easily and safely.
Kisses to our babies...there's no time for
retirement...there's still tons of playtime left and our
girls happily prove that everyday! I attached some
pictures. I will send more with other updates.
Thanks again,
Michelle Lowe
Virginia
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Hey! Here are the pics of Sweetie [Sweet Sachet] and Rebekah
from that first week home right after we pulled her mane and
bathed her. FINALLY .... Wolf camera retrieved them for me.. I
was so glad. Hope you like them.
Addy is doing great. Hes a great big
fat hair ball. LOL. Living large. I have some pics from our
Salisbury Parelli Tournament that I want to send to Emily. I did
the ground and riding portion with him. He was stellar...except
for that 8x10 horse eating blue tarp. LOL. We got there...we hadnt
been off the farm other than local trail rides for a while. (if
you want an idea of what a tourney is about heres a link:
Untitled Document ) He was having a bit of a honk and snort
over being in a new place...so we spent a while just wandering
around ...hes the kind of horse that if you wander over the same
ground 2x...on the 3rd wander he'll adopt a been here done this
attitude. The 4 challenges selected from the list (on the link)
were tarp in circle.. slolam...sideways and squeeze over a jump(s).
We finished 2nd in the standings due to that horse eating blue
tarp...LOL. He went over and got on it...but when the wind puffed
it up...he was 'outta here!!'....LOL. He did both distances of the
slolam perfect.. he was the only horse to be able to complete the
sideways over both obsticles (a ground pole at 12' away and a 2
foot wall 20' away)...and he was the only horse to complete both
jumps (12' away while you sat in a chair...and 20' away while you
sat in a chair). Christine (the girl who heads or study group in
salisbury) was only able to beat me because she accumulated all of
the points on the tarp. She could not complete the far away wall
on sideways...and did not complete the far away jump. I got the
extra points for pets on the face...Addy always comes in for a pet
when he gets things right. They were thinking they would get
another tourney in prior to the end of the year...but I dont know
with snow starting already. Often here on the shore we dont get
any snow until after christmas. For the riding portion they
removed the tarp and set up the figure 8 challenge. We aced all of
that...accumulated all points but others did it at higher speeds
so got more points than us. I did the challenges in the natural
hackmore and bareback. We just walked the course. Id have done it
at a higher speed if Id have brought my regular saddle...but he
was still a bit 'up'. He was a big hit there...they at one point
asked me to move him out into an extended trot while he was on the
22'...they were enchanted with his movement. I was very happy with
him...there were about 25 horse & rider combinations there...so we
did great. These tourneys are going to get bigger...Ive found that
theres a study group in Dover and another study group in
Annapolis. Its a very exciting time to be involved in pnh. Im
giving serious consideration to applying to be on the savvy team
for next octobers tour stop in Upper Marlboro. We should be out of
level 2 and officially level 3 students by then. Addy is my horsey
soul mate.
Chris
Good morning, Ladies!
Just wanted to let you know that Diane seems to have almost
completely settled in already, just fine in her new "digs"
here...such a sweet, easy-going girl! She has eaten & drunk well
and I even gave her some warm bran mash when we got home Sunday
night (to make sure she got enough water in her after the 8 hr
trip), which she gobbled right up and then tried to wipe her
sloppy muzzle on me...ha. What a sweetheart though...I'm loving
her already. : )))
I'm sure Diane was a WONDERFUL
Momma...so, yes, probably the best babysitter for all those
youngsters at CSS, too!
Poor little things lost
their Nanny...whaaaaa...
She'll have a handful of
little ones to help watch over here then in 2007...if all goes
well getting that Lippy stallion!
Keep your fingers crossed
for us (mentally anyway...ha...) & I'll keep you all posted for
sure.
Another "thank you for such a
great horse"...and was nice to see you
all again.
Keep up the good work & try to stay
warm...15 degrees here this am...with a 50% chance of snow.
BRRRRRRRRRRRR!!
Happy
Holidays,
Angie
I forgot to fill out a
"facility change" form when I was there, for our new place.
We should be closing on it
next Friday...with possession the 28th, then.
I'll make sure & send you a
form before we move anyone there, of course...probably that
weekend (Dec. 30-Jan.1).
Should be sooooooooooo
nice to have them all there together again & in the "back
yard"...as you well know! : )))
Larry has had his friends coming over to look at our "moose" as
he calls Ziggy! They are getting along well. Larry goes in and
gives him a rub and tells him what a nice horse he is! It cracks me
up though when his buddies come over! They are all used to the cow
horses and nothing over 15.2h. It is a hoot!
Jodi
Hello,
Sunny is doing great. She fit right in with the other horses. Have
you found a home for Jack yet? He sure is a pretty horse. You all have
a nice holiday as well.
Laurie
Played in the round pen with "Ziggy" yesterday and he is such an
excellent boy! He moves when you ask him to and stays right with
me!!!! I was going to saddle him, however, my girth (52") was not
big enough! So, today we are off to find one to fit the "little
fella"!
No hurry in getting back to me about the others, just when you
have time.
Thank you again. We are having fun!!!!!!!!!!!
Jodi
OHMYGOODNESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
HE IS HUGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love him already and all I have
done is put him in a stall. hehehehe
He is so adorable.
So is the kitten.
Talk to you tomorrow.
THANK YOU< THANK YOU THANK YOU>
jodi (Ziggy's adopter, she also adopted a tiny stray kitten that
our barn manager brought in)
Bru seems to be doing fine. She is the boss of the pasture and won't
let the boys near food that she wants. I think Quin thought he'd be
clever and pee on her pile of hay when she came down to get grain; when
they had eaten their grain and went back to finish the hay, she went to
their pile instead. His plan backfired! She has a thick coat and has put
on a good bit of weight.
When the vet was here back in
September, I had planned to have her check to see if Bru was pregnant,
but Bru was in very obvious heat at the time. The vet said that with her
in heat it was a 90% chance that she wasn't pregnant. I hope that's true
because that idiot vet also tried to tell me that my geldings had not
actually been gelded. (I'm changing vets!) Anyway, we agreed that it's
probably only Bru's left hock that is arthritic; I think she gets a
little stiff, but it doesn't keep her from running or donkey-kicking at
Quin.
She has had no problem with worming and has been an angel for the
farrier. He said he'd like to take her home himself. To be honest,
though, I'd like to spend more time with her and the other horses as
well. I guess it's just a busy time of year.
Since we've had Bru, Katie has eased into spending more time with
her. Starting by just handing carrots through the fence, she now hugs
and loves on her. Leading Bru out of the pasture has made Katie more
comfortable, and she pets and brushes her. Unfortunately, no, though,
Katie has not ridden her. The colder weather and earlier nights have
really put a damper on all of our horsey activities so I don't expect
that to change for awhile.
Bru is really such a sweet horse (although I know a bay gelding
that might disagree) and loves to get attention. We're very glad to have
her. Thanks!
Will keep you posted if there's any change.
Cindy
Hey there!! I hope everything is going well with you. Lacey (Dakota) is
doing great and is in foal to CR top Button. She is due in April.
here are some more pictures of Pizazz, my favorite one is the one
that all the boys are drooling over her from the other
paddock......the grass is greener, or
should I say prettier on the other side of the fence......
Daniela
Thanks, Celeita, actually I have emailed Sharon already about
Skye. She sounds like a lovely mare & Sharon has been very helpful
with information about her, too. I'm planning to pick her up near
the end of December since WE ARE BUYING A FARM IN
SPENCER, INDIANA...we accepted the sellers' counter
offer on Saturday, have closing set for Dec. 16th and will get
possession December 28th.
YIPPPPPPPPPPPEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!! We are very, very
happy, of course!! I will bring you the addy info. & can fill out a
change of location form this weekend for the horses. We'll probably
move them all there the middle of January. The farm has perimeter
fencing but will need interior fencing and a little work on the barn
first. Otherwise it should work very well...and we are very excited
to get them in the backyard again!!
I think I'd still rather come
pick up Diane myself and do have time this weekend. I'll get back
with you later in the week to figure out the details.
Thanks & have a SUPER week!
Angie
Yahoooooo, that's great news. Super! We'll be here this weekend, come
anytime. You can stay over if you need to, just let us know. Celeita
Hi Teresa,
Pizazz is doing great, she loves my quarter horse Dancer, and he is
totally in love with her. The other day I walked her off the property
and down the road a bit to get her used to the new surroundings and when
we came back, Dancer let out the most pitiful whinny I have ever heard
out of him..... he was sooo glad that "his" girl was back.... :-)
She obviously has not been handled for a while, so we are taking it
slow together....no rush, since she is a youngen... but she is extremely
willing and smart and trying to please, just not very confident, but
that will come in time. I know you haven't actually met her, all I can
tell you, is that she is just such a lady. Even the way she takes treat
from your hand is ever so gentle and careful and dainty. The other day
she bit a mint in half....definitely not like my percheron, who will
suck in your whole hand into his lips for his cookies :-) I am sure,
you can tell how excited I am to have her!
If you get a chance, would you scan and e-mail me her pedigree? I was
curious on what her momma's line is. I have dad's, but don't seem to be
able to pull up her info through the internet. Her sire has quite the
impressive bloodlines (I am so excited about it, because I am from
Germany and his ancestors are all german and most I had heard of
before).
Well, all I can say is that I got my christmas present early this
year and nobody is going to be able to top this one for a very long
time.
Anyhow, I will try and e-mail you some of her pictures tomorrow.
Yours for ever grateful,
Daniela
Did I mention Sahara is enjoying 68 deg weather under blue skies
today? Bubble bath yesterday. Candy cane today. Did I mention that
she has it better than I do?Alexandra said she was sending you
some "Christmas" pics of Sahara. They are very cute. She is out at
the stables almost every day after school. I told her that if her
grades dropped I was sending both of them back to SWAP!
-Pete
Sahara and Alexandra:
 
Hi Celeita,
Pizazz is looking well, but by no means fat as Paula let me to
believe. It was very strange to pick her up, because the care taker was
video taping the whole thing. She trailered wonderful and is indeed a
very sweet girl.
I can't thank you enough for believing in me and letting me adopt her
because you made my lifelong dream come true and I am walking on
clouds....
I will take some pictures of her in the next couple of days and send
them to you. Also, she was on the same brand of feed that I feed as
well: Seminole...she had her on a 10% grain, I feed 12%, but that is no
problem what-so-ever. She did well her first night and all seems
great.....no obvious distress in her body language at all. She has the
most beautiful and lightfooted trot just watching her move! She will be
perfect for dressage and down the road I can't wait to send you the
progress notes.
I'll keep you posted on Pizazz and please let me know if there is
anything else that you need from me.
Daniela
Howdy! Kisses is doing well. She is getting to
know my other horse and enjoying my nice, cozy barn on these chilly, wet
nights. I have not ridden her yet. She is very sweet and nice to work
around.
Are you able to use the 3 blankets I left for
you? I hope they fit somebody.
We held our annual charity auction last Sat. and
I think I have talked our group into making a donation to you...maybe
$100-$200. We have given money to the Leesburg Equine Rescue in the
past and I told them I would like to see us give some money to a WV
group. I'll keep you posted.
Thanks. rosie
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