MORE HORSE CAMP PICS

HORSE CAMP PICTURES

I KNOW IT HAS BEEN A WHILE JUST HAVE BEEN REALLY BUSY AND TRYING TO GET UP OUR SECOND CROP WHICH IS BEAUTIFUL. UPDATE ON RIVER, SHE GOES IN ON THE 31ST TO REMOVE HER CYSTS EVERYTHING SOUNDS VERY PROMISING. THANK GOODNESS. LAST NIGHT YOGI WENT HOME HOPE EVERYTHING IS GOING WELL HE SURELY WILL BE MISSED. I AM STILL PLUGGING AWAY WITH KINNY WHO IS DOING AMAZING HER OWNERS SHOULD BE OUT TOMORROW NIGHT TO RIDE HER AND BELLA IS DOING AMAZING AFTER HER CHIRO. THANKS SO MUCH DR PATTY FOR YOUR GREAT WORK!!!! THE DRILL TEAM IS GOING STRONG AND OUR COUNTY FAIR IS ALMOST HERE SO YOU CAN JUST IMAGINE HOW CRAZY THE BARN HAS BEEN. I AM HOPING THIS WEEKEND WE CAN ESCAPE FOR A DAY TO DO SOME RIDING UP NORTH, ALL I CAN DO IS HOPE. OH ALMOST FORGOT JOEY'S FORMER OWNERS CAME OUT TO VISIT WHICH WAS SO NICE. THEY GOT TO MEET THE KIDS AND SEE WHAT JOEY HAS BEEN UP TO AND I THINK THEY LIKED WHAT THEY SAW. THANKS AGAIN FOR THE WONDERFUL PONY!!! ALSO THIS WEEKEND NEW TRAINING HORSE COMING IN BLUE ROAN TENNESSEE WALKER SOUNDS PRETTY COOL!

I CAN NOT HELP TO SIT HERE TONIGHT AND THINK OF ONE OF MY BEST FRIENDS, WHO HAVE JUST RECEIVED INFO THAT HER 4 YEAR OLD HAS CYSTS BEHIND BOTH OF HER EARS. WE ARE PRAYING THAT EVERYTHING IS GOING TO BE ALL RIGHT, WHEN IT COMES TO KIDS MY HEART GOES OUT TO THEM. THEY ARE SO INNOCENT AND THEIR LIVES HAVE NOT EVEN REALLY BEGUN YET, SO IF EVERYONE OUT THERE COULD PLEASE SAY A LITTLE PRAYER FOR OUR LITTLE RIVER WE WOULD REALLY APPRECIATE IT GREATLY. HUG YOUR LOVED ONES AND LITTLE ONES EVERYDAY IF NOT TWICE A DAY. GOD BLESS.

WE SURVIVED OUR SECOND ANNUAL HORSE CAMP UP AT THE NINE MILLE RESORT. THE TRAILS WERE AWESOME AND I REALLY LIKED THE CAMPGROUND, EXSPECIALLY THE SHOWERS!!! WE STARTED OFF WITH 12 HORSES ON THE FIRST DAY AND LOTS OF EMOTIONS DUE TO THE KIDS ONLY SLEPT 3 HOURS. YEAH!!! BUT WE ALL SURVIVED. THAN ON TOP OF THAT WE GOT ONE HELL OF A STORM OUR SECOND NIGHT, BUT OUR RIDE THE NEXT DAY WAS WAY BETTER AND WE EVEN FIT IN A COUPLE GAMES OF VOLLEY BALL. WE ALL ATE VERY WELL AND A FEW OF THE KIDS DECIDED TO GRILL FOODS U WOULD NOT THINK TO GRILL LIKE GRAPES AND TWIZZLERS. YUM! YUM! CREATIVITY IS ALWAYS ENCOURAGED. THAN CAME THE LAST DAY. IT WAS BEAUTIFUL AND WE HAD A BEAUTIFUL RIDE. ALL THE KIDS SEEMED TO ENJOY IT AND WE ARE HOPING TO RETURN NEXT YEAR. I WILL TRY HARD TO POST SOME PICS ASAP.

TODAY WAS ONE OF THEM DAYS WHERE I AM HAVING A HARD TIME FINDING MOTIVATION. THE WEATHER IS CRAPPY AND IT HAS BEEN SO BUSY, SO I DECIDED TO TAKE A LITTLE DOWN TIME. WELL THE TRUTH IS THAT MJ MADE THAT DECISION FOR ME BY NOT GOING IN THE HORSE TRAILER RIGHT AWAY. WE HAD A RIDING PRACTICE AT THE FAIR GROUNDS AND MJ WAS GOING TO GO. WELL INSTEAD OF MAKING EVERYONE LATE WE BOWED OUT, AND WORKED ON TRAILERING. WOULDN'T YOU KNOW IT AS SOON AS THE TRAILER LEFT THE YARD IN SHE WENT, WHAT A LITTLE STINKER. SO I BACKED HER OUT AND MADE HER DO IT AGAIN 3 MORE TIMES AND WITH NO PROBLEM. SHE MUST HAVE SENSED THAT I NEEDED A BREAK.

THE BARN WAS EXCEPTIONALLY QUIET TONIGHT AND I ENJOYED EVERY MINUTE OF IT. I THINK THE RAIN SCARED AWAY A LOT OF PEOPLE AND THE KIDS WERE AT A BIRTHDAY PARTY , IT WAS JUST ME AND THE DOGS. IT IS MY CHORE NIGHT SO I CLEANED AND CLEANED AND CLEANED. THAN I GOT TO RIDE. WHICH ALL THE HORSES DID GREAT . YOGI IS JUST WONDERFUL AND SO LAID BACK, BELLA MISSES HER MOM WHO WILL BE OUT WED. FOR A LESSON BUT SHE IS HANDLING EVERYTHING VERY WELL. WE ACTUALLY WILL BE SCHEDULING A CHIRO FOR HER BECAUSE I DO BELIEVE HER HEAD IS A LITTLE CROOKED AND WE DEFINITELY NEED TO FIX THAT SO SHE WILL EVEN BE A BETTER HORSE. MISS MCKINLEY " KINNY" IS REALLY COMING INTO HERSELF, WE ARE TROTTING ALL OVER THE ARENA WITH A HEAD COLLECTION YEAH!!!! WE ALMOST BROKE INTO THE CANTER TONIGHT IT IS GETTING CLOSER. I DON'T THINK I EVER RODE A HORSE WITH SUCH A GIGANTIC STRIDE, IT IS TRULY UNBELIEVABLE AND I AM ENJOYING EVER MINUTE OF IT. NOW I AM JUST WAITING FOR THE LITTLE BEELERS TO GET HOME AND DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN TOMORROW. ENJOY AND HAPPY TRAILS!!!

TODAY WAS A GREAT DAY. WE ALL WENT ON A RIDE AROUND THE BLOCK KEN ON MJ, JADA ON BARNEY, ERIN ON DUSTY, COURTNEY ON HANK, JAN ON RIZER, BILL ON LACEY, LAKKEN ON JAKE, AND MYSELF ON YOGI THE FJORD. ALL THE KIDS DID AN AMAZING JOB THE ONLY INCIDENT WAS BILLS HORSE LACY DECIDED TO LAY DOWN ON THE JOB BUT WAS SOON CONVINCED THAT WAS NOT ALLOWABLE. LAKKEN IS TRYING OUT JAKE WITH POSSIBLE PURCHASE AND YOGI DID SUPER DUPER. WHAT ELSE COULD WE ASK FOR, BEAUTIFUL WEATHER AND A GREAT RIDE WHERE EVERYONE CAME BACK ON TOP OF THEIR OWN HORSES.LOL.

TODAY JAN AND I WALKED WITH ERIN JADA COURTNEY AND SOPHIA WHILE THEY RODE THERE HORSES OUT ON TRAIL AND THEY DID SMOKIN AWESOME. ALL THE KIDS ARE SO EXCITED BECAUSE WE SET A DATE FOR HORSE CAMP, SO THAT IS THE HOT TOPIC IN THE BARN. LAST NIGHT I BROUGHT SEQUOIA HOME FOR DALE AND ENDED PICKING UP HIS WIFE HORSE, BELLA FOR TRACY TO TAKE SOME LESSONS. I ALSO HAD A TRAINING HORSE DROPPED OFF NAMED YOGI, THE CUTEST FJORD U EVER DID SEE. IT LOOKS LIKE NO REST FOR THE WICKED. LOL

This is Dale and Sequia and Tracy on Barney. We stopped for a water stop at the Pecore. Both of them are doing great and handled the water entrance wonderful.

WHAT IS THIS WEATHER DOING? I NOW I DO NOT LIKE THE HOT HUMID WEATHER BUT THIS IS A LITTLE CRAZY. WE DID NOT EVEN GO CAMPING WITH THE KIDS BECAUSE IT WAS TO COLD. BUT WE DID GO RIDING THERE WAS FIVE OF US THAT DECIDED TO VENTURE FOR A COUPLE OF HOURS AND WHEN WE GOT BACK I WORKED WITH JADA AND ON HER FRIENDS, ERIN. WE WORKED ON HAVING FUN FUN FUN!! I HOPE I WAS A LITTLE SUCCESSFUL. I TELL U WHAT , THAT BARNEY HORSE WE PICKED UP IS WORTH HIS WEIGHT IN GOLD. JADA CANTERED FOR THE FIRST TIME AND LOVED IT. I AM SO PROUD OF HER. TODAY WE ARE GOING RIDING AGAIN WE WILL SEE WHO SHOWS UP TO GO I WILL BLOG LATER.

TONIGHT I HAD TO SUB ON THE DRILL TEAM BECAUSE A COUPLE OF KIDS WERE UNABLE TO COME, I WAS RIDING KINNY WHEN I WAS ASKED AND DECIDED TO USE HER. SHE DID TOTALLY AWESOME CONSIDERING SHE HAS LESS THAN 30 DAYS ON HER. SHE HANDLED ALL THE COMMOTION WELL AND DID NOT EVEN SEEM TO MIND ALL THE OTHER HORSES. THIS WEEKEND WE PLAN TO CAMP OUT BACK AND RIDE AROUND THE BLOCK AGAIN. I CAN NOT WAIT UNTIL BUG SEASON IS OVER SO WE CAN START TO RIDE IN THE WOODS AGAIN, BUT SOME RIDING IS BETTER THAN NO RIDING. YIPPEE!!!!

TODAY WAS A GREAT HORSE DAY, BECAUSE WORK SUCKED ,WHICH IT USUALLY DOES ON MONDAYS. SO IT IS SO NICE TO COME HOME TO WILLING WELL BEHAVED HORSES. SEQUOIA DID GREAT FOR DALE AND WHAT IT THE GREATEST IS HE IS LOOKING AT BUYING A TIMBERLINE FOR HER WHICH IS TOTALLY AWESOME. KINNY DID SUPER SHE IS STARTING TO TROT PRETTY CONSISTANTLY, IN A COUPLE OF DAYS READY FOR A CANTER. THAN WE ARE PREPARING 2 HORSES FOR NEW HOMES, COCO AND JAKE. THEY ARE BOTH WONDERFUL HORSES NOW THEY JUST NEED TO FIND THEIR PERSON. IN TIME WHEN THE TIME IS RIGHT IT WILL HAPPEN.

I KNOW IT HAS BEEN A WHILE CALL IT BUSY OR WHATEVER, IT JUST TOOK ME AN HOUR TO UPLOAD THE PHOTOS YOU ALL JUST LOOKED AT, SO I AM A LITTLE FRUSTRATED. IT AMAZES ME HOW PISSED OFF I CAN GET AT A PIECE OF EQUIPMENT OR AT MYSELF WHO LACKS THE KNOWLEDGE TO RUN IT. LOL. BUT I DID IT. YEAH FOR ME. AS FOR RIDING WE HAVE BEEN TRYING TO DO A LOT OF IT, MAINLY ROAD RIDING BECAUSE OF THE BUGS, BUT IT IS RIDING ALL THE SAME. THE KIDS HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH THEIR NEW HORSES EVERYDAY, THE TRAINING HORSES ARE COMING ALONG VERY WELL. I JUST RECEIVED A COUPLE MORE CALLS FOR TRAINING SO I SURELY HAVE BEEN KEEPIN BUSY. KEN RODE MJ WITH BILL OUR NEIGHBOR AND HIS HORSE LACY AND HE DID GREAT, HE EVEN IS CANTERING HER. NEVER IN A MILLION YEARS WOULD I HAVE DREAMED MY HUSBAND WOULD BE RIDING A MUSTANG BY HIS CHOICE. I LOVE IT. WE ALSO FOUND OUT THAT OUR COUNTY FAIR IS HAVING THE HORSE PROJECT DO SOME EVENTS AND ONE OF THEM IS A PARADE OF BREEDS. I ASKED COURTNEY TO PRESENT MJ FOR THE MUSTANGS, SO SHE HAS BEEN PRACTICING WITH HER AND DOING AN AWESOME JOB. HOPEFULLY I WILL GET SOME PICS OF THE TRAINING HORSES AND THEIR PEOPLE AND POST THEM IN THE NEAR FUTURE. STAY HEALTHY AND KEEP RIDIN!!!!!

JAN & RIZER DEB & JAKE KEN & MJ COURTNEY

AND HANK MOTHER AND DAUGHTER RIDING GETTING READY FOR TRAILRIDE

THE BARN GIRLS HAVIN FUN WITH THEIR PONIES

DEB AND JAKE

MADISON AND JOEY

SOPHIA AND JADA CAMPING OUT BACK BEING COOL!!!!

COURTNEY & HANK SOPHIA & DIXIE ERIN & AMIRA JADA & BARNEY

JADA AND RUSTY

TODAY WAS ONE OF THEM GOOD DAYS. ONE OF THEM DAYS THAT A PERSON CAN LOOK BACK , SMILE AND FEEL BLESSED. MY REAL WORK DAY WAS PRETTY SHORT, SO THAN I GET TO PLAY HORSE TRAINER, BUT BEFORE THAT THE KIDS WANTED TO RIDE AND THAT ALONE BRINGS JOY TO MY HEART. FIVE GIRLS RIDING THEIR HORSES AND HAVIN A BLAST. JOEY IS DOING AMAZING FOR MADDY, SHE JUST LOVES HIM TO PIECES AND TAKES HIM OUT EVERYDAY. BARNEY IS WORTH HIS WEIGHT IN GOLD, JADA IS RIDING HIM ALL OVER PLUS I AM USING HIM FOR A PONY HORSE FOR THE TRAINERS WHICH IS GOING REALLY WELL. KINNY THE TREKHNER IS DOING GREAT JUST WORKING ON ALOT OF DE SPOOKING AND PONYING HER ALL OVER. SEQUOIA THE MORAB X IS DOING VERY WELL WITH HER OWNER DALE. I THINK IN THE END THEY WILL MAKE A VERY GOOD TEAM. THE 4-H'ERS HAVE BEEN WORKING ON THEIR DRILL TEAM AND THEIR FIRST PERFORMANCE IS AT THE GILLETT PARADE ON SAT. SO THAT SHOULD BE PRETTY EXCITING.

WHAT A BEAUTIFUL WEEKEND SHARON AND I WENT RIDING AROUND OUR BLOCK IN BETWEEN SHOWERS AND MJ DID GREAT. WE EVEN WERE LOPING ALONG THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY, THAT WAS PRETTY COOL. TODAY SHARON AND I ALSO RODE THIS TIME I TOOK REBEL WHO WAS AN IDIOT AND SHARON RODE A TRAINING HORSE SEQUOIA WHO DID GREAT AND HAD TO SHOW REBEL A THING OR TWO. IT IS TRULY AMAZING HOW THE WIND CAN REALLY SCREW WITH SOME HORSES HEADS.

THIS WEATHER IS KILLIN ME NOT TO MENTION THE HORSES, BUT IT IS GRREAT FOR BALING HAY. LOL THANK GOODNESS WE DO NOT NEED A LOT OF SQUARE BALES, JUST ROUNDS SO THAT MAKES THE JOB A LITTLE EASIER. THE KIDS ARE LOVING THEIR NEW HORSES, THAT IS A HUGE WEIGHT OFF OF MY SHOULDERS. NOTHING IS A GREATER FEELING THAN WATCHING YOUR KIDS MAKE A BOND WITH TWO SPECIAL HORSES. IT HAS BEEN TO HOT AND TO BUGGY TO DO ANY TYPE OF TRAIL RIDING, BUT I AM KEEPING BUSY WITH MY FIRST WARMBLOOD IN TRAINING, AN ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL ANIMAL AND A CUTE MORAB QUARTER CROSS MARE, WHO IS TURNING OUT QUITE NICE AND READY FOR HER OWNER TO TAKE A LESSON ON FRIDAY. YEAH, THAT IS THE BEST PART, MAKING THE PARTNERSHIP. AS FOR MJ WE INTRODUCED HER TO THE LARGE PASTURE THINKING SHE WAS GOING TO BE TOP DOG THAT WAS FAR FROM THE TRUTH, BUT SHE IS HOLDING HER OWN. WE WILL BE RIDING THE COUNTRY MILE THIS WEEKEND. HAVE FUN AND KEEP RIDING!!!!

JADA AND BARNEY

MADISON AND JOEY

ROBIN&FED-X, CORY&TREASURE, DEB&MJ, JAN&RIZER

HATS OFF TO THESE GIRLS - FIRST TIME AT WILCAT

DEB&REBEL, TRAVIS&THUNDER, CORY&TREASURE AT THE MACHICKINEE FOREST

BUSY BUSY BUSY!!!!! BUT I HAVE GREAT NEWS I FOUND A HORSE FOR MY DAUGHTER. HIS NAME IS BARNEY AND HE CAME FROM SOME WONDERFUL PEOPLE IN HOLMAN, WI. AND THAT WAS ONLY THE START OF MY WEEKEND WITH THREE SUPER FRIENDS WHO DECIDED TO TAKE THE JOURNEY WITH ME. STARTING OUT SAT. MORNING WE HAD A HORSE TO GO LOOK AT IN HOLMAN, WE ALL BROUGHT OUR HORSES TO RIDE AT WILDCAT SINCE WE WERE SO CLOSE AND SUN. WE HAD AN APPOINTMENT TO SEE ANOTHER HORSE. SO WE STARTED UP THE TRUSTY DODGE AND OFF US GIRLS WENT WITH OUR FOUR MARES,HOPING TO COME BACK WITH A FIFTH HORSE. WE FINALLY ARRIVED IN HOLMAN AND CHECKED OUT THIS GREAT GELDING BARNEY WHO I THOUGHT WAS AMAZING, BUT I NEEDED TO CHECK OUT THE HORSE ON SUNDAY JUST TO MAKE SURE THAT HE WAS THE ONE. SO WE PACKED BACK IN THE DODGE AND HEADED TO WILDCAT TO DO SOME RIDING. NOW KEEP IN MIND 2 OF US HAVE RODE THERE AND 2 HAVE NOT, AND OUT OF THE 2 ONE HAS JUST STARTED RIDING IN THE LAST MONTH AND THE OTHER IS A WORK IN PROGRESS FOR THE LAST THREE YEARS AND I WAS MORE CONVINCED THAT SHE WAS READY THAN SHE WAS. LET ME TELL YOU THOSE GIRLS DID SMOKIN AWESOME, THE TRAILS WERE MUDDY AND SLIPPERY. SOME SPOTS THE HORSES WERE SLIDIN ON THEIR HAUNCHES, IT WAS AWESOME!! I AM VERY PROUD OF THEM FOR HANGING IN THERE AND EVEN WANTING TO GO BACK. THOSE ARE PASSIONATE RIDERS. WHILE WE WERE THERE I MET SOME REALLY NICE PEOPLE THAT TOLD US ABOUT A LADY WHO HAD A PONY FOR SALE THAT WAS NOT TO FAR. SO AFTER OUR RIDE ON SUNDAY WE PACKED UP, WHICH MJ DID NOT WANT TO LEAVE QUITE YET SINCE IT TOOK ALMOST AN HOUR TO GET HER IN THE TRAILER. THE LITTLE STINKER!!! FINALLY WE WERE OFF TO LOOK AT THE SECOND HORSE FOR JADA, NICE HORSE BUT NOT THE ONE. THAN WE WENT TO MEET THE PONY WHOSE NAME IS JOEY, CUTE AS A BUTTON, PERFECT FOR MY YOUNGEST, MADISON. SO IN THE TRAILER HE WENT. THANK YOU DONNA!!! THAN OFF TO HOLMAN TO PICK UP BARNEY WHO WAS GOING TO BE HEADIN TO SURING WI. TO A VERY SPECIAL GIRL WHO WILL LOVE AND PAMPER HIM FOREVER. THAT ENDS OUR WEEKEND OF GREAT ADVENTURES AND MANY MANY MORE TO COME.

TONIGHT IS VERY SAD, WE JUST GOT WORD THAT ONE OF THE GREATEST HORSES IN THE COUNTY HAS MOVED ON TO GREENER PASTURES. MY GREAT FRIEND ROBIN IS NOT AN EMOTIONAL PERSON BUT THIS HIT HER PRETTY HARD, MY HEART BREAKS FOR HER. BUT I WILL TELL U WHAT, THAT HORSE" CHARLIE" HAD AN AMAZING LIFE WITH THEM. HE HAD THE BEST CARE A HORSE CAN HAVE. SPECIAL GRAIN TO KEEP HIS WEIGHT, BROUGHT IN HIS OWN STALL WHEN THE WEATHER WAS NOT SO GOOD, AND LOTS OF HUGS AND KISSES. HE TAUGHT A LOT OF LITTLE KIDS TO RIDE AND HE TOOK CARE OF MANY ADULTS WITH LESS EXPERIENCE. HATS OFF TO HIM AND ALL OF THE GREAT HORSES OUT THERE.

STILL NO SUN TODAY, BUT WE TOOK MJ OUT AND GAVE HER A HAIR CUT AND THE LAST OF HER SHOTS, BOY SHE WAS NOT IMPRESSED!!! WE WERE SUCCESSFUL. THIS WEEKEND I AM TAKING HER TO WILDCAT TO DO SOME RIDING. I AM GOING THERE TO CHECK OUT A COUPLE HORSES FOR THE KIDS AND DECIDED TO TAKE HER WITH AND DO SOME CAMPIN INSTEAD OF DRIVING BACK AND FORTH. WHY NOT!! WE ARE JUST WAITING FOR SOME GOOD WEATHER SO WE CAN GET OUR HAY IN, IF THAT EVER HAPPENS.

WHILE TRYING TO CATCH UP FROM OUR TRIP TO MARYLAND WE GOT A CALL TO GO LOOK AT A COUPLE OF HORSES FOR OUR KIDS . SO WE PACKED UP THE KIDS AND OFF TO WI DELLS WE GO TO CHECK OUT THE PROSPECTS AND UNFORTUNATELY THEY DID NOT WORK OUT AND I ALSO REALIZED HOW PICKY I CAN BE. BUT WHEN IT IS FOR YOUR KIDS YOU HAVE TO BE. SO WE DECIDED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR LOCATION AND TOOK THE KIDS TO THE KALAHARI FOR ONE NIGHT AND THEY HAD A BLAST. NOW WE ARE HOME AGAIN AND IT IS CRAPPY WEATHER, PERFECT TO KEEP LOOKING FOR THAT SPECIAL HORSE FOR OUR WEE ONES. JUST GOT ANOTHER CALL FROM A LADY IN MI SOUNDS LIKE A GOOD ONE, I MIGHT BE TAKING ANOTHER ROAD TRIP. WISH US LUCK BECAUSE THIS HORSE SHOPPING KINDA SUCKS!!!

CRYSTAL AND KIMOCA

HEATHER AND FERGIE

WE MADE A SUCCESSFUL DROP OF THE TWO MARES, FERGIE AND KIMOCA, IN MARYLAND. THEY WENT TO A REALLY NICE BARN CALLED BREEZY HILL STABLES. CRYSTAL AND HEATHER WILL DO A FABULOUS JOB WITH THEM AND WE ALREADY HAVE PLANS TO HEAD BACK IN THE FUTURE TO DO SOME RIDING. BOY WE ARE REALLY KICKING OURSELVES FOR NOT BRINGING OURS TO RIDE, VERY BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY AND EVERYBODY IS SUPER NICE. WE ALSO WOULD LIKE TO THANK JENNY AND JIM FOR THEIR WONDERFUL HOSPITALITY AT THE FOUR SEASONS B AND B IN CANAL WINCHESTER, OHIO. WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE, BOTH FOR US AND THE OH SO TIRED HORSES. RIGHT NOW WE ARE IN BREEZEWOOD,PA AND PLAN ON HEADING WEST IN A LITTLE BIT. WE ARE TAKING OUR GOOD NATURED TIME IN GETTING HOME- ENJOYING ALL WHAT THE GOOD LORD HAS BLESSED US WITH.

BAREBACK RIDE AT KETTLE MORAINE

THE THREE AMIGOS AT GOVERNOR DODGE

REBA, RHONDA, AND MADDY AT GOVERNOR DODGE

PICS FROM GOVERNOR DODGE AND KETTLE MORAINE

ROBIN & FED-X

REBA & CHEYANNE

RHONDA & BUCK MADDY & BLAZE

SHARON & COCO
COCO IS 4 SALE

MY BIG GOLIATH "REBEL"

BUSY! BUSY! BUSY! THANK GOODNESS FOR A GREAT VACATION BECAUSE EVER SINCE IT HAS BEEN NON STOP, BUT IN A GOOD WAY. LAST THURSDAY WE DID VICTORY OLYMPICS FOR THE 12 YEAR AND IT WENT GREAT, BLESSED AGAIN WITH BEAUTIFUL WEATHER AND A LOT OF HELPING HANDS. WHO I WOULD LIKE TO THANK PERSONALLY FOR ALL THEIR HARD WORK AND DEDICATION. ALSO MJ WENT ON HER FIRST OVERNIGHT CAMPING TRIP AND SHE DID GREAT. THE PICKET LINES DID NOT EVEN SEEM TO BOTHER HER NOR THE HAY BAG SLAPPING HER IN THE FACE. WE MANAGED TO GO ON A FEW HOUR TRAIL RIDE AND KEN RODE MJ AND DID A FABULOUS JOB. I DO BELIEVE I WAS MORE NERVOUS THAN HIM, BUT WE ALL CAME BACK ON OUR HORSES WHICH IS ALWAYS A GOOD THING. IT REALLY SEEMS LIKE KEN FOUND HIS HORSE AND SHE SEEMED TO HAVE HAND PICK HIM. ALSO OVER THE WEEKEND WE HAD A SCHOOLING SHOW OUT HERE FOR THE COUNTY 4-HERS AND IT WENT GREAT. JUDGE DAVID PANSY DID A PHENOMENAL JOB WITH THE KIDS. THEY ALL LEARNED A WHOLE HECK OF A LOT AS DID THE ADULTS . THAN BACK TO MY REAL JOB TODAY WHICH WAS NOT TO BAD. ONLY 2 MORE DAYS THAN OFF TO THE EAST COAST.
I ALSO PROMISE TO GET SOME PICS DOWNLOADED SO EVERYBODY CAN ACTUALLY SEE ALL OF OUR EXCITEMENT!

SORRY IT HAS BEEN A WHILE BUT I WAS ON VACATION WITH MY MORAB, REBEL, AND A FEW GOOD FRIENDS. WE STARTED AT GOVERNOR DODGE WHERE THE RIDING IS WONDERFUL. THAN WE ENDED UP AT THE SOUTHERN KETTLE MORAINE WHERE WE FINISHED OUR RIDING OF ALMOST 25 HOURS IN BETWEEN THUNDER STORMS. LOL. BUT ALL WAS GOOD. WHILE I WAS GONE KEN DECIDED TO RIDE MJ BAREBACK SINCE I HAD HIS SADDLE WITH ME AND HE LOVED IT. THEM TWO CONTINUE TO AMAZE ME THEY HAVE A CONNECTION THAT IS UNSPECKABLE AND I AM SO HAPPY FOR THEM. I WILL BE POSTING A LOT OF PICS OF OUR TRIP AND KEN AND MJ'S RIDES. ALSO HEADED TO MARYLAND TO DROP OFF A COUPLE OF HORSES AND PLANNING FURTHER ADVENTURES WITH THE HORSES. I WILL CONTINUE TO UPDATE THE BEST THAT I CAN WITH THE WEATHER GETTING NICER.

IT HAS BEEN SO BEAUTIFUL THIS WEEK AND THE BARN TELLS THE STORY. IT IS BUZZING WITH EXITEMENT. BESIDES HORSE CAMPING, WE HAVE ONE PERSON IN THE BARN THIS YEAR THAT IS RIDING FOR THE FIRST TIME AND LOVING EVERY MINUTE OF IT. GO JAN GO JAN!!!! ALL THE YOUNGSTERS HAVE BEEN RIDING VERY CONSISTENTLY AND THEIR HORSES ARE SHOWING IT. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. AND AS FOR MISS MJ SHE IS DOING GREAT, HER FIRST CAMPING TRIP SHOULD BE IN JUNE, I CAN HARDLY WAIT. EVERYBODY ENJOY THE WEATHER AND I WILL BE THINKING OFF U ALL SIPPING A BEER AROUND THE CAMPFIRE. LOL.

DID NOT DO TO MUCH TODAY. LAST MINUTE SHOPPING AND STARTING TO PACK THE TRAILER FOR THE WEEKEND. YIPPEEEE!!! BUT YESTERDAY I GOT TO GO FOR ANOTHER RIDE WITH MY GIRLFRIEND ROBIN, WHO IS DOING EXTREMELY WELL WITH HER HORSE THIS YEAR . ALL IN ALL WE SHOULD HAVE A GREAT TRIP BECAUSE I THINK OUR HORSES WANT IT AS MUCH AS WE DO.

WHAT A BEAUTIFUL WEEKEND AND YES WE ALL GOT TO RIDE .THE KIDS ARE RIDING RANGER OUR LEASE PONY WHO IS GOING HOME ON THURSDAY TO HIS LITTLE GIRL THAT IS NOW READY FOR HIM. WE WILL ALL MISS HIM VERY MUCH, BUT WE DID GET A REPLACEMENT AND HER NAME IS CANDY A VERY SWEET PAINT PONY. MADISON OUR YOUNGEST TOOK HER ON A TRAILRIDE, WELL I PONIED HER OFF OF RUSTY, WHILE HER DAD RODE MJ WHICH HE DID SMOKIN AWESOME WITH HER. OUR OLDEST,JADA, TOOK A DIGGER WHEN RUSTY TRIPPED AND WENT COMPLETELY DOWN. THANK GOD SHE TUMBLED GRACEFULLY, BUT I DO BELIEVE SPRAINED HER ANKLE, SO UNFORTUNATELY RUSTY IS GETTING TIRED. HE IS A GREAT PONY AND HAS TAUGHT OUR DAUGHTER SO MUCH. NOW IT IS HIS TURN TO BE PUT TO PASTURE AND TAKEN OUT FOR BRUSHING AND LOTS OF LOVE AND HOPEFULLY JADA WILL MATCH GOOD WITH CANDY. I AM REALLY CROSSING MY FINGERSON THAT ONE. AND AS FOR SIR REBEL, IT WAS JUST HIM AND I OUT ON THE TRAILS TODAY AND HE DID SO GOOD I WAS SO PROUD OF HIM. IT IS NOT TO OFTEN THAT THERE IS ONE HORSE AND SOMETIMES IT DON'T GO SO GOOD- BARN SOUR, SEPERATION ANXIETY, AND SO ON. BUT TODAY IT WAS ALL GOOD AND IT WAS THE PERFECT RIDE TO END A REALLY GOOD WEEKEND.

the Kids from the Barn

they are all trail riding fools.. lol

DID NOT SLEEP TO WELL LAST NIGHT I THINK MY BRAIN IS ALREADY ON VACATION MODE. BUT I DO HAVE SOME GREAT NEWS LAST NIGHT I FOUND A HOME FOR MY 11 YEAR OLD GELDING-AWESOME HORSE- HE JUST NEEDED TO FIND HIS PERSON AND HE DID. SHE IS A 12 YEAR OLD WONDERFUL YOUNG LADY WITH GENTLE HANDS AND A BIG HEART. THEY ARE GOING TO MAKE A GREAT TEAM AND I ALSO SEE A LOT OF HORSE CAMPING TRIPS IN THEIR FUTURE! CONGRATS COURTNEY! TODAY I HAVE TO WORK. YEAH THIS 6 DAYS A WEEK KINDA STINKS, COME ON 5 DAY DELIVERY LOL. HOPEFULLY AFTER THERE WILL BE A TRAIL RIDE, GOD KNOWS REBEL STILL NEEDS TO GET INTO SHAPE OR GOVERNOR DODGE IS GOING TO KICK HIS BUTT. BUT WE HEARD THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE THAT THE TRAILS ARE BEAUTIFUL, US GIRLS ARE WAY EXCITED AND WELL DESERVING OF SOME RR. HAPPY TRAILS AND BE SAFE!

LAST NIGHT WAS AWESOME BOTH OF MY GIRLS WANTED TO GO ON A TRAIL RIDE AND THAT GIVES ME MORE JOY THAN ANYTHING, SO MJ HAD TO WAIT PATIENTLY IN THE CROSS TIES WHILE I WALKED WITH THE CREW, THERE WAS A TOTAL OF 7 RIDERS . ALL THE GIRLS DID GREAT, WE EVEN HAD TO DO SOME BRUSH RUNNING BECAUSE THERE WAS SOME TREES DOWN. AT FIRST THE GIRLS WERE A LITTLE NERVOUS, BUT ON THEIR TRUSTY MOUNTS THEY ALL MADE IT THROUGH SUCCESSFULLY. AND I DO BELIEVE THE COMMENT THEY USED WAS "THAT ROCKED." SO THAT WAS PRETTY COOL. AFTER WE GOT BACK THEY STILL WANTED TO RIDE SO TO THE OUTDOOR WE WENT AND NOW IT WAS MJ'S TURN AND SHE DID SMOKIN AWESOME, EVEN AFTER A FEW DAYS WITHOUT RIDIN SHE DID NOT SKIP A BEAT. I AM SO GLAD THAT WE BOUGHT HER. I WILL GET SOME PICS ON OF ALL THE GIRLS RIDING AND TONIGHT I AM IN THE HOUSE WITH A LITTLE GIRL THAT HAS AN EAR INFECTION AND PNEUMONIA, NOT QUITE AS FUN AS LAST NIGHT. LOL

WHAT A BEAUTIFUL DAY AND THE MAIL WAS SO LIGHT TODAY, I WAS HOME BY 1:30, AWESOME! FIRST I DID THE TRAINING HORSES, FERGIE AND KIMOCA, WHICH ARE GETTING READY TO HEAD TO MARYLAND IN JUNE AND THEY DID AWESOME. SINCE THEY HAVE BEEN GETTING THEIR CHIRO ADJUSTMENTS, THEY ARE LIKE DIFFERENT HORSES. WHICH IS TOTALLY COOL BECAUSE I WAS GETTING A LITTLE WORRIED ABOUT THEIR BEHAVIOR ISSUES, BUT ALL IS GOODD . NEXT I SADDLED UP GOOD OLE HANK, TRYING TO GET HIM IN SHAPE TO GO ON THE MARKET AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST I RODE MY TRUSTY MORAB REBEL, CONDITIONING HIM FOR OUR ADVENTURE IN THE UP AND COMING WEEK YEE HAW WE CAN NOT WAIT. AND WHILE I WAS FINISHING UP CHORES I CAUGHT MY HUSBAND LUNGING MJ, NOW THAT WAS A SIGHT THAT I DO NOT SEE VERY OFTEN, BUT IT WAS A GOOD THING. I WAS VERY PROUD OF HIM FOR TAKING HER OUT AND GIVING HER SOME EXERCISE AND TOMORROW AFTER WORK I AM PLANNING TO RIDE HER FOR A FEW HOURS. I AM REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO THAT, HOPEFULLY THE WEATHER WILL BE JUST AS NICE. TALK TO YA SOON AND I PROMISE I WILL NOT BE SO LONG WINDED NEXT TIME.

WHAT A CRAPPY WEEKEND! FIRST I HAD TO WORK ON SAT. NOW IT IS RAINY. NOT DOING TO MUCH WITH THE HORSES TODAY, HOPEFULLY THE WEEK WILL BE A LITTLE MORE PROMISING. BUT THE COUNT DOWN FOR VACATION IS ON AND EVERYBODY IS GETTING REAL EXCITED, JUST KEEPING OUR FINGERS CROSSED THAT THE RAIN DOES NOT GET SO BAD THAT THEY SHUT THE TRAILS DOWN. THAT WOULD REALLY STINK. TO BETTER WEATHER AND GETTING OUT ON THE TRAILS, TALK TO YOU ALL SOON.

TONIGHT WENT WONDERFUL. KEN RODE MJ AND DID AN AWESOME JOB. I THINK I WAS MORE NERVOUS THAN HE WAS, BUT BOTH OF THEM DID GREAT. I AM SO PROUD OF THEM.

TODAY I GAVE MJ A REST. I HAVE BEEN PUTTING MY PERSONAL RIDING HORSE, HI FAD REBEL, ON THE BACK BURNER SINCE THE MUSTANG ARRIVED, SO TODAY WAS HIS DAY. IT WAS GREAT. HE IS ONE MAGNIFICIENT ANIMAL AND HE DID SO WELL COMING OUT OF THE PASTURE FAT AND OUT OF SHAPE. WE HAVE OUR WORK CUT OUT FOR US BECAUSE OUR FIRST ADVENTURE .IS IN A COUPLE OF WEEKS TO GOVERNOR DODGE. YEAH FINALLY A VACATION. NOTHING IS BETTER THAN A CAMFIRE AFTER A LONG RIDE. MJ MIGHT STAY HOME FOR THIS ADVENTURE UNLESS KEN STARTS TO RIDE HER, WHICH HE HAS BEEN TALKING ABOUT IT SINCE WE PURCHASED HER. HOPRFULLY THEY WILL BOND AS WELL UNDER SADDLE AS THEY DID ON THE GROUND.

MORE PICS FROM WEEKEND

I AM HOME SICK TODAY, MY BODY FINALLY CRASHED. WHAT A HECK OF A WEEKEND! I CAN HARDLY BELIEVE WE ARE THE OWNER OF OUR PRIDE AND JOY MJ 'S LEGACY, WHAT IS MEANT TO BE WILL BE AND I THANK GOD FOR THAT EVERYDAY. IT WAS AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE, I LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT. I WOULD LIKE TO THANK EVERYBODY FOR EVERYTHING TO MAKE THIS DREAM COME TRUE. TO GOOD FRIENDS NEW AND OLD, GREAT HORSES, AND COLD BEER. I LOVE U ALL!

WE ARE SO TIRED LOTS MORE PICS TO COME

STAY TUNED FOR MORE PICS AND VIDEO FROM TEH MIDWEST HORSE FAIR AND EXTREME MUSTANG CHALLANGE.. ESPECAILLY FOR OUR FANS IN WAUNAKEE.. WISCONSIN... HA HA GLAD TO HAVE MET YOU GUYS... SO MANY NICE PEOPLE OUT THERE WE HAD A GREAT TIME..

WE TOOK HER HOME !!!!!

BOY ARE WE HAPPY .....

MJ AND DEB HORSE COURSE

WELL WE FINISHED IN 15TH I BELIVE..

MJ WAS VERY OBSERVANT DURING HER RIDING THIS MORNING ... SHE HAD THE BIG ARENA JITTERS AND WAS NOT JUDGED WELL ENOUGH TO MAKE THE TOP TEN FINALS ON SAT NIGHT .. THE WINNER WAS CHASE DODD IN A VERY DESERVING PERFORMANCE.. WE SURE EXPECTED TO DO A LITTLE BIT BETTER BUT IT IS A LOT TO EXPECT OF YOUR HORSE AND FOR HER TO TAKE IN ALL AT ONCE... ..SHE STILL SEAMS TO BE THE "LOOKER" OF THE BUNCH.. AND LOTS OF INTEREST IN HER BUILD AND THE WAY SHE CARRIES HERSELF.. IT WOULD JUST BE DEVISTATING IF WE CAN'T TAKE HER HOME.. WE BROUGHT ALONG A PRETTY LARGE PIGGY BANK JUST IN CASE... THE APDOPTION/AUCTION IS SUNDAY AT 2:30 start .. 1 MORE LONG DAY AND MAYBE HOME FOR A DAY OF REST.. DEB WILL BE POSTING ON HERE I'M SURE AFTER THE AUCTION OUTCOME... THANKS


KEN

AFTER IN-HAND WE ARE IN GREAT SHAPE..

DEB'S IN-HAND WEN'T WELL CURRENTLY WE ARE TIED IN 3RD PLACE... PRETTY STIFF COMPITITION OUT THERE AND MJ IS TAKING IT VERY WELL.. LOTS OF LOOKERS AND LOVERS OF MJ TODAY... SHE SURE IS LOOKIN GOOD. WE ALL ARE AMAZED ON HOW CALM AND RELAXED SHE IS W/ ALL THE COMMOTION AND PEOPLE.. WILL TRY TO POST A VIDEO OF OUR IN HAND COURSE LATE TONIGHT WHEN I CAN GET THE CARD HERE AND DOWNLOADED INTO THIS LAPTOP...

ok we made it here and it sure was busy

we showed up here in madison around noon and the place was busy with many horses and exibitors getting ready for the big weekend... every one is so nic e and neat to hear everyones journeys worries and wonders.. mj is very curious and is taking it all in ( commotion) we gave her her first bath and did well but didn't stand still by no means.. people have been stopping by the stall and commenting on her beauty... we are in barn number 2 stall number 2020 come and see us.... deb's in hand starts at 8 am and she will be about 25 or 26th in line so maybe around 10 or so she would be up.. hope every one tries to come and see us.. we will blog again friday after the in hand.. got to put these kids to bed ... we all had a long day...

TONIGHT THE EMOTIONS ARE RUNNING HIGH. WORKED WITH MJ FOR A LITTLE WHILE, PACKED THE TRAILER, AND TYING LOOSE ENDS BEFORE WE HIT THE TRAIL TO MAD TOWN. RIGHT NOW I AM NOT SURE WHAT I SHOULD BE FEELING, BUT I DO KNOW THAT FATE WILL DECIDE WHETHER MJ'S LEGACY WILL RETURN TO DOWN TO EARTH. IT HAS BEEN A PLEASURE HAVING HER HERE AND WE ARE SO LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS WEEKEND. WE HOPE TO HAVE A LOT VISITORS, SO DO NOT BE SHY. COME ON OVER AND MEET THE MAGNIFICIENT MUSTANG. THANKS FOR ALL OF YOUR SUPPORT AND I WILL BE BLOGGING THROUGH THE WEEKEND AND WE WILL HAVE LOTS OF PICS. THANKS AGAIN EVERYBODY.

TONIGHT WENT REALLY WELL AND I AM SO GLAD THAT I FREE LUNGED MJ IN THE OUTDOOR ARENA BECAUSE SHE WAS FULL OF PISS AND VINEGAR. ALOT OF IT! ONCE SHE SETTLED DOWN SHE DID AMAZING. WE ARE JUST DOING THE BEST WE CAN POSSIBLY DO AND I AM TRYING TO PREPARE HER THE BEST THAT I CAN. MY GOAL AT THE START WAS PURE PERSONAL AND NOT FOR THE COMPETITION BECAUSE I AM REALLY BAD AT COMPETING. I GET SO NERVOUS AND EXCITED MOST OF THE TIME THAT ENERGY FLOWS TO MY HORSE AND 90% OF THE TIME IT IS NOT GOOD. SO I REALLY NEED A LOT OF FINGERS CROSSED SO WE CAN MAKE IT THROUGH THE COMPETITION. AS FOR THE PERSONAL GOAL, SUPER GROUND MANNERS AND NICE TO HANDLE, IT HAS BEEN ACHIEVED PLUS MORE THANKS TO A GREAT HORSE. THE FAIR IS GETTING CLOSER AND I JUST WANT TO SAY THANK YOU TO EVERYONE OUT THERE THAT HAS BEEN PART OF THIS ADVENTURE BECAUSE IT HAS BEEN A SWEET ONE. WHETHER YOU HAVE RODE WITH ME, DONE CHORES, WATCHED KIDS, HELPED ME GET READY, SCRAP BOOKED, BLOGGED, OR JUST BEEN THERE WHEN I NEEDED A HUG, I REALLY APPRECIATE IT. THANKS AGAIN. UNTIL TOMORROW.

HAPPY EASTER TO EVERYBODY, IT SURE IS A BEAUTIFUL ONE! YESTERDAY AFTER WORK A GROUP OF US WENT FOR A SMALL RIDE DOWN TO THE LAKE AND BY THE TIME I GOT BACK I WAS PRETTY SORE. MY HIP DID NOT AGREE WITH MJ'S TROTTING, HOPEFUULLY IT STARTS TO FEEL BETTER REAL FAST.

JUST GOT HOME FROM WORK, WAS NOT AS BAD AS I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE GETTING IN AND OUT OF MY CAR ALL DAY. NOW I AM READY TO GO OUT IN THE BARN AND PLAY WITH MJ FOR A WHILE, I AM HOPING TO RIDE HER SINCE I AM FEELING PRETTY GOOD, IT MIGHT JUST BE FOR A HALF AN HOUR, BUT THE COMPETITION IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER, SO WE HAVE TO KEEP GOING FORWARD. PAIN OR NO PAIN!

ANOTHER WINDY DAY IN WISCONSIN. YEAH. I CAN NOT DO TO MUCH SO I TALKED MY FRIEND, ROBIN, INTO FREE LUNGING MJ FOR ME AND SHE DID A GREAT JOB. MJ CAN JUST BE SO LAZY ON SOME DAYS WHICH I GUESS IS GOOD IN SOME WAYS. WE ALSO PRACTICED LOADING HER IN A COUPLE DIFFERENT TRAILERS AND SHE DID AWESOME. I FIGURE I WILL BE ABLE TO RIDE HER SAT. OR SUNDAY, DEPENDS HOW FAST I WILL HEAL.

YESTERDAY MJ AND I HAD A LITTLE MISHAP. WE GOT DETACHED. LOL. I CAN LAUGH ABOUT IT NOW, BUT IT HURT LIKE HELL. I DID NOT FALL FAR OR HARD, JUST RIGHT. I THOUGHT I BROKE MY HIP, SO OFF TO THE HOSPITAL WE WENT. GOOD NEWS NO BREAK, JUST BADLY BRUISED. BOTH MY BODY AND MY PRIDE. THIS REALLY SUCKS I AM OFF WORK FOR 3-4 DAYS AND CAN NOT EVEN RIDE. I AM REALLY MAD AT MYSELF, BUT ALSO LEARNED A GOOD LESSON IN THE PROCESS. BE PREPARED FOR THE INEVITABLE, AND REMEMBER YOU ARE NOT 16 ANYMORE AND 30 SOMETHING JUST DOES NOT BOUNCE BACK AS FAST. SOMETIMES THAT IS VERY HARD TO TAKE. WELL LIFE GOES ON AND IT COULD HAVE BEEN WORSE. MJ ACTUALLY HANDLED ME FALLING OFF VERY WELL. SHE LOOKED AT ME IF TO SAY " WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING DOWN THERE." SO NEEDLESS TO SAY WE ARE TAKING A FEW DAYS OFF, BUT DO NOT FEAR WE WILL BE AT THE COMPETITION WITH BELLS ON, I JUST MIGHT BE RIDING A LITTLE UNCOMFORTABLE. I ALREADY TOLD MY DAUGHTERS THAT THIS IS PART OF THE GAME, IF YOU HAVE A HORSE AND RIDE, YOU WILL COME OFF. LOL.
ONE GOOD THING IS MJ LOVES HER NEW PEN AND I CAN WATCH HER FROM THE LIVING ROOM AS I AM RECOVERING. PS. THANKS DR KRISTY FOR THE ADJUSTMENT THIS MORNING IT MADE A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE. TELL NEXT TIME.

WAKING UP TO SNOW IS SO NOT COOL IN APRIL, I AM SO SICK OF THIS WEATHER AND NOT TO MENTION IT GETS PRETTY HARD TO TRAIL RIDE WITH WEATHER LIKE THIS. SO WE TRY TO GET CREATIVE SO WE DO NOT GET BORED. TODAY IT WILL BE LOUD SPEAKERS IN THE INDOOR AND TRAIL OBSTACLES. OH AND YESTERDAY KEN SET UP ONE OF THE LARGER OUTDOOR PENS FOR HER AND RUSTY. SHE DID AWESOME. SHE FINALLY KNOWS WHAT HOT WIRE IS AND SHE WAS NOT IMPRESSED, BUT SHE RESPECTED IT.

TONIGHT MJ AND I WORKED OUT IN THIS TERRIBLE WIND AND SHE DID VERY WELL. WE WORKED ON LEADS, GAITS, AND OBSTACLES. ALSO TRYING TO FIGURE OUT A ROUTINE IN CASE WE WOULD BE LUCKY ENOUGH TO GET TO FINALS.

NOTHING IS SWEETER THAN THE SMELL OF HAY, THE SOUND OF HORSES EATING, AND A QUIET BARN. MJ AND I HAD THE BARN TO OURSELVES AND IT WAS REALLY CALMING AND I REALLY TOOK THE TIME TO ENJOY HER AND HOW FAR SHE HAS COME, HOW FAR WE BOTH CAME. IF ONE REALLY THINKS ABOUT IT, IT IS TRULY AMAZING AND I AM LOVING HER MORE AND MORE EACH DAY. NOT ONLY IS SHE A GREAT HORSE SHE IS A GREAT TEACHER, SHE HAS TAUGHT ME THAT LIFE IS WAY TO SHORT TO LET IT PASS BY. SHE IS THE OUTCOME OF HARD WORK AND DETERMINATION AND IN TURN SHE HAS GIVEN ME LOVE, PATIENCE, AND RESPECT. MJ LOVES TO WORK, SHE LOVES TO PLEASE AND GOD ONLY NOW SHE GIVES ME 120% EACH TIME. TOGETHER AS PARTNERS WE HAVE TAUGHT EACH OTHER ALOT AND IT WILL BE HARDER THAN HELL IF WE, MY FAMILY, HAVE TO GIVE HER UP.

TODAY WE ARE SUPPOSE TO HAVE A CHANCE FOR 80% RAIN SNOW MIX. NOT GOOD . THANK GOODNESS FOR THE INDOOR. MJ AND I HAVE BEEN MAINLY WORKING ON LOPING CONSISTENTLY BECAUSE SHE IS PRETTY LAZY. WE DID DISCOVER THE MORE DISTRACTIONS AND NOISE THE BETTER SHE SEEMS TO PERFORM WHICH IS TOTALLY AWESOME.

KEN AND I JUST GOT HOME FROM SHAWANO, WE HAD TO TO GET A FEW COPIES OF THE SHAWANO EVENING LEADER BECAUSE WE MADE THE NEWS. THEY DID A GREAT FOLLOW UP ARTICLE ON MJ WITH A FEW PICS. REALLY NICE. IF ANYONE GETS A CHANCE THEY SHOULD CHECK IT OUT. TODAY IT IS REALLY WINDY SO WE WILL BE WORKIN IN THE INDOOR WITH OBSTACLES AND PRACTICING OUR TRAILER LOADING.

picture of mj from the blm site

i found this picture taken the day we picked her up . wow has time flew by.. all the trainers horses are available at the blm site http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/prog/wild_horse_and_burro/midwest_emm_page_1.html.

MJ DID GREAT TONIGHT, WE DID BIT WORK PRACTICING ON GETTING HER TO FRAME UP AT THE LOPE. SHE DID OK , BUT SHE HAS A VERY HIGH HEADSET WHICH I THINK IS BEAUTIFUL. THE FAIR IS ONLY A SHORT TIME AWAY IT IS SO HARD TO BELIEVE IT. I HAVE TO WORK TOMORROW SO MY NEXT SESSION WILL BE SUNDAY, SO I WILL BLOG THAN.

THE HOUSE IS SO QUIET AND I NEED TO TELL A STORY. I HAVE PUTTING OFF THIS PART OF MY BLOG FOR TO LONG BECAUSE IT IS SO EMOTIONAL TO ME AND SO DEAR TO MY HEART AND THAT IS HOW MS MJ'S LEGACY RECIEVED HER NAME. SHE IS NAMED AFTER MY FATHER, MELVIN JOEL, WHO PASSED AWAY IN OCTOBER- IT WILL BE 6 MONTHS ON THE DAY OF THE AUCTION. HE WAS A GREAT MAN WHO ALWAYS SUPPORTED ME WITH ANY OF MY DECISIONS GOOD OR BAD. I HESITATED FOR A BIT TO DO THE CHALLENGE BUT SOMETHING INSIDE OF ME PUSHED ME FORWARD. I COULD ALMOST HEAR MY FATHER SAYING, " GO FOR IT HONEY. IF THIS IS ONE OF YOUR DREAMS DON'T LET IT PASS BY YOU, BECAUSE SOMETIMES YOU CAN NEVER GET THEM BACK." IS THAT NOT THE TRUTH. SO I FILLED OUT THE PAPERWORK AND HERE I AM DOCUMENTING MY ADVENTURE AND LOVING EVERY MINUTE OF IT. I KNOW IN MY HEART THAT MY FATHER WOULD BE VERY PROUD OF ME AND MJ AND HOW FAR WE HAVE COME AND HOW THIS WHOLE EXPERIENCE HAS BROUGHT OUR FAMILY CLOSER TOGETHER AFTER SUCH A GREAT LOSS. SO I WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE BLM FOR GIVING ME THIS LIFE CHANGING OPPORTUNITY.

WISH WE WERE IN FLORIDA !!!!!! HI GIRLS

IT IS ABSOLUTELY MISEREABLE TODAY, VERY RAINY AND COLD, SO MJ AND I ARE GOING TO REST.

TODAY WAS PRETTY EXCITING, MJ GOT HER FIRST CHIRO. IT TOOK HER A WHILE TO WARM UP TO THE VET, BUT SHE DID GREAT. THANKS SO MUCH DR. PATTY AND ANDREA FOR BEING SO PATIENT WITH HER IT REALLY MEANS MORE THAN WORDS CAN SAY.

NAH! WERE NOT CRAZY WE JUST LOVE TO RIDE. 6 HOURS TOTAL, NOT SO BAD FOR FREEZING WEATHER. WE RODE DOWN MAIN STREET, STOPPED AT THE BOWLING ALLEY FOR A HOT COCOA, THAN HEADED BACK HOME. I RODE IN FULLY PACKED SADDLEBAGS AND EVEN CRACKED 2 SODAS ON HER, NO REACTION. AWESOME. IT IS SUPPOSE TO RAIN THE NEXT 3 DAYS, SO WE WILL BE IN THE INDOOR WORKING ON TECHNICAL THINGS. YEAHHH

the Girls must be crazy

34 degrees and windy won't even stop them.. 2 pm and still ridin

THE KIDS DID NOT LET ME DOWN WITH THERE VOCALS, AND MJ LOVED ALL OF THEM. SHE HAD SO MANY DIFFERENT PEOPLE PET HER , SHE DID NOT KNOW HOW TO REACT. ALL THE KIDS ARE SO EXCITED FOR THE COMPETITION AND IT WILL BE HERE SOONER THAN WE KNOW IT. OUR RIDE IS STILL A GO TODAY THE WEATHER SEEMS TO BE HOLDING OUT. SO I AM GOING TO SIT BACK AND ENJOY THE RIDE ON A WONDERFUL HORSE WITH SUPER FRIENDS.

TODAY WE ARE HOSTING A TACK FITTING CLINIC FOR THE 4-H ERS, THAN AFTER MJ AND I WILL BE PUTTING ON A DEMO AND HOPEFULLY ALL THE KIDS HAVE A LOT OF NOISE IN THEM FOR MJ TO EXPERIENCE. YEE HAW! THE WEATHER ALSO IS LOOKING GOOD FOR TOMORROW AND WE WILL RIDE TO TOWN AS PLANNED, SHOULD END UP BEING A 6 HOUR RIDE. AWESOME! I WILL BLOG LATER TO LET YOU KNOW HOW TODAY WENT.

ANOTHER DAY ANOTHER BLOG AND I AM LOVING THE WEATHER!!! TONIGHT WE WORKED ON SADDLEBAGS- FULL SADDLEBAGS. NOT TO BAD, BUT THE GIRL CAN RUN AND THANK GOD SHE IS NOT A BUCKER. BY THE END SHE COULD HAVE CARED LESS AND FRIDAY I WILL RIDE HER WITH THEM AND TRY TO CRACK A BEER ON HER. THAT HAS ALWAYS BEEN THE BARN JOKE, IF YOU CAN OPEN A BEER ON YOUR HORSE IT IS READY TO HIT THE SERIOUS TRAILS. LOL.

TONIGHT WE TOOK IT PRETTY EASY, I CRUISED AROUND ON HER BAREBACK FOR A WHILE IN THE INDOOR AND TUCKED HER AWAY. LAST NIGHT CORY WENT WITH ME ON A TRAILRIDE PAST THE COWS AGAIN AND THIS TIME MJ DID NOT EVEN LIFT HER HEAD IN WORRY, AWESOME. HOPEFULLY THE WEEKEND IS GOOD BECAUSE I AM REALLY TRYING TO PUT A RIDE TOGETHER TO RIDE INTO TOWN, SO ANYBODY INTERESTED YOU ARE MORE THAN WELCOME TO COME JOIN US. EVERYBODY HAVE A GREAT NIGHT.

PICS FROM TODAY

DEB AND MJ KENNY AND JAKE

DEB AND KEN AND RHONDA

DEBBIE AND MJ SHARON AND COCOA

SHARON AND MJ

MELINDA AND MJ

WHAT A BEAUTIFUL DAY! SHARON CAME OVER TODAY TO GO FOR A RIDE ON COCOA WITH ME AND MJ. A COUNTRY BLOCK IT WAS. WE EXPERIENCED COWS, ILLAMAS, BRIDGES, 2 HORSES THAT WANTED TO COME WITH US, KIDS ON BIKES, SOME MORE COWS, 2 BUFFALOES, BARKING DOGS AND A PARTRIDGE IN A PEAR TREE. LOL. IT WAS AN AMAZING RIDE, CONSIDERING I DID NOT RIDE TO MUCH ALL WEEK. THE MORE I RIDE MJ THE MORE I REALLY APPRECIATE HER, SHE IS A SMART, TOUGH LITTLE MARE WITH A HEART THE SIZE OF TEXAS. WHEN WE GOT BACK FROM THE RIDE I LET SHARON HOP ON HER AND MJ DID AWESOME WITH THAT. THAN ANOTHER BORDER WAS OUT, MELINDA, HOME FROM COLLEGE, SHE WAS ASKING WHAT SHE FELT LIKE TO RIDE SO I TOLD HER TO HOP ON. SHE WAS AMAZED ON HOW SHE FELT AND HOW WELL SHE RESPONDED WITH SUCH LITTLE TIME. I JUST RESPONDED THAT SHE IS AN AMAZING ANIMAL AND SHE WANTS IT JUST AS MUCH AS I DO. HOPE YOU ENJOY THE PICS FROM TODAY.

MJ DID GREAT AFTER HER MINI VACATION AND I WAS VERY THANKFUL SINCE I AM STILL NOT FEELIN THE BEST. THE WEATHER IS OK STILL VERY WINDY, BUT SHE DOES OK WITH IT. WE WORKED ON TYING BECAUSE SHE PAWS TERRIBLY, BUT BY THE END SHE WAS ACTUALLY STANDING STILL. SHE ALSO DISCOVERED THAT SHE HAS A BULL HEADED STREAK, BUT ALSO FOUND OUT THAT MINE IS GREATER. LOL. WE RODE FOR A LITTLE WHILE, BUT THE INDOOR GETS SO BORING FOR BOTH OF US, HOPEFULLY SUNDAY WE WILL BE ABLE TO TRAILER OUT FOR ANOTHER RIDE.

I KNOW. I KNOW. IT HAS BEEN A WHILE, BUT THE WEATHER HAS BEEN ABSOLUTELY MISERABLE, KIDS HAVE BEEN SICK, AND I AM ALSO TRYING TO WARD OFF A COLD. I HAVE NOT WORKED MJ IN THREE DAYS AND TODAY IS NOT LOOKING SO PROMISING EITHER. THE NEXT TIME WE WILL TRUELY SEE HOW WELL SHE IS DOING AFTER SITTING FOR A LITTLE BIT, AND THE NEXT FEW DAYS SOUNDS LIKE GOOD WEATHER YEAH!!! HOPEFULLY I WILL GET SOME MORE PICS ON THIS WEEKEND.

I BET EVERYONE IS WONDERING HOW OUR TRAILRIDE WENT AROUND KELLY LAKE. AWESOME! AWESOME! AWESOME! WE EXPERIENCED PEOPLE WALKING, CARS, TRUCKS, TRAILERS, SNOWMOBILES, MANHOLES, AND CURB AND GUTTERS. MJ DID GREAT SHE JUST LOVES TO TRAIL RIDE AND NOTHING REALLY SEEMS TO BOTHER HER. BUT WE DID HAVE A PROBLEM LOADING HER BACK UP TO GO HOME, USUALLY SHE JUST WALKS RIGHT IN, THIS TIME SHE NEEDED A LITTLE CONVINCING. BUT NOT SO BAD. TODAY I JUST BRUSHED HER DOWN AND DID A LITTLE GROUND WORK WITH HER, PUT HER BLANKET BACK ON AND CALLED IT A DAY.

IT WAS SO BEAUTIFUL OUT TODAY WE COULD NOT RESIST A TRAILRIDE. THE CARTING GOT POSTPONED DUE TO CART ISSUES, SO SHARON DECIDED TO COME OVER AND TAKE COCO WITH ME ON A RIDE. IT WAS BEAUTIFUL WE RODE ALONG THE CREEK ON A DEER TRAIL AND DID SOME EXPLORING, IT WAS AWESOME. BOTH HORSES DID GREAT EVEN WHEN WE ENCOUNTERED A HERD OF DEER. TOMORROW SHARON, KEN AND I ARE RIDING WITH A FEW PEOPLE AROUND KELLY LAKE, HOPEFULLY MJ WILL DO AS WELL IN CIVILIZATION AS SHE DOES IN THE WILDERNESS.

SNOW IS MELTING FAST 40 DEGREES TODAY!

THE FARRIER WAS OUT TONIGHT AND MJ GOT A PEDICURE. LOL. THE FARRIER WAS IMPRESSED WITH HER PROGESS AND HE DID A GREAT JOB WITH HER, THANKS JOE!! I RODE FOR A LITTLE WHILE, THAN HAD TO GO TO A MEETING. TOMORROW I PLAN TO TAKE MJ TO CORY'S HOUSE AND GO RIDIN, TRAVIS IS HOME FROM COLLEGE AND HE IS GETTING ANXIOUS TO DRIVE THUNDER, SO THAT WILL BE A REAL TREAT! I CAN HARDLY WAIT AND TOMORROW IS SUPPOSE TO BE GORGEOUS OUT.

TONIGHT WENT REALLY WELL WE ARE BASICALLY PRACTICING GAITS AND TRYING TO THINK OF VERY THING AND ANYTHING TO INTRODUCE TO MJ BEFORE MIDWEST. SHE HAS HER FIRST FARRIER VISIT IN A FEW DAYS AND HOPEFULLY THIS WEEKEND WE WILL BE ABLE TO GET ON A TRAIL RIDE WITH A FEW FOLKS. UNTIL NEXT TIME.

NEVER IN A MILLION YEARS COULD I IMAGINE FEELING THIS WAY ABOUT TRAINING A HORSE, IT IS SO DIFFERENT THAN I IMAGINED. I HAVE TRAINED SCARED, ABUSED, SPOILED, AND FORGOTTEN BUT NONE OF THAT EVEN COMES CLOSE TO MJ'S LEGACY. SHE IS AN AMAZING HORSE, SHE HAS SHOWN ALOT PEOPLE ALREADY THAT ANYTHING CAN BE POSSIBLE WITH HARD WORK, TIME, AND MOST OF ALL PASSION. SHE HAS BROUGHT ALOT OF PEOPLE TOGETHER ALREADY AND I SUSPECT A LOT MORE TO FOLLOW. ALL WE CAN DO IS OUR BEST EVERYDAY. I HAVE TO SAY THAT THIS HORSE GIVES ME MORE THAN 100% EVERY SESSION, AND THAT IS WAY MORE THAN A TRAINER CAN ASK FOR . I AM SO VERY PROUD OF HER. TONIGHT WE JUST CHILLED OUT TOGETHER, I LOVED HER UP A LITTLE THAN I TOOK HER OUT OF HER STALL, BUT I DID NOT HAVE THE HEART TO TAKE OFF HER COZY BLANKET . I BRIDLED HER UP, DID A LITTLE BIT WORK WITH HER, AND DECIDED TO SEE IF SHE WOULD LET ME JUMP ON. SHE STOOD LIKE A ROCK WHILE I NOT SO GRACEFULLY CLIMBED ABOARD. WE MADE A FEW LAPS AROUND THE ARENA THAN WE JUST STOPPED. IN A FEW MOMENTS OF SILENCE, IT SEEMED THAT WE WERE BOTH SOAKING IN WHAT WE LEARNED AND ACCOMPLISHED IN THE PAST WEEKS. IT IS A BEAUTIFUL THING.

few pics from 2 day

WE JUST GOT BACK FROM DESPERADO RANCH-THANKS MIKE AND CINDY SO MUCH FOR LETTING US HANG OUT FOR A COUPLE HOURS. IT IS SO GREAT TO HAVE OTHER PLACES TO GO, TO HELP PRACTICE FOR THE COMPETITION. IT REALLY KEEPS THE HORSES FRESH AND THINKING ALL THE TIME. THE TRAILERING WENT WELL, BUT SHE DID PAW A LOT, BUT THAT SHOULD SUBSIDE WITH REPETITION. WE ALSO CANTERED BOTH DIRECTIONS AND TWO FRIENDS CAME WITH US FOR NOISE PROOFING. ( THANKS DAVID AND AMY) NOT TO MUCH SEEMS TO BOTHER HER, BUT THERE WAS NOT ANY COWS THERE EITHER. LOL