SkyBar Farm Stuff

The Super Bowl is only one Day away!

2011-02-05T06:56:00.000-05:00

I know I haven't posted in forever, but what a way to come back. Some of my favorite videos and pictures for the Steeler Nation the day before the big game. Turn the music off on the sidebar before playing the videos.

And just because this is just so dang funny!

Where the heck has she been?

2010-07-06T04:32:00.000-04:00

We all possess the thunder of pure fury and the calm breeze of tranquility. If it wasn't for tomorrow, how much would we get done today? Whatever your purpose... embrace it completely. Get lost in the clouds every now and then so you never lose sight of God's wonder. ~Paul Vitale

I have been on quite the hiatus lately. I know, I know. Life has been moving. Given that the weather will be quite conducive to staying inside for the next few days, I will give an update soon and will promise to try and post more regularly. Bear with me.... :) Heading into the barn early early this morning and trying to beat the humidity. It's farrier day today and we have got a full day. Once that is done I will sit down and bring you up to speed.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-10-07T05:54:00.004-04:00

People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in their true beauty is revealed only if there is light from within. ~Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

My collegiate team placing Reserve High Point Team, this past Saturday.
Great Job Girls!

Next show is this Saturday, our home meet, at Crooked Creek Horse Park.

Not so Wordless Wednesday... a tad late

2009-10-01T05:55:00.004-04:00

The essential joy of being with horses is that it brings us in contact with the rare elements of grace, beauty, spirit, and fire. ~Sharon Ralls Lemon

This is Dell back in May, just days before my surgery. If you remember, it was Dell who was tragically injured the previous August. For a brief reminder go here then here. Then you will be up to speed. The pictures above were taken moments after Dell being turned out for the first time since his injury. You would think he would go racing down the hill and want to run and buck for a while, nope, he wanted to be a pocket pony.

I was extremely worried that I wouldn't have a horse at the end of this recovery, but Dell proved me wrong. I not only have a horse, but he has blossomed into this beautiful, cute, willing animal, who desperately just wants to please his Mommy.

He and I are now making the slow recovery to get back in shape from our injuries. He has great motion in the hock and my vet feels he should have no further issues with it, other than some arthritis much later in life that can easily be treated. I have ridden him a few times now and have been very pleased with all that he remembered.

Long Overdue Recap of the Summer Shows

2009-09-15T12:45:00.024-04:00

While we try to teach our children all about life,Our children teach us what life is all about.~Angela Schwindt

I am finally getting around to posting about the summer show season. Whew! It has been one of those summers. Morgan was the only one to show this year, with Mom (me) being laid up most of it with my surgery. Jeff got to play Show Daddy, which he proved very adept at, and made me extremely proud. Morgan showed 3 horses this year. She was a busy little girl. Romey, Ripley and Malarky were her picks for the year. She didn't get to go to as many shows as we had hoped, but with surgery, Jeff starting his own company, so we now do not have to move, and him heading to Australia for 3 months for his company, things have been a tad busy to say the least.

We started in May with the Horseman's Open Obstacle Challenge, sponsored by the PNHA, Inc.

Morgan took Ripley and Romey. She did In - Hand and Under Saddle with both of them.

Romey ~ In Hand

Romey started out under saddle nicely. She handled the obstacles very well, until she got to the end of the bleachers...

and the Rodeo began.

We don't know what spooked her...

but Morgan rode it out, and then calmed her down to continue on.

Ripley in the under saddle portion.

Ripley in the In Hand portion.

Morgan had a great time, learned a lot and even placed with her girls. We are looking forward to next years event.

A few weekends later was a few open shows. Morgan took Ripley. She showed in Showmanship, Halter, English pleasure, English equitation, Ladies Pleasure. For fun, she ran in barrels and poles. Ribbons all around, well except for gaming. Ripley is not a speed horse, by any means. One of my girls, Becky, from my collegiate team, came to one of the shows as well, with my favorite Appy mare, Kammie. She showed very well.

Morgan and Ripley in Open Pleasure

Morgan and Ripley after Pole Bending

Getting ready for Equitation

On course in Showmanship

The end of July brought 4-H County Round Up and torrential rain all week, so to say the ring was a mess was a huge understatement. Morgan and Malarky showed Junior Division in Showmanship, receiving 3rd place, Trail, receiving 4th place, Hunter Under Saddle Equitation, receiving 1st place and finally Hunter Under Saddle Pleasure receiving 4th place. She moved onto Districts in all her classes.

Waiting to execute her Equitation pattern.

The ring was just slop from all the rain.

The second weekend in September was the 4-H District show. Morgan had developed a tremendous head cold and flu-like symptoms. As the day wore on and she waited to go into the trail class, her head got worse. It was finally time to go in and she and Malarky performed the obstacles well, not perfect, but respectacle. Malarky tried too hard to please Morgan, and he was sure he had read the pattern as well. Morgan took it in stride, came out of the ring smiling and patted her palomino Einstein. I will say she scored perfect on two of her obstacles, where others were crucified. I never realized how hard halting could be for some horses. Malarky just has a natural halt and stops square, and I have always taken that for granted as has Morgan. She was pleased over all with how she did though as was I.

Sunday brought Showmanship, Hunt Seat Equitation and Pleasure. Morgan's cold was extremely worse, so much so, that I thought she might pass out from dizzy spells. A huge thanks to Scott for coming to the rescue with Sudafed. Without it, I do not think Morgan would have been able to ride in the afternoon.

We did not expect much in showmanship. My goal was for Malarky to stand in the line up quietly and not fidget, beg for treats, fall asleep and cock a hind leg. Goal achieved! He also performed all his elements perfectly but one. His first 270 pivot, he stepped out a bit, mostly due to Morgan's head being stuffed up and her not being able to concentrate on much, but putting one foot in front of the other. Again, she and I were both pleased with the old boy.

Showmanship

Standing in the line up in Showmanship

The afternoon brought a bit clearer headed and less achy Morgan. She and Malarky warmed up great, after a minor argument over how to ask for the counter canter, which was a required element in her Equitation pattern.

The Hunter Under Saddle Jr. Equitation class had 21 entries. Only 2 riders executed the pattern correctly. Most had trouble with the counter canter. Morgan started out flawless then I watched her tense up as she asked for the flying change. She had worried to much about it. That was alright though. She went to the rail with the other 20 riders and began the rail portion of the class. She quickly forgot the mistake in her pattern and put on her winning smile and began to negotiate her rail work with Malarky. Their transitions from canter to walk and back up to canter were beautiful.

Their Hunter Under Saddle Pleasure Jr. class also had 21 entries. I was actually surprised they did not split either class. In the past they have done this, plus the dust was horrible. I don't know how the judges could have seen through it. Morgan and Malarky again had a great ride. I think it is one of the best rides I have seen on him. It was certainly one of Morgan's best rides and that is and always will be her goal, to improve from the last ride, regardless of the placing.

Unfortunately, Morgan and Malarky were not what the judges were looking for that day. Morgan asked the judges for comments and stated she was on the only palomino and the judges couldn't remember Malarky or her. They stated they were looking for "scopey" horses. When Morgan mentioned her palomino horse is 15.1 and a bit stocky, they had an "A Ha" moment and they told her that those types of horses do not fit, nor place in Hunter Under Saddle. She was a bit disappointed in their comments, but she knows it is just their opinion. She and I have both seen shorter horses do fantastic and the judges like them, her own Ripley included, who is quite stocky and only 14.2. I would have like to have seen them use a rated judge at Districts, but I was still extremely proud of my girl and Malarky, who came out of a two year retirement due to an arthritic knee and showed fantastically.

Below is a video that shows part of her Eq. and Pleasure classses and better shows the less than ideal show conditions.

So with that comes the end of another show season for Morgan. Her and Malarky will be working hard over the winter months, as well as Romey being developed more. Looking to hit a few early shows in the spring with them both.

Every child comes with the message that God is not yet discouraged of man. ~Rabindranath Tagore

What I'm reading....and How it relates to today

2009-08-21T13:05:00.007-04:00

We pass through this world but once. Few tragedies can be more extensive than the stunting of life, few injustices deeper than the denial of an opportunity to strive or even to hope, by a limit imposed from without, but falsely identified as lying within. ~Stephen Jay Gould, The Mismeasure of Man

During my confinement after surgery, there was little I could do. What I could do though was read. prior to surgery I ordered several books, okay twelve to be exact. I'm an avid reader. Anyway, I started reading Ayn Rand's "Atlas Shrugged". I had saved this book for last because it was 1168 pages. I can read very quickly, but I wanted to savor this one.

All I can say so far is WOW! This author was prophetic in her writing. As I read this book, I have to keep reminding myself that she wrote it in 1957. She could very easily be talking about today. It is a fictional novel, but I find myself so absorbed by her thought provoking phrases that I find myself thinking she knew what was coming.

"Atlas Shrugged" deals with how we as a people have to have a standard, a code that we live by and that we must have a moral compass, if we do not, we allow ourselves to become slaves and we become hopeless. We have to know right from wrong and we have to strive for and fight for what is right. I am only a third of the way through this book thus far, but the following excerpt slammed me like a ton of bricks and summed it all up for me as to how society has denigrated to what we see now. I know it is lengthy but please read it to the end.

Francisco speaking to Rearden:

"... Did you want to see it used by men who could not equal the power of your mind, but who would equal your moral integrity - men such as Eddie Willers - who could never invent your Metal, but who would do their best, work as hard as you did, live by their own effort, and riding on your rail - give a moment's silent thanks to the man who gave them more than they could give him?"
"Yes," said Rearden gently.
"Did you want to see it used by whining rotters who never rouse themselves to any effort, who do not possess the ability of a filing clerk, but demand the income of a company president, who drift from failure to failure and expect you to pay their bills, who hold their wishing as an equivalent of your work and their need as a higher claim to reward than your effort, who demand that you serve them, who demand that your strength be the voiceless, rightless, unpaid, unrewarded slave of their impotence, that yours is only to give, but theirs only to take, that yours is to produce, but theirs to consume, that you are not to be paid, neither in matter nor in spirit, neither by wealth nor by recognition nor by respect nor by gratitude - so that they would ride on your rail and sneer at you and curse you, since they owe you nothing, not even the efforts of taking off their hats which you paid for? Would this be what you wanted? Would you feel proud of it?
"I'd blast that rail first," said Rearden, his lips white.
"Then why don't you do it, Mr. Rearden?..."

Does this sound familiar to you? Do the actions of the "whining rotters" sound like anyone you know. I could name about half of our goverment as the "whining rotters". Heck, I could name a slew of people in my own community.

We live in the greatest county the Earth has ever seen. We became great through our freedom, our right to pursue our dreams, our right to fail and pick ourselves up and to then go on and succeed. When did we become a nation of whiners with our hands out? That is not what made our country great. Hard work, determination, integrity, honesty, vision and pride in a job well done. That is what has kept us strong and it is what we need to get back to, not sitting waiting for our next goverment handout as we stand idly by watching our goverment tear apart and throw away what has been our greatest strengths.

I don't know what the answer is or what the most effective way to help people wake up to what is happening, other than to read history and see what has and has not worked in the past and do my best to let others know and to tell it the way I see it. You might not agree with me, but hopefully it will put you on the path to see all the sides and not just listen to the mainstream, but to question them and listen to your own mind before you just follow like blind sheep. Inform yourself, don't rely on just one source, find and search out several till you are satisfied you have turned over every stone.

If you would like to now more about Ayn Rand you can learn more here. I highly recommend her books and don't be surprised if you see more rants from me and a quote here and there from her books.

I'm off my soap box for today. I will get the pictures up from the few shows Morgan attended so far, with more coming, along with other stuff that has been going on.

To Hell and Back Again

2009-07-30T20:31:00.008-04:00

Health is a state of complete harmony of the body, mind and spirit. When one is free from physical disabilities and mental distractions, the gates of the soul open. ~B.K.S. Iyengar

Wow! It feels good to be back again. For those of you who didn’t know, I have been laid up for several months. In all truthfulness I have not been myself for over a year. To go back to the beginning of my saga, I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis when I was in high school. Never one to let things get in my way, I have always sloughed off certain aches and pains to a bad arthritis day, and moved on, albeit a little slower. Well, for the past year it had become increasingly difficult for me to get through my day without significant pain. Back in February I awoke to stabbing pain under my shoulder. Thinking I slept wrong, I took my ibuprofen like a good girl and began my day. The next morning the pain began down my arm. Within a few weeks I had probably dropped and broken more coffee cups, than I had actually held onto. My left arm was on constant fire and I was beginning to lose feeling in my hand. Thinking I had the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel syndrome, I made an appointment to see my orthopedic Dr. Well he felt an x-ray of my neck was in order. Me being the argumentative patient, I have been known to be, told him no it was Carpal Tunnel. He asked me to just amuse him with the x-ray, so I begrudgingly did. What he saw on my x-ray horrified him. I was not surprised by the results. My neck is curved absolutely wrong. I had seen this before several years ago and no doctor had ever made mention of it except to point out places where osteoporosis had begun to set in. I still was convinced at this point that I had the Carpal Tunnel thing going on and argued this with my doctor. To placate me, he ordered an EMG test along with an MRI of my neck. To give you an idea of what my neck looked like I have found the following pictures. The first is what your neck should look like.

not what my neck looked like.

My neck looked more like this, well not quite like this. The red line shows how badly curved I was. I had no luck finding one quite like mine. Lucky me!

The red line shows where my vertebrae actually were. They were essentially pushing into my spinal column. If they have a phase for where my neck was at I would hazard a guess at phase 3, or more appropriately find that girl some bubble wrap quick!

Again, I was not terribly alarmed by this, because no other doctor had been. Like a good girl I went for my MRI and then a few days later my EMG, which let me tell you, it was a good thing I couldn’t feel much at this point. First they attached little metal electrodes to my wrist, hand and fingers and then brought out a mini stun gun and began shocking me. This was to determine if I was receiving electric stimulus through my nervous system, better known as a nerve conduction test. I watched my fingers move involuntarily and imagined it probably felt like grabbing the electric fence over and over again like a moron.

This is similar to what I went through during the first part of the test.

Once that was over, I became the human pin cushion. Have you ever seen the needle they use for this? Well leave it to me to show it to you.

Believe me when I say that needle is big!

The doctor pointed out where he was going to start, which was basically the side of my neck and work down my arm till he got to my hand where the last two points of insertion would be. I turned my head away and a few minutes later the doctor asked me if I was feeling anything. I stated that it felt like a felt tip pen putting marks on my arm. He made a sound that sounded like disbelief and I looked to see a needle buried into my arm and he pointed to the monitor screen and that it basically showed a flat line. It made me think of the Star Trek line “it’s dead Jim.” The doctor continued with his needle down my arm with very little activity on his screen. When he moved to my right arm, we had a bit more activity, but not much. After the test was over I asked him if he thought it was Carpal Tunnel and he felt it was possible.

Now I had to go home and wait a week for the test results to get back to my doctor, all the while the pain in my arm and shoulder becoming more excruciating. Sleep was near impossible and I was becoming quite short tempered to those who dared be around me. Trying to get my barn chores done took me all day, driving anywhere was unbearable. Riding any of my horses was out of the question. Needless to say I was calling my doctor almost daily for the results. Finally on a Thursday, my doctor called to say I had an appointment with a neurosurgeon the following morning. I asked why and he said the neurosurgeon would tell me. I called Jeff in Indiana and cried to him over the phone. What was going on with my body that I could no longer make function normally?

The next morning I went to see Dr. Conry, the neurosurgeon. He sat me down in his exam room and began to explain all that was wrong with me. He used words like spinal stenosis, which according to the Mayo Clinic is: “a narrowing of one or more areas in your spine — most often in your upper or lower back. This narrowing can put pressure on your spinal cord or on the nerves that branch out from the compressed areas.” Mine was in my neck. I had two herniated discs and a few vertebrae that had seen their better days. I had lost 40 % strength in my left arm due to the C6 and C7 nerve being put under pressure due to my really bad neck curvature. Surgery was my only option and I needed it right away. As Dr. Conry spoke to me about the surgery, I willed my tears to hold back from the flood that was about to come. Would I be able to brush my horses let alone ever ride one again? He could see the fear written on my face and asked if anyone had come with me like my husband. I squeaked out a “no”. He asked if anyone could come to meet me. I again said no and told him Jeff worked three states away. The tears were slipping out of my eyes. I asked him in a whimper if I would be able to ride again, expecting to be chastised for being so greedy. He smiled a warm smile and happily told me yes. I would ride again. He had been having tremendous success with this surgery, and as long as I behaved myself during the recovery I would be riding in no time. He requested that I give up starting any horses though and leave that to the younger generation. He has a daughter who enjoys riding and all too well understood the craziness that is horse people. He did caution me though that I had to be extremely careful in the meantime. One hard tug from a horse was all it would take at this point to paralyze me. He then began to explain the surgery to me. He would remove my herniated discs, clean up my over worked vertebras, attach cadaver bones to the affected areas and then fuse together my C5, C6 and C7 vertebrae with metal. He hoped I would get some strength back in my arm, but was not overly hopeful. So much damage had happened. What I had mistook for arthritis pain the past few years had been my neck. Granted the arthritis had taken its toll, but we are still unsure as to how my neck became this bad. One just has to look back over my past history of klutziness, several car accidents, genetic makeup and just general way of my life and you can come up with a plethora of ways I could have become like this. You have a better chance of me remembering what I was wearing under my cap and gown at my high school graduation. Talking about memory, the other thing that I found out was that my short term memory had been greatly affected, due to my spinal column having so much pressure on it. HA ! IT’S NOT MY FAULT I CAN’T REMEMBER ANYTHING. I had a bona fide reason now. Jeff was not buying it, but he did begin to slowly realize it held merit.

I left his office and walked to my car so suddenly aware that one wrong move could be it. I sat down in my car and began to bawl my eyes out. Neck surgery! Is that not what everyone fears? My prayer up until the day of surgery was that Dr. Conry would not sneeze during surgery with a scalpel in his hand.

May 26^th was D-day. I went in to the hospital at 5 in the morning. I was first on the table. I was nervous, terrified and hopeful. Please don’t sneeze was all I kept saying under my breath, and then the “count back from 100 was all I heard. The next memory I had was waking up in the recovery room. I did a quick check of all my limbs. YES! They all worked. Better yet I had absolutely no pain in my shoulder or arm. I had been in pain for so long; I had forgotten what it was like to be in the absence of pain. It was euphoric. I was such a stellar patient, I was released the next morning to go home and begin my 6 weeks of doing absolutely nothing. While that seems tempting and you might even be envious of doing nothing, let me tell you it is not all it is cracked up to be. That was the toughest 6 weeks I have ever endured. I had to give control of my barn and animals over to Jeff and the kids. While I will say they did a fantastic job, it was not me doing it, which means I can do it better. I also read about 10 books, watched every movie I had not had time to before and basically sat staring at the 4 walls around me. Sleep again eluded me due to the not real comfortable cervical collar I was in. I had to turn to a prescription sleeping pill to get some sleep. I tried to remain extremely grateful though. No matter how hard I tried, I did slip into a bit of a depression. I had my little pity party as I watched Morgan ride Romey, envious of her youth and good health. I kept counting down the days till my release. I thought of posting here, but typing for any amount of time in a collar just was not happening. I did get out of baling hay though. That was a good thing. Finally July 7^th rolled around and I was able to go get my x-ray. The techs showed me the metal in my neck. I had grown a little alien in there.

Side view of my little alien

I have three of these now in my neck, mine are purple though.

That Thursday, back into Dr. Conry’s office I went to review my x-ray and see if I could get out of my collar. Other than a slight chastising for sweeping my floors in the house, he was more than pleased with my recovery. My neck is still not curved the way it should be, but it is much straighter than what I had. He is concerned about C3 and C4, they are somewhat pressing into my spine and he warned me that in 5-10 years I might have to have those fused as well, but my prognosis was good and I have begun the slow transition back to normal life now pain free. He strength in my arm is slowly retuning which was a surprise to my therapist. Now to just work off those extra pounds I packed on for 6 weeks while doing nothing.

Stay tuned for my catch up posts.

Fun at Lesson Day

2009-04-19T06:16:00.010-04:00

Get over the idea that only children should spend their time in study. Be a student so long as you still have something to learn, and this will mean all your life. ~Hcenry L. Doherty

Saturday was lesson day here at the farm. Janice Behrik is a local Dressage instructor who I truly respect as an educator and mentor. My friend Karen introduced me to her a few years ago, and I am so thankful for that introduction.

I have encouraged the girls on my collegiate team and my boarders to seek instruction with Janice when she is here. I am fairly certain they have enjoyed every moment of it. I know my daughter, Morgan relishes every moment with Janice.

Below are pictures from the day. Jess brought a really cool camera out to use. Most all of the pictures were taken by her friend Jean. A few by Jess and a few by me. It was just a gorgeous day to be out riding.

From left to right: Janice, Jess on Romey and Jean on Buck.

Chris on Sky. Is he not just the cutest thing?

Romey, my soon to be 6 yr. old mare.

Morgan and Romey. A new team this year.

Quest, an OTTB and Nicole

Jean took this picture of Quest and Nicole. There is such a story here with this pair. One day I will tell it.

Quest and Nicole

Elizabeth and Kammie
Elizabeth is my rider who is heading to Nationals this week. Kammie is owned by another rider on the team, Becky, who was kind enough to offer up her mare for Liz to practice on.

Jess and Romey. I met Jess about 3 years ago. She rode on the IUP english team. She started coming down to ride in her off time after classes, and has been such a huge help to me in getting horses ridden. She is such a lovely rider, with quiet hands, confidence and dedication. She graduates this year and then will soon be married to a wonderful man who complements her well. I will miss her not being here throughout the week, but she promises to come and visit.

Jess and Romey

Jean and Buck

Romey and Morgan

Romey and Morgan. She is blossoming into such a nice rider. Lesson day was her 4th time on Romey. Romey is so different then the other horses Morgan has ridden. Romey is much softer and more willing to come to the bit. Morgan is still in her mind riding her other horse, Ripley, who is so vastly different than Romey. It will take time, but this pair I think will be riding and showing for years to come.

Jean and Buck

Buck

Kelly and Buck. Kelly is a rider on my collegiate team. She has really improved her skills. I also am thankful she has taken lessons with Janice, because it gives me an oppourtunity to just sit back and watch just her and see things I might not necessarily see during team lessons when she rides with three other riders.

Elizabeth and Kammie. Wish her luck for Nationals!

Elizabeth and Kammie

Chris and Sky. Chris is fairly new to horse ownership. It was a bumpy road at first for her and her husband, Ron on horses. A couple bad deals, and then with help, they found the perfect horses for them. Sky is a 6 year old Tennessee Walker, who has a been there, done that attitude. Chris and Sky enjoy trail riding, but even though she has no plans to get in a show ring, the benefit of lessons has been fantastic in helping Chris to have a secure seat and softer hands.

Kelly and Buck

Tracker taking a nap. I'm sure at the end of the day everybody felt like this.

So What’s Your Story

2009-04-09T12:12:00.006-04:00

This fun little quiz was on Brown Eyed Cowgirl's blog a couple of days ago...Feel free to play along!

1. How old were you when you first started riding? My first time on a horse, I was three. Consistent riding did not happen until I was eight when Borr came into my life.

2. First horse ridden? A friend of my mother owned a gorgeous Clydesdale cross. She would put me in front of her to ride him.

3. First horse trotted on? The same horse as above.

4. First horse cantered on? My first horse, a Polish Arabian, named Sky High Mr. Borr.

5. First Horse fallen off of? That would be Borr as well. It happened quite often the first year I had him.

6. Most recent horse fallen off? IRS, two summers ago. She picked up the wrong lead, so I put her on a small circle to encourage her to switch, which she didn't and I realized she was going to lose it and I was adamant she was going to switch, so I got my feet out of the stirrups and tried to help her, and instead she fell on me. Then she just laid on my leg, like she knew once I got up we were going to do it again. It took a few minutes to get her off my leg. She finally did get the lead. We were both fine.

7. Most terrifying fall? Nine years ago when I blew my knee out. Not really terrifying, more like an "oh shit" moment.

8. First horse jumped with? Borr

9. First horse that ran away with you? Borr

10. First horse that scared the crap out of you? Borr. Are you beginning to see a pattern here? We had a whole lot of scare the crap out me moments, but I would not have traded that horse for the world.

11. First horse shown? BarBNite Trouble (Glory). She was a beautiful bay Quarter horse mare who my Dad bought for me when I was 11. We found out soon after that she had done lower level eventing. So of course I had to try that out.

12. First horse to win a class with? Glory. It was a Hunter Hack class.

13. Do you/have you taken lessons? Yes. I never had taken a formal lesson though until I was in my twenties. Prior to that, my thoughts were, as long as the horse stayed between me and the ground, all was good.

14. First horse you ever rode bareback? Borr

15. First horse trail ridden with? Borr

16. Current Barn name? SkyBar Farm. I came up with that when I was twelve. It uses the first three letters of my first two horses' names. Sky High Mr. Borr and BarBNite Trouble. It has been my farm name ever since.

17. Do you ride English or western? I only rode English for years and then began riding Western later. Now I rode both.

18. First Horse to place at a show with? Glory

19. Ever been to horse camp? No

20. Ever been to a riding clinic? Several.

21. Ridden sidesaddle? No, but I give anyone who has a lot of credit.

22. First horse leased? Never leased one for myself. I have leased a few of my horses to people. I leased Avalon to a fellow boarder when I was pregnant with Zared.

23. Last Horse Leased? Same as above.

24. Highest ribbon in a show? Champion. Glory, then Avalon and several since.

25. Ever been to an 'A' rated show? Yes. Some Arabian shows and Hunter/Jumper shows, years ago. Looking to go to a few this year.

26. Ever competed in pony games/relay races? No, but they always sounded fun.

27. Ever fallen off at a show? Not technically. It was in a warm-up ring the night before the show and a friend asked me to jump her horse. She neglected to tell me the mare had never jumped before. She tried to duck the jump and I pushed her straight, she got over the jump (not pretty) and promptly began bucking. I bailed.

28. Do you ride Hunter/Jumpers? Yes

29. Have you ever barrel raced? Yes

30. Ever done pole bending? Yes

31. Favorite gait? Depends on the horse. I loved to canter Borr and Avalon. They were just so smooth. Malarky has a fantastic jog, but an equally nice canter. Same with IRS. Romey has a nice jog, but the canter is finally getting better. (Only took four years) So I guess it just depends on the horse I'm riding.

32. Ever cantered bareback? Yes. Used to a lot as a kid.

33. Have you ever done dressage? Yes.

34. Have you ever evented? Yes. I used to love it. Had my kids though and lost my guts so to speak.

35. Have you ever mucked a stall? I am a stall technician professional!

36. Ever been bucked off? Yes, a few times.

37. Ever been on a horse that reared? Yes. Dummy me trained Borr to do it on command. He learned to do it fairly easily, and then would do it to get out of stuff.

38. Horses or ponies? Horses. My daughter has had a few ponies that have been invaluable to her learning, but I will always prefer horses.

39. Do you wear a helmet? Not regularly, but I do when I show, or when I'm on a horse I think might give me trouble.

40. What's the highest you've jumped? 4+ feet.

41. Have you ever ridden at night? Yes. We have done some moonlight trail rides.

42. Do you watch horsey television shows? Not really. Movies though, like Seabiscut, Hidalgo, The Black Stallion, Phar Lap etc…

43. Have you ever been seriously hurt/injured from a fall? Yes, when I blew my knee out nine years ago. Ten months of living on the couch.

44. Most falls in one lesson? Never had a fall in a lesson. Came close a time or two.

45. Do you ride in an arena/ring? Yes. I have an indoor and an outdoor. I used to only ride on trail, but as I get older I do a lot more in the arena.

46. Have you ever been trampled by a horse? A few times.

47. Have you ever been bitten? Yes

48. Ever had your foot stepped on by a horse? A few times, with the mashed toes to prove it.

49: Favorite riding moment? Oh this is tough. I have had a lot. With Borr, it would have been trying to reenact the scene from the movie, The Man from Snowy River, where the horse and rider leap off the side of a mountain and go running down. With Glory, it would have been our second Cross country course. She sailed through it and was just a dream. Avalon, it would have been on a ride in Missouri and we were doing tempe changes through a field of flowers. Malarky, the first time we went into a pleasure class and for the backup he stretched hi whole body back, but never picked up a foot. The judge came up to me and was laughing, and said that was the nicest back he had ever seen without it ever being a back. So many more I could go on about.

50. Most fun horse you've ridden? Hands down, Avalon. I had him for almost twenty years. He was just enough of a challenge to keep life interesting. He could do things that some people only dream about doing. He always was ready to go for a ride. He could go from babysitting my kids to turning a barrel. He was probably the best trained horse I ever had.

Okay, so not the most interesting life, but it's been fun thus far. I think this was more an ode to my shortcomings and accidents. LOL I continue to strive to improve though

Now for Something on the Funny Side

2009-04-02T06:11:00.006-04:00

Humor is the great thing, the saving thing. The minute it crops up, all our irritation and resentments slip away, and a sunny spirit takes their place. ~Mark Twain

I felt things needed to lighten up for a bit, since the loss of Kody. There is still a hole there, but each day gets a bit easier. I also felt I better get some humor on here before my next post that is in the works, which gets a bit serious and political.

So without further ado...

Now is that not just fun? I could definitely picture doing this to Malarky or IRS. Flash would be appalled. Dell would be saying "Aww Mom! Why me?" The others probably would not let me get near them with the flippers.

Farewell Good Friend

2009-03-23T21:00:00.008-04:00

A goodbye isn't painful unless you're never going to say hello again. ~Author Unknown

Farewell Good Friend
Your road has been long,
For me, the journey to brief.

From the moment of your first breath,
You belonged with me.

You've guided me and protected me,
Always, have you been loyal to me.

Your heart always pure,
Your soul endlessly deep.

Know you were so loved,
and forever, your memory I keep.

You were and always will be,
such a huge part of me.

Go now and sleep,
and feel no more pain.

Find beloved Kish, and both of you,
wait there for me.

Godspeed and find your well deserved peace,
My dear loyal friend, a part of my heart, you will forever keep.

SkyBar's Kodiak Bear
December 28, 1997 ~ March 23, 2009

Kody and Kish playing Tug-O-War, 1999

Kody 2nd from the right, 1999

Kody (in back) with his half sister, Akira in 2000, at a GSD Specialty Show, 2000

Kody during the summer of 2005

Kody, January 2009

Kish ~ Kody's ever loyal Dam 1994-2000

Dearest Kish, protect him and love him, till I'm there with you both.

Memory is a way of holding onto the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose. ~ From the television show The Wonder Years

IUP Western Team Spring Show and Regionals Update

2009-03-18T06:58:00.028-04:00

You can teach a student a lesson for a day; but if you can teach him to learn by creating curiosity, he will continue the learning process as long as he lives. ~Clay P. Bedford

Last weekend was our IHSA Spring show, hosted by West Virginia University. I know I have said it before, but I want to say it again. The WVU team did a great job of hosting. I always enjoy their shows.

Liz, Becky, Me and Becky's Mom, making a game plan as to how to ride the square in their pattern.

My girls made me proud as always.

Results are below.

Beginner Western Horsemanship

Courtney placed 4th in both shows. I really liked this outfit on her. Courtney is the rider that just makes everything fun. She graduates this year, and I will miss her. I will miss her whining, her laughter and her twist on life. I know my daughter, Morgan, will feel like she has lost her soul mate.

Danielle placed 3rd in the morning show and second in the afternoon show. She should have been first in the afternoon. I and the two other stewards were blown away at the first place pick. I won't say anything more about it.

Kelly is brand new to showing IHSA and she did fantastic at her first show. She dealt with crowding and with a young man riding his horse right in to her. She made me proud with how she just took it all in stride. Kelly placed 5th in the morning show and 6th in the afternoon.

Intermediate Horsemanship II

Carrie showed as well this past weekend. She was in a tough class. Carrie and I have some work to do on body position. She performed her pattern well under pressure. She placed 6th in the afternoon class.

Novice Western Horsemanship

Amy is one of those riders who makes a coach think hummmm..... I have watched her riding improve steadily over the last few years. She has all the tools she needs to be a great rider. Occasionally, though she does not believe in herself even when others do. Her morning ride was tough. It was a testament as to how important it is to go into the ring with the thought in your head that you are the best in there. Amy unfortunately had other thoughts I believe. Her afternoon class was better, but she still had doubts about her abilities. I was proud though, she improved from her morning ride and as a Coach that is all I ask of My Girls, to continue to improve and achieve their own personal best.

Lark also is new to IHSA, but not to showing. I watched her this past summer show her Appy at some local shows and do a great job with her. When I found out she would be attending IUP, I asked her to consider joining the team. She surprised me in her abilities this weekend. I was not sure how she would take to riding a horse she knew nothing about, nor have the chance to really see what she had in a horse before going into the ring. Imagine my surprise when she took to it like a duck to water. She looked confident and comfortable. She placed 3rd in the morning show. She did not place in the afternoon. I'm still scratching my head on that, but I felt she had a great ride.

Open Western Horsemanship

Becky is one of those riders that you just know is going to make it to the top. When she classed up from Novice, I bumped her up to the Open Horsemanship Class, skipping Advanced Western Horsemanship. I have done this once before with great results. Becky is in a class where the competition is fierce, riding against some of the best riders in the country. This was only her 2nd and 3rd time in the Open Class. I could not have been more proud. Watching the confidence in her as she learned to maneuver a horse she had never ridden was awe inspiring. I know she will become a rider others will envy.

Open Reining

This was Becky's first time competing in IHSA Open Reining. I was extremely happy with both her rides. She placed 5th and 6th against those same riders in her Open Horsemanship class. Very respectable places when your in that type of company. We have a few things we need to work on to improve her, but she is a stellar student and I know she will shine next season.

Class 13 Regional Class

This was a heart breaker for me as well as Becky. She showed a tough horse who can be difficult at times. Becky executed not only her rail work, but her pattern flawlessly and she knew it. Unfortunately, the judge felt differently and placed her 4th which kept her from moving on to semi-finals.

The video below shows her rides.

Alumni Horsemanship

Before I go much further, I have to give a big thank you to Anna and Sara. Without them, Elizabeth would not have been able to ride this weekend. They had already qualified for Regionals and didn't need to ride on Saturday. Ride, they did though and without them Liz would not have been able to accumulate enough points to compete at Regionals. Thank you girls.

Liz bought a brand new outfit, something I had not so secretly been hopeful for. Her old outfit, although nice, hid her from the judges. She is a very accomplished rider and needed to show herself and her abilities. I was not disappointed. She recieved two second place ribbons this past weekend and earned enough points to ride in the Regional show Sunday morning.

Regionals Alumni Horsemanship

Sunday was our Regional show and the air was thick with excitement. Liz entered the arena poised and confident. She rode extremely well and performed her very difficult pattern with ease. I knew she had it just based on her rail work. I was so nervous for her I couldn't watch her pattern. I had the girls tell me how she was doing because I just couldn't look. A coach from another team told me she had a perfect pattern. Only when they called her the Reserve Champion did I finally take a breath. She was moving on to Semi-Finals.

The video below shows her Regional Ride.

We just found out yesterday that there will only be 4 riders at Semi-Finals in Alumni Horsemanship, so Liz is automatically qualified for the 2009 National Championship Show, which will be held in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, at the Miller Colliseium, April 23-26. Looks like we're heading to Nationals! Wish her Luck!

Part of my IUP Western Team

My Girls

2009-03-16T15:28:00.005-04:00

We do not remember days; we remember moments. ~Cesare Pavese, The Burning Brand

I just wanted everyone to know how proud I am of my collegiate team. We had our spring show this past weekend. It was probably the happiest as well as saddest show with my team over the years.

Elizabeth qualified for semi-finals in Findlay, Ohio. We will be heading there this Friday. Wish her Luck!

I will have a more detailed report from the weekend soon.

In the meantime enjoy the video below.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-02-25T09:38:00.004-05:00

I will offer an explanation to this tomorrow.

Silent Sunday

2009-02-22T08:09:00.002-05:00

Friday Fill-Ins #6

2009-02-20T05:54:00.001-05:00

1. Give me a good book and I'll be happy for days.

2. Whenever I hear a politician tell me what he is going to do for me, I cringe.

3. I wish people were not sheep.

4. Pork Loin was the last thing I ate that was utterly delicious.

5. To live in this world one must learn that they cannot allow their government to control them or be a teat for them.

6. Other than this one, Wonderful World of Wieners is the last blog I commented on.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to Jeff being home, tomorrow my plans include barn work and lessons and Sunday, I want to catch up on housework and reading!

Look What I Got....

2009-02-09T08:00:00.004-05:00

I can live for two months on a good compliment. ~Mark Twain

Two Wonderful Blogs that I frequent, have thought enough of my quirky style of writing to bless me with the coveted Lemonade Award.

A huge Thank You to A Bay Horse where you can learn about Armani, a beautiful Trakehner cross and Huey a very cute Appendix QH who are working in Dressage. I always enjoy reading her posts.

Another equally great blog who awarded me as well is Quick and Easy Cooking.

Her blog is very simple in the recipes it offers, which is great for people like me, who have no time to cook. I always hate making the same drab thing. Her recipes offer a great variety. Check out her sister site as well about her two fabulous Grey Hounds at Two Greyhound Town.

The Lemonade Award is for sites that show gratitute and a wonderful attitude. I am thrilled to be part of this group!

Here are the rules for the award:

1. Put the logo on your blog or post.
2. pass the award on to blogs which show great Attitude and/or Gratitude!
3. Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.
4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
5. Nominate your favorites and link to this blog.

My Choices for the Lemonade Award are:

Cowboys, Kids & Sunsets

The Horseshoeing Housewife

Functional Shmunctional

Behind the Bit

Silent Sunday

2009-02-08T07:11:00.003-05:00

My Next 30 Years

2009-02-05T08:43:00.010-05:00

A New Skill or Better yet, what has she Gotten Herself into Now?

You can teach a student a lesson for a day; but if you can teach him to learn by creating curiosity, he will continue the learning process as long as he lives. ~Clay P. Bedford

I have always appreciated a good all-around horse. Almost thirty years ago I started out with Arabians, Polish ones to be exact. They fit into my all –around usability. My first one was SkyHigh Mr. Borr an own son of Naborr. He was medium boned and 15.2+ and we did everything we could. There was nothing that I didn’t try with this horse. If my imagination came up with it, we did it. How he put up with me I will never know, but he did. Every little girl should have a Borr. One that gives her wings to fly with and dreams to pursue. My last Arabian was RR Sahara Sands (Avalon), a son of Desert Sands and grandson of Naborr. What I didn’t do with Borr, I did with Avalon. Every adult should have an Avalon, one that makes you comfortable and builds you up and lets you continue with your dreams. Avalon came to me as a 3rd level Dressage horse. He taught me the importance of learning the art of Dressage. I started my reining pursuits on him when he was in his late teens. I even worked a cow or two on him around that same age, and he didn’t let me look like a total idiot. He always showed well and was always in the ribbons and he always was ready for the ride. I lost a part of my heart the day he passed away five years ago.

I have always had a Quarter horse or two while playing with my Arabians over the years, but I never really went fully fledged into them until Malarky came into my life over 10 years ago. Now I only have Quarter Horses and one Kiger Mustang.

I have found over the years that the disciplines are becoming very specialized in the Quarter Horse world. People no longer prize the all-around horse in the show ring as they once had. This has always bothered me. You wouldn’t take a Shining Spark reining horse into a Hunter under Saddle Class, nor would you take a Kid Clu halter horse into a reining class. Most of the Quarter Horse Breeders have effectively bred the versatility straight out of what made this breed so popular.

I have always walked to a different beat and when it has come to breeding, I have always said I would never breed more than I could afford to keep, which meant I had to like what I was breeding because there was always the possibility that it would live out its days with me. I have never bred for the fads going on in the show ring. My goal was always a good, solid using horse that was pretty to look at as well as nice to ride. Versatility has always been my goal. Malarky is a grandson of Rugged Lark. His pedigree is virtually a who’s who in the show world of not only reining, but Western Pleasure and several cow events. Rugged Lark was the epitome of Versatility. He started in Reining; he competed easily in Western and English events. He won the title of AQHA Super Horse not once, but twice and is still the only Super Horse who has managed to produce two more Super Horse’s. Rugged Lark was potent in how he passed his genes. He stamped every foal with his desired traits, and his sons have managed to do the same. I look at Malarky’s progeny and I still can see a huge resemblance to Rugged Lark, not only in looks, but in usability and demeanor.

Just to brag a little more on Malarky, (this is heading somewhere I promise) Malarky came to me as a breeding stallion with virtually no riding skills. Oh he would pack a saddle, a bit and a rider, but he had no skill. I swear he couldn’t walk a straight line for 5 feet without me guiding him the whole time. In 3 months we entered our first show. Just to get him out and about. He treated it as old hat and did well in halter. That afternoon we entered our first Western Pleasure class. Other than wondering why all the horses were passing him on the rail and not stopping to chat with him, we did respectably well. We still had work to do, don’t get me wrong, but we had a great start. While I was learning and competing in reining on Avalon, I worked on Malarky learning more, so that he and I could compete in reining. We managed to get to a few shows and scored well for our skill level. I tried my hand at riding him English. I have always thought he was a cutie in an English saddle. He has even jumped a few cross rails and verticals. He has been hooked to cart and pulled my butt around the back roads. He has gone hunting with Jeff and packed out deer. Malarky even tried his best to turn a barrel and a pole here and there over the years. A few years ago I had the opportunity to try team penning. Malarky, now my “Steady Eddy” was my horse to take. We turned back a few cows, we sorted well and I had a blast. He has been an IHSA favorite to take to the shows. Girls from the other colleges always ask when they see me, “Did your bring Malarky?” He always has given each rider a consistent ride. He is Mr. Dependable. When I made the decision to retire him last year due to his arthritis, the IHSA teams were disappointed. They still all ask about him along with their coaches. He has left that much of an impression. His versatility and his personality has always been what I have wanted.

From SkyBar Farm Stuff

With our upcoming move to Indiana, I of course, being the proper horse person I am, first looked to see what horse clubs and show grounds were in the area. I found Crossroads USA. A brand new show facility that is utterly immense. One of the organizations that hold shows there is the American Ranch Horse Association. This is what my horses are bred for, to showcase their versatility. They offer halter, pleasure, trail class, reining and you must do one roping event at a minimum if you want to be competitive. Well, I can handle the first four, but roping? Bwwaaaaaaaa!!!!! Let me tell you, I am the most discombobulated person ever. A farrier of mine years ago, who was a professional Roper, attempted to teach me to rope. Suffice to say, he gave up on me after the fifth lesson. So what’s a klutz of a girl like me to do? Convince a friend who ropes that he and his friends can practice in my arena during the winter months for free as long as they teach me to rope. Yes, I am evil, and nope he had no idea what he was getting himself into. I did give him a small warning. He is probably still shaking his head thinking what he got himself into. The video below is self explanatory. Mind you I have improved immensely since this first lesson almost a month ago.

So which horse will I use for this, which one will be the sacrificial lamb so to speak, to pack me around while I attempt to rope a plastic cow on wheels? Who will no doubt have their ear, head, tail, leg and Lord knows what else, roped before I ever get near to roping the plastic cow? Well of course Mr. Dependable, Steady Eddy, my Go to Guy, Malarky. Yep, I’m pulling him out of retirement to help me learn how to rope. So he is officially only semi retired. God Bless his poor soul.

This past Sunday, Malarky and I managed to rope Sparky while my friend and his horse towed Sparky around. No pictures or video of that, but believe me we did amazing! Well amazing for me. Malarky tracked the plastic cow on wheels, dealt with my fumbling of the reins and rope, ducked his head as I threw my rope and WaLA we had one roped plastic cow. My only flub was my rope slipped down to his neck and didn’t stay right below the horns as it is supposed to. My next lesson is this Sunday, so I will try to get pictures and video for your amusement.

My goal in all this is to get me good enough to transfer what Mr. Dependable and I learn to his daughters. They will be the ones who I hopefully will compete on once we live in Indiana.

IRS, the 16.1 hunt seat horse, will now have to learn how to track a cow.

From SkyBar Farm Stuff

Romey as well will have to tolerate the occasional ear roping from me.

From SkyBar Farm Stuff

Flash will have to learn not to eat the cow. He has cow blood coursing through his veins. I look forward to finally finding a job well suited to his abilities.

From SkyBar Farm Stuff

I think Triples will also have to try her hand at roping a cow. She is young and newly under saddle, so she has time while I learn on Mr. Dependable. Even though its is blazing obvious that cow work is not her thing. Hunter Under Saddle will be her calling, but we will be versatile and rope a cow someday.

From SkyBar Farm Stuff

Dell though is the one I think will be the one who is most like his Dad, Malarky. He will be the one to put up with my whimsical fancies, my want to try new things and have the most dependable horse under me while I learn new skills.

From SkyBar Farm Stuff

He will be my next 30 years.

We Are The Champions!!!!!

2009-02-01T22:28:00.016-05:00

“At the end of the day, Steeler football is 60 minutes,” Mike Tomlin (Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach) said of the comeback against the Cardinals.

In a nail biting 4th quarter finish, the Steelers showed yet again what they are made of. Pure, raw and full of heart. The Pittsburgh Steelers have made NFL history by being the only franchise to win 6 Super Bowls.

James Harrison made the longest play in Super Bowl history, running an interception for 100 yards, resulting in a touchdown.

Santonio Holmes was named MVP for the game, with the game winning touchdown clinching his place in history.

I would be remiss if I did not metion the outstanding efforts of Kicker Jeff Reed. He is truly one of the most important parts of this team. BTW did anybody catch the video of Jeff during the postgame show? His hair is wild.

Thank you Guys for making the Steeler Nation proud and giving us bragging rights!

PS: I promise now to get back to horse related topics.

Pittsburgh's Heading to the Super Bowl!

2009-01-29T13:38:00.008-05:00

So this is shaping up to look like it is going to be one heck of a Super Bowl. The Steelers will win. They have more heart, courage and determination then any other team in the NFL. They also have they absolute best and largest fanbase of any team out there.

Enjoy the game. Cheer Alot and Enjoy the Commercials!

Three Years Ago Today

2009-01-27T12:40:00.002-05:00

The heart of a mother is a deep abyss at the bottom of which you will always find forgiveness. ~Honoré de Balzac

Three years ago today I did one of the hardest things I have ever done. I said Goodbye to my Mother for the last time. I sat next to her bed holding her right hand while my Father sat on the other side of her bed holding her left hand. We told her how much we loved her and that it was okay to go and be at peace finally after so many years of pain and sickness. For the last six months of her life she had been on life support. We didn't know if she knew we were there during that time or not, but as I sat there holding her hand I knew she felt me there. I never cried more than I did that day when I knew she would leave this world forever. The hardest thing I ever did was sign my name, giving permission to take her off life support. I watched my father lose his wife, whom he so dearly loved as he faced his own mortality with cancer raging through his body.

My Mother was and still is one of the strongest people I have ever known. She was diagnosed with Chron's Disease when she was in her early twenties. At the time, there was no known treatment for this extremely debilitating disease, other than powerful pain medication. My Mom though never let it control her life. She showed and raised some of the best Bichon Frises in the country. She had the number seven dog in the country; Ch. Kingston's Stormin' Norman. Bred, owned and handled by her. No small feat in the highly competitive dog show world. Her dogs were her reason to get up in the morning, her reason to not let her health tear her down.

My Mother was one of those people who, when she entered a room, everybody stopped and looked. She might have been small in build, but she had a commanding presence about her. She made people quake in their shoes if she felt they were not treating someone or something fairly. She was very involved with local politics and fought always for the little guy. She was respected and revered.

Growing up, my Mom was my biggest cheerleader and my harshest critic. She held me as I sobbed uncontrollably when I lost my first horse, Borr. She held me again when my heart was broken the first time. She was at every Swim meet, Cross Country and Track meet and Softball game I ever participated in since I was 8 years old till even after I had graduated High School. She encouraged my horse endeavors, but from a distance. She was there for my highs and my lows, and even though we did not always see eye to eye, she loved me no matter what, unconditionally. I wonder now as I run my own children to their after school sports activities , how on Earth she ever did it, along with running her own business, keeping a home and being a wife, on top of her illnesses. I wish she were here to tell me, to let me in on the secret.

She was firm with me when I struggled through months and months of rehab when I was 12, after falling from a ladder and basically crushing my whole right side of my body. She kept her face right to mine and said "You will do it!" "Can't is not in my vocabulary!" as I begged and pleaded with my therapist and her that I couldn't take one more step. She never let me quit. She is why I can walk today. When none of the doctors thought I would ever walk, she knew I would. She believed in me when no one else did. The following year I proved all the doctors wrong and went out for the Cross Country Team and within two years I was in league with some of the top runners in the state, all because of my Mom. She pushed me to achieve, to be better than I thought I could be. When I was 15 and diagnosed with Jr. RA, she refused to let the doctors tell me I had to give up my horses and sports. She knew that my love, my passion would keep me going. Through her I learned to push through it.

When I married my husband, she took him in like a son, even at times siding with him over me. She loved him more than I think he will ever realize, because he loved me and that was all Mom wanted to be assured of, that I was loved and cherished. Jeff has succeeded tenfold in assuring my Mother of that.

When Zared and Morgan were born, you never met a happier Grandmother. She spoiled them rotten. They learned quickly if Mom and Dad wouldn't let them have something, Grandma would. They have precious memories of her. I knew she wanted to be here longer for them, to be able to experience life with them, but I know she is happy watching them from above and giving us the air smack upside our heads that we sometimes need.

Since my Mother's passing I have had moments when I know she is right there with me. Sometimes words come out of my mouth that were her words, not mine, and people, especially my family will look at me with bewilderment, and I reply to those looks with; "It was a Barb moment." I swore as a kid I would never be my mother, now there are days I cannot think of anyone better to be. Sorry Jeff. Deal with it. :0

I love you Mom and I miss you terribly.

Barbara A. Stamoolis
June 9^th, 1944 – January 27, 2006

To Those I Love

If I should ever leave you,
Whom I love
To go along the silent way. . .
Grieve not.
Nor speak of me with tears.
But laugh and talk of me
As if I were beside you there.

(I'd come . . . I'd come,
Could I but find a way!
But would not tears and
grief be barriers?)

And when you hear a song
Or see a bird I loved,
Please do not let the thought of me
Be sad. . .for I am loving you
Just as I always have. . .

You were so good to me!
There are so many things
I wanted still to do. . .
So many things I wanted to say
to you. . . Remember that
I did not fear. . . It was
Just leaving you
That was so hard to face.

We cannot see beyond. . .
But this I know:
I loved you so. . .
'twas heaven here with you

by Isla Paschal Richardson.

A sort of Bucket List

2009-01-25T13:20:00.004-05:00

I try to keep a few posts on the back burner for days like today when I am just too busy trying to stay warm and doing barn chores.

I found this Meme on The Beacon: A Journal, last month. I thought it was pretty neat to look at all the things I have done. And here I was thinking I had not accomplished much in life.

Things I've done in my life (in bold):

1. Started my own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than I can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sung a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched lightening at sea
14. Taught myself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown my own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitchhiked
23. Taken a sick day when you're not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise (Loved it!)
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of my ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught myself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo's David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance (More than once)
47. Had my portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi concentration camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone (several times)
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle (did not like it one bit!)
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had my picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone's life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Rode an elephant

I can tell you with certainty that I will never bungee jump or go skydiving. My husband has gladly done those things for me.

Want to play along? Copy the list to your own blog (or email) and highlight the things you've done.

Friday Fill-Ins # 5

2009-01-23T04:06:00.003-05:00

1. Oh, I am so done with winter!

2. I am preparing for changes, big and little.

3. During the Super bowl, I hope Polamalu takes out as many Cardinals as he can.

4. The Cardinals actually think they are going to beat the Steelers; are you kidding me???

5. Right now I'd like to be anywhere warm with a beach.

6. My phone (Blackjack II) is my favorite gadget.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to cheering my son on at his basketball game, tomorrow my plans include barn work and Sunday, I want to do better at my roping lesson!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-01-21T07:00:00.001-05:00

You're in Steeler Country Now!

2009-01-17T06:41:00.008-05:00

American football makes rugby look like a Tupperware party. ~Sue Lawley, 1985

The Golden Telephone

A man in Topeka, Kansas decided to write a bookabout Churches around the country. He started by flying to San Francisco and started working east from there.

Going to a very large church, he began taking photographs and making notes.He spotted a golden telephone on the vestibule wall and was intrigued with a sign, which read "Calls: $10,000 a minute."

Seeking out the pastor he asked about the phone and the sign. The pastor answered that this golden phone is, in fact, a direct line to heaven and if he pays the price he can talk directly to God.

The man thanked the pastor and continued on his way. As he continued to visit churches in Seattle, Dallas, St. Louis, Chicago, Milwaukee, and around the United States, he found more phones, with the same sign, and the same answer from each pastor.

Finally, he arrived in Pennsylvania. Upon entering a Church in Pittsburgh, he saw the usual golden telephone. But THIS time, the sign read "Calls: $0.35 cents."

Fascinated, he asked to talk to the pastor, "Father Jones, I have been in cities
all across the country and in each church I have found this golden telephone
and have been told it is a direct line to Heaven and that I could talk to
God, but in the other churches the cost was $10,000 a minute. Your sign reads only $0.35 cents a call. Why?

The priest, smiling benignly, replied : "Son, you're in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania now, home of the Pittsburgh Steelers-5 times Super Bowl Champions,
the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Pittsburgh Penguins, 3 vibrant rivers meeting at the
Point of the most beautiful downtown area around, the city with the best hospitals, neighborhoods and friendliest people in the world!

You're in God's Country.... It's a local call."

AMEN

Videos Galore in Tribute to the Greatest Football Team of All Time!

One of my All Time Favorites, The Invincible Jack Lambert!

Visit Steeler Nation

The End of an Era

2009-01-14T06:10:00.008-05:00

It's not hard to make decisions when you know what your values are. ~Roy Disney

When I was young, my dreams were huge. Dreams of an equestrian life, filled with accomplishments. Oh to be a child again. If you read my other blog, Argo's Journey, one of my recent posts talks about the scenic tour my life has been taking over the last 3 years. I have been re-evaluating my life and my priorities. I have been known to be stubborn at times to the point where I can become difficult to be around. Once I have my mind set, very little can possibly change it. With our impending move to Indiana for Jeff's work, I have again had to re-evaluate, what I had already evaluated several times in my mind.

For most of my life, I have enjoyed what I do. Horses have been a part of my life since I was 8 years old, for almost 30 years now they have influenced my life. I watched my first foal take her first steps 20 some years ago. I still remember that moment as if it were yesterday. She was a beautiful Arabian bay filly, with wonderful Bask bloodlines. Her name was Zarah, and she was such a thrill. At the age of 3, I put her under saddle. What a sight she and I were! My parents would have had heart failure if they had ever seen those first moments with me on her back! I was young though and incredibly stupid, and according to me, the best rider in the area. Yes, to be young again. Zarah and I eventually came to an understanding though after several months of arguing, fighting and forcing. I have learned so much since then. Zarah and I worked well together though in the coming year and she found a great home in Ohio to become a show horse. She did well for the most part once the holes in her training were shored up, and I was eternally grateful to the experiences and learning I received from the people who had her.

I have always sought to be a better horseman (woman). I might not have always realized it, but over the years I have always wanted a better way. I walked away from the horse show scene as a teenager disgusted by the antics of my competitors. I came back into it several years later for my own goals, testing myself and my horses against ourselves, not our competitors. That is the way I have kept it since then, for myself, Morgan and those I instruct. It has never been about the ribbon or the money for me, it has been about what I have done to improve me and the horse. I have often said if you are no longer having fun and it is starting to become work then you need to get out of it. I'm not saying I have not had disappointments, I have had plenty, but I never let them overwhelm me. I would work on what I could do better. I will not and have not subscribed to the mentality of "win at all costs". I want a sound horse at the end of the day. Sound of body and mind.

I have watched the horse industry evolve over the past 30 years, some of it good, some of it bad. I have seen good people slip into a place of forgetting about the horse and it being all about them. I included myself in that group at one time. I have also seen my fair share of liars and thieves in the horse industry. The greed of people never ceases to amaze me. What they will do to theirs or someone else's horses for the almighty ribbon and money. The current system of futurities puts undue stress and pressure on extremely young horses to excel at their event. A horse's spine is not totally developed until it is almost 6 years old, but yet look at any show, in any breed or discipline and you will see young two year olds performing at the lope/canter flawlessly. What damage is being done that won't show up till years later? And to what end? Some of you might have seen this recently on the internet, but for those who have not, Cleve Wells has been accused of abuse to a horse in training at his facility. I am not surprised by this. I have seen similar things go on. I have been there myself with IRS and a trainer who took a lot of my money and two months later a horse who was several hundred pounds lighter and not knowing much more than what she knew when she left me. Not as apparently abusive as what this horse has gone through, but abuse none the less, for what? The almighty ribbon and money, to push young horses to do things they physically and mentally are not capable of doing long term. Mr. Wells is not the only one here though, he just got caught. Across the country, this goes on daily, by reputable and not so reputable people. The horse industry is unfortunately filled with ill intentioned people though in all areas. When it happened to me, I could have sued, but that is not my way of doing things. I believe in experiences and learning from them. I commend the owner of the horse that was at Mr. Wells', for her perseverance and push for justice, she is bringing to light a nasty secret that has gone on for years. Horse owners as a whole I believe are good in heart. Then you have your unscrupulous people that will take others down because they are jealous, greedy, pompous, and ignorant and just downright mean. These types of people think they are above it all, that their actions will not have consequence. To these people I say, I hope it was worth it to you. One day you will look back at your life and maybe realize the pain and misery you have caused for your own selfish wants.

As I said before I have been on the scenic tour for a little while. With the impending move I have been forced to think what will I do in Indiana? I have moved my business 3 times now over 15 years. It's extremely hard to start all over again (insert whine). So I have decided I won't. The little scenic tour has made me realize what is really important, my family. Once we move, I will be officially out of the boarding and lesson business. I have been involved with horse people for so long now, that I don't know what I want to do when I grow up. I'm sure I will find something, but it will definitely be a change for sure. I have seen the gambit of people over the years. My horses have helped me to meet people that I am extremely proud to call friends. Unfortunately, though I have also met some of the most horrible people you could possibly imagine. Over the last decade I have seen way too many people become part of the "Me" society, where it is all about them. They never take responsibility for anything, they feel they are entitled, and they have no moral compass. I see it in children and in adults. I see people looking for the "magic pill" to fix their woes, taking from others when they have not worked to achieve it. This has pretty much helped make my mind up about not starting over again. It's emotionally draining to try to sort the good apples from the bad apples. I want to focus on making sure my family is well grounded and that my children have a moral compass.

With me changing directions in what the heck I'm going to be when I grow up, I had to consider what to do with the breeding end of my business. When Malarky came along, I saw the chance to get back into breeding. I had missed it more than I realized. Malarky has been that once in a lifetime horse. I fortunately have had 3 of those now, and hope he won't be my last. Malarky does not have a superb show record, or amazing push button training, what he has is heart. The heart to do anything that has been asked of him, whether it be carrying me along on the trail, putting up with my "gotta teach you this or that." Standing patiently while I tried to harness him and teach him to drive and pull a cart, only to realize I had the figure 8 wrap wrong, looked more like a 7 I think, again waiting patiently while I pulled the cart back to him and rewrapped the shafts. Learning how to put up with numerous lesson students learning how to ride, then to be dragged to IHSA shows and used for numerous reining and rail classes, and giving all of the different riders a consistent ride every time. His heart is huge, maybe it's the Rugged Lark in him, that's what I have always thought, I see it in most of his foals, the calm demeanor the willingness to try. He has allowed me to have fun again in the show ring. His show ring antics make me laugh every time he and I are in the ring. From his trademark yawn, to his groaning and moaning as we lope around the ring, to his want to yak to his neighbor in the lineup. He has a ton of character. No, he is not perfect, but he is the best teacher I have had. He has forced me to find a gentler way, a better way to communicate what I want, to ask first. He has reminded me it's not about the end result, it's about the journey. Over the years he has given me so much. This year he is 16. Last year, I began to notice arthritis in his right knee. It came suddenly, but when I thought about all he has done and how he has never refused, even when he has been in pain, I realized how much I owed him. I have been treating it with some good results, but the time has come that he semi-retire. Malarky does not have a turnout buddy; his foals have been his buddies over the years. Once his foals get older though and move into other pastures, he begins to pace for them. This I believe has aggravated the arthritis. I have come to the decision that he will be gelded so he can enjoy his semi-retirement, hopefully with pasture mates. He has been my partner for almost 10 years now and he has done everything I have ever asked of him without complaint, I feel I owe it to him to allow him to enjoy his senior years as comfortably a possible.

Malarky at an IHSA Show

I also have plans to geld Flash and Dell. So with that I will be out of the breeding business as well. I want to focus on what's important; family. Morgan and I will continue to enjoy our herd of horses, we will still head out to the shows, but it will be for us and no one else. We will continue to learn and teach our horses and I will still offer help to those who ask, but my focus is going to be where it needs to be; my husband and children. An Era will soon come to a close.

Friday Fill-Ins # 4

2009-01-01T23:22:00.002-05:00

1. The world is starting anew.

2. I love you was the last thing I said.

3. I wonder when the weather will balance out.

4. Goodness is at the end of all things.

5. There's something to be said for quiet time.

6. Someplace warm and sunny is where I want to be.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to taking Morgan roller skating, tomorrow my plans include cleaning and Sunday, I want to ride some of my horses!

Out with the old and in with the new!

2008-12-31T21:22:00.002-05:00

An optimist stays up until midnight to see the new year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves. ~Bill Vaughan

I want to wish everyone a Healthy, Prosperous and Happy New Year!

Christmas Greetings from SkyBar Farm

2008-12-25T06:23:00.003-05:00

May Peace be your gift at Christmas and your blessing all year through! ~Author Unknown

Global Warming.... Yeah Right!

2008-12-22T13:53:00.003-05:00

Winter is nature's way of saying, "Up yours." ~Robert Byrne

All that stuff I said last week about winter being pretty and serene, blah, blah, blah…. I take it all back! Winter Stinks! What was I thinking?

Jeff sent me on a cruise to the Caribbean last year shortly after my father passed away last December. (He is a great husband!) I went by myself so I would have time to reflect and reorganize my life and figure out what was important to me.

Okay, really I did do a lot of reflecting on my life and where it had been heading and where I wanted it to go in the future and it was not all in a bottle of Tequila!

I hated coming back to Pennsylvania. I called Jeff daily telling him how I could so easily become a beach bum on Grand Cayman Island.

Back to reality though. I woke up to a -19 wind chill this morning. What idiot ordered that up? I have rheumatoid arthritis. It started when I was around 15 years old and has slowly progressed ever since. I have good days and bad days. The worst time is when the seasons change, once the weather decides on what it is going to do then my body adjusts, but until then, it is a roller coaster for my body. If it were not for the fact that I have 2 children, 4 dogs and 20 horses depending on me daily, I would just stay in bed and watch movies and drink hot tea on days like today. What makes matters worse is the roller coaster weather pattern. It cannot just decide to be cold. No, it has to be 45 degrees a week ago and rainy to 32 degrees and raining last Friday to bitter friggin’ cold today. My body just can’t seem to hold up. Life through pharmaceutical drugs though can be a wonderful thing. The next person I hear complain about how much drug companies make in profits and charge for their drugs, I’m going to smack over the head! If it were not for the fact that the American drug companies are pretty much the only ones doing R&D, we would not have the medicines we have. And since I do not foresee a move to Arizona anytime soon, I will benefit from the use of them. But even on days like today, they only take a small edge off the pain.

Wow, I didn’t mean to go off on that tangent.

So this morning, I broke up ice in the bitter frigid cold in 4 water barrels that were frozen half way through, I lugged warm water to Argo after I sang him Christmas Carols, to keep my cheeks from becoming bricks of ice. I watched the geldings as I introduced a new horse to the herd today, and prayed all went well, which it did. I set up grain for this evening, and then booked it out of the barn and back into the house and under several blankets.

So on days like today, I spend my time dreaming of this...

Merry Friggin’ Winter!

September Flashback.... The joys of motherhood

2008-12-18T06:56:00.007-05:00

While we try to teach our children all about life, Our children teach us what life is all about.~Angela Schwindt

I have been meaning to post about this for quite some time, just never really got around to it and never actually made the time.

When the my doctor delivered Morgan 12 years ago and announced to Jeff and I that she was indeed a girl, thoughts started rolling through my head of all the things raising a girl would bring. For me, one of the things it meant was someone to share my love of all thing horses. For Jeff on the other hand, I believe shotguns are in his thoughts. My son, Zared has a love of horses for his own reasons, but since the loss of my Arabian, Avalon 5 years ago, his love to ride has seriously waned. Both my children have learned a lot through the horses in our lives. I believe animals in a child’s life can teach a them so much about how to live through life. Call it life lessons if you will. Children learn by doing and their brains are like sponges. A child can learn to work through problems with a horse that will carry over into their everyday life. They learn that with hard work comes success, usually, and when it does not end in success, it does not mean you just give up, you learn what’s needed to be successful and you keep trying and learning. That little diatribe is now leading me to what I meant to post… I’m easily sidetracked.

Morgan started out on her equestrian life with her first pony at the age of 3 ½. His name was Jiggs and he was a snot. Still is on some days.

Jiggs taught her to not give up though. He came to us unbroken to ride, but he was trained to pull. How hard could it be? Let me tell you, there is a reason I tell clients and friends not to buy their young children ponies under 12 hands. They are contemptuous, snotty and hardly ever do they want to even remotely participate in the same activity as you.
I am forever thankful for Jiggs though, he helped mold my daughter into what she will become. And he is darn cute, you have to admit.

Fortunately though children grow, and Morgan needed something that would work for a while. My own horses were too young for an 8 year old, so the hunt began. Enter Moonlight.

Moonlight is a lovely little mare who as a registered quarter horse, measured in at 14.2, perfect right? Well yes, for a while. Moonlight was a fantastic upgrade to Jiggs. She learned very quickly and was more than willing to oblige Morgan. I and a few boarders drug Morgan to some shows where the pair did fantastic. I still clearly remember one of my past boarders and I at the rail, pretty much holding onto each other as Morgan entered her first riding class with Moonlight. I’m not sure who was more nervous, her or I. The judges gave Morgan and Moonlight good nods that weekend and all was well. Every time the two went into the ring, they placed well for their experience level. Morgan worked hard to learn and to teach Moonlight what she needed to know. Several months later though some things fell apart, Moonlight began behaving erratically, and Morgan was getting frustrated. I offered advice, but I’m Mom, what do I know? So, I took her to someone I knew she would respect. This trainer fell in love with Moonlight and Morgan. Moonlight and Morgan fell back into their groove at lessons, but quickly fell apart at home. We went for trail rides and Moonlight would relax. We came to realize Moonlight was seriously affected by my 3 stallions in the barn. We talked to the vet and she inserted a marble to see if that would balance her out. Nope. I came to the painful decision after watching my daughter getting slammed into the wall of my arena that Moonlight needed to be in a home with no stallions around. She was great around them at the shows and no problems at lessons, but she was not comfortable at home and my daughter was thinking she did not need to practice in-between shows or lessons. We found Moonlight a good home with no stallions and she is thrilled.

Now what do I do? My oldest riding horses were 3 years old and definitely still learning; well we acquired Ripley from the woman who now has Moonlight. Ripley was not my first choice by any means. She is a registered paint measuring in at 14.2 and a whole lot of white. I have really grown to appreciate a good sorrel when it comes to show prep. Morgan liked Ripley though and that’s what mattered. She had been used as a barrel horse, but just did not have the speed, or the want to run. Perfect. Ripley needed work and Morgan felt she was up for the task so for a year and a half now Morgan and Ripley have practiced at home, practiced at lessons, have gone to clinics and they have learned together and they appreciate each other. They actually are a lot like each other, very opinionated. Ripley offers just enough fuss, so that Morgan actually has to think about what she is doing. She cannot just sit at look pretty; she has to ride the mare. This has led to a few Drama Queen Moments. Several people have asked why I let Morgan struggle with Ripley, why I don’t just fix the mare and ride her for Morgan so it’s easier. Good question. I have ridden Ripley all of 4 times. I don’t particularly care for her; furthermore it will not help Morgan if I do her homework for her. I’m not going to be able to do the test for her. Morgan is now enjoying the learning process. Yes, it’s been hard, yes, it is work, but anything worth doing is hard work. No, she doesn’t place every time she goes into the ring, but she measures each ride as to whether or not she and Ripley improved from the last ride. That folks is what it is all about. It is not about the ribbons or what the judge thinks. It is knowing for yourself whether or not you improved yourself and your horse. It is really nice though when you are rewarded with the ribbons. It is the icing on the cake, as was the case at the District 4-H show back in September. Morgan had to teach Ripley showmanship, it is not one of my favorite classes, and thankfully several years ago, a couple boarders took pity on Morgan and gave her very good instruction in showmanship.

Morgan had qualified in all 4 of her classes for the District show. I had placed her in the Walk/Trot division for her first year of 4-H. Showmanship, English Equitation, English pleasure and Trail class. The trail class really was a fluke that she qualified to move on to Districts, but because she did, she practiced daily on maneuvers to prepare for the trail class. There were 20 children in each class and the competition was very good. In her showmanship class she placed 8th. Her Equitation class she placed 1st. Her pleasure class she did not place. Not a surprise, she is still working on Ripley coming on to the bit consistently. Finally, her trail class she DQ’ed on the second to last obstacle going the wrong direction in the box and poles. Now, some parents and kids would have been furious for the pleasure class placing after she came out 1st in the Equitation class. Not Morgan or me. The judge was a very good and judged the Equitation class accordingly and his placings in the pleasure were spot on. The mare does not always look like she is a pleasure to ride, but Morgan’s Equitation is very good. It had to be to be able to survive on her previous two mounts. LOL As for the Trail class, she came out smiling even knowing she DQ’ed, because she did better than she had before at her practices at home. She performed all the obstacles very well and even the obstacle where she DQ’ed. Her only mistake was doing the 360 turn the wrong direction. Ripley and Morgan were struggling with that at home. Ripley would step out of the box, not at Districts though, she performed it beautifully and Morgan knew it, so the lack of a ribbon didn’t matter, she knew she did her personal best. So here I am bragging, the proud Mommy. I was inspired that day by my daughter as to how well she performed and how well she did with the unfortunate comments that were made later in the day by parents. She let the negative comments roll off her back. She worked hard and she succeeded even if they did not all end up in a ribbon.

Morgan waiting to go into her Showmanship class.

Morgan and Ripley with their 8th place win.

Waiting for the placings in the Equitation class.

Posing after their first place win in English Equitation.

I will give Morgan a lot of the credit on getting Ripley ready for this show and most of the shows she goes to. Ripley requires 3 baths to get her white and Morgan did the bulk of the bathing as soon as she got home from school.

I am extremely proud of Morgan and what she has accomplished with herself and with her highly opinionated mare. She is a great kid and is learning the value of hard work.

Winter Pasture Fun

2008-12-12T12:15:00.019-05:00

Winter must be cold for those with no warm memories. ~From the movie An Affair to Remember

This is what I woke up to this morning. Along with the power being out and having slept in and the kids missed the big yellow bus.

Carrying the camera with me has become almost a habit now because of Argo, so while I was doing the barn chores I thought I would snap a few pictures.

Malarky's pasture is always so pretty to me when it's covered in snow.

Buck taking off for a good gallop.

The girls joining in for a game of tag.

Babe and Sassy wondering what all the hub bub is about!

Look, IRS can run! Romey tags her though.

Clifford on the left tries to get in on the fun with the girls.

Even Quest got in on the fun.

Sky and Babe taking a breather.

Argo would just like to know when breakfast is coming.

Malarky really needs a day at the spa!

Romey says See YA!

Friday Fill-Ins # 3

2008-12-12T08:00:00.001-05:00

1. Friends are my strength when all looks dismal.

2. Good health; it's important to a long life.

3. I'm ready for the New Year.

4. Chanel Coco is one of my favorite perfumes or aftershaves or smells.

5. The oldest ornament I have is a few glass bulbs my mother gave me. They are about 30 years old.

6. Take some hot chocolate, Jameson’s Irish whiskey and whipped cream, mix it all together and you have an Irish Toboggan.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to my son’s Snowball dance, tomorrow my plans include running the kids to practice and games and Sunday, I want to just sleep!

Enjoy your weekend!

IUP Team Collegiate Show from November

2008-12-11T08:28:00.006-05:00

The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra. ~Jimmy Johnson

My daughter, Morgan on the right gabbing to Danielle on the left at the WVU Show.

The IHSA experience is always very interesting for my girls and me. I have enjoyed coaching these young women more than I could have possibly imagined. They have become known as "My Girls" when friends and family ask about them. To be honest I live vicariously through them. I have tapped back into my youth when they are with me. They have no idea how important they are to me and how much I will miss them when we move from Pennsylvania to Indiana. Until then though, I will continue to coach them and fill them with as much experience as I can, and stuff a lifetime of memories into theirs and my mind.

West Virginia University hosted the November two day show and did a fabulous job of hosting. Their coach, Bobby is a tremendous coach, and it shows in his team. This team sets the bar for every other IHSA team in the country, in what a coach should instill in their riders. I'm not just talking ability, which they have loads of, I measure a person by how they treat others, and Bobby's team exemplifies this. They are great competitors and are number one when it comes to sportsmanship. When I first came on the scene several years ago, his team was so very inviting and kind. They are the most sincere and kind young women and men you could possibly imagine. I truly appreciate all that the WVU team and their coach Bobby have done to help our Western Region.

On to the particulars of the show: My team consisted of four riders at this show, Becky, Danielle, Amy and Alumni rider, Elizabeth. They were faced with a new challenge at this show. Almost all of the horses were spur broke. Okay, you say, what's the big deal with spur broke? Spurs to me, have always me been used for elevated movement and/or an extension of your leg to use as an aid. Spur Broke in some AQHA horses now means something completely opposite. To slow the horse down you apply the spur, if you apply too much they will stop. The horses that were used at this show were very well trained horses, but a lot of riders struggled with the concept of using the spurs to slow the horse down. Bobby offered advice to riders to help them as much as he could, by the second show of the first day, the riders began to get more comfortable with the "spur broke" concept.

One of my riders, Amy, who has been very determined to become a better rider, surprised even me on Saturday. Once, prior to the show, I threw a pair of spurs on her to get her used to having them and popped her on IRS to get used to using them. At the show, she drew a horse named Elmer, a lovely horse, but with a too new saddle with stirrups that had not been turned yet, we realized too late. As she was loping in the ring, she lost one stirrup and then the other; she tried her best to regain them without breaking gait to no avail. The stirrups just were not turned, so there was no way she would get them. She was DQ for losing them, but that didn't matter, Amy had a tremendous ride, performing almost the entire class without stirrups on a spur broke horse. I felt she should have gotten bonus points for riding the class no stirrups and keeping almost perfect cadence. Oh well, rules are rules. Bobby did chastise me for not asking for a different saddle. My team does not like to complain, unless it's obvious, but Bobby was right, she would have placed had she had a saddle that worked. Amy received two 5^thsand 6^th. She is 16 points away from pointing out.

Becky, had a fantastic weekend, she pointed out of level 13 and is competing at the Regional show in March. On Sunday afternoon, she competed as an Open rider. We bumped her level and she did have a fantastic ride on a beautiful grey mare named Piggy. (Think Miss Piggy from the Muppets.) Piggy was all binged out. Becky also grappled with the concept of "spur broke". It goes against all your instincts when you're on a horse. Becky did extremely well though and had it all figured out before the judge switched directions. She placed 3^rd, 4^th and 2^nd during the weekend and is very excited to be able to compete in reining at the next show.

Elizabeth is one of those riders that you just scratch your head and say "What was the Judge thinking?" Liz is one of my best riders. She is just a little itsy bity rider, but she has tremendous skill. She is able to ride the most rambunctious horse and make it look easy, and yet the judges generally do not take notice. I am convinced she needs an outfit that just pops and screams look at me! I have always encouraged my girls to wear dark chaps because if their leg is not extremely quiet, colored chaps will draw attention to that. Liz has an extremely quiet leg and equally quiet hands; she is one with the horse when she rides and should be placed way higher than she has recently. During this weekend she placed 4^th, 5^th, and two 6^th's. Liz needs 8 more points to qualify for the Regional Show. She deserves to move on so hopefully the judge will see what I and several others see.

Itsy Bitsy rider number two on the team would be Danielle. She is a walk / trot rider and is becoming a very capable rider. She is having the same issues as Liz I believe. She is a fantastic rider and looks great on a horse and again like Liz, is one with the horse. She does not move. I would have to say, she is probably one of my best walk/trot riders. I just do not understand what the judges are seeing though or more importantly not seeing. I have also suggested she should wear an outfit that just screams "Look at me!" she can pull it off. Danielle placed 4^th and three 3^rds during the weekend, but in my opinion she had 1^st place rides every time she went into the ring. She is 11 points from pointing out.

Our next show weekend is March 14^th and 15^th. In the meantime the girls are enjoying a much deserved break as they finish up finals and head home for the Holidays. They will return to the barn the end of January to get ready for the March show.

The Loss of a Friend

2008-12-06T20:24:00.004-05:00

Request from the Rainbow Bridge

Weep not for me though I am gone
Into that gentle night.
Grieve if you will, but not for long
Upon my soul's sweet flight.

I am at peace, my soul's at rest.
There is no need for tears.
For with your love I was so blessed
For all those many years.

There is no pain, I suffer not,
The fear now all is gone.
Put now these things out of your thoughts,
In your memory I live on.

Remember not my fight for breath.
Remember not the strife.
Please do not dwell upon my death.
But celebrate my life.
Unknown

Yesterday was a sad day. A friend had to give the hardest gift that animal owners give over the years to their beloved animals.

Tom was one of those horses you come across that just had presence. The moment you meet that kind of a horse you never forget them. That's the way it was when I first met Tom. He was not a very large horse, but he had that presence about him. His eye was what drew you in. There was wisdom in those eyes. He was always obedient and always very businesslike. I loved those qualities in him and he has passed them on to Flash and Juliet.

He lived a life where he was loved and I believe he knew that very well. His last few years he developed some stifle issues that increasingly became worse and made getting around more difficult each day. Teresa and Frank went above and beyond what most owners would do and did whatever they could to keep him comfortable. Yesterday though it became evident that for Tom the best thing to do was let him go. I know how hard that is having gone though it myself over the years. This is the extremely hard part when we own animals. They take a part of our hearts with them when they leave.

Tom about 10 years ago.

Please keep Teresa and Frank in your prayers during this time. Their loss was not of a horse, but of a family member.

Friday Fill-Ins # 2

2008-12-05T06:09:00.003-05:00

1. Snow is coming.
2. I'm looking forward to Jeff being home for the weekend.
3. House is the best TV show ever!
4. One of my favorite old tv shows is Mama's Family.
5. I'm done with this stupid cold.
6. The most enjoyable thing around the holidays is reflecting on one's life and making plans for the future.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to Zared's basketball game, tomorrow my plans include catching up on barn work and Sunday, I want to relax, but I have a Christmas party and Morgan has a basketball game!

Have a great weekend!

A Buck for the Boy! (non-horse)

2008-12-03T05:54:00.005-05:00

You don't raise heroes, you raise sons. And if you treat them like sons, they'll turn out to be heroes, even if it's just in your own eyes. ~Walter M. Schirra, Sr.

Pennsylvania welcomed in the opening day of Deer Season on Monday. Buck season to be specific. This time of the year sends usually normal men into a crazed frenzy of orange, gun toting, story telling boys. It is actually quite comical to watch this transformation happen.

My husband had the pleasure of taking our 12 year old daughter Morgan out hunting for the first time on Monday, while our 15 year old son, Zared, was nearby. Jeff and I had talked the night before about how opening day would go with Morgan. We were convinced that she would be chattering to him the whole time, complaining about cold and hunger. Well, according to Morgan, Jeff was talking way more than her. I could believe that. He was just excited, like a little boy.

Zared on the other hand, is the more serious of the three children. More like me, but thankfully still knows how to be a kid. He was waiting for deer to come strolling through. He saw one off in the distance, and called it in closer. He took his shot....

We're so proud!

Friday Fill-Ins #1

2008-11-28T05:00:00.002-05:00

1. My stomach is satisfyingly full.
2. Sweet Potatoes and stuffing is what I ate the most of on Thursday.
3. The yard was covered with snow.
4. In the barn or with Jeff is where I'd rather be at any given time.
5. The smell of rain on a summer afternoon reminds me of my childhood.
6. Cold Medicine is what I need right now!
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to enjoying the Pitt Panthers football game with my kids, tomorrow my plans include the kids and I enjoying a play with their Great Grandmother and Sunday, I want to just relax and ride a few of my horses!

Enjoy your extended weekend

IUP Collegiate Team Show from October

2008-11-26T17:21:00.005-05:00

I have been meaning to post this and I got distracted. Not really hard for me to do, but never the less it happens.

I have coached the Indiana University of Pennsylvania Western Equestrian Team for about five years now. My team of girls is what keeps me going on most days. They encourage me to become a better horsewoman and a better teacher. When I was first asked to coach the team, I felt there was no way I could do it. I still have days even now when I scratch my head and ask myself “what was I thinking?” I do my best to give proper instruction to each girl, and for the most part, I think I do a good job, but there are times I feel I can definitely do better, which is why I make sure to continue my own education.

Our past few years have seen records set for the IUP Western teams that never were thought achievable before. My girls tried to credit me with their accomplishments, but it was not me getting on those unknown horses at the shows, it was them. These girls have guts! They get no warm-up time before going into the show ring on a horse they have never ridden before, and they have to make the best equitation ride on that horse they can. The whole IHSA system works on points. Each girl needs points awarded in her class and must accumulate enough to “class up” to the next level. Once they have classed up they qualify for the Regional Show in the spring. If they place in the top two at the Regional Show, they can move on to the Semi-Final show, where the top four placing there can then compete at Nationals, where they ride against other riders in their level from around the country. We have sent two riders to Nationals since I came onto the scene. And every year since we have had riders compete at the Regional Show.
Our first show of the season was back on October 18th. My team hosted the show.

The following pictures are from the show. Somehow I am missing Chelsea in my pictures; she was at this show as well and is a Level 12B Rider.

Winter Trail Riding

2008-11-23T22:38:00.004-05:00

When the bold branches
Bid farewell to rainbow leaves
Welcome wool sweaters.~B. Cybrill

Winter sometimes offer some of the best trail riding. No heat, no bugs and very picturesque.

Some of my boarders took the opportunity to take a quick trail ride in the first snow of the season on Saturday.

Through Cash's Ears ~ Cash is a 4 yo Tennessee Walker who is just a trooper on the trail, his owner Ron is our resident picture taker on the trails.

The red horse would be Clifford, a 12 yo Spotted Saddle Horse, with Dana his owner.

Just ahead of Clifford is Sky a 5 yo old Tennessee Walker who has just the neatest tiger eyes I have ever seen, he is owned by Chris, Ron's lucky wife.
Sky and Chris on the left, and Clifford and Dana on the right.

Dell's Injury Part 2 (Warning graphic pictures)

2008-11-08T06:48:00.007-05:00

I may not be there yet, but I'm closer than I was yesterday. ~Author Unknown

Continuation post of Dell's injury...

Dell was outfitted with an extended toe on his hoof, so as not to buckle his pastern over when resting his leg. Thank you Ralph. Dell then began the long road to recovery. Yvonne felt it would be a year of stall rest. How long he will be tied.... no one knows. Tomorrow will be 11 weeks since his injury, and this amazing little stallion has endured through it all.

*****Graphic Pic Warning*****

Below is a few pictures showing his injury. These were taken 4 days after Dell had been injured. This is better than what we originally had that Sunday.

As you can see through the pictures the bone was already covered. Thank goodness. Out of the five stay stitches Yvonne had put in, by Thursday we were down to two, one on each side. We knew this would happen and were surprised the last two had held.

Every other day now, I take the bandages off, inspect the wound, which continues to look good, apply ointments and re wrap the leg. I do not think I have ever owned so many sets of polo wraps and quilts.

Dell does so well during this process, every once in a while he will hold his leg up as if to say "Please, I don't want to do this, it hurts.", and I talk to him and soothe him and he relaxes and stands quietly. Twice, I have used a twitch on him, but other than that, he just stands there for me like a good boy.

Shortly after his injury, we outfitted his stall with his own personal fan, and a grow light, that is set on a timer for him. His door remains open during the day so that he can be the Walmart Greeter. Happily looking for scratches, hugs and treats. He plays the invalid patient so well to my boarders. He reminds me with a loud whinny, if he feels I have not brushed him long enough.

33 Horse Truths

2008-11-06T06:32:00.003-05:00

I received this in my email this morning. I'm not sure who the author is, but the words ring true.

Look for Part 2 of Dell's update with pictures tomorrow.

1. People who don't take care of their own horses will be the first ones to tell you how to care for yours.

2. You should never buy a cheap girth!

3. A handsome horse who's badly behaved will become a lot less attractive in about 15 min.

4. People who think they have nothing more to learn about riding hit the ground the hardest.

5. Children and ponies are natural allies and often have identical dispositions.

6. The richest horse people often look the poorest.

7. The closeness of a horse is one of the sweetest smells in the world.

8. A solitary ride through the woods is more beneficial then six months with the best psychiatrist.

9. The worse a person rides the more likely they are going to blame it on the horse.

10. The best thing about going to the barn first thing in the morning is that horses don't care how you look.

11. If a dealer insists a horse is worth twice what he's asking he's usually worth half that much.

12. The best way to appreciate how another person rides is to get on their horse.

13. I can recognize another horse person no matter what town, city, state, county or country I visit.

14. You can never have too many hoof picks.

15. It is not always wise to argue with something that outweighs you by 1,000 pounds.

16. I'd rather have a horse with a perfect mind then a perfect head.

17. Eight hours is not too long to be in the saddle!

18. If you think you have left the water on in the barn you have, if you think you have closed the pasture gate you haven't.

19. When someone asks you if you like their horse,always say yes.

20. The happiest people I know own horses, dogs, cats and at least one deranged goat.

21. If you're looking for the perfect horse,you will never own one.

22. Owning a horse can either make a marriage or break it.

23. I'd rather lose my Chap Stick than my curb strap.

24. You shouldn't talk about your first place ribbon to someone that came in second.

25. If someone says that horse has a little buck, it has a BIG buck.

26. If we need rain, schedule a show.

27. I've never warmed up to someone who didn't want to walk down to the stables.

28. A clean stable and a sparkling horse are among life's great pleasures.

29. A FREE horse is not a cheap horse.There is usually something very wrong it.

30. No matter how badly behaved you are, your horse always gives you a second chance.

31. A expensive horse doesn't make a better horse.

32. I can't stand to have an empty stable.

33. Losing a horse can break your heart, but it will have been worth it.

Dell's Injury Part 1

2008-11-05T05:32:00.007-05:00

Dell is my 4 yo colt out of Malarky and Babe. He has been my pride and joy. I had bred for a reining type colt for years and I had gotten a cow horse, an all around horse and a hunt seat horse. Go figure. Dell's full sister, IRS is 16.1, thankfully Dell got the short end of the gene pool and he measures in at 14.1 1/2. Finally, I had gotten my reining prospect. With Malarky's cute head, short coupled back, Babe's great pasterns and strong hip. His mind is fabulous. He is an over achiever, but not to the point that he anticipates, he just loves to work and really loves to please.

Dell shared his pasture with a 5 yo Kiger Mustang Gelding. They were quite the duo, playing and entertaining each other all day long. My fence is Electrobraid, which is a soft braided rope fence with a single electric wire woven through. The beauty of this fence is that if a horse hits the fence with force, the insulators will break and the fence will drop, keeping the horse from getting tangled up. Unfortunately, on August 24th, Dell and the fence did not see eye to eye. In a matter of minutes, Dell had gone from standing at the fence waiting for me to finish bringing in the girls in, to standing on top of the hill, with his leg dangling and a whole line of fence gone.

The vet and I believe what happened was that Dell was stung by a wasp, and he kicked out at it and when he brought his leg back he hooked the bottom line of the fence, cupping it at his hock, and then from the zapping of the fence, he took off like a bullet, running so fast the insulators couldn't break fast enough. The fence acted like a saw and opened his hock wide open, exposing the bone and cutting into it almost 1/4 inch, he also partially severed his extender tendon.

To say the least, I was utterly devastated. I don't think I have cried so much. Usually, I am very calm when a horse is injured, not that day, I was in absolute hysterics. To make matters worse my vet gave him about a 5 % chance of survival. Our saving grace was that I was right there when it happened and the bone was only exposed for less than 45 minutes before she got here. Our biggest worry had been if the bone died. If that happened there was nothing more we could have done.

Thankfully, Yvonne is a very aggressive vet. She placed stay stitches in that she knew would not stay for long, but would buy us some time. Dell went on an aggressive amount of antibiotics for 2 1/2 weeks, being on both Naxcel (Liquid Gold) and Bactrim, along with a supplement called GLC that helps to repair bone.

We needed to minimize Dell's movement, so Zared and I quickly modified Dell's stall so that he could reach his feed bin, and water bucket and we installed a tie ring to clip a hay bag to and another tie ring to clip him to. Dell needed to remained tied as long as possible.

Yvonne wrapped the wound and instructed me to re wrap every day for the next 2 weeks, as well as wrapping his other 3 legs for support, we also needed to call my farrier in to built an extended toe to his hoof to keep him from buckling over when resting that leg. Ralph would be out in 4 days to build a whole hoof.

That Thursday, Ralph and Yvonne worked on Dell for 3 hours. I have never seen a horse do so well under so much strain. He was only lightly sedated when we first started, just to take the edge off, as Ralph worked on his hands and knees to form Equilox onto Dells hoof, to build out the extended toe, and then Yvonne, also on her hands and knees working with a heat gun, to harden the Equilox so another layer could be smoothed on. Dell's foot would have to go on the foot stand, get worked on and then set down to be dried. Three hours later, Dell had 2 inches of toe extending from his hoof.

Stay tuned for the next part....

Welcome

2008-11-04T06:14:00.002-05:00

I have been meaning to do something with this blog for oh... about a year now, and I just never got around to it. People have been asking about Dell's injury and I did not feel it was right to use Argo's blog to post about Dell, so finally I have a use for this one. Yay!

Along with updates on Dell, I will try to post the going ons of the farm and activities. Bear with me as I split my time a little more.

Favorite Links of Mine

2008-09-01T17:46:00.001-04:00

Give a person a fish and you feed them for a day; teach that person to use the Internet and they won't bother you for weeks. ~Author Unknown

Below are some of my favorite links.

Horse Links

American Livestock Supply
AQHA
APHA
Foothills Horse and Pony Association
Fort Armstrong Horsemen’s Association
Equestrian Choice Laundry Service
Horse World Expo
IHSA
IHSA Zone 3 Western Region 1, 3 & 4
International Performance Horse Development Association
KBR Horse Training Information
Mantle Wild Horse Adoption and Training Center
NRHA
PA Horse Mall
Pennsylvania Natural Horsemanship Association
SkyBar Farm
Tri-Color Photography
Westfall Horsemanship

Blog Links

Adventures of a Horse Crazed Mind
American Herds
Arizona Reiner
Around the Funny Farm!
Augustus’ Reign
Beautiful Mustang
Behind the Bit
Brown Eyed Cowgirls
Dad the Dude
Domestic Goddess Alive
Equine Mine
Farmgirl Fare
Five O’clock Somewhere
Fran Jurga’s Hoof Blog
From Hell to Heaven: Saving Argus
Fugly Horse of the Day
Grey Horse Matters
Hip Mama’s Place
Jane Savoie
List of the Day
Liz Graves
Margaret and Helen
Mesteno
Mugwump Chronicles
Montana Horses
Mustang Diaries
Oh Horse Feathers and Related Twisted “Tails”
The Creative Homemaker
The Horseshoeing Housewife
The Junk Drawer
The Last Chance Corral
Tip Junkie
Weekend Snapshot

Miscellaneous Links

Armstrong County
Drudge Report
Glenn Beck
Leader Times
Pittsburgh Steelers

What is SkyBar Farm?

2008-09-01T16:32:00.002-04:00

Dreams are illustrations... from the book your soul is writing about you. ~Marsha Norman

SkyBar Farm was born of a little girls dream many, many moons ago. Okay, suffice to say I'm old. I was honored with my first horse when I was 8 years old.

From Blogger Pictures

His name was SkyHigh Mr. Borr.

Borr was a dream come true, not at first though. Borr was only 4 when he came to me, but he had had a very rough past. Needless to say we had a lot of issues to work through. Not something an 8 year old girl with no experience should really go through, but I was determined to save him and make an honest horse out of Borr. Where I grew up, there were no trainers, no mentors, not even a local stable. Everything I learned was through the school of hard knocks, as the local hospital can attest to. I devoured every book and magazine I could put my young hands on. My poor parents had no idea what they had started by giving in to my whines and pleas that I harassed them with for years. Borr, Glory and I tore up the countryside on a daily basis. I look back now and think it's amazing I didn't get killed or get poor Borr or Glory killed. Everything I learned during those years with Borr, have brought me to where I find myself now, the good, bad and all the stuff in-between. Without the School of Hard Knocks, I would not have searched out for a better way to understand how to improve my horsemanship skills. Over the years, I have made plenty of mistakes and I will make more, but what is different now is that through those mistakes, I will learn how to do things right. My horses are my teachers, my mentors.

Bar B Nite Trouble was my answer to not having to have my childhood best friend ride double with me anymore. She was a gorgeous bay Quarter Horse mare, who came to me when I was 11 years old with some hoof issues. I learned so much from Glory as well. On her back I grew wings. My childhood friend and I did the craziest things on those two horses. Borr and Glory defined me, they defined my childhood. They gave me freedom; they were sentinels for me when I was going through those horrible teenage growing pains. They were my confidants and best friends. The best way I knew to honor them was to name my future farm using their names. So "Sky" comes from the first part of Borr's registered name and "Bar" comes from the first part of Glory's registered name, hence the "SkyBar" and why the "B" is capitalized. So now you know how I came to use SkyBar as my farm name.

What is SkyBar Farm about? It is about making dreams come true and helping people achieve their goals. Over the years I have tried to bestow upon the people that come to me for guidance, the lessons I learned without the hospital visits, whether it is better riding skills, or how to learn to take care of their first horse or whatever we might find they need along the way. I strive to keep them safe first and foremost and to never forget to think of the horse first.

My Horses

2008-09-01T15:33:00.002-04:00

Families are like fudge - mostly sweet with a few nuts. ~Author Unknown

I figured the best way to start this was to start with the oldest and work down to the youngest.

Sassy ~ 25 year old Appendix Quarter Horse Mare

Picture coming. I purchased Sassy 6 years ago. My intent was to cross her on Malarky to hopefully infuse some Thoroughbred blood into my lines. She has given me two fabulous foals, one of which is Triples. She is now retired from breeding and is enjoying her days with the occasional ride.

Argo ~ 18 year old Wild Kiger Mustang

Argo was captured October 2007 from the Riddle HMA in Oregon. He is my first Mustang. I have never been one to just dip a toe in the water to test it out. I have been known for jumping all the way in, and that's exactly what I did with Argo. Argo has already taught me so much about me that I didn't even know was there. He was a Godsend to me. You can learn more about Argo at his blog, Argo's Journey.

Babe ~ 17 year old Quarter Horse Mare

I purchased Babe 9 years ago with her son Flash by her side. She is 100% foundation bred. She traces back several times to Skipper W. A lot of people scoff at Skipper W. They are extremely smart horses and allow very little room for mistakes. I have found that crossed on the Rugged Lark bloodlines, this has been a fabulous cross. The foals have had the athleticism and cow sense of the Skipper W blood and the sensibility and gentleness of Rugged Lark. I have kept several of her foals for myself including Flash, IRS, Juliet, Dell and Illyria. Currently, she is enjoying retirement from being a broodmare since I am no longer breeding.

Malarky ~ 16 year old Quarter Horse Stallion

Malarky has been what every horse owner dreams of. He has stuck it out with me through thick and thin. He has allowed me to make so many mistakes in my quest to be a better rider and he has forgiven me every time. He has not only been a breeding stallion, but he has been my riding partner, a lesson horse, show horse, husband horse (pack horse) for the occasional hunting trip and whatever else I have needed him to be. I have never met a horse with more heart than him. He is soon to become a gelding and he will be able to enjoy life without worry.

Ripley ~ 10 year old Paint Mare

Ripley is as opinionated about life as my daughter, Morgan. She has taught Morgan not to give up, that the reward at the end of the day makes all the hard work worth it.

Flash ~ 9 year old Quarter Horse Stallion

Flash is one of Babe's sons and has had a very sheltered life. At 4 months he was attacked by a dog and lost a good portion his right hind quarter. He healed from that and at the age of two had a freak accident in the field and fractured his left shoulder and elbow. After a yearlong rehab he was slowly brought back to shape and at the age of 5 put under saddle. He enjoys his weekly rides and is always the over achiever, trying hard to figure out how to impress me. His spirit is testament to the Skipper W and Two Eyed Jack bloodlines. He too will enjoy being a gelding soon as well.

IRS ~ 6 year old Quarter Horse Mare

IRS is what every breeder goes through at least once. "What the heck happened?" She was to be a reining prospect. Well, that didn't happen. She turned out to be 16.1! She is the daughter of Malarky and Babe, who are 15.1 and 15 hands respectively. So what the heck happened? Well, I have always been a firm believer in "Let the horse tell you what it wants to be." If IRS had her way she would be a pasture potato, thankfully she didn't get her way. We still don't know exactly what IRS wants to be, but we have a good idea that Hunter Horse is in the cards. Morgan and I have both enjoyed learning together with IRS. She is a flashy, chromed up mare that has enjoyed many show ring appearances and is now getting me to learn more Dressage techniques.

Romey ~ 6 year old Quarter Horse Mare

Romey is another "What the heck happened?" horse. She is the daughter of Malarky and an appendix bred mare owned by a friend. She was to be my Hunt Seat horse. Well, if I was Morgan's age maybe that would have worked. Romey only measures in at just under 14.3. Romey has taught me to get my guts back after a period of scaredy catitis. Romey is another case of "We don't know what we want to be when we grow up!" So we are enjoying the journey together.

Dell ~ 5 year old Quarter Horse Stallion

Dell is what every breeder dreams of producing. Dell is cute beyond words, and that is not just my opinion. Everyone who meets him adores him. Dell is what I had bred for all along. He measures in at about 14.2 and is every riders dream. Dell enjoys learning everything I can throw at him. He is a gentleman and enjoys his daily adornments from everyone who strolls through the barn. Dell also will enjoy the life of being a gelding soon.

Juliet ~ 4 year old Quarter Horse Mare

Juliet is Flash's full sister. She has turned into a lovely mare. Due to family health and circumstances she has not fully been put under saddle, but will be soon. She has a lot of cow to her. She is a testament to her good breeding. She is an amazingly smart and sweet mare.

Triples ~ 3 year old Quarter Horse Filly

Triples is Sassy's daughter and has been one of those foals that you just are not sure where she fits. I have gone back and forth over whether or not I liked her. I'm on the I like her kick currently. She is just newly under saddle and is doing very well.

Illyria ~ 2 year old Quarter Horse Mare

Illyria is IRS and Dell's full sister. The picture is obviously very outdated, but she was a very cute girl. She is growing up to be a fabulous girl. My hope is for Illyria to take me into my senior years as she is my last.

And what farm would not be complete without a few dogs.

Kody is the oldest at the age of 11. He is a fantastic German shepherd and has been a constant in my life.
Kasey is a 6 year old Rottweiler. She is truly a couch potato, but will get up to receive scratches from visitors.
Tracker is a 6 year old Norwegian Elkhound. I rescued him when he was 2 years old. His owners were elderly and thought their only option was to put him down. Thankfully, their vet clinic sought me out and asked me to give him a forever home. This is an extremely smart breed and he is an absolute joy. I will give a warning though, they shed A LOT!

Bob is a 3 year old Great Dane who is also a rescue. She was dumped in the middle of the road and one of my boarders found her and brought her to me. After a fruitless search for her owner, Bob found a permanent home with us. I can't remember what life was like before Bob. She is totally obnoxious in that she thinks she needs to be stuck to you like glue, but she is totally fun.