Saturday Evening Things Were...

...going to plan...or so I thought. Diago was clipped and cleaned...the truck was packed...the childsitter was notified of the boys exact arrival time...etc. And then the FIRST of Murphy's Laws went into effect...it started raining! "No problem"...I thought to myself..."I'll get up a bit earlier to rewash Diago's socks/stockings...and all will be right with the world". So at nearly 10 pm...the boys were in bed sleeping...the alarm was set...and all that could be done was done for the evening...it was time for bed. As soon as my head hit the pillow...the mind started racing...about what exactly I don't remember...but it was racing and did so for over two hours. Around 12:30 in the morning I finally had enough...did some deep breathing...and calmed the mind enough to realize it was masking the REAL reason for my inability to sleep...my back and knees HURT! I should have known how I'd have been feeling physically considering the strain I had put on my already ailing joints throughout the course of the day (clipping, bathing, bending, twisting, couple dozen trips up and down the stairs carrying gear to the garage, etc). Unfortunately I couldn't feel the physical pain through the intense thinking I had been doing. Shortly after taking a couple ibuprofen I was finally in dreamland!!

Around 3:30 in the morning I awoke for the first time of several...then dozed back off...woke up shortly after four...dozed back off again...woke up about 10 minutes before the alarm was set to go off...fell back asleep...and woke to the alarm on both my cell and alarm clock (can't have too many alarms for such an important occasion). The next half hour or so are a bit of a blur...the morning activities were played over and over again in my mind so many times the night before that I was pretty much on auto pilot which worked out beautifully considering how utterly tired I was.

I arrived at the barn shortly after 5:00 to find that D not only had muddy legs but he had mud from the tips of his ears down to the bottoms of his hooves and from his muzzle to the ends of his tail hairs...he was COVERED in mud!! It was in his "arm pits", between his back legs, caked in his mane and tail...it was EVERYWHERE! Thankfully I know his body shape well or I wouldn't have picked him out from the other five muddy souls hanging out by the gate! WHY me?!? Because it was show day...that's why! *sigh*...thankfully the mud was more or less dry so a good curry worked up the majority of it and the bathing cloths we had recently purchased ended up proving their worth! Just before six I received a text message from the gal whom we'd be riding to the show with and will from this point on be referred to as "DB". She was informing me that she was on her way! YAY! So I put everything away and wrapped Diago's tail...no point in wrapping his legs to keep his socks/stockings clean as we needed to "rebath" them once we arrived at the show anyway as they were still in need of cleaning when I received DB's message...oye!

So DB arrives...pulls in...hops out of her truck and heads up to the arena to see D for the first time in nearly a year when she trailered us to this new facility. She seemed quite impressed with his condition (although slightly overweight) and general well being considering how underweight and "unhealthy" he looked a year ago...I was so proud!! *grin*

After a minute or two of reminiscing about his condition we walked Diago down from the arena and to the trailer....

TO BE CONTINUED...

Only One Week Left As...

...the countdown to show day continues! It ONLY took two days and several hours but we FINALLY have Diago's ears clipped...kinda! We'll do finishing touches and what not closer to show day...but for now...I'm happy with the way they look considering the amount of work and time they took! Thankfully his ears are the only "problem" clipping area...the rest of the clipping causes the opposite affect...the sleepies! Anyway...his whiskers and underjaw are clipped as are his legs and bridlepath so nothing more than a touch up should be needed if necessary as we get closer to next Sunday.

We worked in his show halter for the first time today...and I must say...*whistle*...HUBBA HUBBA...it looks GREAT on Diago!! I purchased the halter...Pure Elegance...last winter from High Ridge Tack which is located here in Minnesota. I've been just dying to use it since it arrived but made myself wait until we were actually going to show...a bit of an incentive so to speak!

Unfortunately the weather wasn't cooperating (extremely high winds) today so we were stuck practicing in the barn which worked out just fine. The flooring is concrete so we didn't work on any pivots or trotting...just starting, stopping, setting up, turns, backing, and crossovers...all of which needed work so the time most certainly wasn't wasted practicing something we've already drilled. I knew we'd have days in which we'd have to work inside so while out in the arena we would primarily practice pivots and trotting with the occasional set up, crossover, and back. And if the weather forecasters are correct in their predictions it looks as if we'll have two more days to practice in the arena and the rest between now and Sunday will be indoors due to rain.

And The Countdown Begins...

...as we work our way towards our first horse show...ten days and counting to be exact!! Now I hadn't planned on showing this soon...the original goal was to attend a show the first week in August BUT when the opportunity presents itself...well...one must grab hold with both hands and hang on! So far everything seems to be falling into place...*knock on wood*. A very good friend of ours is showing that day and is going to pick us up...so...trailer...check! We recently received our stimulus check so...show gear, traveling essentials, grooming "extras", etc...with the exception of a few minor items...check! Hoof trim...check as of today! Coggins...checkeroo! Classes decided on competing in...open pleasure type halter and showmanship...check and check! Grooming and conditioning...still a work in progress! And practice...practice...practice...check!

It Never Ceases To Amaze Me At...

...how fast time flies!! It seems like just yesterday I was in the hospital room with my newborn son and now...he's TEN YEARS OLD!! When did THAT happen!! And no...today is not Dustin's birthday...it was actually yesterday...although he didn't "officially" turn ten until 10:00 pm cst yesterday evening. *sigh*...they grow up much too fast!!

A Couple New...

...videos of "the boys"...ENJOY!!

Diago
_______________________

Flash

I'm So Glad...

...I took Wednesday evening to stay home and away from the barn to think over Tuesday's events and spend some time reading and researching. And WHY am I glad?!? Because yesterday was AWESOME...Diago and I both needed that "break"! Jason and I were out at the barn for two and a half hours yesterday...approximately two of that working with Diago...BUT it was extremely successful! He stood well for saddling with little to no fidgeting nor much "poofing" while tightening the girth. Lunging was a dream with only ONE little itty bitty tantrum during our first direction change. For the most part things went wonderfully as we changed things up from the "norm" of boring circles while we (yes...WE) learned to lunge with the line. We started working the entire arena during yesterday's session...small circles while moving up and down the arena...figure 8s...etc. And yesterday was the FIRST day I didn't end up tripping myself up in the lunge line...something I expected would happen with the new "moves". *blushes* I'm FINALLY getting it figured out! YAY! Once finished with that...we went on to riding..."D" stood reasonably well for mounting...not perfect by any means...BUT not nearly as much "tantrum" as Tuesday and NO issues once I stepped onto the bucket and put my foot in the stirrup...stood beautifully once mounted, getting my feet situated in the stirrups, reins positioned, etc until I asked him to move. We rode for about a half an hour and worked on figure 8s, circles, etc at the walk...all went wonderfully...hopefully we'll be ready for a trot next week...HOPEFULLY. Afterwards...he stood perfectly still for me to dismount and untack him...although not usually a problem. He got tons of "good boys", pets/scratches, a HUGE hug, a handful of apple and carrot chunks as well as extended hand grazing for being such a good boy!! Before turning him out he finished off granny's dinner (messy eater and dribbles a bit onto the barn floor) while receiving a body washing...not that it probably mattered much...he rolled as soon as I turned him out anyway. *rolls eyes* Silly boy...

Flash's session was pretty short, sweet, and to the point...he was fed and groomed (something he's still learning to stand still for although getting MUCH better). We spent most of our time brushing and patting his keester and combing out his tail. Supposedly he's a "kicker" and doesn't like his back end messed with but thus far he hasn't even threatened a kick and over the last several sessions he doesn't give me much more "trouble" than picking his head out of the feed bucket to see who is back there and what they're doing and occasionally taking a step or two one direction or the other if he's unsure about one of those scary horse eating brushes...something that's gradually coming to an end as well. It generally doesn't take more than a moment for him to "get over it" and go back to eating and ignore what I'm doing. And yesterday I decided to add another element to our grooming...the spray bottle...and wouldn't you know it...outside of a head turn to see what the sound was coming from...he totally ignored the whole situation as he searched the ground for any lost dinner that fell out of his bucket. Men...no matter the species...and their stomaches...sheesh...hopefully once he's comfortable with all this while eating he'll behave as well when we do these things to him while he's NOT eating...

Jason and I will be heading to the barn again this evening... *fingers crossed* that the sessions with Diago (lunging, riding, and showmanship practice) AND Flash (grooming, hand grazing, and time in the arena/free lunging) are as productive tonight as they were last night!

Every So Often...

...one has to have a BAD...or at the very least..."a butting heads" day in amongst the good and productive days!! Working Diago and Flash on Monday evening was "by the book"...I left with the biggest smile which was commented on by the barn owner as we left!! *grin* Diago's session went wonderfully as we worked on lesson two (lunging) of "training performance horses" and taking Flash outside the barn for our first lesson in hand grazing and free lunging went extremely well. No spooks...no rearing...no pawing...backing...bracing...tension...head tossing...NOTHING I'd seen out of him while being handled by the only other two people I've seen "work" with him. Now I just wish I could say the same about last night...I spent nearly three hours at the barn and only got to "work" Diago...and we accomplished what felt like very little to nothing...talk about feeling like a failure and questioning my abilities! And tonight I was all set to head to the barn however I decided the evening would be best spent researching and reading rather than butting heads with "D"! Tomorrow is another day...a babysitter is all set for the boys...and Jason will be in tow to give me a "hand" if need be for the stubborn little bugger. Anyway...I will say that Diago and I did end on a good note...as always...even if it would have taken another three hours and put me at getting home around midnight...I make sure we ALWAYS end positively. I won't turn him out or leave the barn upset...kinda like not going to bed angry at your spouse/significant other/etc. And Flash...thank the gods and goddesses for Flash...he must have noticed I was a little down and defeated...not angry or upset...just a little down and defeated...and he felt the need to comfort me...and comfort me he did. When I turned out Diago...Flash came right up for loves and found me much better company than his pasturemates as the other three were mock fighting and flying around the pasture at lightspeed...of course that count does not including granny as she doesn't have it in her to move faster than a lumbering walk. At one point Coyote even came up to "retrieve" Flash but outside of a little "spook" as Coyote kicked at him for refusing...Flash just watched as Coyote ran off again before Flash turned back to woozle on my hair, cheek, hands, shoulder, and arm. It always warms my heart when a horse...whether mine or not...would much rather be with me than running with their "friends". Diago of course didn't stay "out" too long before returning for loves as well before I left for the night. At one point the barn owner saw the boys playing and came out to watch and once noticing Flash and myself standing in the pasture...made a comment that once again gave me the warm fuzzies inside...and what did he say may you be asking?!? "He (Flash) REALLY likes you!"

Since I'm not able to be with my horses tonight...

...I'll be with them in spirit as I blog this entry about our last visit!

Yesterday we arrived at the barn just moments before the gal who does chores arrived. Flash was at the gate staring at the gal when I came around the corner of the tack building (chicken coop). As soon as he noticed me...he started pacing back and forth along the gate...keeping an eye on me...and giving little "nickers"!! No more than a moment or two later Diago came around the corner of the barn...threw up his head...and called to me as well...so sweet!!

Both boys behaved wonderfully yesterday and made me so proud! Diago ended up having a bit of a spa day as he was totally covered in dried mud...if I didn't know him by body shape and personality it would have been near impossible to tell him from the others. It took nearly 40 minutes to get him to a reasonable state of cleanliness...if we didn't know any better we'd swear he hadn't been groomed in a very LONG time!! So anyway...he was at liberty while grooming...something we hadn't done since last summer...and only a few times did I have to remind him to stand still...so although we didn't work on anything new...we had a good refresher course.

Flash was later worked on giving to halter pressure...to which I think he finally GETS IT! By the time we were done we were moving off very little pressure...head up...head down...flexing to the right...left...backing...moving forward...and all with little pressure...it was AWESOME! After I led him back out into the pasture and turned him to face the gate so to remove the halter...he turned his head towards me and gently pushed his muzzle into my chest...as if he was waiting for a hug and although I know they can't see directly in front of them I felt as if he was staring right into my soul! It was a wonderful bonding moment! And of course I gave him a kiss...scratch on the forehead...and told him what a good boy he's been and how proud of him I am.

As I was leaving for the evening Diago and Flash both nickered at me as I walked down the driveway. I absolutely LOVE those horses!!

Although It's Been Less Than A Week Since...

...our "purchase" of Flash...I've already received a compliment on his improved behavior! AND wouldn't ya know it...by the barn owner!! I spent a bit of time out at the barn yesterday afternoon with "the boys" before mother nature let loose with yet another rain storm. I happened to be grooming Diago when the barn owner came up to the barn to chat with the gal who helps with chores and works with his youngsters. So anyway...after he asked how we were doing he commented on how well Flash has been behaving and how much friendlier he's becoming! I think I turned a dozen shades of red as I landed on cloud nine!!

THEN when I was watching the gal who does chores feeding the horses...out of the blue she said..."you might want to have a bucket of grain when you go out to catch him and then eventually work down to just a treat until you can catch him without it." At first I didn't know what the heck she was talking about...whether she was talking to me, the barn owner, or whomever. I looked around and saw nobody else there so I asked..."who?!? Flash?" "Yeah"...she said as she continued with what she was doing. A little confused I said "Huh?!? I've never had a problem catching Flash." "Really?!?" she said. "Yeah...he's usually the first one to come visit when he sees me...even before Diago." "Hmmm...he's never done that for me"...and at that point the conversation was changed. It was one of those days in which I'm amazed I was even able to walk through doors without getting stuck as I'm sure my head was swelled beyond belief!!

Yesterday Evening...

...Flash officially became a member of our family!! His purchase price was quite reasonable...FREE on the condition that we continue to board him for the next year at the facility we are currently at...not a problem as we absolutely LOVE it there! And sure...things can happen between now and then but we're not ones to pack up and move unless something major happens such as cleanliness...feeding...disease management...etc being second in importance to the almighty dollar as it did at the last facility we boarded at. Drama...snarkiness...attitude...etc we can handle but when the care of the horses and general common sense starts to deteriorate...that's when it's time to pack up and move on...something I just don't see happening where we're currently at.

Anyway...a little "history" on what has happened recently involving this "purchase"...the middle of last week the barn owner mentioned the deal he was giving other boarders who showed interest in him...so Jason and I spent the rest of the week discussing the pros and cons of ownership...the pros ultimately outweighed the cons and we decided we'd take him if he hadn't already been spoken for during the time we were making our decision. Saturday evening we went out to the barn and discussed exact details involving the deal and ultimately our decision with the barn owner...and although we agreed we'd start paying board in July (August or September was suggested by the barn owner), were told he was ours, and he'd make it known to all there...we didn't feel anything was settled until some monies changed hands. Everything seems to be falling into place as just the next morning after making our decision and talking with the barn owner...I received a birthday card from the inlaws along with some cash...nearly half a month's board worth!! So yesterday evening I brought out that cash to really "seal the deal" and now I feel I can officially say he's OURS!!

Yesterday Was A GREAT Day...

...at the barn!! The temps were perfect...the wind wasn't more than a nice calm breeze...and it was quiet!! Pulling up the driveway had a completely different feel then it had the evening prior!

Jason pulled up next to the arena so he could nap while I worked the horses...and nap he did! While he napped I brought my stuff into the barn and proceeded to track down where in the pasture the horses had gone because they...with the exception of granny...were nowhere in sight!! After walking for a few minutes and trudging up and over the hill I found them about 3/4 of the way to the farthest end of the pasture. I called to Diago who was grazing and had his backend turned my direction and either he heard me and was ignoring me OR he just plain didn't hear me as the breeze WAS after all coming my way so I was downwind from them. I have no problems living in dreamland and thinking it was the latter of the two and he just plain didn't hear me although he probably did as Thunder heard me and he too had his backend turned towards me AND he was further in the pasture! Flash however WAS facing my direction and had no problems giving grazing a break to come over for a visit. I just HATE it when he does that...well not really...but it sure makes it harder to keep telling myself..."we can't afford another horse right now"...UGGGHHHH!! So I gave Flashy some pets, scratches, and general loving before calling to Diago again at which point he finally "heard" me. So over I went and gave him his face scratches before putting on the halter...and as I was doing so I noticed a HUGE tick crawling up his neck! ISH! There was nowhere to squish it so I left it in hopes of it staying on long enough to get to the barn so I could smoosh it on the concrete. Unfortunately somewhere between the first few steps and our arrival at the barn the little bugger jumped ship because I didn't see it again! Alrighty...subject change...thinking about ticks is giving me the heebie jeebies!!! So anyway...about halfway to the barn Coyote decided it was a race to see who was going to get to the barn fastest which got Diago in a bit of a frazzled state for a few steps as Coyote went flying past within inches of us with Flash not far behind. I have to give Flashy a little credit though for taking the more appropriate and appreciated path further up the hill so as not to almost run into us like Coyote almost did. Thunder on the other hand scratched from the race just before reaching Diago and I and then proceeded to follow us the rest of the way. Once we topped the hill we could see that Coyote had won the race as Flash wasn't quite to the finish yet and Coyote of course was giving granny a hard time while waiting for the rest of us to arrive...brat!

Little happened between that point and our arrival at the barn so Diago and I got to work straight away! He was pretty calm so he was in a perfect state of mind to practice showmanship! But first we worked a bit on bridling which he's doing much better with! It's always been a fight with him to take the bit as well as keep his head lowered while doing so...and I've finally had enough! I wish I had worked on this sooner with him as it's just amazing how much we've accomplished in just two days worth of "practice"! Hopefully by the time we're done that he won't be the least bit of a problem to bridle!

So after that portion of our session I brought him out to the arena with the nylon halter and chain. Yesterday was the first time we've worked on showmanship with the chain. The chain is something he's quite fearful of due to a lot of shanking prior to my ownership of him so over the past month or so I've placed the chain in my tote and shook it often while getting out a brush, treat, or whatever. The first several times it made the noise Diago about jumped out of his skin!! BUT over time and gradually taking it out of the tote and rubbing him with it and what not he's gotten to where he doesn't even pay any attention to it anymore...so...it was time to put it to use. He was a little nervous as I situated it to his halter but once it was on and he got scratches and a "good boy" for standing like a big brave horse he let out a sigh and lowered his head...we were ready to work! And to work we did...since we hadn't worked with the chain before we just played around with starting, stopping, a little trotting in hand, and a set up. He did amazingly well and only had a little "issue" with it when trotting as it made a bit more noise but we worked through it and ended with a very successful showmanship session! We might have a chance at being ready for the show in August!! YAY! Anyway...we then went out and hand grazed a bit before bringing him back into the barn, working a little more with the bridle, feeding, and doing a final groom on him.

While Diago was finishing his dinner I saw Flash wandering off into the pasture so I called to him..."Hey Flaaaaashyyyy!! Don't ya wanna come in and play?!?" Yeah...I talk to the horses as if they can understand me! *grin* He stopped...and turned around and walked back to the gate to wait his turn. Within a few minutes of Flash's arriving at the gate Diago was done with his dinner and ready to be turned out...so off he went. I invited Flash in and out of the corner of my eye I could see Coyote coming towards us with that "look"...now whether he thought it was his turn and he was going to run past/through us to get in or if he was going to chase off Flash or whatever I don't really know but since his arrival I've kept the dressage whip in hand if I'm out in the pasture or if I'm even petting anyone over the fence. So with one swift smack to the ground in front of him with the whip stopped him in his tracks. I really honestly expected Flash to take off as he's very fearful of whips BUT he didn't! He stood right where he was and looked back at Coyote like "neener neener neener!!" After Flash entered the barn and the gate was shut I invited Coyote to the fence for a little petting, scratching, and small talk for standing like a good boy for the remainder of the time I spent getting Flash through the gate. Coyote is slowly grasping that when I'm in the pasture that I'm the boss and the invasion of my space and of the space of the horse I'm handling, petting, whatever is NOT going to be tolerated. And before the question comes up...thankfully to date I've never had to ever touch any horse with the whip...smacking the ground, giving "the look", and if necessary...jumping at them while screaming "HEY" has been plenty to get my point across with the most aggressive horse that's been pastured with Diago thus far. I hope I never get to meet a horse that'll ever need to use a little "more" discipline with!

Anyway...so I had Flash in the barn...the next step was to put the halter on him. He's not hard to come in contact with and pet but he's very difficult to halter! He's finally coming around and it didn't take nearly as long and with even less tantrum throwing to halter him yesterday as it had during our first session. Once haltered we worked a little on leading and then lowering his head when pressure is applied to the halter versus what he usually does...rear!! He's been doing really well and seems to be finally "getting it" as he only had a couple times where he took a few steps back and/or shifted his weight back ready for a rear which he never did follow through with. Twice he noticeably lowered his head although the first time wasn't long enough to end on as it was really quick and no more than he got his head down then it was up again but after a minute or so he lowered it and left it there long enough to get a complete release, scratches, a HUGE "good boy", and nose kisses. And yes I reward even the slightest attempt and relaxation BUT he gets the biggest rewards for making a noticable attempt to perform what's asked. He's a very sensitive horse but so incredibly smart, trainable, and quite the character! He knows exactly what "good boy" means! If you say it with the slightest bit of excitement after he performs whatever you're trying to teach him he'll let out a little sigh and turn his head towards you as if to say he understands. After that huge accomplishment and yet another session of no rearing nor kicking I took the halter off of him and let him look around the barn again for that little piece of grain that he swears is on the floor somewhere. After a few minutes he gave up his search and came over for some pets and kissies at which point I took out the apple I had brought with and worked on showing him the "gentlemanly" way to eat an apple...bite by bite! After finishing his apple I turned him out and of course just as with Diago I had to actually walk out into the pasture a ways before he'd leave me!

Once out in the pasture he bypassed Thunder, granny, and Coyote to go visiting with Diago who was the furthest out of the group although still in view. They touched noses for a bit and then turned to look at me as if they were conversing about me. "So Flashy...did ya do everything I told ya to win her over? You laid on the charm...right?!?" "I did my best Diago!" "Well next time try this Flash...it works for me EVERY time!...*whispering...psst...psst...psst*" After a minute or two Diago left Flash to graze and came over to visit again...something I absolutely LOVE that he does! And as usual he followed me back to the barn and watched me clean up my stuff and put it in the truck. He nickered at me a couple times during all that which again just makes my heart melt so he got a few more kissies, scratches, and handfuls of grass and dandelions before we left. All that really makes ya wonder who's training who doesn't it?!? *grin*

Our Trip To The Barn...

(photo taken a few weeks ago...possibly the same coyote...)

...yesterday ended in getting less work done than I had hoped. But then isn't that how it always works?!? I think it is some sort of "Murphy's Law"! At least that's how it seems to be for me anyway! I had hoped to get a few "bugs" worked on and lunge Diago as well as get a bit of time spent with Flashy. Unfortunately all I managed to accomplish was working on Diago's "issues" with lowering his head and taking the bit and some time working on his "cinchy" behaviors. It's not that we weren't out at the barn for a large amount of time...because we were out for a good hour and half or so however there was a LOT of excitement and commotion.

First off...there was a coyote in the area so the barn owner was in the process of taking care of the situation when we got there. He doesn't believe it is rabid...just a little too "friendly" so he shot at it as a "warning" and took off a little of its ear in hopes of teaching it a little "respect". We're all hoping it works...either that or neither Jason nor I are at the barn when the barn owner actually has to "take it out". Yes we understand how dangerous coyotes can be especially when they start becoming "friendly" but neither Jason nor I want to actually SEE its demise either. And the barn owner doesn't want to kill it either...he sees coyotes as beneficial due to their controlling of the number of the gophers, rabbits, and other such destructive species in the area...that is so long as they stay "respectful".

Secondly...the new gelding (Coyote...yes...his name is Coyote) was creating quite a "stir" while I was working with Diago so needless to say...Diago was acting a bit "goofy". He's a fairly nice horse and seems to respect humans but is extremely bossy to the other horses and will corner and proceed to kick the crud out of anyone he feels the need to bully. He didn't do anything out of the ordinary other than bossing around Flash and Thunder and giving a little kick here and there...that is until granny (AKA Flicka) decided to come up to the gate for some attention from Coyote's "grandma". Unfortunately granny managed to get herself cornered with the gate in front, another gate to her right, and Coyote on her left. Diago and I were just on the other side of the gate on her right side when he unleashed his fury on poor old granny. She tried her best to give it back but when push came to shove she retreated after getting a good couple kicks to her left side. I tried my best to intervene while trying to keep Diago calm which wasn't easy as all heck broke loose amongst the entire herd when this happened. Of course once Coyote and granny were apart the entire herd took off leaving Diago "behind" which he did NOT like so he decided to show his feelings on the situation and throw a little tantrum. Thankfully it only took a matter of a few minutes to calm him and bring him "back".

So after all that commotion...we did a bit more work...fed and groomed him...and then turned "D" out. Although there had been a lot of commotion and his herd was off in the pasture he was a little reluctant to leave which just warms my heart...that is until he was "called" by his buddies.

It's About Time...

...I finished lesson five of the Showmanship course through Iyuptala! *blushes* That lesson took WAY longer than I had hoped! With sick family, pets passing, career changes (Jason's that is), weather, and what not...it turned out to take twice as long as it was supposed to. Anyway...my grade for that lesson was an "A"! YAY! One more lesson to go and the course will be completed! One class nearly down...five more to go towards becoming a Iyuptala Regional Advisor!

While on the topic of Iyuptala courses...Jason purchased a second course for me yesterday evening..."The Athlete In Your Horse - Training Performance Horses". *fingers crossed* that it'll hopefully get me several months closer to my regional advisor goal. Scholarships are only awarded once or twice a year so unless I plan on taking nearly three to six years to complete the six courses required I'll have to figure out a way to help that goal along a little quicker...using gift (birthday, mother's day, Christmas, anniversary, etc) monies, anything brought in from craft shows, begging and pleading with Jason to PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE buy me a course, or whatever!

Anyway...this training performance horses course looks like it'll be a great course for Diago and myself and it counts towards the six classes required to achieve "regional advisor". The other four courses I'm looking to taking before the final exam are "Understanding Your Horses Body: Conformation & Selection", "Common Sense Equine Nutrition", "Blue Ribbons: Preparation for Competition", and "Understanding Bits, Saddle Fitting, and Hoof Balance". Once I'm finished with this new course I'd like to take "Dressage: A Foundation for all Riding Disciplines". I'm not sure I'd have that course finished before the time I'd like to take the final exam otherwise I'd have added that to the courses required. Either way it's on my "classes to take" list regardless of whether or not it'll be used towards my required courses.

Yesterday Diago Had...

...ride number five of the year! Jason said we rode for a half hour though I honestly don't think it was that long but what do I know...I was having fun!! *grin* Anyway...the rides this year have been a completely different "animal" then they were last fall. Diago used to be more "whoa" than "go"...now he's completely flip flopped and is WAY more "go" than "whoa"!! Yeah...it's spring...and yeah...he's not underweight and "tired"...so I know all that has much to do with how he's riding now...and yeah...he's like that even AFTER being lunged!! He still stands still for mounting and won't walk off until I'm situated and ask him to do so BUT once I do he's ready to GO...and go NOW! So yesterday we worked on walking small circles...not turns on the forehand or anything that tight...just small circles and as soon as he'd "give" and relax I'd let him walk forward again until he started speeding up and losing concentration again...then we'd work a circle the other direction. All in all...it was a GREAT under saddle session!

So after we finished the "riding" portion I decided to give mounting from the ground a try...something I hadn't done much of in two and a half years since my last successful attempt in the summer/fall of 2005 as I have major difficulties with doing so due to the terrible state in which my knees are currently in. The few attempts I tried over the last two summers didn't end with much success...I was lucky if I managed to get me knee bent enough to get my foot into the stirrup! Anyway...back to yesterday...he stood like a champ for the first mount...and dang was I a happy camper...I couldn't believe I managed to mount from the ground! I thought it was a fluke so of course I had to try it again. And so I did it a second time...and at that point...I should have quit...but no...that little voice kept saying "oh come on...you did great....just ONE MORE TIME!" Ok...fine...one more time!! Well my knees were already SCREAMING at me but did I listen....NOOOO!! So needless to say I didn't make it up on my third time. In fact my left knee gave out part way up and I ended up back on the ground with the saddle shifted off to the side a bit which Diago saw as a cause for concern and so he decided to "spook". I still had ahold of the reins and so he just made a couple loops around me with his tail tucked between his legs before he finally realized there was nothing to be concerned about. I got the saddle situated back to where it belonged and tried again...not sure why exactly I decided to try again. Was it for my benefit or his?!? I don't know but I couldn't end on that sour note so after the "stretching" of walking those small circles while D worked out his "problems" with the saddle...my knees felt a bit better and limber so I managed to hop on with little trouble outside of my knees saying "fine...one more time and that's IT and you WILL pay for this!". And of course they reminded me of their existance as they barely allowed me to dismount without giving out and leaving me in the dirt.

And so that was our evening...even with the few "troubles" we experienced...I was on cloud nine when we left! What more can a girl ask for...right?!? *grin*

Thanks Everyone...

...for the well wishes, good thoughts, prayers, and all you've given of yourselves for my grandmother! The growth the doctors removed is NOT cancerous! YAY! And grandma is doing well...she stayed with my mother for a few days after the surgery but is now home and back to living life!

In other grandma related news...she may be moving back to the town in which we live and she moved from several years ago!! Right now she's currently living in a senior apartment setting approximately a half hour drive from us in the opposite direction of most places we tend to frequent so between that and gas prices our visits are few and far between at the moment. She's not too keen on the thought of coming back to a town several times larger than she's living in now and residing in one of the local assisted living senior centers. I, myself, am being a little selfish in my feelings about the situation so I'm pleased as punch that she's coming back and will be but a dozen blocks away or so!! She's very crafty and has taught me TONS about sewing. AND she LOVES horses...absolutely LOVES them. In fact when I was going to college she would often times tag along just to watch my equitation class even though it meant sitting outside my other classes and waiting for hours on end! She was my biggest supporter while going to college when everyone else thought I was wasting my time. I'm so excited!! Can ya tell?!?

Ten Years Ago...

...Jason and I were at the courthouse...waiting for a couple friends to show up. For what?? To be our witnesses while we were married!! Yup...ten years we've been married! Where do the years go?

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Happy Mother's Day!!

Could You Please...

...spare a few good thoughts...prayers...cyber hugs...or whatever for my grandmother and our family?!? I received a call just over an hour ago from my mother telling me that my grandmother is going into surgery this afternoon for a biopsy and potential hysterectomy. I don't have all the details other than they found a growth on her uterus during a recent routine physical examination. Hopefully it hasn't spread and they'll just have to do a hysterectomy and whatever else that needs to be done. And being 70 years old...we're not sure how she'll handle the surgery, how quickly she'll recover, what her reactions to treatment will be, etc. Thanks much!!

4:02 p.m. - Thank you all for the good thoughts, prayers, and what not...they seemed to have worked! The surgery went well...and at this point the doctors who performed the biopsy don't feel that a hysterectomy is necessary. And they don't believe the growth is cancerous although they're still sending it in for testing! *fingers crossed* that the doctors are right. I also got to speak with my grandmother for a few minutes and she sounded quite happy and optimistic despite being a bit groggy and tired. Thanks again everyone!! :)

Yesterday...the board was due...

...so we headed to the barn to drop off the check and bring Diago and his buddies a handful of treats and an apple to share. Once the barn was in sight we could see that "D" was intently watching the big orange tractor that was moving manure around the pastures although we must have been a tad bit more important than that tractor as he started wandering up to the gate when he noticed us. Of course by the time I had made it down to the pasture he was around the back of the barn, out of sight, and watching that big orange monster again.

Speaking of the "orange monster"...Diago has little to no fear of it...which is wonderful! The other day I was grooming him in the arena and although I expected him to give a little spook while the thing came our way...he didn't. If the tractor was off a ways in the distance he would put his head over the rail and watch...however the moment the thing would head towards us to go passed he would take a step back from the rail, lower his head, turn his ears to the side, and look at me as if to say..."what do you think? is this thing scary enough to run from?" And of course I'd give him a "good boy" and reassuring scratch on whichever body part I happened to be working near. As soon as it was out of his comfort zone...he'd go back to staring inquisitively at it.

So anyway...I walked around the side of the barn and called "Diiiaaaagooo". He turned...looked at me...did a little "flip" (as we call it) with his head...started walking towards me...and let out one heck of a whinny! I'm not entirely sure what that meant...whether it was a "hey...what took you so long", "darn it...you startled me", or "look mum...that big orange thing is playing in our poop again"...or something entirely different...either way...I had to giggle...Diago is such a personality. Within moments "D" was nibbling on his apple and Flash and Thunder were enjoying the peppermint flavored treats I had brought. Once all the treats and apple were devoured I asked Diago to accompany me to the gate for some solo time away from his "little brothers"...which he did (without halter and lead)...and very politely too...at least a couple feet behind me and out of my comfort zone. As soon as I stopped walking...I invited "D" into my space at which point he walked up behind me, put his head over my right shoulder, perked up his ears, and looked ahead of us off into the distance! I can NOT tell you how much I love it when he does that...reminds me so much of the Bedouin/Arabian horse vids I posted a week ago about the bond between them and their horses. Anyway...I stayed a few more minutes and gave him a bunch of hugs, kissies, and rubs/scratches before leaving for the evening...and just in time too...we no more then pulled off of the road in which the farm resides and it started raining!

This Was A Fun...

...little personality test...The Color Code!! And my results are...

WHITES (Motive: PEACE)

WHITES are motivated by PEACE. They seek independence and require kindness. They resist confrontation at all costs. To them, feeling good is more important than being good. They are typically quiet by nature, process things very deeply and objectively with great clarity. Of all the colors, WHITES are the best listeners. They respect people who are direct but recoil from perceived hostility or verbal battle.

WHITES need their "alone time" and refuse to be controlled by others. WHITES want to do things their own way and in their own time. They ask little of others and resent others demanding much of them. WHITES are much stronger than people think, but are not often seen for their strength because they don't easily reveal their feelings. WHITES are even-tempered, diplomatic, and the voice of reason; but can also be indecisive, unexpressive, and silently stubborn. When you deal with a WHITE, be kind, accept and support their individuality, and look for non-verbal clues to understand their feelings.