Almost forgot my FRIDAY FILL INS

Friday, July 31, 2009

1. It's time for a CHANGE.
2. BEST WESTERN; it's not a bad place for Connie's 50th B-day Party.
3. I must be crazy to plan a surprise birthday party.
4. The feeling I get when one of our Foster Dogs goes on to their forever home is the best thing I have ever known.
5. My life is simply a little CRAZY right now.
6. The last time I laughed really loudly was this morning at one of our crazy policy holders.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to surprising a friend , tomorrow my plans include girls' day shopping in the big city and Sunday, I want to spend some time with my critters, equine and canine!

"Concert in Victoria"

That does sound strange, yes? For those that do not know Victoria is a very small town in Texas where the word "concert" doesn't quite fit. Concert can be used to describe musical events in big towns like Houston, and San Antonio, Dallas and Fort Worth.....but maybe not Victoria.

Took a friend for her 50th B-day to this Charity "concert" in town last night.
The Bellamy Brothers.
I think the friend had a good time. The event was supposed to start at 7pm. Apparently it did with an opening band, till 8am. Then from 8 to 8:45 (was supposed to be over at 8:30) was a live auction. Bellamy Bros started playing about 9. We left about 10. Early, I know but I didn't want to be there when the masses of drunk people left the building.
I would LOVE to know how a benefit for VICTORIA CRIME STOPPERS can get away with selling the amount of ALCOHOL I watched people consume last night. It was amazing!

HUGZ

I'm feeling HUGGY today!

Pick up this HUGS and put it on your side bar

Pass it along to at least 2 other people who you LOVE or who you think could use some HUGS today!

Make sure you tell those you are giving this to why they got it from you! Everyone will enjoy hearing why you blessed them with HUGS!

HUGS to all! :)

Collecting on an award

I'm collecting on an award from Hunter in Training from a few months ago!
So Sorry it took me so long to get it up here!!


Here goes!
Blogs I follow

Of Men and Horses
Hunter In Training
Pony Girl
Always There Are Horses
Fugly Horse of The Day
Cake Wrecks
Aspiring Equestrian

10 HONEST THINGS
1 - I can not stand racism
2- I do not like MEAN PEOPLE
3- I have more compassion for animals (most of the time) than people
4- We do not have cable or satellite TV
5- I have a full brother and a 1/2 brother
6- I would LOVE to get in touch with some of my old friends from school
7- I'm planning a surprise for a friend of mine and it's FUN
8- I need to work a little bit more on putting myself first, as opposed to others. I know that sounds bad...but it's true. I usually worry about everyone else first before myself.
9- I want to go on a vacation so bad I can taste it!
10- I think my good friend HOLLY from Florida is sending me her saddle to use while she's pregnant and can't ride! SO, this means I will be able to ride!

There ya go! That's it! I'm going to see what awards I can spread around huh?

In My Farrier's Opinion

Ok, here is what my farrier (who did finally trim my horses feet this morning) had to say about the trim job I did Monday night on my filly.

Front left was at a 52 while front right was at a 57.
-not so great. Angles can be off about 2 to 3 degrees with out causing harm. 5 degrees however is not good. She did only have to stand like that for about 32 hrs and we didn't work her or anything...so....

Right Front - outside heel long (i knew this) inside heel short ( I new this too!)
-was like that before i started. They haven't been done for a while and she sure wore that RF funny!

Hind hooves - toes to long, didn't take enough off
-IMHO this is a good thing! I didn't mess up anything he couldn't fix!!

Over all - nothing on the bottom side was smooth and flat as it should be, wall wasn't rolled like it should be

- so folks, while I didn't really mess much up...I'd still not suggest I be my horses farrier on a regular basis! Farrier said it was about a $15.00 trim that would have been good for a week or two had I smoothed things out and rolled! LOL!
Hope you enjoyed reading!

My new occupation!

I'm sure not everyone knows, but my hubby is a Farrier. :)

I AM sure you all know the old adage, the cobbler's kids never have any shoes.....well, that is true of the farrier's horses. They never get their feet done.

I went out to feed horses last night when I got home. My poor filly, the outside of her right front had grown out so much that it was trying to break off. The weather here has been try, so the horses hooves are hard. The piece in question didn't come all the way off, and was hanging on like a hang nail (sort of), but it was pushed up in front of her foot. Poor girl.

Now, I've asked my hubby (nicely, at first then i got kinda ugly the 5th time I asked) many times to trim them. We have 6 horses at the house that get trimmed. One that has front shoes. We have one at the trainers and one turned out at a friend's property. So, if he did one a week he could just keep rotating and everyone would get done about every 7 weeks.

So, you can imagine how totally PISSED off I was when my filly's hooves are all torn up. So, I get a BRIGHT idea!!! I've seen my DH (dear hubby) trim them so mannnyyyyy times. I figured "What the hell, it can't be that hard, can it? She's my horse, and if I mess up her feet I have no one to blame but myself, right??"

SO, keep in mind it's about 8:15 and it's getting dark.
I grab the hoof stand, nippers, rasp and halter.
Catch my horse.
Pick up left front foot, clean it out. holding foot in my left hand, nippers in my right.
Obvious growth around the outside. I nip it off. I don't have her hoof tucked under my knee they way the pro's do it. Can't be that hard, right? I take my left leg, and try to put her right hoof between my knees so to speak. LOL. NO freakin way! My DH is a bean poll, very thin, tall and thin. He makes it look easy! Me, not so little. My leg is too big I guess to get the hoof where it needs to be and be comfy for me and my filly. So, after this attempt I grab the hoof jack and rest her front hoof on there like her back hoof would be.
Snip, snip, snip. Doesn't look 100% level....but pretty close.
Now onto the Right front.
More growth than the left. This is the one with the 'hang nail'. I start out resting it on the hoof jack because I KNOW i can't get it under my leg. LOL.
I am taking a while, I know. My filly is use to my hubby being quick. She's starting to get antsy and wanting to move around. I, being a NOVICE 'farrier' do not have good balance under the horse and she moved (felt like a mile but was probably a 1/4 inch) and just about fell over more than once! I tried my hardest to not get pissed off at her.
Onto the back feet.
Left hind first. I approached with caution because I was witness to her trying to kick the crap outta my older mare through the hot wire fence.
Foot up, on the stand. clean, nip, rasp. Pull it forward. WOW. What a freakin uncomfortable position to be in. horses foot out to the side on the stand, you have to position yourself in the most bizarre fashion to get the outside rasped at the right angel.
WOW. onto the right hind. She was starting to get pissy (that's funny, because that's what I call her) and jerked her foot away from me a couple times. This, knocking over the stand and about putting me on me 'arse a couple times. LOL.

Long story short, I have a new appreciation for my hubby. Not an easy job by any matter of means!

Anyone else tried their hand at something horse related that they were NOT qualified for? Share your stories!

And...we wait a bit more...

HAY!
Hope everyone had a FANTABULOUS weekend!
Mine was busy...busy.....
Friday on the way home I talked with Mary about Cas. She said he's making more progress on loping to the left. This is good news! Yay! Bad news - she's out of town for 3 weeks :(
Her husband, Barry is going to bit Cas up and lunge him this week to keep him in shape and get him more comfortable loping. Then, the next 2 weeks her assistant Aime is going to bit him up and lunge him. Keeping him loping and in shape while she's gone is critical! She will be home and ride him another week before we go up and have a big pow-wow and discuss Cas' future!
I think he will have a career in the show pen. Now, is he going to be a Western Pleasure World Champion? Most likely, NO. But...he should do well.

Saturday was spent feeding friend's critters...hanging at her house for a bit of cleaning :)
Sunday we were off trimming and shoeing. Sunday night found us getting home VERY late. About 11pm late. Not good for a 'week night' when I had to get up and go to work this am!

Drove around local area and stopped by photographer 'friend's house' on Saturday. Checked out some of the outside set ups he has...they are really great! Got me thinking about some thing's I'd like to do at my place...... :)

Puttin out an ABP.....

On my friend.....
I haven't seen her.....since Tuesday......
Havent' emailed with her.....since yesterday.....
Haven't txt'd with her.....since about 5 mins ago.... :(

Hope she's having a good time on her "vacation" back to 'our world'.
Bring some of that COOL weather back from HOME please! We need it!

Hope you enjoy the concert tonight!! :)

Work was mighty boring with out someone to email back and forth with all day!

Friday Fill Ins

1. _loosing_ is not the end of the world.

2. Sitting here, listening to the sound of rain falling, I _rain? What rain? I don't hear any but we sure could use some__!

3. _The biscuit and gravy I ate for breakfast_ tastes so good!

4. Sometimes, putting others first is _rewarding in ways we could not have imagined_.

5. _Watching a good friend enjoy a great ride _ is breathtaking, really.

6. Well, maybe there is _good left in this big old world yet_.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to _feeding critters at jen's house_ , tomorrow my plans include _relaxation_ and Sunday, I want to _not have to work but I think that's unavoidable_!

and...we wait

So, Casper has been at Nelson's over a month now. Mary (trainer) is heading out of town for a few weeks starting Saturday. She will be gone to Texas 4-H State Horse Show with some of her kiddos, and then taking a small family vacation. YAY! they deserve that for sure!

Mary has said that by tomorrow we should have a really good idea of what Cas is capable of and where he can go as far as showing goes. So, I am looking forward to our conversation tomorrow so we can make some training decisions! :)

Everyone have a great weekend if I don't get to post tomorrow!

Man's Best Friend

A man and his dog were walking along a road. The man was enjoying the scenery, when it suddenly occurred to him that he was dead.He remembered dying, and that the dog walking beside him had been dead for years. He wondered where the road was leading them. After a while, they came to a high, white stone wall along one side of the road. It looked like fine marble. At the top of a long hill, it was broken by a tall arch that glowed in the sunlight.

When he was standing before it he saw a magnificent gate in the arch that looked like mother-of-pearl, and the street that led to the gate looked like pure gold. He and the dog walked toward the gate, and as he got closer, he saw a man at a desk to one side.
When he was close enough, he called out, 'Excuse me, where are we?'
'This is Heaven, sir,' the man answered.
'Wow! Would you happen to have some water?' the man asked.
"Of course, sir. Come right in, and I'll have some ice water brought right up.' The man gestured, and the gate began to open.
'Can my friend,' gesturing toward his dog, 'come in, too?' the traveler asked.
'I'm sorry, sir, but we don't accept pets.'

The man thought a moment and then turned back toward the road and continued the way he had been going with his dog.

After another long walk, and at the top of another long hill, he came to a dirt road leading through a farm gate that looked as if it had never been closed. There was no fence. As he approached the gate, he saw a man inside, leaning against a tree and reading a book.

'Excuse me!' he called to the man. 'Do you have any water?'
'Yeah, sure, there's a pump over there, come on in.'
'How about my friend here?' the traveler gestured to the dog.
'There should be a bowl by the pump.'
They went through the gate, and sure enough, there was an old-fashioned hand pump with a bowl beside it.
The traveler filled the water bowl and took a long drink himself, then he gave some to the dog.When they were full, he and the dog walked back toward the man who was standing by the tree.
'What do you call this place?' the traveler asked.'This is Heaven,' he answered.
'Well, that's confusing,' the traveler said. 'The man down the road said that was Heaven, too.

' 'Oh, you mean the place with the gold street and pearly gates? Nope. That's hell.
''Doesn't it make you mad for them to use your name like that?'
'No, we're just happy that they screen out the folks who would leave their best friends behind.'

Crazy weekend

Well folks, all I can say is I'd take being sick ANYDAY over dealing with a sick _husband_ (husband/boyfriend/ETC). Ladies I know you agree with me there! Why are they SOOOO terrible when they are sick? Whine, whine, whine. THE WORLD IS NOT GOING TO COME TO AN END BECAUSE YOU HAVE A COLD. OR A SINUS INFECTION, OR A SORE THROAT. Now, if you are having a heart attack, or have cancer...ok. Whine. BUT A COLD FOR CRYING out loud. ARGH...just had to vent there, sorry!

We had a busy weekend. Robert was not feeling up to par yet and was less than fun to deal with while having to work.
Saturday was spent locally, in the Victoria area.
Sunday required a 2 hour drive to Port Aransass.

So, it's now Monday (is it 5 o'clock yet?).
Huge list of chores at the house got put off yet again......go figure.
Glad we don't get any visitors cause the house is embarrassingly messy right now!

No Cas update today, will call Mary at lunch (NOW) and see what I can find out! :)

Friday Fill Ins

1. Grilled Cheese and tomato soup make a quick and easy dinner.
2. "MY GOOD FRIEND JENNIFER HAS MY NEWEST BOOKS" is the book I'm reading right now.
3. July brings back memories of showing Sheep when I was in 4-H.
4. The right answer is not always the easiest answer.
5. They say if you tell your dreams .. they will come true. Something about visualization and mind over matter.
6. I think I know what to do, but I need more time to decide.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to going home to a sick husband (NOT), tomorrow my plans include working with Robert, taking care of our shoeing clients and Sunday, MORE WORK! Going down to Port A, we have one client down there with about 10 head.

Weekend Photo

Here is a photo I took of Jen and Kings Plaything (AKA Ransom, AKA Tidal Wave) at the Dressage Schooling Show at Freestyle Farm in Fulshear over the weekend.

SMARTPAK cometh

Smart Pak, big bonus points!

Mary, at Nelson Training Center has had issues with UPS delivery. They can NOT find their rather LARGE equestrian facility.....imagine!

I called Smart Pak in an effort to make feeding Cas easier for the barn staff, and for my piece of mind....knowing he's getting his supplements.

They came through! Elizabeth at Smart Pak talked with UPS and some how got it all together! So, a shout out to Smart Pak....GREAT JOB!

CASPER IS LOPING!

YES folks, it's official! I just got a voicemail from MARY! It said and I quote "Casper is loping WELL TO THE RIGHT. He's still not sure about going to the left, but the right is REALLY nice"
That's very great news! I will post more LATER, but just had to spread the good news! YAY!

OH, latest from SMART PAK.....package is out for delivery......cross ur fingers that it arrives at the barn....

Weekend update

BUSY weekend! Took care of some of our clients horses Saturday am.
Went to friends for B Day party and Photo session in the PM.

SUNDAY
Got up at BEFORE THE BUTTCRACK of dawn to go to a horse show with a friend and play groom/photographer.
Had a good time!
Facility ended up being closer than we thought, and after a BAD trip to the new BUCEES on Hwy 59 in Wharton (don't go there if you need sunscreen) and a U turn we made it in one piece about an hour early.
Had a good time! I enjoy taking pictures, something I do on the side for hobby/play money.
Friend had a good time too! Had some good rides, positive moments with her new horse. That is always a bonus! Last horse wasn't so cooperative! Her new horse, Tidal Wave, aka Ransom is truly a dream come true!
Will post some pics one I edit them! :)

SmartPak Cometh

Ok, i HOPE we have the UPS delivery issue worked out in San Marcos.
Elizabeth from SmartPak called UPS (because that is the only company they deal with) and tried to see if she could expedite the delivery to Nelson Training Center.
They told her to put cross streets and landmarks on the delivery.
She did.
Cross your fingers
Cas may have Smart Paks next week!
Will let you know how it goes!

Weekend....
Hummmm - Horses to trim/shoe on Saturday
Sunday going to Free Style Farm on Sunday to help a friend at her first SHOW with her NEW HORSE!!!!
Wish us luck! :)

Smart Pak.....issues?

Ok, Cas is up at the trainer as you all know.
He's on a joint supplement (he's 11....big boy....more preventative than anything)
Mary's assistant Justin bailed on her, AGAIN. So, not the feeding is being done by the very nice stable boy. He's smart.....but (how do I say this nicely) not the brightest crayon in the box. I took up a bottle of liquid Corta Flex when I dropped him off, and when I went back to check on him 2 weekends ago not much was gone. So, thought about getting him on Smart Paks.
Good friend of mine uses them and having fed for her numerous times I do like them.
So, Smart Pak here I come.
Tried to set up a delivery.....system didn't like my email address.....phooey!
Took catalog home with me and called on way home, after checking with Mary about adding anything other than joint supplement. We decided on coat supplement (to make healthy and shiny) and electrolytes. Mary asked "hay, can they mail it to my P O BOX because I can NOT get the UPS guy to deliver to us". She said they will drive by, drive back and forth in front of the house, but not stop. She's gone out to the road and flagged them down, and drove 2 miles down the road following the truck to get a delivery. Every time she places and order for something that HAS TO BE SENT UPS she's left her number and asked for the delivery guy to call and she'll stand at the end of the driveway so they can see her. NEVER gets a call.
Talked to nice girl at smartpak.....they don't deliver to P O Boxes.....GURRRRRRRRRRR.
Nice girl at SmartPak is going to get in touch with UPS and see what we can do. Gave her Mary's physical address, and P O BOX and she's going to work on it. Said she'd call back by end of day today. Here's hoping! In a couple days, Cas my have his very own SmartPak.

when it rains.......I don't mind being lonely,

Give me skies of black and blue, the way you make me feel
Give me skies of green and red, cold winds that make it real
Storms are brewing deep within of hurt and loss and pride
It's good to see the world in pain when I take a walk outside

Chorus:When it rains, I don't mind being lonely, I cry right along with the sky
When it rains, I don't pretend to be happy, I don't even have to try
When it rains, Some people get down, They're sporting a frown, so I fit right in
Yeah, the sun may brighten your day but if I had my way, I'd take the rain

I don't care about politics or the hypocrites on my TV
I'm not mad at the girl who left because she couldn't be with me
So make up your theories about the scandals and the lies
Start out depressed then everything comes as a pleasant surprise

When it rains, I don't mind being lonely, I cry right along with the sky
When it rains, I don't pretend to be happy, I don't even have to try
When it rains, Some people get down, They're sporting a frown, so I fit right in
Yeah, the sun may brighten your day but if I had my way, I'd take the rain

When it rains, I don't mind being lonely, I cry right along with the sky
When it rains, I don't pretend to be happy, I don't even have to try
When it rains, Some people get down, They're sporting a frown, so I fit right in
Yeah, the sun may brighten your day but if I had my way, I'd take the rain

Lyrics to "When It Rains" By the Eli Young Band
YES people, we got RAIN! About 1 inch, give or take.....we needed it. The horses seemed to enjoy it, most of them rolled! Puddles on the road, but not too many in the pasture by the time I got home last night......but that's ok! Soaked it all up! Great...now, about 30 more inches to go and we won't be in a rain deficit!

Stuff.............

Okie dokie. Not much to report...other than...OH, yeah, I got an update from Mary over the weekend.
Cas is MAKING PROGRESS on his lope! Yay! :) His is loping freely on the line! This is a great big step in the right direction! Now, we just translate that into loping while carrying someone on his back and we are GOLDEN! Mary reports that his walk, jog, trot, and extended trot are very nice. He will hold himself in a nice frame! So.....we will keep plugging away at that lope....and.....hopefully in the not to distant future we will get to take him to a show and see how he stacks up to the competition! :)

Busy weekend this one....Horses Saturday AM, friend's Son's BBQ B-Day party pm, Photo shoot of friends kids after BBQ. Sunday - helping friend at her first horse show with New Horse! Busy weekend....full of stuffs to do!
Have a great week ya'll! I mean, Yous Guys!