November 28, 2010

The Calendar of Events page has been updated. You should check it out. When I was working on it this morning, I found that Road to the Horse is coming up in February. Guess who's competing — Clinton Anderson, Chris Cox, and Pat Parelli! I can't even imagine who's going to win. It's going to be AWESOME!!

November 25, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving! I'm thankful for food twice a day plus grass inbetween, a nice cozy stall to come into at night so I don't have to worry about cougars deciding that I'm dinner, and most of all my friends.

Here's an email from my good friend and cousin, Sundae:

"Hello Cousin,
 
MMMMMM I love Thanksgiving — the barn is quiet and my humans bring me apples and carrots and say how wonderful I am and how blessed they are to have me!  DUH.
 
Tell everyone to have a great Thanksgiving and that  I am thankful for all of them being in my herd.
 
Apples, Carrots and Oatmeal Creme Pies,
 
Sundae"

November 3, 2010

Ow! Ow, ow, ow! Take a look at what I did to myself.

It's definitely not as bad as Kenzie's injury this summer, but let me tell you, it still hurts. And I got a visit from Dr. Christina. She's nice - she said I'm really good with shots.

Anyway, after she got here I got to take a little nap, although I could kind of hear what the humans were saying. I heard something about a muscle tear and lots of bruising, which is painful. I already knew that so I just dozed for a little while.

All through this, though, I could smell grain. The bin was only a couple feet from me and it was making me hungry. I finally couldn't take it any longer and when my human turned to grab her coffee cup, I lunged over and tried to stick my head in the bin. Even though I had human pinned against the wall, she was still able to keep my head up. All I can say is that I wasn't at the top of my game - you know, being sedated and all.

Dr. Christina said I should fully recover, but at least I got to take the night off from carrying my human around. And Bravo kept asking me how I was doing. I don't hurt enough to limp, but when I see him watching me I do favor my bad leg. It's nice to have a gelding concerned about you!

October 31, 2010

If only humans could read our minds, life would be so much easier. Actually if you stopped riding us, that would make life much easier but I'm not holding my breath on that. However, the whole riding experience would be so much more satisfying for both horse and rider, if you humans would try and think like us horses.

I found an excellent article about Reading Your Horse's Mind. You should check it out. Your horse thanks you!

October 28, 2010

Geldings or mares - which is your preference? Here's a great article entitled, "Six Reasons to Own a Mare." Personally, I don't think there's even a question as to which is better, but maybe I'm a little biased.

October 21, 2010

Here's an e-mail that I got from Kenzie. In the subject line she put, "Hello boss mare." I sure like how that sounds!

You know, I just had my 5-year anniversary of coming to live at Belezaire. Who would have thought that I'd move up the ranks so quickly to be in charge of all the mares here? I don't even have a degree.

Anyway, here's Kenzie's e-mail:

"I borrowed your computer and saw our pictures on the Web site - aren't we cute?

Where has all the grass gone? It's certainly a hunt everyday to find a tasty meal."

The grass sure is getting sparse. That can only mean one thing - winter is on the way. The only good thing about the cold weather is that all the flies are gone.  I hate flies more than cold weather, except during January.

October 11, 2010

There are new photos to see on the Photo Gallery page. Quite a few are of me, so be sure to check them out! OK, there are other people and horses in them, too. And some nice shots of the farm.

September 2, 2010

Ok, now I’ve seen everything. This video is amazing! That is one talented dog – I’m not sure Dan and Ann could dance like that. Maybe if they practiced. A lot.

You know who could never dance like that? Goats.

Click here to watch Carrie, the dog, dance the Merengue.

August 29, 2010

August 27, 2010

And don’t get me started on their bleating. What an annoying noise. Everyone knows that a whinny is the only way to go.

Simon has been warning us about the goats on the farm, but I didn’t believe him. He’s always afraid of something, so when he started muttering about horns, chin whiskers, and cloven hooves as he came back in from the pasture, I just ignored him. If only I had listened.

August 21, 2010

It's been soooo hot this summer that I haven't even been able to turn on my computer. All I could do was concentrate on sweating. And stomp and twitch at flies. This was not my favorite summer by far.

When I finally turned my 'puter on, I found I had an email from Kenzie. She's giving me grief for not blogging. Oh, just you wait, young Kenzie....you will be back out in the pasture with the rest of us mares as soon as your leg is all healed. I will get you back!

Here's Kenzie's email:

"Goodness, Pippi!

You haven’t blogged in over a month!

I heard the drill team performance at the Rock Island County Fairgrounds went well. Of course, I couldn’t go because of my bum leg. But, it’s getting much better and I’m ready to get out to the pasture — if it ever stops raining, that is. Between the heat, rain, and flies, the past few weeks have been pretty blah.
 
I heard there was such a thing as a 'rain dance'. Why don’t you kick up your heels and try a 'hay dance'. Maybe we’ll get more food.
 
Kenzie"

One thing Kenzie is right about is our drill-team performance — we were looking good! Check out the video of it here.

July 14, 2010

July 11, 2010

I had another reining lesson and I think I like it. Don't get me wrong, it's hard work and all, but I get to let loose every now and then. And that is FUN!

Right now, though, I'm better at all the manuvers than my human so she needs to really practice to get up to my level. She's having a hard time with the rollback to a lope, but if she would just get out of my way and let me go, I know I'd pick up the correct lead every time. I can smell a little bit of fear on her as we come around and that makes me a little hesitant. And then she gives me a lope cue, which is, at best, mediocre. I can tell she's thinking, "Lope, but not really." So I'm not sure what to do and I start dancing on my back end.

Oh, didn't know I could dance, did you? You should see me; I start with my hind hooves and do a little shuffle. Or maybe it's more like the flamenco. My instructor, Doug, does a great imitation of me doing it. I had no idea how nimble on my feet I really was!

Doug also had some good advice for my human. He told her to "ride the hind end and the front end will take care of itself." From my perspective — you know, being the one attached to the hind and front ends, I would agree with him. If human would do that, I might not have to do any more dancing. Well, I'd still do some dancing with Bravo when no one was around. Don't want to stop that!

July 5, 2010

I know part of the routine of getting a horse ready for a show is bathing, clipping, and trimming to ensure we look all spit-shiny clean. But, did you know those whiskers you trim off our muzzles serve a purpose? Yep, we actually need them. They're called vibrissae and help us determine the location of objects we can't see, like food directly below our muzzles.

So humans, what if you were starving and had your dinner served, you could smell it, but not see it, and had no way of figuring out where it was exactly so you could eat it? The humans I know don't look like they are missing many meals, so I don't think they would be very happy if that happened.

You might want to think before the next time you get clipper happy. Just sayin.

July 3, 2010

I heard from my favorite cousin, Sundae. I forgot she did reining. And it sounds like she did something called "cut a cow". Hmmmm, not sure if I want any part of that. Does the cow actually get cut? Kenzie just got a bad cut on her back fetlock and there was a lot of blood. I don't think I could do that to a cow. I'm a lover, not a fighter.

Kenzie told me that after the vet came and wrapped up her leg, she heard him tell her human that she should make a full recovery and that she's very lucky that her tendon is intact. I kind of miss her out in the pasture at night; I don't have as many mares to boss around now. Hope Kenzie gets to come out of her stall soon.

Anyway, here's Sundae's e-mail:

"Hello Cuz,  It's been too long since we chatted.  I am excited for you and your new reining classes. You know my human, the young one, and I did reining for a year together. She still comes out and has me practice spins now and again.  Wait till you get to slide, talk about fun! 

Oh, and if you are lucky you may even get to do a clinic and cut a cow from the herd.  It's awesome and we are just naturals at it you know, it's in out blood! 

Can anyone up there do something about this rain?  If so, please do it immediately!  I had to move to a new stall because mine flooded.  It wasn't all bad, though, because now I am closer to Nick.  He's the only thourougbred here who understands me.  He's not whiny but like most of these guys, he likes to go for trots in the rain and roll in the sunshine.  

Tell everyone "hello" for me. I miss the rolling hills of Belezaire!  Rain and flatlands don't mix — no where for the water to go. 

Here's wishing you all apples and carrots.

BFF,
Sundae"

I'm happy you got moved to a stall closer to Nick, Sundae. Right now, most of the horses here are away on a camping trip and unfortunately, Bravo went with them. I miss my shiny gelding.

June 27, 2010

My goodness, but it's been such a busy week. I hardly got a moment's peace. First there was the Father's Day Parade in Geneseo, which we horses affectionately renamed the "Stand Around With A Human On Your Back For Hours" parade. But once we got going, the parade was fun. There were lots of kids to see how cute all of us horses looked. The train tracks in the middle of town caused some horses to have a problem, but not me! Takes more than two silver rails to get my blood pressure up.

Then Thursday, we had our first drill-team performance at the Henry County Fair. We horses renamed that event the "Not Enough Room To Move" or the "How Close Can We Get To The Horse Next To Us Without Getting Kicked" performance. Man, it was narrow. But we're professionals and we all carried on as best we could. We did get applause in a few spots, so the crowd must have liked us.

So if you want to see pictures from the parade, click here. And if you want to see a video of the Henry County Fair performance, click here.

June 19, 2010

Guess what, guess what, guess what!!!! I'm a reining horse, yes I am. I had my first lesson this week and it was awesome. I really like my instructor, Doug, and him having said what a pretty-headed horse I am has nothing to with that. Nope, he's just so talented as a trainer and a teacher. He was very patient with me and my human. I have to say that he really helped my human out – he showed her what she was doing wrong in her cues to me and suddenly, I could understand what she wanted me to do. You should just see me do turnarounds now!

Woo hoo, I'm a reiner!!!

May 30, 2010

Kenzie told me that it's her human's birthday today. So, please join us as all the horses sing the birthday song: We're gonna party, like it's your birfday. Sip apple cider, like it's your birfday. We're gonna party like it's your birfday. And we don't care cuz it's your birfday!

Happy Birthday, Kenzie's human!

May 28, 2010

Got an e-mail from Kenzie:

"Thanks for the birthday wishes and song. You have a lovely voice.
Are you confused? Now we’re in our stalls during the day but outside at night. What’s with that? But I sure love the grass – yum yum.
Thanks again.
Kenzie"

Don't worry about being inside during the day and outside at night, Kenzie. In a few days you'll be used to it and soon you'll be enjoying those long summer nights. Munching on grass in the moonlight with a cricket seranade is one of life's greatest moments!

May 25, 2010

It's my good friend, Kenzie's, birthday. She's 7 years old today!  What a kid she is, but she's worried about getting older and losing that youthful glow. She shouldn't worry, though, she's definitely nice and shiny. Jake thinks so, anyway.

So, Kenzie, it's time for the birthday song – We're gonna party, like it's your birfday. Sip apple cider, like it's your birfday. We're gonna party like it's your birfday. And we don't care cuz it's your birfday!

Happy Birthday, Kenzie!

May 22, 2010

Remember Boomer? He was that big cutie of a Paint horse that was kind of a weenie. He moved to a new barn a few months ago because his human went away to college. Well, guess what he's doing now – playing soccer. Yep, Mr. Timid has become a soccer-playing fiend. Rumor has it that he gets mad when the other horses try to take the ball away. Who knew Boomer had it in him? He gots skillz! Watch the video of Boomer and his human, Becca, playing soccer.

May 17, 2010

Have you been over to the Drill Team Web site yet? There's a lot of new content. Check it out here.

May 16, 2010

Check out the It's A Pleasure Youth Drill Team performing their routine at Schone's Friendship Farm. Watch the video here.

May 14, 2010

Haiku
by Pippi

Sunshine-dappled leaves
rustle in the sweet spring breeze.
Mares' dinner music. 

May 9, 2010

Want to know a secret? When Kenzie gets really mad at her human because she's making her lope, you know what she does? She turns her head and bites her human's foot. It's hysterical! If only I could keep loping with my head turned. 

May 3, 2010

Taz must have been bored last night because he sent me a long e-mail. Just read it and you'll understand why we sometime kid him about being an airhead. Can you say 'hard time staying focused?' Here's his e-mail:

"Hay Pippi!
 
It's Taz here! And I was reading your blog, and I came across a post that hurt! I can too last in the wild! All that running and jumping and grass and dandelions and more dandelions... So yellow and yummy... Wait, where was I? Oh, yeah! Doesn't the wild sound free and crazy?! Don't you always want to run and run and run... The wind blowing through your mane and the awesome adrenalin rush! Oh, shoot! What was I talking about again? Oh, that's right! The wild! We should try jumping the fences to go try the wild out!
 
Have you been getting ridden a lot lately? I believe you look thinner! You're so lucky to be out of your stall these days... I've been stuck in my stall lately, unless Lauren, Gloria, or Eric decides to ride me. Jenelle hurt her knee warming up for hurdles. Do you know what hurdles are? I heard you jump over them and well, you were a jumper so I thought maybe you would know. Anyways, I miss messing around with her! It's not as much fun with Eric because he doesn't know what to really do with crazy me! I over heard Jenelle and Cynthia talking and they said that Jenelle is going to come out when Eric rides me so I learn my lesson. And that's not good! It means I have to... focus... THAT'S JUST CRAZY! There's too many neat things too look at!!
 
Or what if I want to mess with Eric that day and decide to watch him fly? All I have to do give him a nice buck, (mine are so better than that silly, cribbing appoloosa of his) and watch him go WEEEEEE! Just like when I made Jenelle fly! She did a front flip off of me and LANDED IT!! Right on her two feet! Her shoe came off too! AND she punched the wall!! I thought it was so cool until she made me do really tiny circles...
 
Anyways, I think the wild would be awesome! Any horse from Belezaire can handle it! If we can handle Kay's lessons, then of course we can handle the crazy wild! Don't forget to tell me what a hurdle is next time were gossiping over the fence! I can't wait until I get to start Drill Team with you guys when Jenelle is better!
 
With lots of grain,
Taz
 
P.S. I tried one of the oatmeal creamy things, and they were so good! My head was bobbing so crazy that I hit it on the stall grain door!"
 

May 2, 2010

Ok, here's a pet that I really want. Definitely better than that kid. This one could live in my stall with me and I doubt it would eat much, so that would be good. Plus it's just so cuuuuute! The only problem is Kenzie wants it, too. She's the one that found the video, so she thinks it should be hers. But what's the good of being Head Mare if I can't call dibbs? Anyway, watch the video here.

April 27, 2010

I heard from my cousin, Sundae. It's always nice to know that she remembers us and still reads my blog!

"Hey Cuz,

Watched your video. The pet thing always sounds good, but remember you have to clean up after them, feed them, and take them to the vet and stuff, too. It's a lot of work having a pet!

Tell everyone hello, and think long and hard before you get a pet!

Sundae"

That's really good advice. I didn't think about feeding it. What if it had to eat some of my grain or hay?? Then there would be less for me. Totally unthinkable. Thank goodness for Sundae; always the voice of reason, she is.

April 25, 2010

I found something very interesting – a pony with a pet. I think I want one. The pet might be a little loud sometimes and maybe sticky, too, but I think it might be fun. Here's the video – Simon got a little emotional watching it, but he's very sensitive.

April 18, 2010

Spring is definitely, finally here! The peeper frogs have been trilling night and day, clumps of horse hair are floating around the barn, and humans are here more often to ride.

Drill team practice is heating up, too, and we're being asked to trot the entire routine now — and more than once a night. Whew, makes me tired just thinking about it.

After the long, cold winter we suffered through, it's hard on us horses to be jumped on and ridden like we were back when we were at our peak of fitness in August and September. So here's a great article on how to condition us and build up our fitness gradually. Can't expect miracles. Lord knows, I keep hoping my human will bring my favorite Little Debbie® Oatmeal Creme Pies, but that seems to be a lost cause.

April 11, 2010

I've been bored in my stall at night, so I've been searching for facts about horses. Guess what – there are lots of interesting facts about horses! Listen to this: a full grown horse weighing 1,000 pounds has about 13.2 gallons of blood. Horses have around 175 bones in their bodies. A horse's leg joints are not fully fused until around the age of 3 1/2. Most horse breeds have 18 ribs, but the Arabian breed has 17 ribs. Most horses have 6 lumbar bones, but Arabian horses have only 5. Most horses have 18 tail vertabrea, but Arabian horses have only 16 tail vertebrae.

Sounds like Arabians are getting the small flake in a hay bale – they don't have as many parts. I'm looking forward to telling that to Ebby and Stormy. Maybe that's why Stormy is always so bad tempered!

April 4, 2010

March 24, 2010

You won't believe what I found -- a dog drill team. Yep, they perform with humans, just like we do. And they even do tricks. I wish we could do tricks, although Kenzie's working on walking just on her hind legs. Pretty exciting stuff -- just ask her human!

Anyway, here's the video of the doggie drill team. Enjoy!

March 14, 2010

Here's a funny joke from my favorite reader, Major Art. We all laughed so hard, except for Jax. He didn't get it – not the biggest hay flake in the bale, if you know what I mean. Anyway, here's the joke:

"Man walks into a bar, has a couple of drinks, and yells 'You know, every Republican I know is a horse's behind.' Everyone in the bar jumps up, beats the manure out of him, and throws him out.

A few days later, the same man comes back into the bar, has a couple drinks, and yells "You know, every Democrat I know is a horse's behind." And once again, everyone in the bar jumps up, beats the manure out of him, and throws him out.

During the ruckus, the bartender tells him that he is not welcome to ever come back. The man asks the bartender 'What is up with you people? You get upset when I insult Republicans, you get upset when I insult Democrats – what gives?'

The bartender says, "You don’t understand — this is Horse Country!' "

March 3, 2010

Kenzie and I were killing some time last night looking at videos and found one that reminded us a little bit of our drill team performances. It's choreographed to music and timing is extremely important; other than it's absolutely nothing like what we do. But it's incredible — prepare to be amazed! Check it out here.

March 1, 2010

I know this will be hard to believe, but I saw two robins yesterday. They looked so cold and hungry out in the pasture covered with snow.  But they're here, so it must mean spring is not far away.

And if you want a good laugh, here's a funny video with a cat, a bird, and snowballs. 

February 24, 2010

Living with worms - yuck! Or is this something we're going to have to get accustomed? Even though it doesn't seem like it, spring, and worm season, are coming. But here's an interesting article about different plans of deworming attack. Check it out — I always say that behind every informed human is a happy horse.

February 21, 2010

Do you wonder why we don't always pick up the canter when you ask us? Or why we lope too fast? Julie Goodnight has some insight into the reason. I swear that woman was a horse in a previous life! Anyway, read all about it here.

February 15, 2010

There are new pictures of us here.

February 14, 2010

You know, I have a secret. It's been bothering me for awhile and I think I need to tell it. It's about my human. She's not that smart.

Now don't get me wrong – it's not like she's totally untrainable. But we've been together over 4 years and there are a few things that she still does not get. 

Like making smaller circles when we're riding instead of staying on the rail. Every time we go around, I try to move to the inside so I don't have to travel as far, but do you think she would learn? Nope, she just moves me back to the rail.

And she doesn't listen to me when I tell her we're done. No matter how I try to get the point across, she just blindly keeps on riding me.

I've been using natural humanship techniques on her. They were invented by Ray, a Hunt seat horse, who was having problems with his human. And they do work – she's learned to hand-feed me my hay if she decides to saddle me in my stall during dinner time. All I have to do is look at her and she will grab some hay for me. So that's good.

But when I'm carrying her around, it's almost like she thinks she's in charge. Silly human! But I'm nothing if not patient, so I'll keep working with her. I don't think it's time to advertise for a new a human. It's not like she's dangerous. Just a little dense.

February 13, 2010

"Is your cat making too much noise all the time? Is your cat always stomping around, driving you crazy?" Then check out this video, Kitten Mittons. Hysterical!

We showed it to our cats, Snowball, Sinbad, and Freddie, and they didn't enjoy it. But then, cats aren't known for their senses of humor.

February 11, 2010

Well, we weren't the only ones to feel the earthquake – Garth and his herd did, too. He sent me an e-mail about it:

"Hay Pippi!

Long time, no see!  So you were talking about that earthquake . . .  well, I'm quite sure I knew about that one before it happened.  See, yesterday, I was outside . . . like I am most days . . . and Lily was outside with me.  I don't know where Ladybug was . . . hmmm . . .  I wonder where Ladybug was . . . she usually sticks pretty close to me.  Anyway, I'm getting off subject here - back to the earthquake and my amazing ability to predict that something was going to happen. 

So, Lily and I were just standing outside working on our tans when we both felt something . . . well, maybe not really 'felt' something, more like 'sensed' something.  Couldn't really tell what it was, but it sure felt like something was going to happen . . . and we were nervous as could be.  Tried running around a bit.  Tried digging for grass in the pasture.  Tried rolling in the snow.  Nothing worked.  Still felt like something was going to happen.

Anyway, a little later dinner was served and we nervously chewed (Ladybug didn't seem to notice anything was amiss).  Then, while everyone else was sleeping, SOMETHING happened!  I thought the whole barn was going to come down.  I knew I could get out, and could get the ponies out too, but what about our hay???  Having our entire food supply buried in rubble would be really bad.  Thankfully, before I could get very far with that thought, the rumbling stopped.  And so did my nervousness.  Whew!  It wasn't so bad after all.  We all survived.  And so did my hay.  So we're all happy here.

Hope things are back to normal in your neck of the woods.  And I hope that this white stuff melts soon so I can come visit.  I miss all my friends at BZ.  Please tell everyone Hi for me.  And, if you can get close enough, give Bravo a hug for me.  And don't forget to tell him that it's from his dear friend, Garth.

Hope to see you all soon -
Garth"

I'll tell Bravo you said hi, Garth. But if I can get close enough for a hug, it's coming from me!

February 10, 2010

OMG, OMG, did you feel the earthquake this morning? We sure did. Kenzie, Sophie, and I were talking about how soon breakfast was going to be served and suddenly, all of the bridles and halters that are hung up around our stalls started rattling. I looked at Kenzie and it looked like she was trembling. And Simon started yelling that it was the end of the world! But it wasn’t. Luckily the earth stopped moving and we had something else to talk about besides breakfast. Which wasn’t served soon enough, if you ask me.

February 9, 2010

 Haiku by Pippi 

Train whistle blowing
the wisdom of miles traveled.
Winter morning song.

February 7, 2010

 Ok, everyone knows fiber is good. But can there be too much fiber? For horses? You betcha. And then bad stuff happens, like impaction colic. Not fun. Read about the importance of fiber in hay here.

February 5, 2010

 Haiku by Pippi 

White and cold drifts down
muffling the volume of life.
How I hate you, snow.

February 5, 2010

 Looking for something to do? You should read our Calendar of Events page. It's got local and national horse-related events for the entire year. 

February 1, 2010

We've been talking around the fences here about the earthquake in Haiti. We read things online and hear you humans talking about it and it sounds very serious. Humans are suffering and that's not good. And unfortunately what affects humans also affects the animals. Sophie's really upset about that; she's very sensitive, you know. I found an article about the Haitian animals and thought it was a very good account of what's going on there. You can read it here.

January 31, 2010

Have you voted in our new poll? It's a good one! Make your opinion known here.

January 29, 2010

Here's a picture of my new friend Kenzie. She does kind of look like Story, doesn't she? I call her Second Story sometimes, but she doesn't really like that. Actually, I should call her Half-a-Story since she's so skinny. Not that Story's fat but, you know, just sayin.

January 28, 2010

So are you a fan of nylon or rope halters? Personally, I like a nice rope halter. They're stylish, very light, and don't detract from my pretty face. And they're definitely better than using a chain. With those there's constant pressure. But don't take my word for it. Read this article from one of my favorite horse trainers, Julie Goodnight.

January 26, 2010

Think horses can't burp or even vomit? Think again! You should read the article here.

January 25, 2010

This really is a special day because my cousin, Sundae, remembered my birthday! She sent me an e-mail:

"Happy Birthday to you ..... Happy Birthday to you... Happy Birthday, Dear Pippi....  Happy Birthday to you. Hi cousin,  I still sing the old birthday song.  I made my human take me out in the snow to eat grass in honor of your birthday.  Hope your day is full of carrots, apples and fun frolicking.  
Love you! 
Sundae"

That makes so happy!

January 25, 2010

Today is a very special day. The most special day of all. Yes, it's my birthday! Happy birthday to meeeeee!

I am 15 years old today. Some people think that's old, but don't listen to them. I'm just hitting my prime. I'm still athletic, full of fun, and able to move all the other mare's feet whenever I want. I gots it going on!

I wonder if Bravo got me a present? Or if Story remembers? This is my first birthday without her.

Ok, no time to get sad. It's time to sing the birthday song. Everybody:

We're gonna party like it's your birfday, sip apple cider like it's your birfday. yeah, we're gonna party like it's your birfday and we don't care cuz it's your birfday!

January 24, 2010

Hello, Humans, where did you put the sun? Please bring it back. Soon. Miss it.

Kenzie and I have been looking at videos, dreaming of going on vacation. Check out this video of the Wild Horses of Corolla, North Carolina. It looks like they're having fun on the beach.

January 19, 2010

Wooo Hoooo! Rachel Alexandra is Horse of the Year. Fillies rule, geldings drool! Click here for details.

January 17, 2010

You won't believe who was here for a visit – Mistie. Yep, the evil mare that puts fear in the hearts of even the most dominant of head mares. I couldn't believe it when I saw her; I started trembling a little, but then Kenzie got all freaked out because she's never seen Mistie before so I had to be brave. It was hard.

She and Merlin came over with their human for a little exercise. Merlin tried to dig a whole to China while he was tied up, but he has tying issues anyway. I have to say, though, that Mistie was OK. And she's got a nasty case of rain rot on her butt that just won't go away. Hard to keep up that evil image when a human is picking at rain-rot scabs. Kenzie and I had a little nicker about that!

Luckily, Mistie stayed in the barn while Kenzie and I had to go carry our humans around and around. But Merlin came over to the arena and he was looking good! He's a beautiful color and so shiny. I like a shiny gelding. He even showed off for Kenzie and I. And I think Kenzie was a little smitten! She kept making eyes at him in the arena as he loped around. I stayed true to Bravo, though. Look up loyalty in the dictionary and you'll see my picture.

January 10, 2010

I heard from my cousin, Sundae. Sounds like she got Christmas presents. Hello, human, I don't remember a present from you — you must be a scrooge. At least Sundae has a good human.

Here's her e-mail:

"Hey cousin, Happy New Year! 

The thoroughbreds have quit making fun of my fuzzy coat since it got so cold here. If one of you ordered this cold weather, I am ready for you to cancel the order!  I don't really mind 20 degree weather but this 0 at night is annoying. I hate frozen whiskers. 

Anyway, I hope you all had a good holiday.  I got a bag of apples from Bugs — he's this overweight appie at the barn.  And I got a bunch of carrots from George — he's a youngin.  Thinks humans play like horses.  Hasn't figured out humans are fragile, yet.  He always wants to half rear and kick out.  He'll learn one day. His human is pretty saucy and doesn't cut him much slack.

I gave my human warm wool socks. I wanted to make sure she doesn't use the cold as an excuse not to come take care of me.

I think George is wanting to use the computer, so I better go. 

Nickers and Whinnies to all,
 
Sundae"

January 3, 2010

Well, Kenzie must have gotten a laptop for Christmas because I'm getting e-mails from her now. You know, she's not so bad. I'm not sure I'll ever be as good of friends with her like I was with Story, but Kenzie kind of looks up to me, which is way cool. She asks me questions. And she seems to understand how wise of a head mare I really am. She's a smart one, that Kenzie.

Here's her e-mail:

"Hay Pippi,
 What’s a new year’s resolution? My human mentioned something about getting me to lope slower. But why? Going fast is so much fun!
 
Kenzie"

Going fast is fun until you realize that these humans just don't go away. Over and over we have to carry them around. It gets old. So enjoy it while you can, Kenzie; you will slow down. Just wait until drill-team practice.