September 22, 2007

I was reading Western Horseman and found a really good comment I want to share with everyone:

"We don't often get a chance to push back the frontiers of surgery and treatment like we did with Barbaro. So, in that respect, it was great. It's all a constant effort in improving the treatment. I hope the next Barbaro survives, and there's a reasonable chance that he will."

— Dr. David Nunamaker, University of Pennsylvania Professor of Orthopedic surgery.

September 20, 2007

Holly has a new friend! The kid's name is Raeanna and she's new out here. Holly came back from her lesson and was just beaming because Raeanna really likes her. That made Holly feel so good. She's pretty old, so she can be kind of grumpy, but the new kid didn't seem to mind. Maybe having someone new to mess around with will improve Holly's attitude.

Anyway, all of the rest of us horses at Belezaire say "Hi, Raeanna!! We're glad you're going to take lessons and learn how to ride."

September 19, 2007

I did it – I went into the wash rack! I was scared, but I made myself be very brave and just go in and get it over with. And you know, it wasn't too bad. My human was in there and there was plenty of room for both of us. I'm glad she didn't turn the water on, though, because I wasn't prepared for a bath. I just wanted to get my hooves wet metaphorically.

September 17, 2007

The wash rack is done! The wash rack is done! Finally, no more loud sawing and banging and swearing next to my stall. I can sleep in peace and gaze outside and contemplate my pasture and not be disturbed. Well, unless the humans have the radio turned way up. Although I do like music, but sometimes a horse just needs some silence. I do my best thinking when it's quiet.

Anyway, Story was the first horse in the wash rack and she did really well. I got a little nervous for her because the shower curtains closed around her and she disappeared from my view, but she came back out after a little while.

Story said she didn't like walking on the cement because she slipped and fell once on cement, but other than that, the consensus around the farm is the wash rack is pretty cool. "Nice and spacious" raved Story. "The hot water feels really good" complimented Lexie. However, Smoky was not impressed, "I got washed outside. I get washed inside. No big deal, dude."

September 14, 2007

Sophie was so upset when she came back to the barn from her weekly lesson. Seems that she got scared and spooked a little and her kid, Abby, fell off her. Luckily Abby was fine, but Sophie still feels awful about it.

See, she's new and still getting to know her kid and family, so Sophie wants to be very good so they won't send her back. I told her that's not going to happen – it's always a good sign that the horse has become part of the family when the mom and dad actually ride it, too. And both of Abby's parents have been on Sophie, so I don't think she has a thing to worry about. But Sophie's still fretting. I think she was kind of embarassed about spooking and then losing her kid like that. Hay Abby, next time – hang on!

September 12, 2007

I've got great news!!! The carrot conspiracy is over. Yes, it is. Over, over, over! My human brought me some carrots and fed them all to me. Good human, good girl! See, I can be appreciative, too, just like Buddy.

I got to enjoy every single bit of their delicious, crunchy orangeness and it was wonderful. Mmmmmm, carrots!

September 7, 2007

I knew I was right about the carrot conspiracy – Story hasn't had carrots in long time, either. She sent me an e-mail:

" I haven't had carrots in eons either! Do the oil companies own the carrots, too, and raised their price or something?

You missed a funny "fun show" last Monday (well, I didn't see all of it either, but Smokey and Bravo were gossiping and I listened in.)

There was an Australian "trot" race of some sort. I hung in there, but a strange Morgan passed us all. The kids thought they were pretty smart riding bareback, back-to-back. Cynthia and Abby came off Sophie, but no one got hurt and they got right back on. It was pretty amazing how all the kids managed to change places without getting off the horses. (I think my human is too long in the tooth for that kind of flexibility, if you get my drift.)

I did OK with the "bribe your horse" contest, but Khemo and Kay beat everyone. He's a quick Arabian, but probably just starving since they were late feeding us dinner that day.

How's the scrape on your nose? I think carrots have healing powers.

See ya around the barn.

Story"

September 6, 2007

There is definitely a carrot conspiracy going on. My human gave Buddy carrots after riding him and she hasn't given me anything but horse treats in a long time. Well, there was an apple just last weekend, but other than that, it's been slim pickins.

So she was going on about how appreciate Buddy was — "Oh, look at Buddy, he's so cute. He really likes these" — excuse me while I barf. Oh, wait, horses can't throw up. Well, if I could, I would be.

And then she had the nerve to say that I act entitled to treats instead of being appreciative like Buddy. But who almost bucked her off while they were loping? It wasn't me. Nope, I'm good, old steady Pippi whom she relies on, yet she gave the carrots to Buddy who tried to get playful with her. Can you see the injustice here or is it just me?

I might have to have a little fun with her myself the next time she wants to lope, if you get my drift.

But in the meantime, I'm so hungry for carrots that I can't think straight. Can't someone give a cute little mare some carrots? Please????

September 4, 2007

Hay, Nick - Bravo here.

Dude, what up with your leg? I had heard you broke it, but I didn't realize that you, like, really broke it. You're lucky you didn't have to be put down.

I'm glad you came out to visit me and show off your cast. Love the orange color. Looks just like a big carrot. I was tempted to take a taste but you wheeled yourself away too quickly. I was just going to leave my teethmarks as an autograph; I wouldn't have really bitten you.

I think when you get feeling better, we'd better have a race while you're still in the wheelchair. Start practicing now – I will show you no mercy!

And, Nick, once the cast's off, maybe you should start riding horses instead of 4-wheelers and motorcycles. Might be a little bit safer!

September 3, 2007

There's a whole world outside the fences of this farm. I didn't realize how big it was until we went to Sunderbruch Park, a new place in Davenport, for a trail ride. I saw things I've never seen before.

Do you know humans use these weird looking things with wheels instead of hoofs to move around? I didn't. It's kind of creepy to see a human move that fast and not be on a horse. My human called it a bike. Stormy called it scary. He did not like those, no he didn't. When two bikes were coming at us, Stormy took off running, but he didn't go far because the rest of us horses didn't move. I stood my ground. I am a brave horse.

Well, except for that second water crossing. The first one was OK. My human got off me and was already on the other side so I knew if she could make it, I could. I gathered myself up and jumped. I hadn't jumped like that since going to shows with my kid at my old farm. It felt good! My human was impressed with my jumping skills and so was Bravo. He complimented me later back at the farm. He's thoughtful that way.

But that next water crossing was a tough one. My human wanted me to go through it, but it sure looked scary. I was trembling and she was trembling, so she got off and helped me through it. We're quite a team.

I'm glad Story was there. I always feel better when my best friend is around. She gives me confidence – she did great on all the hills and the water crossings.

Austin, Smoky, and Bravo had a good time on the ride, but Bok had a little problem going over that first water crossing. So actually, I did better than Bok! Didn't make him feel humble, though. He still thinks he's a prince. All horses should bow down to Bok, even those horses we saw in the pasture as we were coming back to the trailers. He was a little upset that they didn't even acknowledge him. Guess they weren't impressed with his long flowing mane.

It was quite a day. It's good to get out and see the world, but there's nothing sweeter than getting out of the trailer and seeing your very own stall and your very own pasture.

It's A Pleasure Youth Association is an Illinois not-for-profit corporation and IRS 501(c)(3) public charity.