Woof Whinny Whisper

Goodnight Sweet Prince

My mother loved to watch movies late at night.  Often I would watch with her.  I came to have a certain appreciation for both those movies and those actors.  As I grew older my affection for those films did not change.  Actors like Robert Mitchum (my mother's favorite,) Kerry Grant, Kirk Douglas, Jimmy Stewart, Humphrey Bogart, John Wayne... too many to mention.... but that list of greats would not be complete without Tony Curtis.  Who could resist his dark, handsome good looks and those beautiful blue eyes.  I loved his films.  There was something so charismatic about him.

Tony's wife, Jill Vandenburg founded Shiloh Horse Rescue with her mother Sally Vandenburg.  Tony was their biggest supporter.  In fact, Tony and Jill testified before the senate committe regarding horse slaughter legislation.  Tony was a horse advocate. 

It was my great pleasure to meet him this spring.  He was so gracious!  And let me tell you... those blue eyes held the same twinkle I had seen on the big screen.

What a great honor to meet him!

Here Tony talks with Joe Weitekamp about training Mustangs.  Do you see how calm and quiet Wiseguy is as Tony's hand rests on his face?  Even a Mustang knows when he is in the presence of someone quite exceptional.

Tony will be missed by all that came to know him, by the family and friends that loved him and by the animals that found comfort under his protective hand.  We send out love to his family in this time of transition and hope that they know that Tony will live on through his legacy of love and art.

Good night sweet Prince may flights of angels sing the to thy rest.

 

 

Considering Little Bear

Yesterday I went way up north to see how Little Bear has been getting on. I got a nice little demo from Joe in the round pen and am happy to report that he is going well (if not slow) under saddle. My heart soars when I think of taking him out on trails....

 

I can hardly wait. 

Jocelyn comes walking down the long drive to feed the horse she has boarded at Joe's and Little Bear knows her in an instant.  He walks over to greet her and softly calls to her knowing that she has carrots.  Jocelyn has been loving on Little Bear while I've been otherwise occupied.  I can't thank her enough.  Little Bear certainly has a soft spot for her.  Sometimes I dream of him running in high pastures in New Mexico with hearts I know will seek to connect with his.  I hope for him that there are like hearts out there, hearts that long to know this special breed of horse, this American Mustang.

I stand next to him and scritch him behind his ear.  He leans on me and asks for more.  Even Joe says that this strong Little Man is looking for that special someone to latch onto.  Someone holds the key to his heart.  I wonder if that could be you?

Home Sweet Home

That is the golden glow of the sun on our herd as of last Friday night. Yep. Friday night and they were all home. There is lots of work yet to be done... and I promise I will update you on it all.

 
I know you all want to know how the horses did, if they were all happy to be together again and what is next.  There are stories to tell of contractors, horses with soft soles (sadly,) getting a Parelli ball for my birthday from Gabriel, updates on Little Bear, how I missed my grandsons birthday party and how I am making toddler chaps without a pattern....

It has been an exhausting, crazy and hectic time and I am so glad that right now, at least, things are starting to calm down and the girls are all home. 

And when I am exhausted at the end of day I go and stand in Cayenne's stall.  Although to my heartbreak, she had regressed this summer while she was away.... still.... as I stood in her stall and watched the moon rise over the mountain she stood behind me, her nose at the crook of my neck and breathed softly against my skin. 

My own heart overflowed with the love that lies within it for her and for them all as tears spilled from my eyes.  She seems to recognize this emotion and softly nuzzles my shoulder. The world gets no more perfect than this very moment.

Day 6...

and we are done.  Well... there is a punch list to complete and a final inspection before the rest of the herd can join us.  At this point it is clear that my beloved girls will not be home by my birthday but maybe... maybe the day after.

Of course, all of that beautiful dirt we put down will have to be re-worked, re-raked and de-rocked.  Areas will have to be leveled again and some additional debris removed. Oh for a tractor!

Yesterday was pony pedicure day for the shoed group of our horses and today is a family party for our youngest daughter's birthday.  Life is pretty full.  I will tell you later (after our punch list is completed) what I learned about dealing with contractors.  And... the bungalows will be photographed and put up for sale since we will no longer need them.  Someone else will get a lovely shelter with two 10' x 20' stalls.

I love the barn. I love the fact that the girls will be home soon. 

.....And after everyone is home and settled I will begin working on my rental property to get it ready to be lived in again.  My last renters were evicted for non-payment of rent, frying my electrical meter, having pets without permission but mostly... for growing pot in my master bedroom.

Yep, life sure isn't boring....

 

 

End of Day Five...

We are in the home stretch.... it was a busy day today.  Lots to do and we also did pony pedicures for the girls that are being so graciously hosted at our friend's barn.  Off we drove to take care of them.

And this morning I missed playing with friends but that is okay because it was pretty impromptu... I'm rather glad that I didn't get the five a.m. call but I'm especially glad I DID get the photos.  I think I'm going to nickname my friend Kerry: PlayswithPonies.

Kerry got a green Parelli ball.  Can you tell she was excited about it?

Kerry introduced Gabriel to the ball.

Gabriel sure is one lucky boy to have such an in-tune Mom, always looking to engage and partner with him.  I think the big green ball is a hit. So much so that an impromptu play date began at the barn and an obstacle course was set up.

Kelly (also known as RunsWithCamera,) takes her horse Fritz over the tarp.  And then Fritz met the Big Green Ball.

Which was, apparently, not as bad as meeting the large orange frisbee...

All in all though, it was a great time and even Fritz would have to agree that playdates are pretty good.  There is no end to the amazement, delight and bonding that happens with humans drop agendas and simply play with animals.  What can happen is simply amazing.

Well done PlaysWithPonies! Take a bow my friend....

Both of you.  What a wonderful relationship partnership you two are building.

 

End of Day Three...

and it is really coming along.  For the most part, I think it is all going well.  Last night though, I did go out and place a trash container within easier reach of the workers as well as a handy recycling bin for all those water bottles so they could be tossed in a convenient and ecologically friendly location. Yesterday afternoon we called for an inspection on the footers and the setbacks.  It is going up pretty quickly!

Some of the holes for the footers will need to be adjusted as the placement was not quite perfect but I am sure that will be fixed today.  I don't envy anyone out there digging in our rocky soil!  Are you excited yet?

Trails, Tarantulas and Drizzle

Every now and then, in spite of the craziness of life, one simply has to hit the trail.  Last Monday that is just what I did.  Lindy called me and simply wanted to get out of town, hit the trail and see what happened.  As busy as I've been, as frantic as life has seemed the trail and the desert called to me and I could not resist the invitation.

Last week our normally clear azure blue skies were laden with clouds.  What a rare treat for those of us that live in the desert!  This morning, the clouds threatened rain. Instead of the Pullman saddle I normally ride, I grabbed the synthetic one because I could have cared less if it got soaked.  Max stepped right up into the trailer and away we went.

The skies above us threatened rain and I could see the downpour off in the distance.

 

Max seemed to be pleased to be out as well and I have to admire this sweet Peruvian Paso/Quarter cross gelding.  He really is a good horse and we're fortunate to have him in our herd.  As we waited for Lindy and Kim to arrive both Max and I relaxed under the gray skies as drizzle steadily fell.

Once on the trail, Kim called out 'Tarantula!' and for the first time since I've been riding out here in the desert I've had my first encounter with one.  The tarantula was on the edge of the trail and seemed surprised to see our mounts.

In response to our presence, the fierce spider (as big as the spread of my hands,) reared back on this hind legs, and struck his most threatening pose.  Threat acknowledged, accepted and admired.

We rode off with a nod to this big boy and were thrilled to have seen him.  Lindy and I always love these encounters and are happy to see the natural wildlife in our beautiful desert.  The ride was long and peaceful even though we were actually lost for a portion of the ride. 

These moments in time simply settle my soul.

And lastly.... here is the barn progress at the end of day two:

Maybe the horses will be home for my birthday..... what a perfect present that would be!

Guess What This Is?

Go ahead.  Guess.  Not sure?  THIS is the beginning of our new barn!

 

Here, Kyle and Leo begin laying out the barn and setting the footers.

Better to measure twice and dig once!

And ground is broken on the new open air mare motel from FCP Barns.  We got our custom barn from Kyle Carter at C Bar D Barns.  An avid horseman himself, Kyle has been working hard with us to get our barn back up and to help bring our rescued horses back home.  Say hello Kyle!

We don't want to be rude and leave out Kyle's helper Leo.  Thanks for working so hard today guys.

And I know you are anxious to hear why I've been away and I promise we will catch up.  For now, please know that I've wanted to share it all with you but it has just been a little over the top for a pony girl that just likes to talk to horses and hit the trail.

I will tell you that Wildflower and Little Bear have had visitors lately.  Wouldn't it be just lovely if they both got adopted??  I'd say it would be simply dreamy!