Top O' The Hill Farm

Rising With the SUN !

2009-07-07T05:05:00.057-04:00

The last two weeks have been raining- somedays intermittent, some days torrential. We have been squeezing rides in between the passing rainfall. Saturday we had a great ride out with Keri and Teasel.. with a downpour as soon as we untacked !

Monday morning- the sun rose strong, although the sky was streaked with mare's tails clouds- predicting more rain to come.

Early morning shadows high on the barn - my wind chimes casting its image. With rain every day, shadows are something we have not seen in awhile.

I figured I better get some mowing done- (those pesky buttercups on my mind !) So I hitched onto my BIG Bad red beast and mowed all the pastures I could safely drive on without leaving ruts. I suppose this would have been the perfect time to hitch a horse and mow the 'natural' way- but chores are backlogged and I did want time to ride as well. Lest you think I am a total mowing monster of destruction -- I do mow around the daisies :)

While I mowed- Zoe worked with Elektra- she has another show this weekend. Then I quickly changed into my riding apparel- we decided to take Dante out again. OYY Dante has had a few trail rides out- but has never done a completely 'road' loop. It will be good for him to trot out on the road- so different than trail work.

The rose bank on the way down the driveway is bursting with blooms.

The day lillies are just reaching their peak of flowering. Here, in New England, the roads are lined with day lillies- early escapee from colonial gardens - perhaps the first of which traveled over on the Mayflower !

We had a wonderful trot- Dante is curious and forward. We had an unusually lot of traffic- Dante's first Dump Truck. A neighbor down the road is building a new driveway-

We trotted, with some canters mixed in, the 6 mile loop in a little less than an hour.. and walked the last mile for a cool down. Not a bad pace for a still newbie mount !

Beautiful country roads.

Here's Dante coming up the drive- what a great fellow with a super attitude. Nothing can scare him on the trail.. and now he's the perfect road horse too.

great ride-- got some mowing done-- a good day :)

Enjoy your day as well.

Buttercups and our Farm Photography Session

2009-07-05T04:24:00.067-04:00

Buttercups....

There seems to be an over abundance of Buttercups this year.

When I was young- I loved buttercups, believing them to be quite magical- a flower fit for the fairies for sure.

My sister and I, for some reason, were convinced that we could transform a dandelion into a buttercup by sifting beach sand onto the dandelion plant. We lived near the ocean so we brought home buckets of sand and each evening would pile the beach sand – full of magical qualities all of its own- on each dandelion rosette, couldn’t wait till morning to miraculously find buttercups growing in their place. Probably just a co-incidence but it did seem as though there was a new buttercup in each of those spots. My Dad never said a word about having small anthills of beach sand all over the lawn.

Now- all grown up and managing pastures… the sight of Buttercups is like a screeching fingernail on a blackboard to my visual senses. Along with burdock, thistle, nettle and ground ivy, buttercups are high on my list of seek and destroy. In my “old age”, I like my pastures to be more tidy. They are divided for rotational grazing, so after the horses are done with one section, I move the horses, mow it, and close the fence for a nice tender tasty re-growth. Right around the time of Buttercup invasion- in May- I mow all the fields—just to eradicate what now to me is a pesky weed. This year-- along with the our Buttercup onslaught- we've had nothing but rain for the last few weeks. I did manage to get the mower on the tractor only one day in my buttercup blitzkrieg- but don't dare drive my tractor in the fields now.. too wet.

On Memorial Day, we had the pleasure of a visit from Barbara Livingston, a photographer from the Saratoga, NY area. http://www.barbaralivingston.com/ She is working on a new project- Horses and color and wanted to photograph a few Curlies of Color. She worked from 8:00 to 10:00 which she said was the best time of day for lighting – and I wish I had photographed Barbara knee deep in the fields huge cameras with even huger lenses draped all over her shoulders trying to capture THE photo. She brought along her “beau”, as she called him, whose job it was to man a small tape recorder which played sounds of whinnies and galloping hooves. I was amazed at how well that tape worked to get the attention of the Curlies. A super idea for getting a horse to stand and pose, all ears forward and curious.

Barbara kept saying to Zoe and I , get the horses running down there—amongst those lovely yellow flowers ! Buttercups… she loved them. Barbara claimed there were no Buttercups in her area… what ? I thought those ornery irksome buttercups probably grew everywhere in the world. All I can think is perhaps she is more used to the groomed green grass of the racing stables where they mow all their buttercups down in a more efficient manner than I am able.

She worked hard.. snapped loads of photo’s and here are just a few of those here. It was great to meet Barbara and Tom and exciting to find out perhaps at least 3 of our horses will be included in the upcoming project of hers, to be released late fall of this year.

She was primarily after the more unusual colors- like the flaxen yummy chocolate of OYY Arcus and the beautiful creamy cremello of my OYY Sweet Dreams Baby. But when she saw OYY Salvadore—she exclaimed.. he may be “just” a bay—but there is nothing plain about him. So his portrait is one that might be used. He’s a real strutter- and it was more than his coat that was shining that day for this photo session.

Here are a few of the Photo's Barabara captured :

OYY Ceda - my beautiful buckskin pony filly.

Ceda with her best friend -
OYY Sweet Dream's Baby ( barn name Mari) .. cremello Curly medium size pony mare.

OYY Arcus - 12.2 hand curly pony gelding posing with the Lilacs.

OYY Matisse - our Curly colt with a yet undefined color.

All the pony Moms and babies entranced by the sound of Barbara's special recording.

Pal and her curly colt OYY Piccolo.

And our OYY Salvadore -- perky 12.2 hand stallion pony.

He put on a good show for Barbara.

Can't wait to see if any of the photo's make the final project !

Enjoy your day ~

A Lazy Day is not always a Good Thing

2009-06-30T05:16:00.102-04:00

Sunday, June 21st, OYY Elektra went to her second show of the spring. She was entered in the intro tests and also her first -- and Zoe's first-- training level, introducing the canter. Elektra seemed half asleep -- we did get an early start to arrive well ahead of our ride time of 8:00, but perhaps she thinks it's just too early for work.

Where ever we go in a trailer, Gabby's our main man of traveling.

We are back at GMHA (Green Mountain Horse Ass'n) -- beautiful grounds, beautiful country- but it's half raining and chilly. I can never resist getting a photo of their cross country course.. this is something I'd love to try. It's on my list of things to do-- build a course at my farm.

We are pretty much the first ones up, but before long- trailers, horses, and people steadily pulled in and began to ready themselves for a long day in the drizzle.

The brook crossing over to the main exercise area is even deeper today.

Whoops.. our number dropped off the bridle.

Jen, one of our volunteers at the therapeutic riding center, came along to help out. We are waiting for our score sheets.

The main commentary on Elektra's performance was-- lazy, lazy, lazy horse. She did manage to get 2 nice ribbons but we need to work on her 'sleeping on the job'.

On our ride home, we decide to go to Keene, NH to Cheshire Horse and buy some spurs.. just enough to, well--- SPUR Elektra on a bit. So after settling our Sleeping Beauty into her pasture- we head off to shop at the tack store.

While we are in Keene, I also want to visit my good friend Amie who has a farm with her partner Sparky. Quite a few years ago, Amie purchased a smooth coated filly from me - Tuff's Suzie Q. Suzie recently delivered a nice filly of her own sired by a Belgian.

Here's the filly- sporting a few curls and

Amie, her son, and Rena with the filly

She's a pretty thing- Her dam, Suzie is out of my old mare (who has has passed on) Tuff 'Nuff - also a smooth coated mare. She was my main mare for riding and I have many super memories of my rides out with her- awesome mount ! :) Amie calls the filly Roxy.. Sparky calls her Raquel.

Mom- Tuff's Suzie "Q"

Amie and Sparky run a very successful pig farm-- so we got to see lots of new born piglets.

We interrupted a big Tom Turkey taking a dust bath. There are large herds of wild turkeys roaming the farm with the cows and pigs-- they are quite tame.

it's always great to see old friends - but Zoe can't wait for Monday morning to try her spurs.

Enjoy your day ~

Trot over Hawk's Mountain

2009-06-29T05:54:00.099-04:00

Zoe and I have been wanting to ride over Hawk's Mountain forever. The best "entrance" is the snowmobile trail about 12 miles or more from the farm so we decided to trailer over to save that riding time for exploration once we got there-- since we have not ridden in that area, we weren't sure how much time it was going to take. Our good friend and trailer man- Gabby- taxi'ed us over to Baltimore and dropped us off at the bottom of the Mountain. Here we are getting unloaded-- with a quick photo of my lovely mare and Gabby. She's looking at the trail and thinking-- let me at it !

Baltimore is a little town in Chester with a population of about 300 people- and Hawk's Mountain is the geographical dividing line between Baltimore and Cavendish - where we will eventually end up.

You can see the trail is a pretty easy one to travel - a steady ascent to the top. We crossed about 3 or 4 snowmobile bridges on the way up and down into Cavendish.

Part of the trail followed the powerlines.

I think the summit view must be more beautiful in winter-- less leaves and vegetation to block the view.

I did not take many photo's as we were traveling along at a good quick clip, not really knowing how long of a trip we were committed to.

The trail on the down side was wet and rocky and steep- We crossed the bridge over the river and came out in Cavendish at the General Store on Route 131. Our horses are in such great shape after all our steady riding this year-- the trip took far less time than we planned-- so we poked around the roads in Cavendish for awhile and headed back over the mountain to Baltimore to look for more exploring over there.

At the bottom, where we were dropped off-- we took a left on the Old Baltimore Road and took the trail which leads to Quarry Road, and headed toward the floodplains which we have not ridden in years.

Quarry Road is another one of those Vermont dead ends connected to other areas by old trails and Class 4 roads. As we trot down this road- we can look back on the mountain we just rode over.

We cross Route 106 and head toward the Floodplains which is all part of the Stoughton Pond and North Springfield reservoir-dam area. This area is crisscrossed with old roads and trails and we could easily make a day of it just riding here- but we are on a schedule now to be back at the farm by a certain time so we trot and canter on the easy trails.

entering the floodplains

Passing an old cemetery.

This area is full of old history. There is some great canoeing opportunities here and bird watching.

One day when I was canoeing in this area- I saw eagles and lots of great Blue Herons nesting.

We take the trail that heads toward North Springfield and the Hartness Airport-- but we have decided to definitely head back here to explore the trails that follow along the river more closely with a couple of nice river crossings. next time !

This trail hooks back onto the snowmobile trail past the airport. Last year we rode along the opposite side of the runway and met up with the Governor's helicopters landing., which I posted back in April of 2008.

Today there was one small plane taking off and lots of gliders being taken up. Pretty to watch the gliders silently soar-- but-- me, I'd rather be firmly seated in my saddle. :)

Time to trot home-- we had a great ride. although an easier trot out than we have been used to lately-- We are planning another trip in that area again.

Enjoy your day ~

One Advantage of Riding with a Friend

2009-06-27T05:15:00.074-04:00

Other than the bonus of companionship and fresh trail side gossip, the advantages of having a friend come along is -- Zoe and I get photo's of us together for a change !

These photo's were taken by Mary Watkins the day she accompanied us to the top of Mount Ephraim in order to learn the way.

Mary works at Slypner Tack in Claremont, NH. There is an additional dividend in that fact as ewll. When we find we need a bit or some other item, Zoe calls Mary-- she has kept a file at the store of our favorite brands of certain tack accessories and brings them toher house in Chester where Zoe can pay her and pick it up-- no driving for what we need.. so handy.

Mary rode her lovely gelding Sport to the farm in the afternoon, s she had an exta 7 -9 miles added onto her trip that day. She rides in a ReactorPanel saddle , which is a pretty clever set up for fitting your horse and saddle perfectly.

We had the usual great ride up and around-- trotting home on the back side of the mountain to avoid backtracking. It was late by the time we arrived back at the farm and Mary still had to trot home. We made plans to meet her at her place so she can show us some new trails we have not explored yet since it's a little out of our normal riding radius.

During the week, it was time for OYY Dante to get out again- his fourth outing on the trail. Choosing the Apple Tree trail, in order to match distance with the amount of time we had for a ride.. even though the skies seemed threatening-- we saddled up anyway.

After a few miles of trotting down the road, we reach the opening to the trail.

we should remember to stick a note in the owner's mailbox to get these trees trimmed back :)

A nice little brook crossing for a green horse to practice... Dante is perfect- He really shines on the trail. We did end up getting rained on a bit.. but the ride was worth it.

Zoe and OYY Elektra have been working on their patterns for the several shows they have together this summer. Elektra is continuing the Intro Walk/Trot and advancing into the Training level this year.

One of our volunteers at the riding center rides Lilly a few times a week- she may go to a show or two this summer. Lilly is Elektra's grand-mother and also one of our very dependable lesson horses.

My silly Russian Spy cat is settling in and becoming a part of the household. She loves to sit in baskets.

enjoy your day ~

Our Watchtower Ride

2009-06-16T04:35:00.159-04:00

A week ago Monday, Zoe and I headed out on our zippy mounts to find a trail we've wondered about for years. We've heard talk of the trail and seen what looked to be the way from the car-- it became a kind of search for the Holy Grail for us... the path from the farm to Wyman's Falls. For those of you are also RAC blog followers, I have posted most of the ride already there.

I call this our WatchTower ride, because as we met twists, turns and the metamorphosing disappearing/re-appearing trail, it reminded me of Bob Dylan's song- All Along the Watchtower... The more we trotted on, the more turned around and confused we became.

"There must be some kind of way out of here, Said the joker to the thief, There's too much confusion, I can't get no relief. " There are some who interpret the two riders in the song as those in Old Testament Biblical verse, in which two riders on horseback deliver news of the fall of the ancient city of Babylon. Zoe and I - as 2 riders on a mission.. we never did get there to deliver any news of any sort.

The ride started innocently enough- But the challenges presented themselves soon and continued along the way.

Saplines that we had to duck under very carefully.

The fluctuating trail that disappeared, and re-appeared.

We finally reached the half way point in our quest-- crossing Trebo Road onto the trail which we believed would lead us to Wyman's Falls. We are excited ! Mission half accomplished ! so we think.

A short ways in-- we discover.. what's this ? squatters ? An odd little "settlement" in the midst of the woods.

As we near a small sunny clearing - we discover a hide-a-way Yurt with the beginnings of a lovely blooming roof ~

Coming upon someone's private sanctuary on the trail always creates a bit of apprehension for me.. But- No one seems to be around... which is a good thing because you don't want to come upon someone's wrong kind of 'secret garden' and get shot at.

We continue along, pecking away at our camouflaged pathways, through brush and openings that look like trail.

Decision time..
we can trot left... Choose the center

Or go to the opening on the right.

We chose the right - it seems to be headed in the right direction and we spy a deer path to follow.

Soon- we come to an area which has been logged of quite recently.. it's here we begin to run into serious directional problems. We spent quite a bit of time following false leads and wannabe trails here. We've come too far to quit now. It's here I begin to think-- there must be somewhere out of here.

Could this finally be the gateway that will lead us to what we are seeking ?

Nope-- it leads out onto the powerline.

And you can see from the photo, we have a ways to go. But- like I said-- we've come too far to turn back.

This powerline has to come out down onto a road somewhere and we can trot home from there.

Way off in the distance, there's a person walking in their field. maybe we can get over there and ask that person where we are ! :)

We eventually got out on the road and cantered and trotted for home ! it was a fun ride-- a long ride, and I am not sure if we'll bother re-visiting that trail again. But we will continue to search for the way to Wyman's Falls.

Enjoy your day ~

A busy day of riding and photo's

2009-06-06T04:49:00.138-04:00

Yesterday morning I woke feeling rather foggy- my thoughts were as tangled as wind blown hair. One of those days where I have to keep putting one foot in front of the other to get through my 'lists' rather than attacking my daily tasks with gusto... fighting the urge to go play slug on the hammock.

I have been collecting photo's of most of the horses for their registration in the Curly Sporthorse International registry over the past week or two. While I was off in the 'brook pasture' capturing this side and that side of Zoe's Day Dream and Tupelo Honey, I captured this picture with my zoom of Zoe just finishing up with her morning work out with Chip. I wonder what they were thinking about together ?

Chip's going well and enjoys his daily exercise with Zoe. In a few weeks is his first show of this year- just an intro walk trot again but he's ready for a try at training level as well, so we signed him on for that at the end of July show. I would love to get him in a few driving competitions-- but where to fit it into our busy schedule ?? Impossible. At the show he is attending- they have one day set aside for Morgans in which the horses compete in dressage, driving and the stoneboat competition-- one horse all three. It would be great if we could bring Chip as he does all three rather well.

After we got most of 'must-do's' done, Zoe and I went out for a short ride- She saddled up OYY Dante for his second trail ride of his life. Dante was excited to be the chosen one-- somehow he does not get ridden as often as he'd like- but when he is - he's perfect and forward and a delight.

Right now, ring work does not excite him- so trail is where he's going to build, mature and shine. He's all ears forward and let's go-- there's a big beautiful world out there !!

Leafy trails and dark yukky mud.

Dante insisted on being leader, bravely and competently.

We decided to add what we call the extended loop to our ride- which is full of turns and twists and several places we have labeled the roller coaster-- with dips and rises.. loads of fun to trot and canter.. Dante has a wonderful canter and here on the trail is the perfect place for him to really grow and develop.

The trail comes out into this yard- like so many of our trails here in Vermont, a dead end road with one farm at the end. This is sometimes a bit of a surprise for some horses- as they approach those patio doors and see their reflection.

That was a very cleansing ride-- and Dante was impressive with his forwardness and willingness to navigate it all. What a great young man !

Later in the afternoon, we went over to one of my lease pastures to take more photo's and visit the ponies. We were surprised to find that OYY Demeter has completely shed out to have a new pattern this year-- those appy's are always changing !

She was born a dark dun, over the last few years developing a little frosting over her back. Now, she has new spots and this lovely cobwebbing.

Here's Demeter last winter

and a photo of her last summer in the same pasture where she is now. No spots, no white to speak of.

Demeter is Mom to OYY Matisse, our curly colt with very little color.

For most of the time, my camera was aimed at OYY Piccolo, such a ham and so curious. He has his Mom's personality .. nosey about everything. Mom- Pal O' Mine, is a palomino POA with a nice spotted blanket-- I wonder if Piccolo will develop one as he sheds and grows. He is paternal brother to Matisse.

My main objective here, was to get some decent fresh photo's of OYY Queen Jane Approximately for an interested party... even though I was temporarily side tracked by the adorable ponies. Every time I tried to capture Queen, her pasture mate-- another curious pony, OYY Hummingbird, thought it was SHE who ought to be in pictures ! HummingBird kept getting in the way and posing for me.

I did manage to snap a few of Queen without HummingBird in the foreground, but I'll have to go back and try again... bringing a halter and some kind of distraction for the photo wannabe pony.

At the end of the day, Zoe saddled up OYY Fiona to ride her to her house where Fiona will be Zoe's evening ride mount and get some more time out on the trail. Fiona is an awesome horse, bred expressively to be my "replacement" horse-- although I don't really like to think about that part of the plan since I adore my Keri. Fiona is everything I want in a horse - a very successful breeding of our beloved Teena and Chip. Fiona will live at Zoe's for a few weeks and then come home-- I think Dante will visit Zoe's house next. He's going to love it there with all the new adventures on the other side of the mountain.

I set up jumps and cavaletti's in the lower big ring-- Keri and I are going to learn to jump together ! Keri already loves to jump and is quite proficient-- great form and very willing. Now, I am going to practice .. so far it's fun !

Enjoy your day ~

Spring time list making

2009-06-02T04:23:00.045-04:00

Every morning, with my coffee, I make up a list of projects and things to do. Even after all these years- each day, as I add to the daily docket - I still believe I am going to accomplish most of what I outline for my day. Outlandishly wishful thinking- as I am lucky to get one or two items ticked off. I work hard all day and come in to check the blueprint of the day sometimes to discover-- I got a lot done-- but alas, much of what I did was not even on the list ! So-- I add those tasks just so I can check them off. I like to see at least something scratched off the assignment tally. I am addicted to list making- but it's definitely a love hate relationship.

We had an unusually very early warm spell that sent many people off to the local nurseries to plant their gardens. In my lifetime, I have experienced snow on my birthday and later at least 3 or four times, so here in Vermont, I always wait till the last weekend in May to do any serious planting. It's not exactly number one priority item on the "list" since on a farm there are many more pressing needs than having flower boxes and tubs .. but an aesthetic necessity for me. I was anxious to fill the dreary empty spots with color. Saturday, I made the trip to purchase flats of cheery petunias and brilliant jaunty impatiens, along with a few more colorful choices for the window boxes on the barn and the tubs and pots that dot the farm. Well, Sunday I woke up to a pretty frosty landscape and some pretty frosty squishy flowers. I am not sure if they will bounce back from the ordeal of the deep freeze. I'll give them a few days to see-- but I may have to replace most of the plantings-- bummer !

I planted this Hawthorne tree last spring - up by the pond. And the Wild Flag is just starting to come into bloom. In a week, this wild iris will be blooming a purple carpet.

This past week, much of my time has been tending to pastures, trimming fenceline, and rotating horses around to new grazing. The grass is doing great and I already need to get the mower out to clip pasture. Seems early for that -- It's on the list !

Not much for riding this past week, although Zoe continues to school Elektra and Chip for their shows coming up soon.

Seems I have some squatters on the farm-- a pair of Canada geese have moved in. I will get a few each year that stop in for a brief visit and leave-- but these two have settled in. Normally, I don't like geese hanging around too long as they tend to be messy but I enjoy watching these two. As long as they don't send out invitations or host an open house for their friends I guess I'll let them stay as long as they choose. Mostly they glide very regally around the pasture and graze.. I haven't seen them in the pond much. And I don't see that they have any kind of nest anywhere. Since male and female Canada geese are identical in plumage, I am not even sure they are mates or perhaps two lonely bachelors hanging out together. I guess I'll find out one morning if they appear suddenly with their queue of goslings.

My number 5 son (Number 6 child- and the youngest) is still in high school. He attended the prom on Saturday night and I took a few photo's as the group was waiting for their limo to pick them up. He's the young man (child/half man ?? ) in the middle - My last little fledgling with one wing out of the nest, almost ready to fly. Quite a leap in passing time - from onesies to tuxedo !

Off to tackle another list - Enjoy your day ~

Old News - New news and a very busy week

2009-05-27T05:06:00.073-04:00

As always, when one puts off a project-- it keeps mounting up until you are far behind. There's so much to do on the farm with several shows coming up and pastures to maintain.. I have not been very diligent about posting news and photo's.

Last week-- on my birthday -- which now seems like very old history.. we managed to have 2 rides out. The first was planned, the second one-- a 'spur' of the moment. My daughter and I wanted to have a special ride for my birthday, but until that morning, we could not come up with a NEW trail to try. As we were saddling up, I had the thought.. let's try the Hospital Trail. I have been down that trail only once a long time ago on the 4-wheeler-- Zoe has never been on it. So that's where we headed. We trot up the Snow's Trail to Monument Hill - and again, like so many old Vermont roads.. the road ends and trail begins. Here, we wonder-- which way ? There were many offshoots, so we plan on heading back over there again soon to do some more exploring.

We choose this way.

It was a steady downhill all the way.

Eventually it comes out right by the hospital, but we decided to take a left to head home on a very steep wooded trail which eventually exits onto another dead end.
Much steeper than it looks here, the horses and riders worked hard.
When we got out onto the road to head home, the horses were happy to trot and canter on more level going. I am sure I added a few muscles to my thighs on this ride.

Zoe has had Winter Dancer at her house for a few weeks- time to switch mounts. That evening, I saddled up Sweet Bee to ride to Zoe's to meet her so we could ride home together. Funny how when you are riding alone, the trail has a entirely different look to it-- as Sweet Bee and I rode along, we were both hoping we were heading correctly.

The woods are a bit darker at sundown. Sweet Bee was confident her rider knew the way, she was great about listening and I was great about pretending I did know perfectly where I was going :)

Just as I reached the opening to Zoe's dead end road, my cell phone rang--- where are you guys ??

But-- there's Zoe and Dancer waiting patiently for us.

In the evening, the shadows are long - the rays of the setting sun strong. I love an end of the day trot out.

Here's the beaver pond behind us as we are almost home.

Short ride but fun !

During the week, the vet came out to do rabies vaccinations on all the horses. Partly due to the riding center with people coming and going, I feel more assured with an official certificate on each horse just in case. I had the opportunity to snap this head shot of OYY Cosette.

She is a beautiful smooth coated large pony mare. She has been ridden but not since last year. She's been busy growing and maturing- and probably next week, we'll move her up closer to the barn to start up her saddle training again.

OYY Little "Z" has been in training- long lining and ground driving-- coming along very well. She had the opportunity to cross the bridge and walk over the teeter totter in harness.

She's nearly ready to be backed.

"Z" 's full younger brother, OYY Hollis Brown, is up for training.. he's only 2 years old but there's plenty for him to learn on the ground.

Lastly-- I found kittens hidden in my hay loft. Not wanting them to end up as wild feral un-neutered cats- I captured them and we have been doing some kitten de-sensitizing all week. Zoe's children- Rena and Dominic have enjoyed their kitten training.

Here's Dominic- kitten whisperer - with the lot of them. Some one has a Siamese tom on the prowl in the neighborhood I guess, because 2 of them are marked like Siamese (Frankie and Little Ears). Kittens are fun -

Today it's raining- which is welcome.. it's been dry here and last week, it seems most all farmers finished baling their first cut. I'll probably spread a little fertilizer on the grass which has already been grazed and closed off so it will sprout back quickly to that sweet tender nibbling the horses are so fond of.

Enjoy your day ~

Lilacs, Springtime and our New Appaloosa !

2009-05-14T05:57:00.079-04:00

Grass breath and peepers- like the champagne and caviar of spring time for the senses. And everywhere I look there is something to attend to. And it's not just the horses that are enjoying the new green treat !

I mentioned in a previous blog post-- spring is early this year... each year, my Dad and I e-mail to see who has the earliest Lilacs. We both have May birthdays.. will the lilacs bloom on his birthday or mine ? This spring-- we both win--

These buds will most likely be in full bloom for my big day (next week) and the lilac blossoms on a bush I planted several years ago are already out-- for my Dad's big day. I don't think I can remember a spring with Lilacs so soon.

Zoe and I got out for a quick trot with Keri and Ivan. One of our favorite trail activities is to cross the highway and follow the brook.

We can walk and trot up the little brook quite a ways- ducking under trees and branches

and stepping up the various little "waterfalls" along the way.

A big change on the trail-- leaves are fully out ! This makes every trail seem like a new one after traveling in winter.

Now the horses are almost fully shedded-- and this spring we discover-- we have a new appaloosa mare !! OYY Hecate (out of Lilly and Frostfire's Tadpole) was always a very dark bay, almost black mare. This year, she shed out to expose her new spots and frosting--

Here she is as a 3 day old newborn and as a 2 year old. No white whatsoever.. Appy coloring is funny like that.

So I wonder now how my new little appaloosa colored curly pony colt, OYY Matisse, will end up looking like ?

Off to prepare for 'Farrier Day'... lots of hooves to trim. for me one of those necessary evils- because it's so boring to stand and hold horses all morning.

Enjoy your day ~

Mother's Day Weekend and a sneaky ride

2009-05-11T04:29:00.094-04:00

Spring has sprung early this year. I was whining some about the cold and wishing for warmer weather. Well, here it is -- BOOM-- all of a sudden... there's stuff to be done everywhere !! I should have known better and kept my wishes to myself. The gardens are growing already... weeds especially. Fields are greening up like mad... fence to be fixed, horses to be brushed, hooves are growing like the weeds, fenceline needs trimming already and the lawn needs mowing too... In short-- where do I start ? This year there is no gentle easing into springtime.. yikes ~

Zoe and I took our Mother's Day ride on Saturday.. we pondered, where to go this time ? Some time ago, we heard news that the "Campground" down the road aways had been sold. There is a wonderful trail through the campgrounds that we discovered about 15 years ago but after we had traveled it enough times to be in love with it.. the owners came out one day and asked us not to not to ride on it anymore. We have reminisced about that trail ever since, missing it. It made a great "connection" trail - trotting down the road, zipping into and down the Scott trail, crossing over Trebo Road into the ancient graveyard and down this campground trail. Today, we decided to try it and see....

By entering the trail from the Trebo side, we are actually doing the trek backwards-- it's more fun to enter it from the other side- but in case there are still owners who do not want horses traveling-- by riding it backwards- when we arrive at the other side, if the owners are upset with us-- we can always say we were lost and apologise. At least we will have the opportunity to ride it at least one more time.

These fun "signs" are posted along the way - so because we are riding from the opposite side- I had to stop, turn around, and take a photo of each one.

You can see they have been up for awhile-- the trees are growing in around the signs now.

Long ago, we loved to canter up this trail and smile at the messages along the way.

At the end, which is actually the beginning, we cross a bridge and enter the campground.

We discover, while there may be new owners (if the rumor was correct) -- the campground remains and there are campers there, so we slow down and walk quietly and invisibly.. taking a wide berth around the office/house... trying to leave no evidence of our ride just in case.

While we are out this way, we continue our trot over to ChesterBelle Farm, where I have a lease pasture for summer grazing--- I can check the fenceline from horseback. I have had the use of this pasture through 2 owners now, for almost 17 years. Riding the fence took a lot less time than walking it-- we scared up a flock of large wild Gobblers.. had to open the gate from horseback, cross many stone walls - so wherever we ride, whatever the month- we are always practicing obstacles of some sort.

it was a wonderful ride- and I got to cross- check fence - off my list of things to do !!

On the actual day of Mothers - I decided to string some fence and open up a new planting for my pony Mothers. It was a very sunny day with lots of wind- one of those days where you take off your sweatshirt and put it back on numerous times. 2 years ago, this area was over-run with brush, ferns, new growth trees and saplings. Now, it's a field I can actually mow !

Happy moms and babies... it's very early in the year to have grazing this nice.

While stringing the fence, I spotted this white and pink trillium. I don't usually see trilliums this color. Most often, they are dark burgundy.

These flowers have the scent of rotting flesh as they are pollinated by the flies that like meat gone bad. Thoreau compared its odor to that of a dead rat in a wall! Icky aroma- but beautiful sight.

Now-- off to check my list of things to do for today.

Enjoy the day ~

Sunday Show Time

2009-05-05T05:25:00.072-04:00

Zoe's first ride time of the day is at 8:30-- so up early to groom, braid and pack the car. This first show of the season is sponsored by CVDA (Central Vermont Dressage Ass'n). Our original plan was to bring OYY Salvadore for his first foray out into the world and Zoe has been schooling him for the last 2 months. I guess it took awhile for the show secretary to actually look closely at the entry paperwork-- because Zoe got the call a few days before the show-- CVDA does not allow studs at the show. Who to take now ? OYY Elektra still had her fairly current coggins paperwork from last fall.. so Zoe chose her. Not much time to ready her though.. other than 2 thorough baths and some quick ring time.

Off we go-- as ready as we can be. This show is held on the GMHA showgrounds, in Woodstock Vermont. This is typically beautiful Vermont pastoral scenery.. rolling green hills and wonderful farms and barns.

A busy place-- they are still dragging some of the rings. There are several show rings-- so always someone in action being judged.

GMHA is a large showgrounds and they host a variety of shows and competitive rides and driving all through the year. They have an awesome cross-country course which winds up and through the hills and woods.

Enough looking around.. time to get ready.

Off to the designated exercise/schooling area, where Zoe and Elektra have to cross a brook.

some last minute instructions on where to enter and when.

Elektra earned a respectable 65.5% that day.. considering that she acted up a bit on the 20 meter circle in the first test and didn't even complete the entire circle (what a poophead) -she did well on everything else. Zoe and Elektra came home with a third place ribbon.. not bad for a mare we essentially just pulled out of the pasture a few days ago.

We have already reserved transportation and show times for several shows.. and hope to do as many as time allows. Our two therapeutic riding volunteers- Sara and Jennie also hope to ride and show this summer, So it will be another busy season with lots of fun.

Yesterday... I spent the day checking fence line up on my little mountain in the woods.. Zoe rode the ATV up, I took the tractor-- lots of tools between us and we're almost done. With the unusually high water levels and heavy snows and WIND-- we had more than the usual downed trees.. many of them on the fence. One more day though -- and we'll be good to go.

Off to work.. enjoy your day ~

Training, Riding, and Show Day

2009-05-03T04:47:00.150-04:00

Today Zoe and I are getting an early start- She has her first show of the season and her first ride time is at 8:30. Originally, Zoe was planning on bringing OYY Salvadore and has been schooling him regularly. This past week, the show secretary called to say-- no stallions allowed at this show ! So, last minute change-- OYY Elektra still has fairly current coggins papers from her show last fall. Zoe practiced with Elektra all week and they should be ready. We already signed up for the Intro tests A and B, since -- for Salvadore it would have been his first time out and about-- we are hoping Elektra does well-- A and B should be pretty easy for her, but we did just pull her out of the pasture and not a lot of riding all winter.

OYY Little "Z" has graduated to long lining and ground driving work this past week and is doing splendidly.
"Z" is a maternal sister to Elektra. She's just coming 3 years old and measures just about 15 hands. She's going to make a super mount.

OYY Queen Jane Approximately (out of Lilly and Mead's Chocolate Chip) is a full sister to OYY The Mighty Quinn. Quinn is the sire of Elektra-- he has had a pretty successful show career in his new home, which you can read about on his page, linked to his name. Queen is currently working on the obstacles. So far we have not been able to scare her much.

She's a proud and
sensible young lady.

During the week, Zoe and I got out to ride quite a few times. Thursday, we took Keri and OYY Ivan out on what we call the Pooh Tree trail. Last time I rode that trail by myself with Keri, I got lost-- so I wanted to tramp the route down a bit and leave some hoofprints as markers so I can ride it with Sweet Bee in the evenings without having to dial up Zoe on my cell phone to find out where I am.

We start out across the road onto a new road I have been building up the mountain.

When we reach the top, where my property ends, we get into the pine wood- we call this the silver disk trail.

We trot along this trail until we come out onto the end of the dead end road where Zoe lives.

Down a pretty steep hillside and here's the Pooh Tree.

Another 2 trails we have not ridden on since last year- the Scott trail and the Apple Tree Trail.. also needed some "marking" so we went out on those two, which link up nicely with a short road trot in between-- with Keri and Teasel.

This start of the Scott trail used to be completely clear. Those little pines grow fast. Keri seemed excited about traveling this way.. so she took the lead with a nice trot, some cantering. Right about here, I was about to turn left-- she insisted... not the right way. Zoe yelled from behind... listen to your mare Mom she knows the way ! Keri knows this trail pretty well I guess.

This truck passed us on the road between the two trails and drove quite slowly.. my horse became impatient and wanted to canter past him. It was kind of humorous.

Here's the "entrance" to the Apple Tree trail. Down at the bottom of the little hill, is a brook and a very old bridge. we used to cross here on the bridge-- but not anymore... too rickety. We just splash through the brook now.

After the brook is where I always get confused when I'm by myself. Actually this day, Zoe missed a turn- but not a problem.

It's difficult to snap a photo that shows how steep this hill is. I'll never forget the day we kind of 'discovered' this trail (maybe 15 years ago) and I saw the hill from the other end... wow... if you are at the bottom , you need to get your horses moving a bit to get to the top.

When we got home, I gave Keri a bath. The hot water is all hooked up in the barn now, so much more enjoyable to have a bath and give one.

Another new house cat--- Miss Kitty (going with my Missy theme)

She's an odd little miss with her flat face (part Persian maybe?). Lots of hair that needs brushing. According to the woman who owned her before me, Miss Kitty was a Russian Spy in a former life... she acts like one too with her furtive slinks around the house. She does seem to understand English pretty well though, as I told her she needed a bath-- and I did not see her for a week. She is obviously still fairly intelligent in undercover work... I know she did not miss any meals during that time.

Enjoy your day ~

The First of May - obstacle training makes for a Solid Trail Mount

2009-05-01T05:39:00.056-04:00

It's been another busy week. Riding and training- Today is the first of May so the RAC mini contest is officially over. We will keep our obstacles set up though as they are such an invaluable training tool. Thanks to Denise Conroy for the motivation to keep me thinking and improving- each year I add more challenges ! And the horses continue to meet those challenges every time.. good breeding, good training :)

OYY Dante, a lovely 14.3 hh, nearly 4 year old black gelding out of our HoneyBee Gal and Homefire Curlies' WCC Benjamin is just one example of good breeding and good training. He's been back up for his training in the last month and again- this week he did the obstacle course, but many more hurdles to experience. This develops true confidence, trust and makes for a super trail mount.

here's his little video from the other day-- so quiet and self-assured.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6eIzM_8bJI

The following day, Dante went out on the trail for the first time. Keri and I rode along to act as chaperone, but Dante was lead horse the entire way and not the least bit worried... in fact- with ears forward and a happy face- he seemed to be thinking , what took you guys so long ?

Careful navigation down his first downhill and no reaction what-so-ever with the puddles and mud.

Dante is going to make someone a super handsome trail mount !

I mentioned on Monday- our 11.2 hand POA pony Pal O' Mine delivered a wonderful curly colt sired by OYY Finnegan (his 4th curly colt of the season). Here are a few photo's of the little fellow- who I named Pal's Piccolo, after the flute so often used by composers to symbolize joy and happiness in a musical composition, probably best recognized as the instrument used to represent Sacha, the bird in Peter and the Wolf. Pal is a fabulous ride/drive pony as is Finn- so this wee fellow has a good solid start to be either or both ! When the solid genes are there, the training will be easy.

Piccolo will make a nice stud prospect for other Curly Pony breed programs or a stunning gelding for riding and carting.

The shad bush is blooming here.

The Shad Bush is another name for the Downy Serviceberry. This bush, which is the first to bloom in the spring, is called the Shad Bush because it is usually in bloom when the shad are running up the New England rivers including the Connecticut River. The red berries are edible, and are often eaten by birds.

The Shad fish travel from the oceans into fresh water rivers to spawn-- So whenever the Shadbush is in bloom I think of my Dad, who used to travel, like the shad- north to visit and we would go out to eat together. He always ordered Shad -- which I have never tried actually.

There is lots more to report-- OYY Queen Jane Approximately (out of Lilly and Mead's Chocolate Chip) is in training learning and advancing quickly. OYY Little "Z" is being long-lined and ground driven. News of their new skills another day.... Time to get to my daily chores.

Enjoy your day ~

Saturday Ride on Monday - with a Sunburn

2009-04-29T04:39:00.094-04:00

Our usual Saturday ride had to be postponed until this past Monday. (Saturday we were busy Jousting ). It worked out that we had almost the entire day-- and a good thing too, because the trail we had mapped out for ourselves and our steady mounts was going to be a LONG one !

As we saddled up it seemed like it was going to be slightly cool on the trail so we began with light sweatshirts--

Turned out, we took those off about 20 minutes into the ride and the temperatures continued to heat up through out the trip. Both Zoe and I were wearing tank tops and we both got pretty red by the end of the day. At the beginning of the trail, we found one of Denises's obstacles in the woods !

We rode up over Mount Ephraim again, past the little beaver pond.

We came down the other side of the mountain on a different trail - taking a right at the top. This route leads out onto a road called Rasmussen- where we have beautiful views.

As the trail turns into a road- there is farmland on either side and gorgeous hay fields.

Here's the farmhouse owned by some people who only visit the farm a few weeks out of the year.

Rasmussen Road continues down to Pleasant Valley Road where we cross over onto Poppe Road- another short dirt road that turns into trail at the end.

More scenic pastures and hay fields

The end of the road again and back on trail.

This trail crosses over into Chester and comes out onto Roach Road. From here, we ride the dirt roads homeward- taking a brief trot onto another little trail, cross a bridge in the woods.

Once on the road home, the horses got their second wind and had a nice refreshing gallop. It was a great ride- but as I said... our shoulders were sunburned when we reached home base.

Sunday, Zoe's children- Rena and Dominic, wanted to try the jousting since they were pretty impressed with our little show on Saturday. We dressed Keri up again and led the kids through the course.

Here's Maid Rena and Lord Dominic

I made a short video of the affair.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpriKYIPXGc

Right before our Monday ride, our favorite little pony Pal delivered her curly pony colt- a darling palomino sired by OYY Finnegan. Other than the fact that he gave us all colts so far- I am pretty pleased with the results- I still need to snap a few photo's of the new fellow.

Yesterday was spent grooming and bathing various horses. We moved some horses around again, which always results in a lot of whinnying while they make new friends and look for their old ones. A few of the horses settled right in and I can tell they were wondering what took so long for us to figure out that's where they preferred to be.

The past few days have been unseasonably HOT- and it seems I may have to mow the lawn this week ! Yikes.. seems early for that.

Sunday is Zoe's first show of the season, so she is getting ready for that. This week is the close of the RAC Obstacle course mini contest.. We might get in a few more if we have time.

enjoy the day ~

Sun Power and Jousting With our Curlies

2009-04-26T06:28:00.060-04:00

What a contrast in weather- yesterday was truly a day for developing the farmer's tan. Hot, sunny and more like August than April. I am definitely solar powered though and when the sun shines, so do I :)

This week, our young volunteer, Sara, came to help out as she was out on school vacation. In between lessons, she rode OYY Pal's Job through the obstacles. he has not been out under saddle since February- but he went very well-- what a guy ! Here's the short video from that day- very windy and rainy too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwmsj8ji7x4

Since my Number 5 son went on a school trip and returned to excitedly relate the supper at a restaurant called Medieval Times , it gave me the idea to try Jousting with Curlies. I have had my thinking cap on in order to design a course for our Curlies. We did not actually do combat but played the other games involved in jousting- the quintain, the Rings, and Pig Sticking.

We dressed our horses up - raided the kids's dress up box for something to wear ourselves. Here is Zoe , Teasel and Keri. The horses are outfitted with some 'Dollar Store' curtains.

An extra photo of Keri because I think she's so lovely :)

Here's our course- about 100 feet or so of targets.

With the Quintain, the rider uses a lance to strike a target, which simulates striking the enemy. We had a shield, a crow and a star for our targets. The target swings away when you hit it... so I had to figure that out-- The wind kept blowing the target though, so I still need to remedy that glitch.

The Rings- which the rider must capture on their lance. I only had two set up, they are about 15 feet apart. I made the rings a lot bigger than the ones they use in official tournaments. I guess as we hone our skills, they can be smaller in diameter.

A snapshot of my 'War Horse' -

Zoe had possession of the camera the entire time-- that was something new. She got a little video, although poor quality because her mighty steed was antsy to get in the games.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7gyhLAXCJ0

What a lot of fun we both had ! No photo's of the Pig Sticking-- maybe later this week. Now what other horse will enjoy the Jousting Games ? We'll see this week.

In the evenings, Zoe is riding WR Winter Dancer, also called Dancer Prancer... she's having fun in the woods over around her house. She does not mind being the 'only' horse one bit.

On my side of the mountain, I am continuing to take out OYY Sweet Bee so she can be in better shape to go the miles. Last night she trotted nearly the entire way. We veered into a trail and had fun trying a few log jumps-- kind of a novelty for me because I am not a jumper. I always miss Keri when I am astride another mount, but Sweet Bee is a wonderful mare, and perhaps a good replacement for Keri someday when Keri is too old to go a long ways out.

Enjoy your day ~

School Vacation changes our routine

2009-04-21T04:06:00.137-04:00

April rains today- with all the wind we've had in the past few weeks, it has been so dry there is a burning ban here. Although the weather will make for nasty choretime, I suppose the rain is a good thing. The peep frogs have been half-heartedly active here. The temperatures are not quite warm enough for them to be peeping full time yet. when it does finally warm up consistently, the pastures are going to truly take off.. can't wait. I have lots of new seeding and last fall spread lime on much of my pasture- can't wait to view the results and get the horses off the hay chore routine.

It's school vacation, so Zoe and I can't ride much with the little monkeys around ! We did put them to good use though-- playing with the foals. Great exposure for the foals and what better obstacles than the energy of 2 non-stop kids ? Zoe's 2, Rena and Dominic, had fun with Ozzie, grooming, leading and hugging.

it's a great experience for Ozzie to be led away from his Mom by himself and good for his dam, OYY Niobe to stay tied and trust her humans with the little fellow.

Zoe leads Ozzie through the "tickle tubes", while Niobe watches.

Yesterday, we set more obstacles up in our 'course' of scarey stuff--- although so far none of the horses have been frightened of any of it.

Photo's of some of the booby traps so far starring OYY Salvadore on lead line.

Starting with the umbrella- this one did make Salvadore a little nervous at first. This umbrella is perfect as with a quick push with one finger, quickly shoots it open and close, with a nice swooshing sound.

Next, they head for the bridge - it's not just human monkeys that like to get in the action...

We have had the bridge for sometime now, so most all the horses are used to it. I have discovered that once they do the bridge, the teeter-totter is no challenge. The horses just think it's another bridge.

The whole time Salvadore is meeting new hurdles, Dominic thinks the umbrella is fun- and he had discovered the wonderful swooshing open and close mechanism.

Here's a new idea of mine, added this April. I call it the snake pit alley. The horses don't even look or stop to sniff first... I am going to have to add some detail to the edge-- perhaps flags and pinwheels or balloons.

Zoe stops to grab the raincoat off the post and puts it on, then takes it off. This is even more fun on horseback.

Through the tarp alley- then to the tire.

The Streamer walkthrough. I think I am going to modify the streamers- using an old shower curtain cut into strips. They will have more weight and rub on the horses more as they walk through it.

The tickle tube alley- this is a great one for getting the horses used to brush and branches on the narrow trail.

Next week, Salvadore can do the entire course under saddle.

As I have said before, obstacle month is my favorite mini-contest !

Here's a little surprise Rena left for me just outside my front door.

I love Ya-Ya written out with rocks and stones. That made my day :)

WR Winter Dancer went to stay at Zoe's house for a few weeks to get more time on the trail. The days are so full, this way, now the it stays light longer in the evening, Zoe can ride after she goes home. Dancer is also enjoying the special time all to herself.

I took a nice trot out on OYY Sweet Bee Sunday evening right around the same time Zoe was on the other side of the mountain riding Dancer. I missed being on Keri of course, but Sweet Bee is a wonderful mount and look how gorgeous she is !

We've ridden her Mom (Sudie Bee), her maternal grand-mother (Teena), her maternal grand-father, (Colonel's Pasqualie Kid), Her Dad (Chip), and her maternal great grand-mother (Little Pet- dam to Colonel's Pasqualie Kid). I think I got that right !!

Enjoy your day ~

Another Saturday Ride- the best yet !

2009-04-20T16:56:00.095-04:00

Our Saturday was probably the most awesome we've had so far in 2009. Zoe and I were pressed for time so had a lot of miles to cover with only 2 or so hours to do it.

My delightful Keri came trotting over to be caught-- she was excited ! We saddled up and Keri plugged into her power trot- which surprised me- and she and Teasel kept it up pretty nearly the entire trek. The trail was in great shape... but since snowmobiling season is over, the gates were closed on the trail. We had to climb the stonewalls- not a problem. Keri said- Teasel, stand aside-- and let me at it.

She had that attitude for most of the ride which was fun because I love to see her having a good time.

As we got to the beginning of the Mount Ephraim trail, we veered left to trot down a lower route we rarely ride. Wide and dry enough for lots of trotting and some cantering, quite exhilarating.

We had to cross a few brooks along the way, dipping up and down through valleys and hills. Here's one brook- and we wonder-- what kind of bridge is this ?

We trot through the water- not even venturing into the safety issues of a little pallet perched on a log.

At the end- we come out into what's called 'Dutton District' after a large farm on the hill owned by the Dutton family. There we have to travel on the road to get to the backway up to the top of Mount Ephraim. We pass a payloader, idling on the side of the road while its operator is off having a neighborly chat. Does this qualify for an obstacle?

once we get on this trail, it's a steady climb to the top with lots of running water on both sides-

and in the road as well

It's the mud that the 4-wheelers love so much and this route is a haven for the ATV'ers. We met up with quite a few dirt bikers and 4-wheelers having fun. It's their traveling on the roads that create more mud.

as we near the end of this trail, we find a 'homestead' of sorts--- not my idea of luxury accommodations.

This tent was set up and being used all winter, as we passed it several times this year.

On the way home, we decide to take a left onto an alternate route- which involves brook walking -- which I love to do with my horse.

it was a great ride.

When we arrived home, I took Keri over the teeter-totter for the first time since it was still sitting in the barnyard.

Friday, Honeybee Gal- an older 14 hand curly mare from Damele and Fredell breeding, delivered a lovely palomino curly colt. Just as he was born the Great Blue heron flew up out of the pond so- hence his name.. OYY HeronBee. He's sired by OYY Finnegan (Finn's second foal)

Sunday- OYY Demeter delivered a nice curly colt with a surprise color- Not what I expected anyway.

OYY Matisse- also a "Finn" baby.

Yesterday was tee shirt weather- today chilly and blustery- we set up more obstacles in the smaller riding ring. Return and see photo's tomorrow !

Enjoy ~

Obstacle Fun

2009-04-17T04:31:00.060-04:00

It's been a busy week at the farm. I have a long repair list to attend to. Heavy snow damage to fence and a few posts were broken off here and there-- one or two because I accidentally backed into the post with the tractor moving snow.

Yesterday, I was replacing one gate post which suffered from just that.. and I decided- I've been wanting to rebuild the entire line of fence anyway .. so as usual, what should have been a rather quick chore ended up taking nearly all day. But, now I have a new stretch of tidy fence much more pleasing to the eye. I guess it was worth it.

Obstacles are my main focus this month, with the RAC mini contest in the works for the month. I do love a challenge. Last year I came up with some decent obstacles using the Calmer, Smarter, Braver obstacle list. This year I am aiming for more, better, daring and fun..

I built a teeter-totter for horses and before it was even completed, Zoe came back from schooling OYY Salvadore in the big ring and tried it out. Salvadore loved it and found it to be quite easy. Here's the short little impromptu video of my little pony walking over it. He'd maybe make a nice circus pony ?! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuJMdgKObtA

What a ham he is.

Bad boy Salvadore ducked under the fence last year and bred a pony mare- we were all watching from a distance and by the time we got down to gather him up, the deed had been done. I noted the rendez-vous on my calendar and sure enough-- right to the day, OYY Niobe delivered our first Salvadore foal. It only took that one time. He's a lovely smooth coated red colt who is going to make a wonderful smart sport medium pony-- Niobe is a smooth forward mount and Salvadore is obviously multi-talented-- although an "oops" baby, this little guy does have all the right genes. His name is OYY Walkan Osier- Ozzie for short.

And since the see-saw is still down in the barnyard, Ozzie had a chance to try it out too.

Tarps are always on the top of the obstacle list and they are so versatile. We always use them in various ways in training. This week I put together a tarp alleyway. As soon as it was assembled and up, My Keri Luna (daughter of my lovely Keri and our talented and handsome Chip) tried it out for me.

OYY Little "Z" , a Chip daughter, has been up for serious training. She has been introduced to a variety of obstacles. Last week, "Z" did the tire and the bridge-- this week is 'tarp week'. Flinging the tarp at her from all directions, rubbing it on her on all sides- until she stands quietly and can easily wear the tarp

walk on and over the tarp from all directions and stand on it.

And more--

When "Z" is ready for the saddle and riding out, nothing should alarm her now. At the end of her session on day-- "Z" had a stab at the teeter-totter.

Mead's Chocolate Chip is pretty much officially a driving horse now. I made a short video of him this week. Third time hitched and first time trotting with the cart in the big ring. He loves to go down the road and perhaps he'll do a driving show mid-summer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sG2SVkYbvdU

OYY Salvadore gets out with his rider, Zoe, several times a week. Their first show is in a few weeks so Zoe and Salvadore practice the intro test A and B. Here is a short video of Test B.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFyENIbXUUg

Salvadore also gets the "treat" of trotting out on the road and trail, which he adores. I am so pleased with this pony. Not only handsome but smart too. :)

I have more 'booby traps' up my sleeve for the horses, so stay tuned for news and photo's.

Enjoy ~

Winds-Day

2009-04-09T16:06:00.080-04:00

I know I mentioned a few posts back it was not quite time to store away the snow shovels- just in case of a late spring snowstorm.. but I didn't imagine I'd be needing my long underwear ever again... Yesterday was, as Pooh and Piglet said once-- a rather blustery day -a real Winds-day. Cold, raw, snowing. And today.. go figure-- it's 50 degrees again.

Yesterday, on our Winds-day- OYY Nimue got out in the big ring (with the cold the ground was a bit firmer than it's recently been). I got some video footage of her driving. Incredibly, the town trucks are still at it along my road.. a continual queue of dump trucks dumping fill to quell the mud. Nimue was not distracted a bit, she was so happy to be out trotting. What a pleasure Nimue is.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GGv8C44kF4

During the week, OYY Little "Z" was up for her start in some training. "Z" is out of Chip and Ahmet and is 15 hands now at almost 3 years old. Her maternal sister is OYY Elektra who has starred in a few blog posts and did so nicely for us in her show debut last fall.

She learns to stand still while we throw the harness all over her from different sides. After the harness is on, she is de-sensitized with flinging the rope up and over and around her legs.

She also steps through the tire and over the little bridge.

"Z" is a beautiful very smart girl

Here's a photo of her dam, Ahmet.

During "Z" 's training session, we had a few nosey on-lookers

OYY Ivan and OYY Dante being curious.

And of course the dogs are always with me. They know better than to enter the "work" area... except Fritz- the little dachshund- he pushes the limits a bit- just barely over the line.

Yesterday, we also hitched Chip fully into the cart and he pulled a passenger with ease and grace. Hopefully tomorrow, I'll be able to get a short video of his real first day out.

Here's a photo of my new cat. She joined my home last week and is quite content. I call her Miss Mew. I also have 2 barn cats, one called Miss Purr and one called Miss Potter. This way, with my aging mind- I never have to remember any of their names-- I can call them all Missy and I am always right.

Enjoy your day- what is left of it.

Our Pulling Curly :)

2009-04-08T05:17:00.126-04:00

Despite the nasty weather we've experienced on and off (with one gorgeous warm day in between), we've been working on our goal to get Chip (Mead's Chocolate Chip) expertly pulling a cart. Chip has been my main herd sire for a long time, giving me some awesome foals- both pony sized and tall and sporty. He also has some great grand-kids going under saddle. Last summer, we decided to saddle train Chip- even though his offspring are proof enough of his wonderful qualities, I thought it would be nice to show he is up for the challenge as well. He did well at his training level walk/trot dressage shows and has enjoyed going out on the road and trails for pleasure as well. Now- he's in harness and pulling anything and everything we hitch him too. I hope he can do a few driving shows this summer.

Chip started by pulling the evener- here he is wearing his driving harness with breast plate.

Next step- he is hitched to a truck tire and he quietly pulled that all over the place. The day we decided to bring him down the road- the town was busy dumping fill hoping to improve the incredible MUD situation, so Chip met a lot of traffic of all kinds.

He also met his daughter- OYY Sweet Bee out for a quick trot. That's one great thing about Chip- he pays no attention to mares at all when working.

In that time out on the road- quite a few town trucks passed us.

Here are a few of them waiting for their turn to dump their loads.

Chip has mastered the tire- so it's on to a heavier more difficult load- my stone boat. I acquired this stone boat from an old farmer

about 14 years ago and a few years ago had to re-build the bed. It's about 200 pounds-

Look at the wonderful old hand forged chain. For me, quite a treasure.

The stone boat was no new surprise for Chip- he pulled 2 people on it with no troubles. It's not so easy to sit on the stone boat though and maintain balance in the mud.

These are my "practice" shafts I use to get a horse used to the confines (without fear of damaging my good shafts). Sometimes the restriction of the shafts is what makes the horse most anxious. It also helps us teach Chip how to properly step over and push a bit with his shoulder, which he does not have to do when just hitched with the tugs to a dragging weight-

hitched to the cart- we walk beside and practice those turns over and over, both small pivoting turns and wide ones, until it's time to actually get in the cart and ride.

Yesterday, Zoe and I decided to try Chip in the old work harness I have had for about 20 years. It has pulled many a heavy load for my "family", with the help of the horse of course-- and been to log skid competitions and other pulling affairs. I bought it from a logger, so this old harness and collar has seen some serious work loads. It originally belonged to my extraordinary "grade" mare- Teena -who was 13.3 hands and 1200 pounds. I refer to her often in my blog as she was so special and has given us so many wonderful foals and grand-foals.

You can see the outfit is quite aged, but in great condition. Chip seems to enjoy pulling with a collar- all new to him that day.

Chip pulled me and Zoe all over the place- I got off the skoot/sled in order to get a better photo. I bought this old sled from a pulling horse teamster in 1986 ! :) Zoe has been a passenger in carts and sleds since she was a little bug-but has never driven until this year. She is starting to like it I think, even though she's been a passenger in some occasional "sketchy" driving situations.

Chip pulling both of us. We had fun despite the rain and spitting hail/snow.

Next week, Chip will be pulling the cart down the road in his driving harness.. but it's nice to know he's capable of skidding a load too-- just in case I need to use him for some heavy work in the woods !

Enjoy your day ~

Signs of Spring on Thursday

2009-04-03T04:50:00.138-04:00

It's April now--

we've had quite a few days of dreary dismal weather, but have continued to ride and work. Yesterday- Thursday was one of our best days so far-- and signs and sounds of spring were evident everywhere. This is the first day I have seen and heard the Phoebe sing... here he is up at the peak of the barn. If the phoebe nests in the barn- it's very good luck !

The killdeer 'scouts' were out and about, looking ahead for nesting sites and all morning the skies were filled with the constant killdeer call. A few brave red winged blackbirds were also back with their Okaleeee, and throughout the day the robins were trilling their Cheery-up, Cheerio.

We are actually in T-shirts !! I rode Keri, Zoe took OYY Ivan- and we meet our first obstacles before we even get out of the yard !

The excavator is here setting telephone poles for some new gateways I am putting in - I was fortunate to get a very large load of poles when the telephone company was replacing a bunch somewhere in town. Now I have poles set 5 feet in the ground for gateways. Here's 2 poles pretty much set in place.

We ride by the excavator while it is loading poles into the trailer -- and meet Sophie- one of our pot bellied pigs. Also a sure sign of springtime is -- the pigs are out of hibernation and looking for grubs and green grass .. busily gaining back all the weight they lost during their long winter sleep.

Out on the back roads, the mud is still squishy. We trotted further down the roads, intending to do one of our smaller loops-- but the trail was calling us-- with this gorgeous weather so we ducked into one of old tried and trues. Climbed the snowbank between the two trees that make the entrance.

We trot from open trail to still deeply snow covered trail

lots of brooks and meltwater to navigate. In and out of shade and sun.

We pass the little beaver pond- cross the last brook and come out into the field to head home

Once we reach the farm, we decide to trot up into the backyard and see if the horses will walk up the little set of steps I have in a small retaining wall I built 2 years ago. Since April is the month of 'obstacles' we are always looking for some.

This is too easy though--

The best sight of the day-- the Mourning Cloak- a butterfly that hibernates all winter, usually in cracks in the bark of trees, and reappears in early spring. The only discouraging signpost of spring I ran into today was a couple of swirling black flies..

We managed to to get in some great training sessions this week as well as some great pleasure riding. Chip is busy pulling everything and anything we hitch him to. OYY Queen Jane Approximately is up for some re-education. OYY Little "Z" has officially begun her preparation for saddle training and OYY Dante is back being ridden after a few months off.. due to being busy with others. He was thrilled to be the 'chosen one'. I'll post all that news with photo's another day !!

Enjoy your day ~

A Refreshing Mountain Climb

2009-03-29T05:11:00.257-04:00

Saturday morning for whatever reason, I awoke with tangled thoughts and foggy eyes.. but Zoe and I had planned a trip up Mount Ephraim, so I knew that would clear my senses in the best way. The day- again- was perfect for a trot out so after lessons we tacked up our dynamic duo and headed out with grand anticipation. Here is a photo from my backyard of our goal, the roof in the trees in about one quarter of the way there-- to the TOP :) (barely visible, it's almost mid-center, just about at the treeline)

I took many photo's- the woods were beautiful, almost even more so than they are in the summer. The sound of water running was constant, with steadily melting snow and rushing brooks and streams. One of our best rides to date ! For the most part, this will be a photo journey-- too beautiful to choose just a few photo's.

Starting out, we have to cross the highway on the snowmobile trail. We find alternately snowy cover and bare ground as we travel. After crossing the highway, we get on what we call the Snow's trail (because people by the name of Snow used to live on the corner of the trail opening)

We can head straight on the official snowmobile trail, but we turn right into the woods on a lesser used trail, following the brook where we like to take green horses for a taste of brook walking.

Up ahead we turn left, to cross the brook and begin our climb up.

Everytime Keri comes to a stream crossing, she likes to play a bit and pretend she's thirsty. When she was much younger, this was a game of sorts-- she'd try to drink so I would loosen the reins-- then she'd JUMP the water. After a lot of practice-- now she just walks very mannerly through the water without fail.

We trot back onto the main snowmobile trail.

We get out onto the road again, extreme mud.

This old road leads past the Stellafane Observatory where people come from all over the world at the end of the summer to view the night skies.

The road leads all the way over the mountain to (obviously) the other side-- in Rockingham. There are many great offshoot trails, but today- our goal is the top. The mud road turns back into snow, ice and water past the Observatory. On the start of the trip, this ice over water was quite firm- but on the way home-- the horses were breaking through quite often. Trotting on the ice road made a hollow echoing sound-- fun.

Along the way- there were many others who had the same idea as we had-- to get out on such a beautiful day.. no horses though -- but lots of ATV riders. Some of them leisurely quiet riders who slowed down for us, Some of them large groups of young fast daring boys- who just revved up their engines and whipped by.

One rider stopped to chat and give us an update of what was ahead.

About mid way- there is a hayfield, which is mowed every summer believe it or not.. because it's a rough road to get here. We turn right to start the real upward climb. The sun is stronger as the trees begin to thin out for awhile.

Just ahead, Keri and I stop to snap some views.

The trail becomes woods again-

we meet more water for Keri to stop, splash and pretend water deprivation. We wind our way steadily climbing through the woods and snow- and reach the last part - at the last treeline. It gets brushy and warm again.

The last steep climb.

Seconds to the top now. A few views from Mount Ephraim -

I am not sure which is more visually satisfying-- the trip up or the views from the top. At any rate-- a super trot out, lots of fun-- and as usual.. Zoe and I had some ideas for our next trip out. We'll climb to the top, head out the opposite side down into Dutton District, and loop onto another lower mountain trail that will bring us back home.

Till next time -- Enjoy your day ~

Stringing Fence with the help of some Puppies

2009-03-24T05:22:00.069-04:00

Sunday is the traditional day of rest-- but it seems I typically use that day to complete needed tasks I did not have time for during the week. I had an idea for a new fenceline that would form a lane of sorts-- a double fenceline creating a "dead-zone" of 40 feet which would, in theory, open up the possibilities to use each area for studs and mares-- with enough space between them to avoid any interest between the two. We'll see in the future if this works.

I gathered up all my supplies and tools- and the puppies, now 8 weeks old came along for the adventure. We headed out to the area I call the Orchard, because it's an old (very old) orchard :) I have been working on clearing this orchard, trying to bring it back... it was once a tangle of weeds, thorny brush, low growing junipers and pines. Most of the wood from the orchard went to warming the house this past winter. I think I can seed at least half of it this summer. Last summer, whenever I got the chance, I dug rock and pulled stumps with the tractor. It's looking a lot more clear and sunny now- with a few nice spreading maples for shade here and there.

The new fence will line this "road" that I have been building forever, which gives me access to more of the area with the tractor, so I can haul logs and firewood out from the lower regions.

Still more pine to clear out in here. I used the trees to string the fence.

The puppies had a great time investigating... running in the little brooks and climbing rocks. Their antics were a fun distraction--

The little first born fellow we call Dmitri was a big help carrying some of the supplies- The pups were also all a big help in opening the bags of insulators for me.

The fence is up-- for now I have my 3 younger studs on one side and my bred ponies on the other... but now I have the option of putting open mares in the orchard if my theory works out.

Today, the puppies get their 8 week inoculations and Wednesday the 2 girls- the one we call Rita (the lovely meter maid) and the chubbly girl her new owners have named Bailey are leaving. We'll miss them !

The weekend was the last of the warmer springlike weather - on Monday the wind was biting and the temperatures nippy. Back to wearing long underwear for now !

Enjoy your day ~

Our Saturday Ride

2009-03-22T05:44:00.168-04:00

Another Saturday, another great excursion out with Keri and Teasel. The horses were excited as they must have heard Zoe and I discussing our itinerary. We have talked about cruising through the Chester Green for several years now, and never made the trip -- Yesterday was the perfect day for it. Sunny and warm- but not too warm. Ideal trotting weather. Keri had new shoes put on during the week as she had worn her other ones down.. she was pretty happy about it. We headed over Crow Hill again. Although we travel this road quite a bit lately, it's never boring with the gorgeous views.

We have lost so much snow where the sun can warm up the ground-- Here's where "T" fell in the ditch-- now open and fully visible. You might also notice here I roached Keri's mane. It was quite long, but following Denise's advice on mane care, I decided to start fresh with a sheared mane and the "treatments" .

We trotted over Crow Hill and turned right at the end- to head out onto Route 103.

We enter what is called the Stone Village, where we had a wonderful ride last year, (lots of photo's of that ride on the March 23 blog of 2008) only we came at it from the other direction on that day. The Stone Village is a cluster of 30 dwellings which line either side of the street all erected by 2 brothers from 1834- 1850's all built from local granite. The quarry is located up on Trebo Road. It is our intention to find that quarry-- there is a trail somewhere that leads to it- one day we looked for it... we still need to investigate some more on horseback !

The main road into the Stone Village- Route 103

Like Willie Nelson's Back on the Road again- I guess this could be our new theme song "Back on the Sidewalks Again" !!

Lined along the sidewalks of Stone Village are these tie rings from the days when all travel was by horseback or wagon/carriage.

A brisk trot through the village, then we cross over the highway onto Church Street- which is a little road I rarely travel, so the sights are all new to me and also for the horses.

The red light is flashing at the railroad crossing-- the train whistle is a loud warning, as the train has to signal its arrival at every crossing with a very loud blast... this is no subdued little toot-- but a repeated lusty intense resonant blare. We are wondering how the horses are going to react- although last year we did meet up with the train on several occasions, we were never quite so close to the train as this. But after last year's up-close and personal rendezvous with the Governor's helicopters landing right near us, the train should pose no problems.

The horses stand quietly and wait with the other traffic for the Green Mountain "express" to pass.

We reach the end of Church Street, where we cross the main road again and turn left to head down to the "Green". Chester is the "picture-postcard" town that comes to mind when you think of Vermont. The town green is encircled by small shops and historic homes from the late 1700's and early 1800's. Most New England's towns have a "green". A village green is a common open area which is a part of a settlement. Traditionally, such an area was land at the centre of a small agricultural settlement, used for grazing and sometimes for community events. Some may also have a pond, originally for watering stock.

I guess the most commonly known "Greens" of New England are Central Park in New York City and the Boston Commons and Public Gardens (where the famous swan boats are). Chester's Green is small but a real touristy attraction.

Approaching the actual green, sidewalks lined with the Inns and Cafes.

Now, if there were tie rings here still-- we could stop for a nice brick oven Pizza !

Past the now Fullerton Inn, originally built in the 1840's. Here is a postcard of the Fullerton Inn from 1909 and also what is looks like now.

As we trot along the shop lined street, we meet up with Zoe's number 1 daughter, Rena, who is having a sunny spring day picnic on the Green !

Time to head home- We have to cross over at the Jiffy Mart,

trot through Chester Depot again- cross the bridge spanning the beautiful Williams River.

On the way home we decide to veer off course on to some trail for a bit-- once again-- we find... the snow is still super DEEP in the woods ! We come out into the pasture and head back out onto the road home.

Another superb outing astride our adventuresome dynamic duo-- Keri and Teasel. Now-- where to head next week ?

Enjoy your day ~