P.S.

I wish Eddie and I could do this while we're in Florida!

But at least I'll be around horses and trimming them. :-)

Sorry, just had to share this video with you. I love it so much because it reminds me of Eddie and I. Just having fun!

Two More Days!

Two more days until my mom and I head south! Wow, I can't believe how fast it came. I'm really going to miss my sister, my dad, Eddie, Scout, Diesel, our kitties and the farm. But it's only for one week out of the year and then mom and I are back to chilly northern Illinois. It will be time for Christmas & Christmas songs and Christmas cookies and *squeal!* CHRISTMAS! I love Christmas. Can ya tell?
Anyway, I've been playing with Eddie every day and today we played a lot. It was sunny, calm and not too chilly. It was really nice to play with him for such a nice long time. I also took Diesel for a walk and rode Scout two laps in the track. Whew! Full day! It was fun and I hope that tomorrow is nice so we can play again before we leave early Friday morning.
I'll definitely blog when we're in Florida. I'm sure there'll be lots to blog about!

~Lea & Eddie~

Romans 12:2

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

When it Rains it Pours

:-p
BLECH!
I hate rain.

Ok. Rant. Done.

I didn't really get to play with Eddie today. :-( That makes me sad. But we did go for a walk together. We went around the outside of the corncrib and grazed out in the rain. I just couldn't help it and he sure didn't mind being out in the rain and out of his stall. Standing there with my horse and my outback hat in the rain seemed kinda cool to me. I've had a growing dream that I will have to blog about later. I want to do it someday and I pray that I'll be able to.
Anyway, we went for a walk around the corncrib and then went out to the pasture for a romp around there. We did a lap and trotted just a little bit. But it was way too slippery to do anything else.
Here's to a sunny day! I'm hoping that it's sunny out tomorrow.

~Lea & Eddie~

Thankfulness (Part 2)

I first posted about the big things that I'm thankful for.
Now for the frivolous & fun things I'm thankful for!
Things like...

Waking up in the morning to look out the window and see a fresh snow. Just dazzling!

Books. Curling up with a good book and just reading all day!

The only thing better than reading books it writing them!

Sitting down and watching a good movie. :-)

The sound of a cello and piano duet. Also any kind of music!! I love music - country, pop, rock, classical, soundtrack, you name it!

ICE CREAM! Ice cream is my one weakness. I could eat a whole container and still have room for more.

The sound of a river, the shining of the sun and the hush of a breeze through the trees. Rivers will always remind me of when I was baptized by my mom and dad. It's so peaceful and how can you not feel close to God when you are outdoors.

Above all else, I love the feel of a content horse and the peace of the outdoors. When everything is right in our own little world - the horse is happy - the human is happy and they are both soft to each other. I've experienced it with Eddie and I will always be searching for it time and time again. Lightness and softness is equal doses and true feel that can be felt in the heart of the horse and rider.


Oh the joys that life brings us!
So, what are you thankful for?

~Lea & Eddie & Scout & Diesel~

Psalm 100:4
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
         And into His courts with praise.
         Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.

Thankfulness (part 1)

I am thankful for...

My crazy, silly, goofy, lovable, awesomely amazing family. I don't know what I would do without them! You're the butter to my bread and the beat to my heart! <3

Our crazy, silly, goofy horses! :-) They bring such joy to our lives and we are so thankful to give three awesome horses forever homes. The horses are part of our family and are my lifelong partners. <3 I love them dearly!

The farm God has blessed us with. We came here 7 years ago and the farm has changed our lives. We have a forever home here and I thank God for it every day. Sure it's a lot of work, but it's work that we love doing and can't imagine our lives without it!


Part 2 coming soon!
Time to go let the horses out to pasture. :-)

~Lea

Even Though It Rained

...We still got to play!
In fact I played with all the horses today.

First, Diesel and I went for a walk all around the property. Let me just say that he LOVES it. We did a whole lap, went through the pines, through the south line and he was very happy to be out eating the yummy long grass.
Then Eddie and I played in his paddock because he was too scared to go out and play. Poor Eddie... He's been nervous the past two days. I don't know if it's just because of the colder weather, or what. But even Scout has been spooky and scared lately. Anyway, we chased each other, did some fast backups, rollbacks, spanish walk, and cutting game. He sure does love that cutting game!
Lastly, Scout and I went for a walk on the track and he was pretty spooky. Those darn kitties that come up out of nowhere... So, I let him loose and he ran back home. Well... actually he ran out to the pasture and I let him graze on the long grass. Bad me. I shouldn't do that. He's somewhat IR and even if he gets a little bit of too rich grass, it gives him a - how do I put this - loose stool.
*clears throat*
It was a pretty nice morning if you don't count the cold wind and cloudy sky. The horses were happy to play. Very happy. And so was I!


~Lea & Eddie & Scout & Diesel~

Colossians 3:15

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

The Amazing Days

As I was playing with Eddie yesterday and riding around lazily in the outdoor, I started to reminisce about a few of the amazing days I've shared with the horses.
These were the ones I thought of:

#1
The day that I first cantered Eddie.

He started to trot and took a few strides at the canter. It was so smooth, so perfect. That was in August 2008.

 #2
The day that Scout came.

I remember like it was yesterday the look on Eddie's face. "A PONY?! YOU GOT A PONY FOR ME?!" He was so happy. I think this picture totally sums up that day. Pure happiness. Scout had been alone for over ten years and Eddie had been alone for 15 months. They are perfect brothers and love each other so much!

 #3
The day Diesel came home.

I also remember this day so vividly. HARPS humane society came out to help us get Diesel. He was alone in a field for one year with no food or water. What some people do to animals... Anyway, I was able to put the rope around his neck and then we hung on. We got him in the trailer and he started a new life with us.

#4

The first day that Eddie and I actually jumped.

We cantered after it and my best buddy took the most amazing picture! It is still one of my favorites! Totally sums up our carefree, fun loving style! Crocs and rolled up jeans, oh yeah!!

 #5
The day we got flooded!

We had SO much rain and the south west corner of our property had about a foot of standing water. So we took the horses down there and Eddie rolled in it, pawed in it and we even rode through it. It was so fun!

 #6
The Blizzard & skiiing.

Scout would pull us on the skis and my sister and I would take turn leading him. It was so much fun and Scout was pretty excited about it too.
The blizzard was really fun too. We got upwards of 4ft drifts and the horses had so much fun playing in them. Diesel probably could have gone under a few of the big ones!

#7
Jumping & Cantering in August 2011.

That was one of those days that every fit so perfectly together. Like a puzzle piece, but even better.

"That absolute pure honesty of the horse, man that's just the greatest thing there is... - Buck Brannaman"

That's the quote that somewhat sums up that day. We were both so willing and he was so open and soft. It's said that once you get a taste of that, pure harmony, you'll spend all your life trying to get there again. :-)
That was our day.

~Lea & Eddie~

Psalm 107:1

Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good!
         For His mercy endures forever.

Random Christmas-y Pictures!

I know this isn't very horsey... But I just wanted to share these pics with you!

See, I LOVE Christmas. I can still remember looking out a window when I was five, watching the snow fall amongst the trees and going to church on Christmas Eve to 'Light the Night' with Christmas lights.

I bet I could really go overboard with Christmas lights too... Like those crazy people who have their whole lawns lit up! Icicle lights, little light-up snowmen, trains that actually go on tracks... You name it! lol!

I even thought that it would be cool to put some Christmas lights on Eddie. You know, battery powered ones. Or some blinking reindeer antlers! Hmm... might have to work on that!

Ah yes, nothing like reading a good book when it's cold out! An 800 page one to be in fact that I finished in 4 days. Oh... yeah.... ;-)

My evil little, bengal cat. MOCHA! She looks so sweet and innocent in this picture. Hmm... Think again.

Our Christmas tree that is 21 years old! Booyah! I bet we have the oldest fake Christmas tree for miles. But we love it! This is before ornaments, so sorry if it looks a little bare.

Well, that's all I wanted to show you! Now on to what Eddie & Diesel & Scout and I did today!

~Lea

Psalm 95: 1-2
Oh come, let us sing to the LORD!
         Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving;
         Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.

Much Needed Update

*sits down to the computer with a plop*
Boy, oh boy! Sorry it's been a while since I've updated my blog. It's been pretty windy and cold out here! I haven't done too much with the horses because it's been cold, which I am kind of bummed about. But I am out there for about three or four hours, playing around with them, bringing them in and letting them out. I just got done trimming them all, and their feet look amazing.

Winter is definitely coming though! I'm excited for snow. hehe, I want snow!! Although, snow and planes don't mix... So maybe no snow until after we get back from FL. ;-)

Anyways, I took Eddie for a walk today. And yesterday I took Diesel for a trail walk around the property. They sure do love their walks!
Hopefully I'll be able to ride soon. All I've gotten to do is sit on Eddie and maybe go for a lap or two in the arena. It's just so windy and cold, I don't think either of us want to be out in it! Boy, it would be nice to have an indoor in weather like this!


~Lea & Eddie~

Psalm 84:11

For the LORD God is a sun and shield;
         The LORD will give grace and glory;
         No good thing will He withhold
         From those who walk uprightly.

New Video!

Picture of our Property!

This pic is just from last month. It shows our track, the extended paddocks, outdoor, pumpkin field, and everythin' else! Too cool, huh?!

An Inspiration

Yesterday, I had a thought and decided to act on it.
Eddie and Scout and I have been doing pretty much the same thing for a long time. Run around the pasture online, jump over a few things, canter a little bit and that's all. Or run around at liberty in the outdoor and do cavaletties. Or when we ride we walk around, trot a little bit and play with a few little things.
Well, yesterday I decided not to do the normal anymore.

Instead, I took Eddie for a trail walk all the way around the property. He was so... ALIVE! And excited! We went around the pumpkin field, through the pine trees, around the silo, in front of the house, through the orchard, down to the south line, through the south line, up the east line and back to the outdoor. It took about 45 minutes to go around the whole property and just a few little corrections so that he stayed connected to me, but we had a blast! Then we went into the outdoor and rode - playing with collection and shifting his weight to his hindquarters. I don't think we've had such a stimulating play time for a while. Of course, when we were done he was pretty tired after playing for over an hour. But he took a nap and that gave me a chance to play with Scouty!

We went for a walk too, albeit not a long one. But then we went into the pasture and 'raced' each other. He was so happy to run, buck and just play. Oh boy, do we all have fun together! I hopped on him then and we rode into the outdoor. He so loves to run around and race. hehe, pure joy!

So yes, from now I'm going to try not to do what the horses expect me to do - take them out to the pasture and do... well not much. I moved the cavaletties out to the east line, so that should be fun to play with today! It is a beautiful day and looks to be a fun one too!


(This is my new favorite song right now! I've had it stuck in my head for the past two days!)




~Lea & Eddie~

2 Corinthians 12:9

And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Trimming & Riding

Today was such a beautiful day. It's been cold & windy lately, so I was very happy to be outside all afternoon. First, I played with Eddie in the pasture and we cantered, trotted, jumped and worked on the right lead some more. He did better with it and when he did a few strides, I brought him in and gave him some apples. :-) Yummy apples!

Then we went into the outdoor and rode for a nice long time! We trotted around, herded Diesel in and out of the paddocks and went over the cavaletties a lot. It was muddy, so we couldn't do too much. But we did have a lot of fun and it was nice to ride again. It's been a while since we really rode.

Opening and closing the gate. He was SO light! You can see the soft feel I had on the reins. He just knew exactly what to do and was so willing. I love Eddie boy!!

After I rode Eddie, I trimmed Scout up. His feet were pretty long because I had my wisdom teeth out and couldn't trim for a while. But it was good to get back in the groove of trimming. :-) Here is the after picture!

Yippee!! Pretty feet! Also, I'm working on a name for my trimming career. The one I like best is Heartland Equine Podiatry. It's just... right. I don't know, I just like it. Or there's Natural Horse Hoof Care. Natural Equine Podiatry. The list goes on. Do you all like Heartland Equine Podiatry?

Scouty's footsies!

Trimmin' away! Doing what I love to do!


~Lea & Eddie~

Colossians 1:9
For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

Time to Give Back

Well, I usually just post horsey things on this blog, but I couldn't resist sharing this!

Operation Christmas Child

You pack a shoe box, drop it off at a Drop off Location and then the shoe box gets sent to a child in need. Whether its Africa, Lithuania, South America... It's a great program that we're taking part of this year. We're sending two and I know some churches are doing thousands!


If you've been blessed this year, send a shoe box. Send two shoe boxes. God calls us to share the love of Christ to the poor and help those in need. Because God loves a cheerful giver!

 ~Lea

1 Thessalonians 5:11
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Snow!

That's right! We had our first snow yesterday and today! It's beautiful, white and just so exciting! I love snow!
Here are a few pictures from yesterday.

Naturally, the horses were in and out a lot. We did take them for a nice walk today though. They were bucking, running and quite entertaining when we let them out!
Winter is on its way! My favorite season next to fall! <3

~Lea & Eddie~

Job 37:5-6
God thunders marvelously with His voice;
      He does great things which we cannot comprehend.
 For He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth’;
      Likewise to the gentle rain and the heavy rain of His strength.

Fall Pictures

Here are some pictures from yesterday!
It rained all day today, so I couldn't ride or play or anything. But I did play with the horses and ride yesterday. So here are the pics!!

Cluck! Cluck!

"I am the vine and you are the branches." John 15:5

Chinese Laterns

Flowers are still blooming

And moss is still growing

Cats are peaking out and...

Following me up the tree!

Scout!

Eddie's fuzzy nose!

My sleepy Eddie! <3