Amazing Journey

Well, this is my last blog post.

This has been such an amazing journey.

From September 2007 to August 2012 - it has all comes to this - 5 amazing years of journaling progress with my horse Eddie and our ponies Scout and Diesel. I have learned so much, changed so much and done so much. We've had our falls, we've had amazing moments... I can't even begin to number them, but I will always remember the wonderful days with my horses, my family, and my friends.

For all the Parelli people that I have come to know, I want to thank you. A huge part of this journey has been immersed in Parelli Natural Horsemanship. I wanted to thank you guys, for your friendship meant a lot to me. Parelli got me down the natural path and I will never regret a moment of it.

And as we moved on to great heights in the natural horsemanship I learned so much. It catapulted me into my current job... An Equine Hoof Care Provider. In two months I hope to graduate and start taking on more and more clients.

Again, this has been such an amazing horsemanship journey. As I finish college in October, and between my work hours, I will definitely continue in my horsemanship journey. There is still so much to learn and so many people to learn from. Eddie has come a thousand miles since we first got him and I can't even begin to describe how much he has changed. From a little 4 year old that reared in fear to a handsome 10 year old who canters and jumps and is the love of my life, we have gone through so much. I have changed too. When we first got Eddie I was 12 and just beyond excited to own a horse, now I'm 18 and starting my career. I can't imagine my life without our horses - they are everything to me and I am so blessed to have them in my life. God has utterly blessed me and I will forever continue to walk down the path He has laid out for me.

As a farewell, I thought I would post this video that I made this month. :-) Beneath it, I will post the very first video that I made of Eddie so that you all can see the progress.

God bless, guys... there's a trail out there that's meant to be blazed...

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Update

Here comes one much-needed update!

So, Eddie and I have been doing a lot of things lately. Riding a lot, working on our lead changes, going for walks... you name it. It's been pretty nice out (not considering the wind) so I've been outside for about 4 hours every day working with the horses, doing chores and trimming.
I trimmed Eddie yesterday, I'll do Jigs tomorrow, and then Scout on Sunday. Because..... *drum roll please* Mom and I leave for Florida in less than a week! AAAACCCCKKKKK!!!!!
That's kinda crazy, but it will be super fun!
We're going from this...
Chilly & windy Illinois prairie

 To this...
Hot & humid Florida!

It's going to be a blast! And then the next course I go to will be for my final! WOWZA! I can't wait!

Happy 5 Year Anniversary, Eddie!

Yesterday, it was Eddie's five year anniversary since he came here. I am so blessed to have him in my life and I am so happy that we could give him a forever home here on our farm.

Happy Birthday, Eddie!

I'm forcing myself not to be hard on myself by saying I've been a bad blogger. Because there are so many other things to do with my day and if anything, I'm actually glad that the computer has taken a back seat for the past few months. It has been so nice out and instead of talking about Eddie on here, I'm out there playing with him!! For the past few days I've been cracking down on my final exam. I've been memorizing the things I'm going to be graded on so that I don't miss anything - mainly with treatment recommendations and exercise schedules. But it's going really well. I have 9 things memorized out of 13. Four more and I'll be all set!

Well, I posted a video about Eddie's birthday yesterday and we had one fabulous birthday! All the video clips were taken from yesterday and we had so much fun. We did our lead changed out in the pasture, rode in the outdoor for a long time, went for a trail walk and were doing stuff for 2+ hours. I love good weather and I love being out in the barn!

So yes, Eddie's Birthday was yesterday. He is ten years old! Time has gone by so fast. We bought him when he was 4! Wow. I am beyond blessed to have him in my life and no words can describe how much I love him and care for him. He has completely changed my life and has turned into the most beloved horse I could possibly wish for. Happy Birthday to most incredible horse that I have ever known!!!

Hope that you all are having a great April,

Romans 10:9-10
“If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.”

New Video to Fill Ya'll In!

Windy, Windy

We should have named our farm "Stinking Windy Farm."
It was windy, chilly, and sunny today.
Therefore, I didn't do too much playing with the horses, just lots of hanging out with them. Eddie and I played with our canter lead changes in the pasture, I let him graze for a nice long time while I moved the t-post insulators for the track. Diesel has figured out how to get under the electric fence and graze Eddie's long grass that is in the pasture, so we have to lower the bottom line.
Anyway, Ed and I played, went for walks, and then Diesel and I went for a nice long walk around the property. They are such good boys! :-)
Then I trimmed Scout - his feet are looking GREAT! After a laminitis episode in January... they look amazing!

Well, gotta go, time to do the horse's final check.
Hope that you all had a great day!

2 Corinthians 5:14-15
For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.

Busy Times

I'm sitting here with a purring cat on my lap who is also sitting on my sister's laptop keyboard. Ah well, at least I can still type! ;-) Just forgive any misspellings!

The grass is lush, and the horses are crazy for it. Eddie and I have been playing in the outdoor and riding in there because there's just so much grass in the pasture. We do our cantering out there, but still. It's nuts! Almost time to mow!

So, every day I play with Eddie for about an hour, groom him up, take Scout for a walk, take Diesel for a walk, and then 'flush' Diesel's mouth because he gets grass wadded up in there.

Yeah! There's grass everywhere!! haha!

This is what Eddie and I have been doing when it comes to riding. HQ pivots, FQ pivots, 'roll backs,' shoulder in, haunches in. I love it. And Eddie does too. It gives us something small to do while we wait for it to dry up (I hate mud) and the wind to settle down. (He hates wind)

Hope that ya'll are doing well, and I'll be posting more often. I miss it!

Psalms 62:5-7
My soul, wait silently for God alone,
For my expectation is from Him.He only is my rock and my salvation;
He is my defense;
I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory;
The rock of my strength,
And my refuge, is in God.

Golly Jeepers

Only 5 blog posts all last month.
Sorry bout that.
It's just been so nice out - warm, mild, everything is blooming and spring is in full swing.
Been playing with Eddie every day, riding every day, working some more on lightness & softness - basically refining everything and building up a strong foundation to start some new things. We'll be doing lots of cantering this spring/summer, just waiting for it to dry out, and we've been working on our flying lead changes over a pole (groundwork). He's getting better and better, because he picks up the right lead now and changes within a few strides if he doesn't.
Well, I'm sorry for the lack of posts, but it seems the more I move away from the computer, facebook, blogger, forums, pinterest, the more I actually get done. Hey, whattaya know?! :-) I started a book that I've been writing in and researching. I finished my final and passed for Applied Equine Podiatry. Next month mom and I go to Florida again and then in August I graduate! Then for a graduation present, mom and I are going to see Buck Brannaman up in Bristol, WI. Stoked for that.
Well, maybe I'll post more this month, but if I don't - at least you will know what I've been doing. :-) I haven't disappeared, I promise!

Is it Summer? Or Spring? It just can't seem to make up its mind.

Well, there has been a lot going on lately and it seems like spring only lasted for a couple of days before the 80 degree weather kicked in.
Ah well, can't complain. It's been nice to be outside barefoot and hosing the horses off. It was almost warm enough to go swimming today too - if only the pool was open. ;-) hehe!
So, let's see... Eddie and I have been working on lead changes on the ground. His right side is weak, so I am helping him build that up and get equal. So we'll start on the left lead going on a right circle and then I'll have him go over a high cavaletti. So he changes leads and is on the right one! Yesterday he was on his right lead for a whole circle, so that was great! He didn't switch back to his left.
While riding, we've been doing sort of the same thing. Shoulder in going to the left while he leads with his right fore. I know, it's kinda confusing, but it's so much easier when riding him. We did that a lot today and he was getting a lot better with it. "As we leave the rail (coming off a circle), come down the rail." I remember learning that years and years ago and it has stuck like glue. And let me tell ya, it works!
We've also been working on our cutting game while I ride. We'll ride along the fence line and then turn it into a sidepass while he disengages his HQ. So that turns into a turn and then we ride along the fence back the way we came. He's really getting it and yesterday we did it without the fence. Very fun! Now we just need some cows! :-)

Jeremiah 17:7-8
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,
And whose hope is the Lord.
For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters,
Which spreads out its roots by the river,
And will not fear when heat comes;
But its leaf will be green,
And will not be anxious in the year of drought,
Nor will cease from yielding fruit.

Spr-ummer

Spring and Summer put together = Sprummer! And that is what we have been having this past week. The weather finally broke today and it looks like it's going to be cooler and cooler with every day that goes by.
Let's see... A lot of things have been goin on lately. Hence, my lack of postage. :-)
I'm starting to drive more and more after putting it off and forgetting about it for the past year. lol! But yeah, time to get it done and get my license when I'm eighteen. Good gravy, do I really turn eighteen in two months? Yikes! And that means we leave for Florida again in two months! Wowza! I don't know if I talked about it in my last post, but mom and I are headed to the sunshine state again instead of going to Pennsylvania for my next Equine Podiatry course. It will be fun - especially since we've been there before and we will know what to do and where to go.
Besides that, I've been reading, riding, playing, studying, biking, walking, riding some more, sweating, shopping, and last but not least working. Working = doing chores and trimming. Oh yeah, that's my kinda work! :-)
Anyways, I've been reading the latest issue of Eclectic Horseman and as usual, it is packed chock full of golden quotes, sayings, and ideas. Here is just one that stood out to me:

"Discipline happens before, punishment is after. A horse doesn't need punishment." -Buck Brannaman

I don't think I've ever run across a Buck quote that wasn't thought-provoking and utterly true.
Here are some pictures of Eddie and I when I rode yesterday and the day before:

Weee! Jumping!

Too hot for cowboy boots

Me & Eddie

 

Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

Spring is Here!

Scout in the pine trees during our walk.

There's a warm breeze comin up from the south, and you know what that means??
SPRING!
This past week I've been taking all our horses for walks, riding in the outdoor, enduring this incessant wind, and trimming. Scout needed a bit of a trim since his laminitis and we got x-rays done of his feet too, so I trimmed to those.
Anyway, today this beautiful Sunday, we are addressing the track to get rid of all of the grass for our metabolic ponies, and I'll be playing with them all too.
I've been working on my final for my Applied Equine Podiatry online course and it is pretty challenging. I'm halfway done with it and it is already 6 pages! But today I'll take a break - I've been working on it nonstop and Sunday is a day of rest.
So, here's to more posts in the future. I know, I've been a bad blogger. But sometimes you just need a break to get a new perspective and finish up and attend to the things that really matter.

A blessed Sunday to you all!

Picture Post

In Like a Lion

March comes in like a lion.
We've had quite a bit of snow lately and yet it's still slippery mud underneath. Other than that, it's been a great past couple of weeks. The reason I haven't posted much is because I'm just busy with other things. Sorry for the lack of updates! But I have a final to finish, and horses to play with and ride.
But yeah, all has been great here. Eddie and I have been playing with long reins, riding a little bit and just letting him burn off energy.
Scout is back to his old self. We got him the Easyboot Rx's and they are helping a lot. Just a little extra protection while the ground is hard.
Diesel and I have been going for lots of walks lately and he is very happy for them. Especially when he gets to graze. He is such a cutie bug!

I'll post pictures later - that I can do. ;-) Gotta run! Chores to do!

Lack of News

Sorry for the lack of posts... I've been taking a break from facebook, blogger, and just taking some time off. It seems I want to post more when I don't force myself and say that I HAVE to post every day.

I've been super busy lately... Playing with Eddie every day, sometimes twice a day, riding, taking Diesel for trail walks, doing chores... It's been so nice to take a break from the computer and internet.
Anyway, I'm back, except for facebook, and I shall be updating ya'll more regularly.
So, here is what Eddie and Diesel and Scout and I have been doing.

With Eddie, we've been working on our side-passes at the walk and trot, and transferring that to riding. Trail riding too! We've been riding around the property more and more and today we rode around the pasture, which we haven't done for a while. He did so amazing! I love him so much and he just does better and better every day!
With Scout, my sister and I have been taking him for walks twice a day. His feet are looking amazing, the vet is coming out soon to take x-rays, and he is as happy and spunky as ever. I've been taking him for walks around the property and he will snatch a bite from pines trees and patches of grass. He is so silly! :-)
With Diesel, we've been going for trail walks and he has been so eager for them! We go across the road, and a couple of days ago we were out for over a half an hour walking down to the creek. We didn't get all the way there, but it was more than half way!

It's been such a crazy, busy, past couple of weeks, but here's to a more easy-going end of February!

Picture Post

Our little Scouty is feeling so much better!

A LOT better!

"What? I didn't do it!"

'photoshoot' with Eddie! He is so handsome!

Look how pretty I am!

<3 luv him!

Scripture Sundays

Welcome to my very first Scripture Sunday! I'm planning on doing this regularly and also Words of Wisdom Wednesdays, when I'll post quotes from horsemen and women. Because those are two things I am always reading, the Bible and horsemanship books!

Source: google.com via Daphne on Pinterest

1 John 3:1
Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!

Indeed! God loves us so much that He calls us His children.We should marvel that the creator of the stars & the skies knows our names, knows our thoughts, and knows our deepest feelings.

1 John 3:16-18
By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.

Source: google.com via Trevecca on Pinterest

Let our hands be open and gladly give what we have to others that are in need. I woke up this morning wanting to give something of myself. Tithing perhaps, or my time, or grace, or just anything. God showed me right away what I had to give and even though it was something that I didn't want to give to a certain person, I did. I pray that God gives you all a joyful, giving heart. Because when you give, the Lord smiles down on you.

And I give because Jesus gave.

Cold Wind

Seasons Change by Tim Cox

Yesterday's high was 17 and today's will be 28. Thank the Lord for warmer weather. Although, I had fun with the horses yesterday. I took Eddie for about an hour walk around our property and we even went for a trail ride. Yup, my first trail ride out of a paddock. At least it's my first successful trail ride. Last time Eddie dumped me in the manure heap. It was funny, but I don't have a yearnin to do it again. I just rode around by the garden and Eddie was a champ. Man, do I love that horse!
Then I took Diesel for a long walk around the property too. We avoided the windy spots and I let him graze by the raised beds in the garden. The grass was a little less lush there, so I let him graze there instead of Laminitis Lane and Founder Freeway (aka the orchard). I guess rotting apples and pears make for a pretty good fertilizer.
Anyway, today looks to be warmer, a little windy, but sunny. Hooray!

P.S. Scout is doing better and better! He was trotting around yesterday and my sister took him for a good 20 minute walk. Praise the Lord!


1 Corinthians 13:6-7
“Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

Blustery Blizzard

It was windy, cold, and snowing today. Crazy, crazy weather... It's going to go down to 3 this morning. BRR!!!
This morning I took Eddie for a walk all around the property. It was warmer, not windy at all and nice. So we only went for a short walk because I thought it would be nice this afternoon too. Oh well, the horses were happy to be in their stalls and eat hay all day! :-)

Here's to a warmer day tomorrow!


1 John 2:10
Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble.

New Video!

I love the lyrics to this song,

"Take each day and make it last. Because you turn around and your future if the past.

Here and now is all we have. The beginning and the end meets the middle.

What matters most is what's in the middle."

<3



Matthew 5:43-45
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.”

Legacy of Legends

Wish I was there. The annual Legacy of Legends event was this past week and horsemen such as Martin Black, Buck Brannaman, Wade Black, Reata Brannaman, and others showed their horsemanship, worked with horses, and worked with cows.
From their website:
"Clinics will be organized and presented featuring students that exemplify the spirit and ability to communicate a level of horsemanship introduced and taught by Tom and Ray."
http://alegacyoflegends.com/
Our good friends went and said that there was incredible horsemanship all week long. I can't explain how much I want to dive into that horsemanship and learn all I can about it.

Lately I've been so immersed in Equine Podiatry, my horsemanship has taken 2nd place on my horse priorities list. And that's not a bad thing. I really need to concentrate on getting my degree this year. But next, I really, really, really, really, REALLY, want to improve with my horsemanship. Ever since I stopped Parelli, Eddie and I have been making progress, a lot of progress. But I never want to stop learning from our amazing teachers - the horse. God has given me an incredibly blessed life and I want to honor Him with it. If that means dedicating my life to the betterment of the horse and reaching out to their owners to show them God's grace, I'll do it. Gladly.
The Legacy of Legends this past week has shown me how badly I want to continue my horsemanship. It's a lifelong commitment.

Colossains 3:23
And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,