A-Ha Moment

Yesterday evening, Guinness and Bugsy's new family came and picked them up.  It was a huge, massive moment of clairity for me.  I had prepared a "goodie" bag for S. the teenaged daughter, and watching her face when I gave it to her brought such joy to my heart.  It was filled with some of my favorite horse products.  The air crackled with excitement.  Not just the two girls and their friend, but the two adults were giddy with happiness too.

They had gone to a store and bought two new halters and lead ropes for the horses.  T. (mom/wife) said they had had so much fun looking and buying stuff.  As we walked back towards the barn I listened to M. (husband/father) talk about how he can't wait to work with Bugsy.  At this moment it sank in for me.  Two horse were going to be someone else's dream.  This was a family united.  They talked about how the grandparents were thrilled and ideas were coming out for how as a family unit the horses could be used.  This amazed me.

I realized this wasn't just about giving their children an opportunity.  It was about a family experience.  The huge smiles and eager anticipation to take "their" horses home.  This made me feel good.  While my dream fizzled, (I really wanted to compete with Guinness.), theirs was being born.

While sad to say goodbye, I'm happy to see the horses headed to a home that will love and use them.

Action Plan

With the horse absence entering my life I have a plan.  I'm planning on riding in a clinic in June.  Ken has already agreed to loan me a mount.  The bonus of having friends with a plethora of horses is that no matter what - I will always have access to a horse.  Ken and I chatted.  We'll see how my summer goes.  If (massive if here) IF, I have time... he will "loan" me a horse for the end of July/August.  (I fly out to Portland, Oregon this July to satisfy my residency requirement.)  I'll also be working on writing my first draft of my capstone paper.  (Think similar to thesis.)  Then when things heat up in September for me I'll send the horse back.

My graduate program is finished end of December 2013.  Next summer, I will look for a horse.  A horse that must have these specific qualities:

• Be fully trained or have a very, very solid start on it.  (I love my babies - horses -  but this is NOT the right time for me to have any.)
• Prefer mare but will accept gelding.
• Have an easy going, stay "broke" attitude.  
• Have potential to make a "family" horse.  
• Be 15 hh +.
• Be an all around type horse that I can do a variety of activities with.  

I love the cutting stuff, and I love having young horses but at this point in my life I just need something I can enjoy.  That I don't need to worry about.  I know all the other horsey stuff will come with time.  

And if I start talking crazy - kick me in the arse!!!!

Big Girl Pants

I've had to put on my big girl pants and make one of the hardest most heartbreaking decisions.  There comes a time when you need to be an adult and make decisions that aren't necessarily best for you but are best for the animals in your care.  That is what I did even though I do feel like crying.  You see, I've been so stressed and so worried about all the things on my plate that I came to the decision that something had to give.  I've been feeling as though I haven't been doing a particularly good job at anything.

This is not a decision I've made lightly or rashly.

I've been extremely worried about Guinness.  I've been worrying about how he's ready to work with yet sits in the field because I don't have time to work with him.  I've worried about sending him out for training, getting him back and having him sit, because I'll be working on school and working on work.  I've worried about Guinness ending up wasting away.  I love him so much.  I can see so much potential in this great little package.

So I sold him.

I didn't sell him for much.  I was more concerned about finding the right home.  He's gone to a home that is super excited to have him.  A home with teenaged girls who will love on him and develop his potential.  A home that wants to keep him as "their" horse.  A forever kind of home.   The kind of home I'd like to provide but can't at this time.

Fascination

This cracks me up....

Diva has developed a fascination with the toilet.  Particularly when the toilet flushes.  She will rush up, cock her head and watch.  Curious, I did some multiple flushes.  Yep.  She stood there and watched.  Funny little dog.

Work, Work, and More Work

I finished a university work binge, only to settle in to a work work binge.  I feel as though I'm treading water to keep from drowning.  My poor dogs have been spectacularly patient with me.  On Sunday I brought them to work with me.  I needed time in the classroom and didn't want to leave them behind.  There were two other teachers in the building.  Both dogs were appropriate in their greetings.  Ryder trotted around with his ball.  Playfully dropping it for them to throw.  Diva ignored them.  (Which for Diva is super positive.)  Both dogs happily followed me around. listening to what I asked of them.  We were in the work room photocopying science, (Ryder was FREAKED by the photocopier!), when we walked out we walked into a crowd of people.  Surprised I froze.  (Never expect to see people on the weekend.)  My principal was touring some people through the school.  Calling dogs into sit (no leashes), I waited.  And waited.  Realizing they weren't going to clear the area anytime soon.  I knew we'd have to go through them.  Calling dogs in close to me I began moving along the wall to pass them.  Ryder trotted along with his ball, completely ignoring the people.  Diva tucked her tail and got a little tense but also moved through the people.  No barking, growling, or snarling.  Progress.

The work week brought more evening work.  The dogs didn't always get their walks.  I took them into the yard to play race and chase.  Diva looked at me.  Looked at Ryder.  Looked at me.  Looked at Ryder.  And ran to the horse pen.  Ignoring her I continued playing with Ryder.  After a couple of minutes I used my most enthusiastic voice and called for her. 

Ready for this???

She came.  Not an amble.  But she came in a full out run.  I was stunned.  She never does that.  I always have to go out to the field and chase her out of the pen.  Leaning down I gave her hugs and dog treats.  I was so proud of her!  She's really coming out of her shell.  She's bonding with me.  Finally.

Other news coming soon....