For those with a Dirty Mind...

Um, I was shopping for a slightly longer set of spurs when I came across these pictured above. Okay, I get the concept and like the idea but I immediately started giggling to myself as I really looked at the picture. Do you see what I see? I almost want those even more for the Freudian aspect of them, LOL!

If you think your trainer will let you get away with sporting these, go for it here at Big Dee's Tack:

ENGLISH SPUR LADIES POW NO SLIP 1 INCH-Big Dee's Tack & Vet Supply

Wait - I've been a blogger for 6 years????

Just scrolling through my blog this AM and noticed I've been at this for 6 years!

Really?

Wow.

I'm not the most consistent blogger for sure but I'm still here. And thanks to all who still stop by to see if I'm around. :)

Goals for Joey & I in 2012

Actually have decided on setting goals for Joey and I for 2012:

1) Get my horse trailer road worthy again.
2) Compete with Joey at a horse show. (planning on the english pleasure trail horse classes)
3) Ride in at least one hunter pace.
4) Ride as a capper with our local hunt at least once.
5) Win one prize with Joey - doesn't matter what it's for or what placing.

Seems very attainable. Will certainly keep posting here as we attempt each one!

Have a Happy, Horsey New Year!

Looks like he's smiling, doesn't it?

Joey and I had a quiet trail ride on this last day of 2011. He was the super pony he always is. Looking forward to our adventures in 2012. Of all the things that happened to me this year, Joey was one of the best.

Here's hoping your New Year is shiny and bright! :)

War Horse - the movie

Have you seen it?

I went with the family on the day after Christmas to see War Horse. I enjoyed it very much and yes, I did cry but I think the play was more emotionally moving for me. My children did get upset at how the horses were treated when they were in the hands of the Germans and I had to keep telling them to focus on Joey, that he was the hero and it would be alright. Even so, they really liked the movie, too. My husband was stoic as usual and brought more tissues for the rest of us. :)

Afterward, it did spark a discussion between my children my husband and myself about history and the use of animals in battle. Always a good thing to find a teachable moment!

My kids also understand now why I named my Joey after the horse in the story. Because he's a pretty remarkable horse, too.

Bridling the Uncomplicated Horse

I've heard all kinds of stories and seen it many times where horses give their owners and/or riders a hard time when it comes to bridling them and getting the bit in their mouth. I don't recall ever having a problem with it myself for any of the horses I've owned over the years. I would have to say they all handled the procedure with a polite indifference at best.

However, I've never had a horse who apparently LOVES to have the bit and bridle put on either.

I need to get video of this and post it. When you remove Joey's halter after putting the reins over his head, he starts licking and chewing and yawning. Then all I have to do is hold the bit out for him and he opens his mouth wide, scoops up the bit and drops his head for me to slip the bridle over his ears! I find it adorable to watch him do this every time. He will keep his head almost to the floor as you do up the throatlatch and noseband.

When I take the bridle off, as soon as he feels the throatlatch and noseband undone he will drop his head for me to slip the bridle off. And as I do he will lightly hold the bit in his teeth until I ask him to drop it. Then he keeps his head down for the halter to be slipped on.

Maybe he thinks he's a dog. Or maybe it's his way of saying that he just enjoys working with me. :)

The Perfect Horse

The Perfect Horse isn't necessarily stunningly beautiful;
In fact, he's probably gotten a few scars and dings from life.
He's probably been hurt but lived through it, been scared but
overcome it, and ready to teach his rider to do the same.

The Perfect Horse is not just arena-ridden. He
will let you feel what it's like to gallop into the ocean waves,
chase a neighbor's cows, or play tag on horseback.

The Perfect Horse will buck you off when you deserve it, but wait
patiently for you to get back on.

The Perfect Horse has problems; He will teach you to deal with
them.

The Perfect Horse knows that you can't learn to be a skilled
horseman if everything goes your way.

The Perfect Horse will challenge you, but only as much as you are
ready to handle. He will teach you that you still have more
to learn.

The Perfect Horse will forgive you when you make mistakes, and
expects you to do the same. He will try to ignore the tack that
doesn't fit right, the confusing signals, and will do his best
to please. He will teach you to work,
but it will be worth it.

The Perfect Horse may not be the prettiest or the fastest, but he has the most heart.