Another Honor for Duncan

They just keep coming folks and YES I will brag on them.

He was chosen to grace a Gaited Horse Calendar!!!!! And he is the ONLY Standardbred in the Calendar. See, it pays to keep a gaited STB gaited and not erase the pace as most folks do.

Anyway, it's December 24th and we are done with all the running and doing. I picked up a load of hay this morning and took it out to the barn, patted the boys fuzzy noses and came on home.

Tomorrow morning I WILL ride!!!!! With any luck pictures will be taken or not, it's not important, what's important is that I get a ride on the big guy.

I want to wish you all Seasons Greetings and hope all is well with you all.

A Long Over Due Update

First, Duncan is all fuzzy, fat and fine at the barn. He will be on vacation until Feb at least.
On Nov 19th they removed the rest of my Thyroid. It went much better than the first operation 2 years ago but as of Dec 13th I am still healing and they are regulating my medication. That I can be on meds is a good thing as I could not be before.

I am hopeful I'll get a ride either the 25th or Jan 1st, but time will tell. I am mostly home vegging and planning next year. I am really excited about the Sharon Clinic to be held in May at the Horse Park of NJ, yep gotta go back to that place again Yippee.

We have a couple of year ends comming for 2010 and they are from the Assoc that means the most to me as it has absolutely NOTHING to do with STB anything, it''s about performance out in the big world, not the insular world that most of the folks compete in. I really wish they would come on out and run with NBHA hee hee hee.

A Nice Day

I went out to the barn and groomed and rode. My BO rode with me and we had a nice 45 minutes with our boys.
2011 is shaping up well for both of us as we are both going to the clinic in NJ in May AND also to the World Championships in October.

Now, I have to get ready for my fun day on Friday. That's ok, sooner rather than later that's my thinking. Lots to do to start getting ready for an exciting 2011.

Red Turf Ranch Tack will be well represented at the clinic and the Worlds as my BO has some nice pieces of Gails work also. It is an honor for our horses to wear her creations.

Hope you all had a good weekend also.

News

Well, we didn't make the trail ride and while I was a bit upset in the morning by noon I was kind of glad we didn't go. The weather was not all that nice.

BUT, There is news on the 2011 front.
We are going to NJ, actually to the Horse Park early in May for aBarrel Clinic. We will be riding with Sharon Camarillo. We did a clinic with her a few years ago and I am so looking forward to riding with her again.

And, OH YEAH, ther will be only ONE Standardbred in attendance, unless somebody from that area decides to attend.
You can come audit for 35.00 a day I do believe. Sharon does not teach barrel racing she teaches HORSEMANSHIP!!!! And she is vry vry good at what she does.

So, Duncan's dance card is starting to fill up a bit. I'm excited.

Now, all I have to do is get through the 19th and the healing time after that date and we will be ready to get into the Gym to start on me.

One Last Trail Ride for 2010

Tomorrow morning my Barn Owner and a couple of other friends are going to Goddard Park, here in RI for a trail ride.

This will be my last outing for several months as on the 19th I go into the hospital for surgery to remove the left side of my Thyroid.

All that means is Duncan's winter vacation is starting about a month early, but that's ok, I can still go spend time with him when I am feeling better. this is not a fun operation but we will get it done and get me over it so I will be ready for next year.

Goddard Park is one of my favorite places to ride, the trails are wide and the footing is great the scenery is spectacular along the bluffs above Narragansett Bay, just special and it's like 20 minutes from the barn.
I'll post tomorrow and let you all know how it went.

Pondering and Musings

As I sit here and watch the World Championships I am thinking about 2011 already.

I have talked to my inner circle of friends and supporters and I am pretty sure the goal for 2011 will be to take Duncan to GA to the NBHA World Championships. He has qualified 5 times to go and we think he deserves it.

As far as we all know he is the ONLY STB to qualify 5 times. He is the only STB that has ever been campaigned as a STB in NBHA. I know there are folks reading my blog who really dislike me and you know what I do not care.
Duncan has done MORE for the breed then they have all together. They show in their own little circle where they win because they are the ONLY ones there. Flame away folks I still do not care.

I spoke with the woman who patterened Duncan on the barrels and she is setting me up with a training program which she will help with from Florida, which is where she now lives. My BO is signed on to yell at me and to help me get him moving.

His early on training is going to consisit of lots and lots of canter work out on trails. For me it's back to the gym at least 3 days a week. YIPPEE so not. BUT, for this event it is a must.

The NBHA Worlds are truely a world wide competition with riders from Australia, Italy, England Sweden , Canada and Mexico to name just a few. So, unlike showing up in ky to do a demo with their own kind Duncan truly competes on a higher level.

I will continue to blog about how we are doing and, oh yeah, we will be doing other stuff to so don't think we won't be around cause we sure will.

Watching

The World Championships started on Sunday morning at 8:00am. I have been watching off and on since then.

The first Senior runs went yesterday. Today is the OPEN run, over 1100 horses and they run 50 an hour. While I have not been watching all day I have been dipping in.

I think we will be going next year and that is exciting.
That means I have to work hard at getting and staying stronger then I am now, so I guess it's back to the gym this winter. YIPPEE.

Duncan is hanging at the barn, I should get out and ride him, it is difficult at this time of year as it is hunting season and they hunt 7 days a week.

I hope anyone living in the midwest is safe tonight.

A New Honor for Duncan

and 2 other wonderful Standardbreds.

These 3 horses are featured in Sharon Miner's newest book for children titled Beloved Horses in Second Careers.

I was contacted a while ago and asked by the author if I would provide information on Duncan for this book. I did and she chose to use him along with 2 others.
I know one of the other horses and he is owned by the VP of SPHO-NJ and I am sure she is as proud of her horse as I am of mine.
So, once more Duncan gets another honor. It just keeps getting better and better folks and yes I am bragging AGAIN. So what??

NBHA World Championship Run

The National Barrel Horse Assoc is gearing up for the World runs in Perry, GA.
The entries have closed and the draws are posted at www.NationalBarrelHorseAsociation.com

There are at least 1104 entries in the Open Division and about 400 in the Senior Division.

It is truly a World Class event with riders and horses comming from many different countries.

There will be a live feed so if anyone wants to watch you can watch it on your pc.

I am excited to think we are going to go next year. I expect nothing but to have FUN with Duncan. To be able to take him to the Worlds never entered anyone's mind 6 years ago when I got him but go he will. This means another year of running and working harder than I ever have to get ME up to the best that I can be. Time will tell, but I have wonderful people as a support system and I know it is possible.

So, if you want to see want Barrel Racing is really all about check it out. Welcome to Duncan's World.

Where is my Nice Clean HOrse??

On Saturday I gave Duncan a really good bath and covered him up in his Jammies so he would be clean for Sunday.
Well, You would not know it now. He is the color of MUDD, he just loves to wallow.
I guess it's ok, he's pretty much on vacation now so we'll just let him be dirty and grow his heavy Yak like winter coat.

As long as he is fat and happy I can live with dirty.

NBHA State Championship Run

We ran in the State Championship Run today and Duncan won the Senior 1D Championship.
We ran for buckles, money and Wild Cards.
We got some of each.

Our new tack was approved of by all who attended.

Now, I am sure the guy from NJ is gonna say I am bragging, but, you know what?????
We won and that is note worthy in my mind.

I think we will be attending the Worlds in 2011 and that is going to be
FUN, see, running barrels is all about having fun. The money isn't bad either.

Getting Ready

For the NBHA RI-01 State Championship Run.
It is this Sunday starting at 11 am in Chepachet, RI at Gold Dust Farm. The farm is beautiful, the footing is as good as it can be just like a big feather pillow.

The farrier came this morning and we reset the fronts and pulled and trimmed the rears. My farrier was pleased with his feet and his condition overall.

Hopefully the rain is about over. I am hopeful that I will be able to ride for the next few days, but I am blessed with a horse that does not need to be worked everyday, he knows his job and does it very well.

When we get the high fall colors a friend is coming out to the barn and take formal portraits of him for me. That should be a lot of fun for sure.

I hope everyone is dry and hopefully this rain is about over and we can get out and enjoy this fall with our horses.

In between all the fun I have another 2 cords of wood to stack. Oh yeah, fun for sure.

New Tack

Our wonderful Tack Sponsor sent us our newest set of wonderful Red Turf Ranch Tack and she really out did herself. I keep thinking she has done the ultimate and then she goes over the top one more time.

I did change our picture so you all could see it.

I got a really nasty e mail the other night telling me this person was tired of me bragging about Duncan. WELL guess what, I don't consider it bragging when you do a press release type e mail to tell people what a nice year you have had and how another award has been added. But, then I considered who sent the e mail and it was just another OH WELL!!!!

We had a nice ride this afternoon and hopefully will do it again tomorrow.

Get out and enjoy this Fall weather.

RAIN!!!

IF we had been going to WEG today is the day we would have headed out. With a stop in PA overnight.
Looking at the weather and the radar and going through some really nasty weather here today AND the worst of it will be here overnight and tomorrow, I have to say we made the correct decision. Different reasons, but, even if we had been going we would have cancelled the trip. I will not risk Duncan for a Breed Demo, no matter what the demo is for.

He is all tucked into his nice cozy little barn in RI and there he will stay.

The weather is supposed to be really nice this weekend, so I am sure, we will get out and about for a ride for sure.

I do hope everyone, here on the East Coast, stays safe.

This Weekend

I left Rhode Island Friday morning and hauled up to Kennebunk, Maine to spend the night with my friend Brenda.

We went to the Maine Event Horse show held at the Horse Park in Hollis, Maine about a half hour from her home.

Brenda showed him in the in hand classes.

He was the ONLY entry in English horse in hand No clue as to why as there were alot of the English breeds at this show.
There were six in the Standardbred in Hand Class and Duncan won that one!!! Loved the nasty looks on one person's face for sure as she could only manage a 6th our of 6.

In the Championship class NO clue what they did but he pinned behind 2 of the STBs he had won over and they are BOTH not sound. Blows my mind when unsound horses pin over sound ones and yes he is very very sound now.

Anyway we had a nice show and my friend got on him. For 3 years I have been trying to get Brenda to ride him, but she has always said he is too big. Sat she looked at me and Said," I am going to ride Duncan." I was so happy and there were lots of pictures taken by a good friend of hers who was there showing her beautiful grey STB mare in the 3 gait classes and OH YES they won them ALL!!!! Made me feel pretty good.

The President of the SPHO Mass club came up and spent the day and early evening with us and it was a very very enjoyable time for all.

I stayed in Kennebunk on Saturday night and was on the road by 5:45am Sunday to haul back to RI almost into Conn to run Barrels.

We won our division and Duncan is OFFICIALLY the Senior 1D Champion in RI for 2010 meaning he has qualified for the FIFTH time to go to the Worlds in 2011.

Oct 10th is the stand alone State Championship runs, buckles and money are on the line in this one and I want another Championship buckle and then we'll buy the Worlds Qualifier buckle in the spring along with the blanket concho to match.

I hope anyone reading this blog had as good a weekend as we did.

Duncan was very very happy to get himself home and back to Jupiter his buddy.

A Nice Late Summer Day

Yesterday Duncan and I trailered over to Goddard State Park. It is a beautiful park with horse trails that run along Narragansett Bay, just a really nice place.

We attended a fund raiser/play day for folks with horses and without to raise funds for Horse Play a wonderful Rescue here in RI.

There was a nice turnout of both mounted and unmounted folks and for a $20.00 donation we were treated to a great day of fun and food.

The weather started out to be a really nice day but by the time I got Duncan back to the barn it had turned out cloudy, windy and chilly.

It is now Sunday morning and the sun is out, so maybe later on I'll go for a ride.

I hope you all are having a nice weekend.

We have to start getting ready for next weekend. The trailer has to be pulled apart and repacked for out little marathon weekend of a horse show and then barrels all withing 24 hrs and about 175 miles apart, ought to be a hoot for sure. I know Duncan can do it not too sure about me.

A new Lifetime Mark

OH, not for Duncan, but for a lovely Trotter named Molly MaQuire owned by my friends C and M from Mass.
It is even sweeter, because M is learning about those trotters and not only did he win the race, they took 3 seconds off her lifetime mark.

Again, these friends race clean and do it correctly and it is just nice to see good folks doing well.
What's even neater is my friends from Maine purchased this mare's half sister yesterday at the Standardbred Sale at Cumberland, ME at the sale. What a small world.

A Nice Weekend

I got to ride, the weather has been beautiful, really nice late summer weather.

Duncan and I went Barrel Racing today and we won our division. We have one more run and hopefully we will be the Senior 1D Champions, I am sure that's gonna happen.

We have qualified for the FIFTH time for the National Barrel Horse World Championsips which is a huge thing for ANY horse. Duncan has the honor of being the ONLY registered Standardbred to ever do this. Or if anyone else ever did it they didn't bother to let anyone know.

Our State Championship run is Oct 10th and Gail Travis of www.redturfranchtack.com is working on a new set of clothes for Duncan. Like this horse needs anymore equipment. LOL.

We came home and I got on the Scarborough Downs site to settle in to watch the finals of the Maine Sires Stakes races. My friend's 2 year old came in 4th. The race was crazy those trotters ya know. I'm a pacer kind of girl myself.

It was nice not to see the usual female marshalling, really nice to see the woman who marshalls at the track all the time. She does a really nice job and has a lovely horse. Don't know where SHS was but it was really nice not to have to see her and her awful riding out on the track.

So, now , we have to get ready for the 24th and 25th that's gonna be a weekend for sure.

Hope you all enjoyed your weekend as much as I enjoyed mine.

Farrier

I am just back from the barn. Duncan got his feet done. We are just amazed at how well the Adaquin IM is working for him, his movement is huge and floaty and free, just beautiful to watch and so much fun to ride.

We are going Barrel Racing this Sunday and then I have to hurry home to watch the finals of the Maine Sires Stakes Races. Delta Dream is entered in the 2 yera old Trotting Fillies and has done so well for my friends this year. I am hopeful, but as long as she does what she is supposed to do and behaves we will be happy and , of course, a check would be just wonderful.
The next few weeks are going to be very busy for us. The 18th we are going to a fund raiser for Horse Play a rescue based here in RI and then the 24th we go back up to Maine for a show on the 25th, then I leave Maine early on the 26th to haul back to RI for the final Barrel Race of the year.

Then on Oct 10th we run the NBHA RI State Championship race. I am hopeful. He is doing well and is just a big happy horse.
After the Oct 10th event we will trail ride and just enjoy ourselves. This schedule seems to work well for Duncan and it's all about him in my mind.

I hope those of you who are following this are enjoying Duncan's adventures as much as I am.

I also want to congratulate my friends Cath and Marc on the lovely race their filly JP Lifester raced on Monday at Plainridge Race Track. She came in a nice solid Second and Cath didn't even turn blue. LOL I talked to her on Sunday evening and she was a wreck. But, that is certainly a filly to watch I think she has great things headed her way and it is so nice to know folks who race clean, as do my friends who have Delta.

A Terrible Event

This is NOT Duncan related but I feel I need to post it.
I do Doggie Foster Care for Jennys Hope Rescue based in NY State.

We pull dogs from kill shelters here in southern New England and Yonkers, NY.
A few months ago we pulled a really nice little King Charles named Murphy. He went to his foster parents and was doing very well.
Mollie and Dana Marchant of Hopkinton, MA just HAD TO HAVE MURPHY.
'
Yesterday the head of the rescue received a cold e mail informing her that Mollie had had Murphy euthanized!!!!!! NO reason given and OH YEAH, she needs us to get ahold of the vet that MURDERED Murphy for follow up information.

This piece of dirt and her husband signed a LEGAL contract about adoption. This 503C3 group always takes the dogs back!!!! But, this thing decided, without talking to anyone, that she would murder him.

Sorry for the vent, but, this is beyond terrible in our world.

At the moment, I am fostering a cute little Beagle guy that is looking for his people who will love him for ever, and however long it takes I will complete that mission.

Other than that we are hunkered down waiting for whatever EARL is going to toss at us. I hope everyone is safe.

Some Time Off

The truck is unpacked, the trailer also and it has been all washed out. We have a few weeks off from competition of any kind so it's just ride time for us.

I do foster care for a Dog Rescue out of NY and I went and picked up a new kid this evening. Otis is a 2-3 yr old Beagle. Just adorable and lovable. He needs food as he is way skinnier than I think is good for a dog, but, we can fix that for sure.

I love fostering and do a bit of it. I kind of took the summer off due to shows and travel, but, we're back to it now.

We are also getting ready for a Hurricane here on the East Coast so Friday could be a bit wild around here. Time will tell.

We have a barrel run on Sept 12 then a Show, Barrel Run and Gun Club Steak Fry all in one weekend at the end of the month.

Our NBHA State Championship run is Oct 10th then it's trail time until it's time for Winter Vacation.

I really hope you all are enjoying your horses and the time you have with them.

I also can not believe tomorrow is Sept 1st already where has the summer gone?

SPHO-Maine Show

This past weekend, my husband and our two little dogs took Duncan up to Maine.

Duncan and I went up to the Cumberland, ME Fairgrounds to show in a show put on by SPHO-ME.
We had a wonderful time. Much nicer than the National. It was nice to be around REAL people who really love their STBs.

It was a mellow laid back day. We got ribbons, NO blues, so what.

I have said for years , it's not about the ribbons all I want is an HONEST look and we got that.

The show was very well run and the committees were great.

we came home last night and the trip home was a nightmare again this weekend. I guess that I will start comming home on another day.
We have a few weeks off then we go Barrel Racing here in RI and the weekend of the 24th-26th is gonna be WILD. Tons of travel and lots of fun.

Duncan is looking and feeling just fine and that makes me happy.

The National Show

We are just back from NJ and the National show. It was kind of a disappointment as, for some reason, the rules set forth in the rule book for the Western classes were totally not followed.

The Western Bit issue has always been a problem for this committee and this year I thought they had finally got it right. But, NO.

The rules stated that IF you were riding in a shanked Western Bit ONE hand was to be used on the reins.

The snaffle bit rule ( o rings and d rings ) was a bit grey but do able. And other rules would be from AQHA rule book. So we go into the first EQ class, NO CHAPS on several people but the bits were the worst and there was ONE rider riding her horse like she was having SEX with the horse. Riding a tom thumb snaffle with TWO hands and when the JOG or alternate gait was called for she rode a DRESSAGE sitting trot.

They NEVER checked bits and I know that neither the judge or the Ring master had read this shows own rules.

Out of 11 in the class 5 should have been DQd immediately upon entry into the ring, but that did not happen.

Duncan never put a foot wrong and when we left the ring people I did not know came up and said he should have won the class, BUT he doesn't have navicular and is not heavy and I don't spell my name correctly I guess.

This was our last National and I had said that months ago. It was a disappointment that this truly GREAT horse was treated this way at his last National show.

I am not the only person who showed there who will not go back, so I hope the winners can come up with more sponsorship money than they did this year. LOL

The best part of the whole day was this lady talking to me, she knew him when he raced and she starts bragging up SHS out of Maine about how she shows ALL OVER. Yeah, right.... BEFORE I could say a word someone else spoke up and said NO she shows in Maine and here not all over. Do not believe everything she tells you or you read in her blogs or on facebook. I wouldn't know cause I don't care enough to check anything SHS.

The trip home was terrible, the weather beyond nasty, and I was really glad we scratched and got on the road at 2:30 instead of later on.
South bound 95 in conn was doing about 15 MPS from the NY border to almost the RI border. Better that side than mine.

So, we have a couple of more show shows and a few barrel races and that will be it for this year. Not sure about next year maybe we'll go for number 6 at the worlds. hee hee hee.

I am sure I will get crap for my comments but they are the truth and if the folks involved were honest instead of the way they are they would admit it but hey all I am is an old lady from RI.

But, remember my horse was one of the original 6 chosen for WEG not ONE of the several who have been allowed in because their owners can't stand they are not one of the 6, they were alternates. JMO
But, it's my blog not their's

I Nice Gift Today

I trailered Duncan up to Blue Ride Show Stables in Lakeville, Mass.
Jill Weinstein, the owner was a student of mine about 40 years ago and we re connected a few years ago and have kept in touch.

She had invited me to bring him up and ride with her. How cool, talk about a circle closing.

We had a wonderful ride and she rode him. The folks who were there were kind and even though they didn't know a lot about Standardbreds they asked great questions and were really fun to be around.

I will go back again for sure.

Jill says we look good and wishes us luck at the National this weekend.

So, now, I am going to start packing the rig to get ready to go to NJ.

I'll post when we get back and hopefully SHS will stay away and behave. Doubtful, but one can always hope.

Getting Ready

I took Duncan up to the SPCA to get his health certificate on Monday.

Yesterday (Wed) the farrier came out so his toes are all done.

Now it's ride time and packing and cleaning tack and all the other many things that must be done to haul to NJ for the National Standardbred Show. Lots to do between now and the 21st when we actually travel there.

Duncan is looking and going well. I am hopeful we do well.

Barrels Today

We won the Over 50 class. It was like he's been running all along.

We got many compiments on how good he looks. That's always nice to hear.

I also had a few folks ask about what I had given him as his much bigger and freer movement was noticed by folks who do not talk a whole lot to me and have not seen him go in at least a year, so that made me feel good also.

Our next show is in 2 weeks in NJ and then it will be back to running to qualify for the worlds.

We're All Set

The trailer is all set up, registered and inspected.

I have decided to try to qualify Duncan for the NBHA World Championships for the 5th time.

He is the only Standardbred that has been documented to have qualified 4 times or maybe even at all.

Anyway, we are going running tomorrow here in RI.
This am I rode him and at the end of the ride time I did a pattern. It has been 2 years since he has turned a barrel but let me tell you folks Duncan does NOT forget. When I hit the first barrel ha almost unseated me, Man that horse can pure turn and burn.

I also think the Adaquin injections have him feeling very very good, so I am really looking forward to tomorrow and the run. I'll let you know.

Progress

Duncan has been laid up with a double abcess in his right front since comming home from the Down East Congress.

I started riding him a bit this last week and he stayed sound, so yesterday (Fri) we hauled to Goddard Park here in RI for a trailride.

We were the only folks on horses and there were only a handful of joggers and folks walking their dogs, so we had the trails pretty much to ourselves. He was a bit of a hand ful and at one point he got very insisitant that he was going back the way we had come. We had a brief discussion on the issue and along we went.

We did some walking and gaiting and trotting and I will tell you he was burning ground at the trot and gait. He has never felt as good and free moving as he did yesterday.

During the month of June I gave him the every 4 day shot times 7 of Adaquin IM. It worked well for him. I am sold on it as a product to help him out with this stiff joints.

I went to the barn early this am but it was already way too nasty to ride, so he got a nice cool Iodine-anti bacterial bath and they he went back under his fan with a nice pile of hay. All is well in Duncan's world.

I had thought we might not go to the National this year but I am re thinking that decision at the nmonent. After all I do have my own truck and trailer now.

Lots Going On

We got our invitation to the Sharon Camarillo Classic to be held in Sterling, Ill October 1 0 3rd.
This is an invitation only event for horses and riders who have graduated from a Sharon Clinic, which we did a few years ago. I don't remember when I have had more fun and worked so hard as I did that weekend but it was fun and she is a wonderful teacher. She does not teach Barrel Racing she teaches horsemanship and everyone could learn from Sharon no matter what you ride, if you can put your ideas about barrel racing aside and pay attention to what is going on in the ring.

Anyway, that is certainly a change to show folks just what Standardbreds can do. I'm no sure if we will go this year or not.
Then there is the NBHA World championships also in Oct in GA, we could go there also and I know we would be the ONLY Standardbred there also.

I think I am going back and do some running with him this summer to qualify him for the FIFTH time for the Worlds and get him another wild card and a state championship.

I LOVE the timer as it doesn't lie and pay off judges and all the other wonderful stuff that happens in the show ring. Besides, when we are running we are way far outside the box of what duncan was bred to do and it certainly is a lot more fun that the show or dressage ring.

So, I have to talk to the big guy and see what he wants to do and we will go from there.

We are a Plat inium sponsor at the National Standardbred Show, but, I'm not sure if we will go or not time will tell.

YES

Lots going on. Duncan is still not 100% from his abcesses, they do take time.

We bought me a GMC Sierria pick up truck to haul the trailer with. We took delivery on that yesterday.

I am trying to figure out what we are going to do the rest of this show season and I think there will be folks who will toss huge parties because of where we are not going to be, but they are jerks and do not count in Duncan's world.

I was also amazed to find out on a forum that there is ONE person in all of New England who is the begin all and end all when it comes to promoting the breed. HMMMM wonder why the rest of us bother.

Off to gas up the truck. Hope you all are stying safe in this awful weather.

The last week

We went to the Congress thinking that Duncan was on the tail end of an abcess, WRONG.... it was the beginning and the last week has been so much fun.

He was ok at the show, the
Chamionship Class was a hoot as he showed them all that he is really good at Airs Above the Ground.

Anyway we got ribbons yahoo the competition was way down in numbers and the Mother Daughter team out of Southern Maine should be commended, they have done a wonderful job with their new horses.

The lady from Grey did well, the one from Cornish, while winning lots of ribbons added NOTHING to anything.

That all said, I have spent the last week tending to Duncan's abcesses in his right front and today we put steels on his fronts and time will tell.
We will play the show and event scene by ear and see what shakes out.

My Birthday

Today is my 64th Birthday and I spent this morning with the boys.

My husband bought me my own horse trailer and then he came home with a dozen beautiful long stemmed roses and a birthday cake from my favorite bakery, here in Coventry.

Duncan is looking really good, and going even better, it's almost time to start packing the slant load as my BO is comming with me to the Congress, I really hope a certain person will be better behaved than what was shown at Hollis, but I doubt it. Class is not something SHS has a lot of that's for sure.

Anyway, it's next week and we are almost ready.

Goddard Park Ride

Yesterday, May 30th 4 of us went to Goddard State Park for a Brunch Trail Ride sponosred by the West Greenwich Horseman's Assoc.
Duncan loves the trails over in the park, many of which wind on hills above the Narragansett Bay. It was just a PERFECT day, no humidity, a nice breeze, sunny, a day that just could not have been any better. NO bugs!!!
There were about 80 riders I believe. We rode for well over 2 hours and then came back to a wonderful meal.

They had raffles to help raise money and I won the huge prize, a big wicker basket full of gourmet brunch items!!.

Then we loaded up and came on home. I stopped at the plant nursery and bought Mike more Hot Peppers for his garden and then came along home.

Today, my foster dog's new mom is comming to take him to his new home. I have had him since March 1st and there is going to be a hole because he really is part of our family.

I will go ride and play with my boys later this afternoon.
I do hope everyone is having a safe day and enjoying your horses

Memorial Day Weekend

The weather is supposed to be fine and that's always nice.

We are going on a Brunch trail ride on Sunday at Goddard Park with 3 friends.

Tomorrow is going to be very busy as I have 2 sets of people comming to meet our little foster dog Munchkin so he can decide who he wants his new parents to be. He has been with us since the beginning of March and he really needs a forever family.

Duncan needs a bath and to get ridden at some point also.
So I'll let you all know how we did.

We are starting to get ready for the Down East Congress I am taking both horses, I have someone who will show Duncan for me and I will show Ace, should be fun.

Sat May 15th

We went up to Plainridge Race Track this morning and bought a Kingston Horse trailer, wide and tall. I'm excited, now I can go where ever whenever I want to. I have to have some beefing up done on my truck but everything should be all good to go by July for sure.

I certainly have a wonderful husband.

Maine Horse Assoc Show

The weather was crappy, but we had a good showing. I am sure there is at least ONE person who doesn't think Duncan looks all that good as she had the nerve to slam me on another board. Her issue not mine.

One of the judges had wonderful comments to make to me and as you all know judges do not usually speak to people who are showing but she made a big point to come speak to me. Both judges had nice things to say in my 3nd in Hand class, so it's on SHS and her nasty ways.

My BO spoke to her and was totally cut short. My BO had nothing to do with what happened between SHS and myself, but I guess her arrogance and ignorance is really to the fore front here.

It was a nice show and we had a nice time with most everyone.

They tell me there will be a Roadster Under Saddle Class at the Down East Congress so that should be a fun ride.

Duncan is back home in RI and all happy to be back in West Greenwich where he has lived for almost 5 years. I broeught him back from the indoor.

So, now it's time to put him back English and start tuning up that part of his training. I am so glad he is so easy to work with.
I do hope that SHS can find peace, but I fear she has many years of upheaval in front of her before she learns her lessons and learns how to treat people correctly. The biggest lesson she needs to learn is it is NOT all about her. JMO

RI SPCA FUND RAISER

We went to Goddard Park here in RI and took part in this wonderful event.
I am very proud of the fact that we were the top money earner for the ride. YEP, the big guy handed over $600.00 to Them.
The ride was wonderful. He never put a foot wrong and he is due to be re set on Tuesday.

It was in the mid 80s and we are supposed to get storms tonight. Nothing like down south but storms none the less.

So, we had a nice day and I am hopeful next week will be good also.

May 1st

We moved the boys this morning from Journey's End Farm, back to Footloose Farm which is where Duncan has lived for almost 5 years. He seemed happy to be home.

Tomorrow we are doing the RI SPCA annual fundraising trailride and we have raised alot of money for the cause.

There is a Breast Cancer show tomorrow also and I sponsored what I thought was a division, but it didn't come out the way it was supposed to so instead of supporting that and showing we'll go do the trailride with my BO.
Duncan is body clipped and is looking pretty good for a big guy/

The Best Laid Plans.......

The weather was beautiful, I went out on Monday and groomed both boys while my Spirit dog was at the vets having extensive dental work done. He had 5 extractions this time around, poor little dog.

So, the rest of the week has been spent taking care of Spirit, who did not do so well this time around.

Anyway, Duncan has been clipped and I am told he is a real pretty Steel Grey, that's different for sure as he is a honey colored bay in his full summer coat, almost to the point of being a Dun. Go figure.

It's raining here again today, and I just got back from the vet with Miss Luci so it's going to be another day playing Mommy to my little 4 footed kids.

Spring in RI

Well, the hair is falling out, but not fast enough so the big guy is getting a full boy clip. His undercoat is a steel color I have never seen on him. It is just beautiful. He is doing well, got his toes done last week and his gaiting is just wonderful.

Nate and Bri both have been "talking" to me when I'm riding and believe me I am so glad I have the jetted bath tub. LOL.

The flooding here in state is abating but the damage is awful and some of it is going to take a lifetime to fix, if it ever is.

Toes

I had started riding western again and that means gaiting and gaiting means chipping toes into the ground and generally making me unhappy.

Soooo, I called Mike my wonderful farrier and he came out this morning and put a brand new set of front shoes on Duncan and seriously rolled his toes. Now I am a happy lady.

Yesterday I took myself to Dover and spent my income tax refund, well, not all of it, on a set of big clippers. Time for a body clip big guy.

A Passing

I received a call at 5:00am to tell me a good friend Passed away earlier this am.

His name was Jerry Briggs and he was 75 years YOUNG. We barrel raced together here in RI for the 4 years I did that. He was a funny little dude and folks either liked him or NOT. But over the years his wife, Lorna and I became friends.

About 18 months ago, right after our State Championships of which he won like 3 divisions he had a massive stroke. The last months have been difficult for all involved and Lorna had him at home and took TOTAL care of him.

Last week he had to have part of his left leg removed and seemed to be doing pretty well considering what all he had been through.

But, he had come through so much and was riding again and looking forward to this running season, if even just to watch.

My thoughts and prayers go out to Lorna and the family.

RIP My Friend.

Changes in Our Lives and Plans

The WEG blog is done. This blog will continue with the rest of our year.

We are not going to KY and that is really OK. We were chosen one of 6 but it turned out to be nothing like it was supposed to be.

As I type Duncan is at Journeys End Farm here in RI getting ready for his last show season.
After this year he will live large and enjoy the retirement he so richly deserves. He owes no one anything and I owe him the world.

This new blog will be about our final year together doing only a few shows.

Today March 13th it is miserable here in RI. We have received inches of rain and much heavy wind, I will go out to the barn in a bit and groom him. As soon as my Tax Refund gets here I am buying some body clippers and we will get him done as we have shows in early May. We usually do not start until mid June but this year it' gonna be much earlier.

I will post some pictures and work on this later.
Thank you for reading.