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The cottage we stayed in was called “The White House”, but in my opinion should have been named the “House of Hardwood.” The old, refinished farmhouse had an impressive 6 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, but not a lick of paint in any of them. I mean it – none! The ceilings were even covered in hardwood going every which way. It was an OCD person’s nightmare, but fun to try and find the patterns. Regardless, the place was cozy with all the comforts of home. Sleep came easily that night and dawn perhaps too soon. Eventually, EJ himself arrived with maps in hand. Because he has trails for any and everything, he wanted to ensure our ride was exactly what we wanted. EJ is approximately 70 years old, over six feet tall with large features and kind eyes. He is a true West-By-God Virginia Mountain man that’s lived in the foothills of Pocahontas County all his life. Every time I saw him, his white hair was capped with a dark oil-skin cowboy hat. Though age may have made him a little portly, he seems to work as hard as ever. On the property we regularly found him tinkering with one of the many hobbies in his large shed. We picked out a route that was about 12 miles and would take us between 4 and 6 hours (we walk most of the trails because we’re really there to chat, and watch the world go by). EJ marked the orange lines and showed us the connecting blue trails, then he told us he had a few more things he’d like to get done before the end of the day and with an authentic tip of his oilskin, he departed. The rest of the evening was spent sipping on warm spiked salted caramel cider, heating up Biddy 1’s out of this world butternut squash soup, and “fellowship”. Biddy 3 quite literally used the term “fellowship,” a few times when discussing the importance of what rides like this mean to her. I had never really given it much thought before (Biddy Apprentice here), but the word is defined as “friendly association, especially with people who share one's interests.” It is an important part of the experience and I believe how these women have remained so close for so long. Fellowship with them was a beautiful thing. It was truly something to just sit back and listen to their stories as I watched the boys play and much on the grass in the pasture from the screened in wrap around porch. The following day I climbed out of bed around 7 am. The Biddies told me we were going to get on the trail by 10 am, so there was really no rush. I awoke to find that Biddy 2 had already fed and watered our boys. It was an unexpected delight and one I was truly thankful for. At that point, I began working on my single responsibility for the weekend – lunch on the trail. I knew the Biddies gave me this job because it was easy if mattered little if I screwed it up. After all, who needs lunch if know a killer casserole dinner is waiting for you in a few hours? That said, I was glad they put me in charge of this because little did they know that years of working on the road have made me pretty good at the food on the go. I had planned Honey Maple Turkey Pitas with deli sliced Munster Cheese, carrots, and tri-colored grapes. Because we’re all riding somewhere we knew little about I pre-made two pitas for each person and tossed a box of white chocolate and cranberry Cliffbars ® into my saddlebags. As an aside, the Biddies have a reputation for getting… lost, thus if I was in charge of our stomachs, I made sure we were covered. After a deliciously savory egg, sausage and veggie breakfast casserole prepared by Biddy 3, we were ready to start getting dress. This was honestly challenging because the sun was shining and defying all weather forecasts. We needed to pack for possible, however, the present for forty-some-degrees and pleasant. Layers were the name of that day’s dressing game. Because of the forecast was calling for rain I tugged on my fleece lined Roxy Snowboard pants anyway. I think I’ve used those pants for nearly everything but snowboarding in the past several years. Built like a fleece lined pair of Dickies work pant, they’re just great for EVERYTHING. By the end of the ride, all the Biddies wanted a pair. Before I knew it Jean-Luc and the rest of the boys were saddled and the only thing left to do was ride out. I kept thinking to myself, “man is this just easy.” Often I believe I over think things. The Biddies are old hats. They just know what needs to be done, and what doesn’t. No need to mess around. Just saddle your horse, add your bags and climb up. With one final look at the map, we were off on the Greenbrier River Trail. The horses took turns trying to decide who would lead, but it came as no surprise to me that Jean-Luc ended up in front. He likes to lead, and his gaited nature makes him quicker than the others. Honestly, I was really proud of him. There were a few times I was nervous about our pace since I knew the Biddies didn’t like to go too fast. “Everyone good back there?” I would ask. “You guys are doing great!” a Biddy would yell up. The best compliment of the day came through when Biddy 1 started discussing how impressed she was with Jean-Luc and how far we’d come. “He’s really good at leading the group. He’s turned into the perfect horse for you,” she hollered up. I thanked her for doting on us, and the three of them laughed about how worried they’d been for me when I brought Jean-Luc home for the first time. “YOU have done so well with him,” they emphasized. My ride was made for the rest of the day! I mean how could it not be? I know the hours I have in with Jean-Luc, but these women saw the before and recognize the after. A person can’t help but be filled with pride. The hours in the saddle passed as we covered some of the breathtaking scenery West Virginia has to offer. One of my favorite things involved riding straight into a rhododendron jungle. Rhododendrons are West Virginia’s state flower, but truly they’re more like a tangling bunch of bright green vines that can be impassable unless a proper path is cut – and it was! Riding through the emerald green leafy tunnels made me feel like we were in some sort of fairy-tale, Narnia. The Biddies and I agreed that it would be magical to come back during the June when the Rhododendrons are in full bloom with the purple and pink flowers, and thus promptly agreed to do so. This ride was also my first big river crossing on horseback. At one point, near the end of our ride, we came to a spot that required us to cross a 100-yard span of Greenbrier River. “Whatever you do, don’t look down and don’t stop,” the Biddies told me.
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Friday, November 17, 2017, Jean-Luc and I embarked upon possibly one of my favorite adventures yet. A few weeks ago my BM asked if I would like to join her on a ride up at a place we’ve all talked about, but I’d never been – EJ’s Stables in Green Bank West Virginia. (* FOOTNOTE: Yes, it’s also the home of the National Quiet Zone and where Jodi Foster’s filmed First Contact several years ago… needless to say, it is known for being “remote.”) I was pretty excited to be invited on this ride because the group that was going is sort of an “invite only” group of gals. They’re not “click-ish” by any means, they’ve just been riding together for so long (we’re talking decades here), and that it was a big deal for me to be invited on one of their “Girls’ Weekend” rides. Also, I am pretty sure this entire event just added more fuel to the fire that I am known for having an “old soul.” Let’s just say that there was also a few decades difference between me and the rest of the gang – not that it matters! They call themselves the “Biddies.” (FOOTNOTE: Biddy/Bitty - n. "old woman," 1785; meaning "Irish maid-servant" (1861) is American English; both from Biddy, pet form of common Irish proper name Bridget.- Quora.com) By the end of the weekend, I was christened a “Biddy Apprentice,” something even my BM said was an honor. “We had a lot of fun with you, you can ride with us anytime. And believe me, we don’t just extend that offer to anyone,” she chuckled to me as we turned our boys loose on Sunday – but that’s getting ahead of ourselves. Friday afternoon, I met BM – Biddy 1 and a woman I happen to also work with Biddy 2 at our barn. Though suffering from a sinus infection I was determined to not miss this ride! Literally, it was as if the trail gods were testing my resolve. The group had debated all day on whether or not to even go on this adventure because the forecast was calling for high winds and rain. Plus, if we were determined to go ride trails near Green Bank, I also knew that meant SNOW! Despite all signs pointing to crap – we loaded up our boys and began the unnecessarily long journey over the mountains. I say unnecessarily long because Biddy 1 put Biddy 2 in charge of directions. . . A trip that should have been maybe an hour and a half wound up being two and half hours and all kinds of wrong. Remember, the trail gods were testing us. Finally, in the last few moments of daylight, we arrived at EJ’s Cottage’s and Stables to find Biddy 3 pretty worried about us. “Where have you guys been!” she exclaimed. We shared with Biddy 3 the ridiculous rout we’d taken to get there, and because I actually spent three years of my life living in the area, determined I was in charge of directions on the way home. Hugs were exchanged and the horses – Jean-Luc, Oliver Biddy 1’s Kentucky Mountain Horse, and Cody Biddy 2’s Quarter Horse (and Jean-Luc’s BF he seems to have an unhealthy love for) were turned out with Biddy 3’s beautiful Mustang/Dun Sage. EJs Stables: http://www.ejcottages.net/trailrid.html
Because last week was mostly a wash week when it comes to riding, it resulted in me just feeling like a whiny baby for not doing more with Jean-Luc. Regardless, it is what it is. On Friday, however, I had a rather unexpectedly pleasant experience.
My husband, who is about as far from “horse person” as it gets, was going out of town for the weekend. Knowing we wouldn’t see each other for a few days we went on a date to our token obligatory small-town America date spot – Applebee’s (Can’t beat that 2 for $20/ half-price appetizers and happy hour!) After a pleasant meal, I started talking to my husband and how much I wish I had gone out to the barn this week. “We have more time before I have to go,” he said. “Would you like to go out now?” “Despite the cold?” I asked confused. The temperatures were in the low thirties, and the wind didn’t make it any warmer. “Sure,” he replied. So, after eating we headed out to the barn. Together, we bundled up in what few extra clothes I kept in my car, grabbed Jean-Luc’s halter, and marched into a freezing field. Once we were about fifteen feet away from Jean-Luc he came to us and quickly devoured his apple treats. “Let me give them to him so he will love me,” my husband asked. I handed over the treats and lead Jean-Luc back to the barn. The extra hand was nice for simple things like opening the gate and conversation. We laughed at how absolutely disgusting my white and champagne colored horse was – black… literally, there were places that were actually BLACK! When we got back inside the barn we warmed our hands and I handed my husband Jean-Luc’s bit to warm up while I started cleaning the dirt off of him. “You treat your horse better than me!” my husband remarked. I said nothing. (Don’t we all?) Eventually, we were ready to walk around in the indoor ring. I hopped on Jean-Luc all the while discussing my actions and reasons for them as I went with my husband. I believe the mark of a good teacher is one who can break actions down to the finest steps, all the while explaining the rationale behind them without coming off as patronizing. This is always extremely difficult to do with loved ones, I feel. After a few moments and several laps around the ring, I could see my husband was actually excited to ride. “Would you like to hop on I asked.” He replied with a simple, “Yes.” Before I knew it, his leg was in the stirrup and he was up. I lead him around a little, to be sure neither of my men was going to freak out, and then they were off. The two of them seemed to really make some sort of connection immediately – something I have rarely experienced among new riders. I think Jean-Luc truly enjoyed having my husband as a rider because, like Jean-Luc, my husband gets bored easily. Though the arena is small they were having a ball going in tight circles, doing figure eights, and serpentines. Honestly, my mind was a little blown. Sure, he has much to learn – posture, feet, etc., but all in all, it wasn’t bad. Before I knew it, our short lesson was coming to a close. “One more lap?” he asked me. “You are going to be late?” I questioned back as if he was sure he didn’t care to be late to get on the road. “One more lap,” he repeated. And by one, he meant five. During his last few laps, he kept expressing to how impressed he was at how more calm he thought Jean-Luc was. He told me that when I first brought Jean-Luc home, he never thought he would ride him because he seemed crazy! We eventually untacked and started home. I can’t believe he enjoyed his ride as much as he did, but there you have it. My husband also told me how proud he was of me and how different Jean-Luc seemed. Not that I needed it, but it was nice to hear him acknowledge the difference and all the hard work we’ve put in. “I get why you like to do this,” he told me. Sitting on the back of Jean-Luc, with some sort of beverage in hand watching the world go by is one of my favorite ways to see the world. I regularly say that and the sentiment has only grown stronger in the months since I’ve had Jean-Luc. I am thrilled because this weekend is another opportunity to hit the trails with a few of my favorite people from our local riding club. Five or six of us are coming together to ride along the Greenbrier river trail at a place called “EJ Stables,” in Pocahontas County. Though I know it is going to be cold, I cannot wait to stay in an old rustic cabin and hit a few rail trails with my man! This week has been basically a wash. Thanks to the weather, I’ve had a massive headache since Sunday. Typically, each year I get weather related pain in my sinus cavities as the temps drop. Typically, it only lasts a day, but this has been insanity! I am not one to complain, however not being able to see straight because of a needle-like pain above my right eye, forehead, and jaw lasting nearly a week is too much. I spent much of this week kind of feeling like a failure because I just can’t find the motivation to push through. (Sorry Jean-Luc, but momma has been slacking). That said, last Saturday we did accomplish something new - walking (semi) relaxed in the field while another horse jumped and did their own thing in the center. Though Jean-Luc whinnied his obnoxious noises once per lap or so, I managed to push through his ressistance and complete 5 laps around the field (nearly 2 miles). Every attempt to do so until then has ended in a ruckus and usually I lost. I would like to credit the new IMUS bit, but it was only the second time using it. The bit itself seems to allow Jean-Luc to relax his body more than the Myler bit (a good thing), however, the trade off seems to be that he requires a stronger hand when using it. In the long run, I think “more relaxed” will be worth it. After all, I should be using more leg than hand anyway. Today looks to be another wash day considering the pain just doesn’t give me the focus, but we will see. The trade off means losing a warmer day for a much cooler one in the future. The entire weekend outlook is showing 30s. Ah, horse people problems.
No matter what, I would trade anything for this week-long headache to subside! Cheers to more success in the week to come. This past week is one that I find hard to really describe. At work I continue to find reasons to be thankful all around me for switching jobs. At the barn I was blessed to compound on friendships made and continue to build on the bond Jean-Luc and I have begun. Thursady, a coworker, my Dad and I all three went on a great little ride. We don’t have the trails we once did, but my coworker even started to recognize that anytime in the saddle going anywhere is good for the soul. After our ride I arrived home to find Jean-Luc new bit! So, despite yesterday’s rain and fog, I had to try it. I headed out after work and grabbed my sopping wet horse. I dried Jean-Luc and despite him looking gross, was ready to try out his new IMUS bit. Would it really do all the wonderful things it says it can?! Would he relax with all the free tongue pressure and would it encourage him to gait away?!
Because of the rain and muck we stayed inside mostly. I honestly think it is too early to tell if this bit is all it’s cracked up to be, but I did see some relaxation and he was really bringing his hind feet up under himself like he should. He stayed in his gait rather than a pace much easier. His responses to turns were less than with the Myler though. That said, there were a TON of distractions happening last night (old horsey friends coming back to the barn, pounding rain, and things moving around everywhere in the barn because of it). We will see what the weeks to come prove, but with the little experience we had, I am feeling like this is a good direction for us. Last week I wanted to have Jean-Luc's shoes reset again before too much snow flies. They were in okay shape but I could tell his front left (clubfoot) was coming loose. I should have called to have it fixed then, but I figured I had a day or so. In true "risking it" fashion, sometime between Tuesday and Friday of last week, the mucky weather stole it! (Did I mention I knew I should have scheduled an appointment!?) However, moments after posting online about the lost shoe, my farrier reached out to me and asked about it - service! I was worried he may have difficulties squeezing me in this week since the snow is already starting to stick where he lives. But he is amazing and we were able to get an appointment after work TOMORROW! Again, that's service! I enjoy when the farrier comes because usually, we chat, toss back a few "adult beverages" and relax. Perhaps I'm asking for it, but Jean-Luc, thus far, is a really good man when it comes to having his feet done. Honestly, he's fun to work with on the ground and I believe he enjoys being pampered. In retrospect, the more time I spend brushing out his tail, mane, and coat, the better he seems to act under saddle. Unfortunately, every ride doesn't allow for a forty-five-minute groom session prior! As a follow up to the bit post last week I would like to thank Liz and Emma for a great suggestion! Afer one wild internet scavenger hunt, I actually managed to find and order an IMUS bit on eBay! This used bit is half the price and worth the investment if it means I get to try one.
Sure, it’s used and not in the best shape but I believe it will absolutely do the trick. My tiny, still relatively expensive hunk of metal arrives this Friday. I must admit, I am pretty excited because this bit will allow me to compare and contrast Jean-Luc’s ability to relax and overall control from the Myler bit we have been using. The IMUS’ claim to fame is just that - it allows the horse "relaxed" movement without pinching. The ability to relax and flex is key for most horses to have the proper collection, so we will see. The bit is also supposed to offer gaited horses a better experience for their tongue. (Cue gutter jokes, now.) New considerations with this bit also include the use of a curb chain. I haven’t used one with the Myler bit yet, however, the IMUS recommends it. Stay tuned! and #BoldlyGo! Thankful. Earlier this week, Dad and I took our second trail ride together. “Thankful,” doesn’t even begin to describe how I feel about life these days. The fact that I started a new job at the end of September that allows me to be at the barn and on the trails by 3:30 PM on a weekday was once a pipe dream. But I’ve realized - life is short. These days, my most precious commodity really is TIME. I want to spend as much of it as possible making memories with the ones I love before I am unable to. Each morning I spend about 20 minutes at my mom’s house drinking a cup of coffee and solving the world’s problems. Together we discuss everything from politics to how we would solve small issues around town. We chat about any and everything. Now, I have an opportunity to do something similar with Dad. The nature and fortune of these things are not lost on me. But enough gushing, I’m sure what you’d rather know is how is Jean-Luc? Simply put – he’s a rock star! His winter fur is growing in nicely and I’m looking to have his shoes reset one more time before winter. Each time we go out our quarrels look less and less like full-blown lightsaber duels, and more and more like Han and Leia’s bickering. I would really like to get one more group trail ride in somewhere before it becomes too bitterly cold. The temperatures are dropping fast, for sure, and my options for weekends are becoming more and more limited.
I also really need to order Jean-Luc his own Myler bit (on the left). I keep putting it off though because I am curious if there would be something even better out there (plus the price tag is about $116). The lady who keeps her horses down the road from mine also has a Tennessee Walking Horse. She really likes the Imus brand bits, but with a similarly high price tag, I'd like to try it before I buy it. Call me slow, but I just never knew how much a simple bit could enhance your horses performance. Someone I used to work with when I lived at the ski resort assured me that the bit is key to a good gait - so I want to get this right. That said, I realize the online community that I interact with is mostly endurance or evening based, but if there happen to be any resources out there you may have heard of, I’d love to read/meet / try them. It may just be another trial, error, and learn kind of thing, but I welcome any input! #BoldyGO! Today was the best day Jean-Luc and I have had since we came together back in April, of this year. Around 9:00 AM, my husband and I kicked into gear with a delicious breakfast at our local Bob Evans. Together, we enjoyed someone else cooking our meal, and sipped on our coffee before we both started our respective adventures for the day. I made it out the barn by about 9:50 AM. The temperature was a delightfully brisk 43 degrees. After cleaning a few things up in the barn, I found the horses munching on dew covered grass in back field. Though he didn't come when called, Jean-Luc was still a really easy catch. Upon closer inspection I noticed, for the third time in a row, he'd managed to style his own hair with more burs. While I don't mind cleaning them out every now and then, three times in a row is about my limit. However, since I was in no rush and really didn't have much else to do today, I decided I would take the time to really clean him up. I even braided his tail in hopes that it wouldn't attract as many burs later. Regardless, they would be easier to pluck out of the braids. My man looked quite spiffy when I was finished and I honestly believe he appreciated the braid. His mane was incredibly silky, too. I enjoyed running my fingers through it when I was finished. Additionally, now that his winter coat is growing in, when Jean-Luc is in the sun you can really see his champagne color shine. While "pretty" is never what I was going after, some days I can't help but feel extremely lucky that I ended up with such a pretty boy. Per our regular routine, after cleaning him up, I tossed a saddle on him and took him into the barn arena for some surcingle work. He was really focused today, paying attention to each cue. He sped up, slowed, and turned nearly on a dime. The few times he didn't were miscues from me. After our work in the arena, I figured he'd been so focused I would see how far I could get on the trail with Jean-Luc. Usually we don't make it more than 100 ft from the barn. There's an old road cone I try to make it to just before a creek. He always baulks at the little down hill slope of the creek, so I consider it a win we are able to make it to there and just stand quietly. Today I really wanted to push through this though. It took about five tries, but eventually, with enough hip action and positive reinforcement, we did it! We were past "the spot" and into the creek. We stopped for a drink and I really wanted to see if he would keep going. Sure enough, with a little more hip action and praise, we were moving! In fact we even made it to the field through a way Jean-Luc has never gone! - He's braver than he ever wants to let on, of this I am sure. I figured I could be pushing my luck, considering how much Jean-Luc truly hates to be away from the herd, but things just felt good so I kept going. He tried me 3 or 4 more times as we went into the woods near the barn. That said, the Mylar bit that I was using, I believe, made the difference. This new bit made it so that he was unable to completely ignore me like in past experiences. Also, I was able to stay really calm. We made it all the way to a road (a place that I know is about a mile away from the barn). Then we even walked down the road approximately 150 yards before I made a deal out loud to Jean-Luc. "Get to that tree," I said, "and we can turn around and go home." Of course he tested me, but we made it. Then, we stood still for about 10 seconds, and turned around to go home. The entire way back all I could think of is how proud I was, not only of my horse, but me! We did a thing today. We did a really big thing. We rode out, alone, and did not have a complete panic attack or meltdown when the herd wasn't with us! Sure, I was tested, but I don't know that this feeling would be as amazing as it is right now had we not worked through those issues. I'm really proud of this guy. I am also very thankful that the work we are putting in starting to pay off. When we got back to the barn the temperature had risen to about 63 degrees (that's fall in West Virginia for ya). Jean-Luc's chest was pretty warm and covered in sweat.
I let him stand and cool down, showering him with praise before one last treat and tossing him back into the field with his friends. I am looking forward to many more rides like this in our future and can't wait to see the places we begin to explore! #BoldyGO! Yesterday I got to hit the trails for the first time in about a week and a half. The best part, I had the opportunity to ride with someone I haven't really been in the saddle with since I was about 13 years old - my dad!
My BM was gracious enough to say he could try riding one of her horses, Lil Bit. Together, we rode out and just relaxed, enjoying the wilds of West Virginia. There is much I could say about that ride, but the short of it is, Dad reminded me of my roots, roots that I am truly proud of. "I should have been a cowboy," Dad hollered up to me from behind. I just laughed. His posture is terrible, back crooked, heels high, but he's still the man who gave me the chance to fall in love with the equine world (my mother, too, even though she's afraid of them). Dad asked if we could trail ride ride at least once a week for the next few weeks. I gladly told him, "of course!" AND MORE SURCINGLE WORK For this week, Jean-Luc has had to share some of my time with a new addition to the family. Mr. Theodore “Teddy” Jones, joined the family on Saturday, October 7, 2017. While I don’t talk about my other critters much, my husband and I have a dog, April. We also had a cat, B.G. (Baby Girl), until this past July. She passed away of a sudden kidney failure while I was away on Jean-Luc and mine’s first ride through Durbin.
The entire event was heartbreaking and one I’m sure many of you have experienced. B.G. was my girl. She was a beautiful Bobtail/Manx-Mix. She truly had one of the most chill, dog-like personalities I’ve ever experienced in a cat. While I took her lose hard, I don’t know that anyone took it harder than our 8 year-old German Shepherd-Mix, April. For weeks April would walk up and down the street in search of her best friend. They had been together, just the two of them, for 6 years. April’s immediate instinct is Alpha Dog, followed closely by, “mother”. When we adopted her from the pound, we learned that she had puppies, and that they were likely taken from her too soon. Anytime she has the opportunity to be around something even remotely similar to a puppy, she will go into full-blown mother-mode. That is why my husband and I decided, “April needs a puppy.” We have joked saying this for nearly two years now, but with the loss of B.G. Cat, the jokes became reality. Since July, we have attended several animal shelter events in search of April’s puppy. We are pretty big proponents of rescue animals, and as much as I would adore adding some kind of Corgi, or French Bulldog to the mix, we really wanted to stick to our philosophy and provide a home for some critter that needed it. We decided to not rush things and be somewhat picky when it came to things like size and temperament. Last Friday, on his lunch break, my husband noticed a sign outside of a little country gas station/market combo known as (brace yourself, it’s bumpkin) “Bob’s Mini Mart,” up the valley. The sign said, “FREE PUPPIES.” While we usually question things like “Free Puppies” he thought he’d call the number provided. They sent him a photo and it might have been love at first sight. The woman who owned the puppies showed a momma pekingese and poppa beagle with two adorable brown eyed fluff balls. There had been a total of six in his litter and these guys were the only two left. I’ll admit, I know there is a ton that goes into raising a puppy and I wasn’t sure we could handle it. At nearly 8, April isn’t a spry young thing anymore (even though she sure thinks she is). I wondered if she’d even be up to the task of raising a pup? Would her alpha personality kick in? She could really hurt a puppy if she wanted to. Saturday morning I enjoyed the last of the fun Mountain State Forest Festival activities (lumber jack contest, mini-horse show, and craft fairs). Then I hurried home to start puppy proofing the house. I purchased a few new toys, one of which is this really fun fried egg with wrapping paper inside that makes it sound like it’s actually sizzling when you move it. God bless the clearance bins! And awaited the new little guy’s arrival. At approximately 4:30 PM on Saturday, the husband walked through the door with the most adorable bundle of furry joy I’d ever seen. It was strange, he immediately took to me. I, for whatever reason, am his “safe space.” And our dog April has adopted this little guy like he is one of her own. B.G. Was my cat, and I wasn’t sure the next animal we brought into the house would love me as much as she did. I think this guy might love me more. Together, my husband and I went through nearly 100 names, but on Sunday we dubbed him Teddy. I mean look at him! He just looks like a Teddy. He has a few small, and relatively normal puppy health issues like intestinal parasites from the fact that his previous owners never took him to the vet. In fact, had we not adopted him the day we did he was on his way to the pound. My hope is to be able to bring him out to the barn eventually, and maybe one day on trail rides with the group. His legs are WAY too short, so he would have to say behind or ride in my saddle bags. That said, this guy exactly what the family ordered. Welcome to the family Teddy. Also, Jean-Luc and I have continued focus on shorter surcingle work and I think the shorter amount of time is helping. We usually work for about an hour, but with Teddy at home I have had to cut it back to a half an hour. I am a very routine person, and this reminds how important it is to sometimes toss in a few surprises. |
AuthorMy name is Chelsey. HorseGenerator's Cuevo Gold, or as he's known around this barn, "Jean-Luc Ponycard", was foaled in 2004 from Generator's Hurricane & Cheyenne's Little Bit. Top 10 Blog Favs.Archives
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