A Bit Emotional

12 years ago my parents worked hard to clean the barn so our horses could move in. Wednesday my parents cleaned the barn so we could hand the barn back. We are officially moved out.

My horses are happy and we are too, so I was surprised to be a bit emotional. The biggest reason was I got to thinking that we are leaving Barry behind. He is buried in the woods along side another horse he used to go out with. I almost feel like I have lost him all over again. Crazy I know. He is with me where ever I am at.

I found his shoes while we were clearing out the place. That probably opened the memories. Combined with the emotional environment, I think it put me over the edge. The owners said we can come visit him though, which helps. Barry loved that farm and he has a great resting place.

Along with clearing the barn, I also made the decision to stop trimming Jenna. I had all intentions of continuing with her, but Gretchen thought I would be stopping since we moved. At first, I was going to tell her she was wrong. Then I thought about all the problems she caused us in the last few months and the negative environment. The little bit of money I earn would not make it worth the drive and frustration.

Now that the old is out, we can focus on getting the new in order. Show preparations begin this weekend, show next weekend and hopefully lots of riding to follow.

Done Deal

3 stalls open and they end up in 1

Well life has kicked into high gear. My Dad decided that since the move has gone so well we should give notice. After checking with Peggy, he gave notice that day. Which okay saves us $200 next month, but leaves us trying to move 12yrs worth of stuff and 500+ bales of hay in less than 30 days. What makes it even worse is that my hand is still not 100%. Do you know how hard it is to watch 3 older people sweat while moving hay and you can't do anything? It got to the point where I tried to help. I was able to sort of carry bales. Stacking was a no go. Once the bale caught on a lower bale, pulling my fingers down which shot pain through the hurt area. They told me to stop and would not let me do anything the next day. Luckily my brother, who does P90X and tough mudders, came to help stack. That was great. Now we only have 300+ left.
This weekend I may say screw the finger and work through the pain so I can get some stuff packed. The doctor took xrays this week and confirmed there is no bone damage. The pain will hopefully subside over time. I don't have to tape my fingers anymore which makes me feel better when I ride. Those fingers sticking out made me have visions of broken parts if a horse did something. Now I can make an almost closed fist.
The horses are doing great. We have had some interesting moments between Sonny and Roscoe when the girls shared a fence line. Sonny is dominate to Roscoe and charges him when the girls are near. At one point he had charged Roscoe and was then faced with dodging Rosemary's heels when she came at him. Nobody is allowed to go after Roscoe when she is nearby. Such a good mother. So now we make sure the girls only share a fence line with Sonny and not both of them.
Riding/work wise all but Winston have worked twice in the last week. Dottie is like a different horse, I did not even need a whip when I rode her. She happily trotted over low x's. I am so excited that my horses will finally get into shape. Roscoe has had some mental exercises, namely learning how to stand in the stall with his door open. Peggy has no stall guards so he really has to learn not to go out the door until asked. I open the door and when he steps any part of his foot onto the cement, I tell him to back up. Then he inches up to the door way and waits nicely. I stand further away, open the door wider and take some pictures. The camera clicks seduced him into stepping onto the cement, so back I had to push him. Eventually he cocked a leg, yawned and chewed about 6in inside the doorway. Lesson success for the day. He did have to have a refresher yesterday, but he remembered quickly.

Thinking Hard :)

Camera Seduction

When we are more settled I will take some pictures of the place. Peggy says she enjoys having a full barn again.