Simply Horse Crazy (Mare and Mare) bestowed upon Milo and I the Leibster Blog award.

Leibster in German means "Dearest". Thanks Mare and Mare for thinking of us as a dearest blog! :)

The rules of the award are as follows:
1. Copy and paste the award on your blog.
2. Link back to the blogger who gave you the award
3. Pick your five favorite blogs with less than 200 followers, and leave a comment on their blog to let them know they have received the award.
4. Hope that the five blogs chosen will keep spreading the love and pass it on to five more blogs!


Only five is hard to decide upon, and I will only add those who I know have not received the award, so that leaves Simply Horse Crazy, and R Lil Bit of Cash out. But you know I love you two ladies! And your cute mares!


1. Cedar View Paint Horses - great posts on their pretty paints and the activities at their farm. 
2. Diary of the Overanxious Horse Owner - stories of sillypony (hehe) Junior and their journey in the showpen and horsemanship. 
3. All Gear No Skill - pretty Dee and her flowing mane. :P Story and Dee ride in reining, but are working toward greater horsemanship goals. 
4. An Image of Grace - a personal friend in real life, I love following their rides via blogs. Melissa and Grace are thriving for horsemanship through realization of looking into oneself. 
5. Horse Genes - posts on a pretty Paint named Semper and their reining and cowhorse activities. 


There you have it! Some of the Dearest. 

Conformation Critique - on Milo

I've always laughed and joked on how downhill Milo is. He sticks (last time he was sticked was three years ago, so take it with a grain of salt) at around 15.3 1/2 at the wither and just barely over 16 at the hip. This would reasonably be considered downhill, right?

The FuglyBlog posted about conformation in Toplines Can be Deceiving!, and how functionally a horse operates, at downhill, uphill, or level, irregardless on what the conformation looks like (ie, higher or lower withers). The post compared two seemingly very different horses; one appearing obviously uphill and one downhill. Upon some closer examination, however, the Fugly authors determined that the uphill horse actually functionally works downhill, and the visually downhill horse actually functions level or almost uphill. They used the ever famous and scientific method of drawing lines on a photo in paint. I had to try this for myself on Milo, just to see what happened.

Just as noted in the Fugly post, Milo's hocks sit slightly higher then his knees, which is not alarming, but continuing up it appears that Milo's stifle is strikingly higher then his elbow. We all know Milo has a steep (huge) rear end, and from the point of the femur to the base of the neck at (roughly) the C6 vertebrae, he is actually uphill. Interesting considering his wither sits lower than the the top of the hip.

Now, considering the opposite angles of the stifle to elbow and femur to neck, I might be inclined to think that they sort of "level him out". My estimation is that Milo would neither move as an uphill horse or as a downhill one, but more neutral or "level". I dont think that he feels like he moves up or downhill (but I could also be very used to the way he moves). Thoughts?

Milo and Remi

My friend came over to help me clean the pastures and she brought her eleven month old, very excited Lab, Remi, who hit it off with Milo. While my chocolate lab, Angie, would never instigate or continue play with a horse, Remi found it tons of fun, as did Milo.

It would help if you watched where you were going, Milo...

After cleaning pastures, another friend (who previously let me borrow her clippers) met Milo and I at the barn to give him his second clip. Eventful day for Milo!

A Visit From a Friend

Last weekend a friend from work asked if we could meet together for her to meet and ride Milo. With Boyfriend being out of town through the 16th, I have been looking for ways to get out of the house in the evenings. We agreed that after work she could follow me out to the barn. I was excited, but wasnt quite sure what to expect of her riding ability or knowledge around horses. She had told me that she had ridden her friend's horses before and eventually she wants to get her own horse, but that doesnt exactly tell me what all she knows.

We arrived at the barn in the dark as it was around 7 o'clock, and I ventured into the pasture in search of my horse. I saw his glowing white head amongst the darkness, and haltered him up. Although in the past I have ridden him mostly in the dark evenings after work, it has been nearly two years since I needed to ride on that schedule, and Im sure Milo was curious as to why Mom and this strange other person were there so late. Nonetheless, he quitely follows behind us to the barn, where we were finally able to turn some lights on.

Initially, Milo was prety respectful of her, but her confidence with him began to show and he started to test his limits with her and how much mouthiness she would put up with, which was quite a lot as she was not spooked by his antics. Milo seemed to enjoy himself. I tacked him up and mounted up first. A breif warm up, then I let her aboard. I knew without spurs he might not listen to her, so I handed her a dressge whip to use if needed. She hadnt ever used one before and later ended up handing it back to me instead just going for firm legs.

Milo, as is typical for him with new people aboard, didnt want to hold even a trot for my poor friend, but eventually I coaxed her into getting him to really go for her, and eventually Milo complied. After about twenty minutes or so she was done, so I got on him once again to make sure nothing was out of place with him. She had brought her dog who is only eleven months of excited lab, and she crouched and leaped and ran around in the arena all the while. Milo had been giving her dirty looks when she would get close, and I thought it might be fun to work the dog a bit as we might a cow. Oh boy, was that what Milo wanted to do!

We ran around and around cutting the dog off and keeping her on her toes. I knew my horse was into it when on his own he took off across the arena after her in an attempt to get ahead of her and block her movement. His low, snaked head indicated just how intent he was on dominating this dog/cow. We spent ten minutes or so at this then eventually I pulled him up and the dog went to lay down, ears still erect on the big horse. Milo licked and chewed complacently, and closed his eyes letting out a big sigh.

Does my horse need to get back on cows or what?


Photo taken by my friend. Didnt think to get any of her on him, not with my crummy camera phone!



The Tell Tale Sweat Marks

I enjoyed a couple of nice rides the last few days. Thursday, Milo worked wonderfully and I didnt feel so lost in my seat. Granted, I had to make an effort to find the left seat bone, I used lots of torso twists and stretches to help find it, but not lock place with it. We had a very nice ride and he was working so well, I decided to throw in a little lead change work. Which he took to very well. The counter canter needs some work again (same sort of issues I was having on Wesley on Monday) but he pretty easily changed leads to the left. Then we worked for the other direction, which was much more difficult. Changing to the right requires that I really get that left seat bone down and back a bit, and although he changed (a few strides after initially asking for it) I knew it was sloppy because I had a hard time finding the seat bone. 

When I untacked him, I was pleased to find a beautiful sweat mark on the left side, but a dry spot on the right. This indicated to me that he still wasnt lifting up on the right side, most likely due to a heavier seat bone on that side. I still need to find balance between the two. And although the bareback riding helped show me what needed working on, it was very difficult for me to work on centering my seat bones without any support from a saddle. I know, it probably just means I have to go back to bareback riding more and build the strength I had over the winter. Sigh. I was so proud of my bareback seat too! Then the ease of a saddle allowed it to slip away...

Yesterday Heather and her horse Missy joined Milo and I for a trail ride. We hadnt been out since our accident, but I was looking forward to it, not sure what Milo might have retained from the last time out, however. There was a balk and some backing at the scary unseen dog behind the fence, which required some coaxing to get past, but no huge terrible spook like we had experienced there before. 

Heather and I "played leapfrog" throughout the ride, allowing Milo to be in front for a while, then switching for Missy to be in the front, and changing again. It was good for both horses who both would like to be in the front. We got a lot of nice trotting work done over long lengths. Our first trot, while being in the back, I really got to focus on my seat and Milo was able to concentrate on working rather than looking ahead down the trail. I allowed my ankles to relax and still maintain a light seat, which instantly made my core engage. I even threw in a little snaking along the trail to get him to follow his nose and come up over his back. The trot work was good and I knew the somewhat uneven terrain was a bonus in the workout as well. 

We approached some bikers, which neither horse cared about, and after getting onto another side trail (not the logging roads) Milo got to be in the front again and we trotted for a while again. A little more distracted by looking ahead, but Milo still worked well with just a few more reminders to stay over his back. This trail naturally created some snake exercise and it was a good time again.

There was a short stretch uphill for a lope, so I put Milo into it but the left seat bone was lacking again and he broke to a quick trot, and picked up the other lead when I asked him again. I had to correct that, and halfway up the hill firmly remind him to pay attention to me and lift his back but at the end we got a few nice strides. A really bad transition to the trot so we had to work on that some more, but eventually I got good downward transitions as well. We walked for the majority of the way back home, and enjoyed chatting all throughout. Milo had no sweat on his neck or behind his ears, which was a good sign that he wasnt nervous or anxious. I had to comment saying this was probably the most consistently quiet and working Milo had been on the trail before. 

We got back and I stripped off the saddle. Even sweat marks on both sides! Now that is an accomplishment to have lift while on the trail. I mustve had a bit of a lighter right seat bone as well. I think the long stretches of trail allows me to get better in tune with my body than worrying about a turn coming up or avoiding another horse. Lets just find a way to translate those long nice trot stretches into the arena. 

Just Enough

Monday I took my pooch Angie to Sarah's with me, then to the barn as I cleaned pastures. Throughout my cleaning I kept feeling like I just wasnt up to riding after wards. Usually, I'm thinking ahead to the ride to come and eager to finish up with my chores. But yesterday was a little different. I almost felt guilty knowing I hadnt ridden Milo since my lesson on Friday, giving him two solid days off. Thats pretty typical for the weekend, but I also knew I wouldnt be out again until Wednesday; that would give Milo four days off in a row. Should I ride, just to keep on schedule?

I decided against it, knowing if my head wasnt where it should be, then I was only setting us up for a disappointing ride. Instead, I haltered my eager horse, who was now at the gate ready for action (how does he always know when Im done with everything?), and tied him in the pasture with a single brush in hand. I removed his fly mask and brushed the dust away. I looked into his face and got those butterflies enjoying how handsome and sweet he is. He and Chica stood together where he was tied and they briskly swished flies away from their sides, both a little sleepy in the heat of mid-day. I only brushed him for a few moments, then removed the halter and replaced the fly mask. Milo looked a little surprised.

My dog looked up at me, waiting for what was next. Milo looked at me, wondering why we were done so quickly. I hugged my horse, I scratched his itchies, and I cuddled with him a bit. I sighed. He sighed. And we were both happy. Just the right amount of horse time to get me through the day, and the next to follow. Even if that meant four whole days off of our schedule.

Our Personal Best

Settling Into The Show. 

My first class was Reining 1st 2nd Year Showing, to be judged following NRHA's rulebook. There was one caveat - two handed on a curb bit was allowed, but simple changes resulted in a penalty deduction. Initially I had been informed that one handed on a curb bit was the requirement so I was prepared for one handed riding. Right before going into the arena, I was told the exception. But I decided to go one handed anyways. I could always use the second class (which also allowed for two handed riding) to school if I needed to.

Milo felt a little strung out and wasnt quite as round as I was hoping for. But we began with our four spins each direction. A few bobbles, but overall I was pleased with his pivot foot and increased speed we have began touching on. I shortened my reins just a touch, feeling he might get a little long in the loping. As I did so, he seemed to think that I was cueing for a back - a problem I had encountered two days before riding at home. Hand forward and light bumping from my legs and he still backed. I gave him a swift kick behind the rear cinch to send him back forward again, but I was sure we had exceeded our allowed five steps before it was considered an additional maneuver and penalized accordingly.

No matter, I got Milo forward into the lope. We were to begin with two large fast and one small slow. Forgoing soft and round for speed was my dilemma, and I decided to keep Milo correct rather than fast, so there wasnt much speed difference, but Milo felt relatively even between my reins so I was pleased with them nonetheless. A simple change in the center and we completed our circles to the right, which felt far more balanced and controlled than the prior ones. I was pleased with our second simple change which consisted of only a one step change, and off we were heading for our first rollback.

I had only started making sure we had a rollback this past week, but Milo had been doing well so long as I stayed centered and soft in my back and seat. The first stop and rollback felt pretty nice - I had allowed myself to melt into the stop and finish the maneuver before asking for more as Sarah suggested from the night before. I tensed up more as we came to our second rollback right in front of the judges, but Milo still pleased me with a good turn and lope off. We rounded the corner again for our run down, and I realized how straight my horse was staying. All to soon, another realization came that we were reaching the end and my horse wasnt as round as I should have prepared him to be. I quickly jammed my seat down for a stop, leaving Milo to stop the only way I had allowed him to. A scrambled back, and we were done. I was still pleased with the performance.

We scored a 63 from both judges, placing us far behind the first and second place riders. I wasnt surprised, however, knowing they had executed flying changes and also hadnt incurred an additional backing penalty. But I was still tickled with the knowledge that Milo and I completed our first nice reining pattern - one handed. I was proud that I pushed ourselves to go one handed. My second class was coming up fast, however, and I had another pattern to memorize. Quickly, I did that, and I was called first into the arena again.

My horse felt much more with me this time as I walked to the center of the ring. I had debated jogging in, as was allowed, but felt it might get Milo a little excited to start with. The judges could just wait until I reached the center, allowing myself lots of time to get my horse together.

This time, a lope off to the left was first, and we had no extra credit backing steps involved. I was pleased with our more balanced lope off, and our two circles to the right. This was the Dave Reaume Memorial Green Reiner class, whose pattern did not depict fast or slow circles. I conferred with the show secretary quickly before entering, who advised that I complete two circles even together. Milo felt well balanced and cadenced. We even had a nice little butt to the dirt stop at center for our spins to the left. I was happy with the two spins, and soon we were off onto our new circles to the right, which felt just as nice, if not better, than those to the left. Another nice stop, but I rushed right into the turnaround, not fully setting Milo up. He tried to step out after the first quarter turn, but came back and completed another nice turn. One more lope off now and we rounded the corner for our one and only rollback in this pattern.

Milo felt straight and round as we came down the quarter line, and he stopped nicely to my softer lower back. I was happy with the rollback, but the final rundown was left to come, again in front of the judges. Why this gets to me I dont know, but I feel the pressure is really on when I stop that close to them. I let it get to be again, and my horse lost impulsion as I froze up mere strides before I was supposed to ask for the final stop. Milo did as I only allowed him, again, but backed well. We were done, and again I was very happy with our ride.

We scored a 68 and a 68.5 from the two judges. Not placing us above the only other rider, but it was certainly our very best score yet! A 67 was my best score previously from the last Winter Buckle Series show in February - I was pleased. Although the pattern didnt call for lead changes, possibly boosting our ability to pass our previous score, I was still mighty proud of my Milo. 

My two favorite boys. Many thanks to Boyfriend, who helped make the show possible for me. 

Milo got a rub down after I watched both Sarah and Melissa complete their western riding class, and I had packed a few cookies, which he got as well. I relaxed and watched a few classes before deciding to pack it up and head home. The show was moving quickly and Sarah only had one more student still showing, so she would be heading back home too. 

Milo wrapped and ready to go. (I picked the entire standing wraps set on craigslist for $10. I think the orange looks striking on Milo, and Boyfriend agreed). 

On the way home, we stopped at Cowboy Country, a western shop we dont get to frequent much, and Boyfriend decided to dote on Milo just a bit...

Brand new Weaver halter, in orange! I think I like it too. :) Need to order the matching lead now as the purple just doesnt work. 

A successful weekend in deed. Milo rolled as soon as he stepped foot back into his pasture. Back to normal horse-dom now for him, this shiny clean show horse existence is fun, but just for the weekend. 

A Blue Ribbon Ride

Saturday morning I was disappointed to wake up and hear the rain. I was scheduled for late in the afternoon for work and had planned on another lesson with Sarah that morning. I gave her a call to see what the weather was like at her house, about 30 miles away. Unfortunately, the weather was as bleak as it was outside my window, and the forecast for the rest of the day continued to call for rain. While a tough Washington cowgirl might have stuck it out and rode in the pouring rain, I decided against it knowing that I not only wanted to subject my saddle to a downpour, but I also knew my horse wouldnt be happy. He hides in his shelter at the first sign of a sprinkle, and it just would not be fair to expect him to work well in weather conditions he despises.

So we decided to make my next lesson this coming Monday on Wesley, and hopefully squeeze in another one the night before the show a week from now. I knew I wanted to ride my horse anyway, and hoped that the indoor arena at the barn would be relatively empty. I was disappointed by the changed outcome of the day, but ended up having a great ride.

Not only did I have exclusive access to the arena (the facility was nearly dead the entire time I was there, which wasnt all that early in the day). I turned up the radio and mounted up. Knowing that in my last few rides I wasnt allowing my body to really work with Milo and not fight against him, I tried to approach the first few minutes in the saddle with optimism and a greater focus on lightening my seat.

At the last lesson I questioned to Sarah why my saddle was producing dry spots just behind the withers. I had been frustrated that the saddle I spent so much money on was now producing these indicators of a poor fit. But moreso, I knew that the saddle originally was producing perfectly even lines, so the change could only be that I wasnt riding Milo and working him as I should be. In fact, the later held to be true this past week, but also Sarah found Milo's ribs and hips to be out again. After an adjustment, we found much nicer sweat patterns after the lesson. But what about this last week? What was I doing wrong?

As I warmed him up those first few laps I considered what the sweat patterns were showing. They indicated my horse wasnt lifting up into the tack from the wither and just behind it. Truly indicating that he wasnt properly elevating his back. I had also noted that the dry spots were larger on the right side than the left, further telling me that my horse was not working both sides evenly.

How could I fix this? While throughout the week I had been trying to focus on my lighter seat, I had noticed my horse wasnt as responsive to my slightly raised seatbones but rather responded more off of my spur. So as I walked him around (and soon jogged) I emphasized a lighter seat before a spur aid. Soon, I could feel the dramatic lift in my horse's back from just lightening my seat bones. I moved this into the jog and soon the lope.

Next I addressed the dry spot on the right side. This indicated that he was dropping his shoulder away and not lifting that side as well as the left. So as I worked him (all my warm up and about half of my riding has consisted of one rein only) I bumped lightly on the right rein and torso twisted as needed to encourage a greater lift in the right side.

I gotta say, our lope work (trot too, but we worked longer at the lope) was exceptional. And this was all one handed with only slight adjustments. Our departures were solid and with a soft jaw, and my horse stayed up underneath me mostly from the aid of my light seat bones. We loped the rail, circles, one center circle, and my horse stayed consistent and round. I have to add, how tickled I have been to find my horse is capable of feeling so "broke". We might not have a slow lope for a western pleasure class (not a goal I have anyways), but I now feel like my horse is touching on the capabilities that he possesses. It is truly something to feel to connected to him and so light in the aids, but have the work so exceptional and correct. Its almost a shame that no one was there to witness it, but I know the ride I had.

Milo got a break from the lope work on the right lead, and he got a lot of praise. He licked and chewed contently, reminding me how responsive he is to positive feedback, something I need to make sure I do much more often. After a breather, we loped off on the left lead, and while a bit more tired, he still worked very very well. There was a minor spook when a boarder took her horse past the back entrance of the arena, but after only a few moments my horse was back with me. I gave him another break, then worked only a few passes on rollbacks, something I had been touching on earlier in the week at the walk and trot. He did very well on the rollbacks too, receiving all A's as he loped right off after the stop, staying soft and round in the bridle. I made sure that I indicated the lead first from my hip and Milo picked them up easily. So I decided to take it to simple lead changes.

As I had spoke with Sarah on the phone that morning, she asked how the simple changes were since I was having such difficulty finding the flying changes in my body. I admitted that in the last week Milo was getting rushy, anticipatory, and very tense in the center expecting a change. She recommended doing one or two step simple changes on the rail, emphasizing straight, soft, and from my seat. I agreed it would be a good way to work on them where Milo was comfortable and unsuspecting of them.

After the short rollback session, I moved right into the simple changes. At first he was slightly tense, then I allowed my seat to soften and found I was tipping forward. I found my center again and we performed some very fluid one or two step changes on the rail, mostly from just my seat. After some consistent and beautiful changes, I had to stop myself from over doing it, but I was having so much fun! I slowed Milo to a walk and gave him more and more praises - he was being so good.

I threw in some spins at the end (which is a whole 'nother accomplishment - my horse is so much fun to spin on!) and after a cool-down I dismounted and hugged my horse, so proud of what we had accomplished that day. I texted Sarah in enthusiasm so pleased with the ride I had. She replied that things happen for a reason, and that I needed to have that ride on Milo that day. I felt that although I didnt get my lesson physically with Sarah, the excitement and joy I usually have after one was there after my quiet ride alone. I was elated. I even texted her saying I felt I was so ready for the show. Although no matter what happens, I know that I had a blue ribbon ride today. I am so proud of the progress my horse has accomplished.

A Much Enjoyed Trail Ride

Funny how it seems a week or more can go by with no real "good" information or updates to provide to the blog. Then, all of a sudden, there are multiple things you want to post all at once. So although this trail ride was last Friday, I enjoyed it and I hope you enjoy the photos.

One of the best things about the ride was not only the company of my good friend Clara and her horse Major, but also the fact that this was probably the most relaxed ride my horse has ever given on the trail. There were a few moments (scary unseen dog behind fence before trail head, horses in distance on the trail that he coulda SWORE where bears), but overall, he was so relaxed, traveling on a loose rein and a free shoulder. It was certainly a pleasant ride indeed.

I asked Boyfriend (the avid hunter) what might have caused these marks. Seemed to small for a bear, and unusual for a deer. But he suspects a buck left his mark here. We have blacktails around here - a hybrid between the well known White-Tail and Muley.

Clara and Pookie-Man (Major)

Is it just me or has Milo beefed up?

We can all attest: this is the best view in the world. 

Dang coyote. Sure made us think of Melissa, Grace, and Belle's encounter only a week prior!

We made it to the "Enchanted Forest!" But ran out of time. Next time. 

Major managed to get the tall grass stalks. 

Milo, did not. But staring intently might have psychologically done the trick. 

Cowgirl Jewelry

Ive had an itch lately to make a horsehair bracelet. I surfed the internet of people who professionally made them, but after looking into it, I decided I didnt like their custom price. Sure there were those already made available, for but an additional price I could send in my own horse's hair to be made. That intrigued me, but again not the price point.

Instead, I started researching how I could make one myself. I had already saved the hunk of mane I cut for the bridle path, but I was reading that tail hair works better. Makes sense, its longer, coarser and would probably hold a braid well. It killed me to cut my horse's tail, so I waited until it needed a bang trim anyways, then selected one small dread that was longer than the rest, and trimmed it from the inner center, so the blunt end was not visible. I was also carful to cut it just like I do for mane trimmings, and that is at an angle so it appears much more natural.

With the horsehair now collected, I needed to decide a plan of action on how to make it. It was recommended to use end cap clasps to secure the hair inside with. I decided I didnt want to purchase anything online because it was not only hard for me to gauge what the sizing was like, but I also didnt want to spend shipping costs on a two dollar item.

I went to one of the local craft stores, sure that their jewelry section would have just what I was looking for. It didnt, no end cap clasps. Phooey, that meant I would have to purchase the clasp itself, plus some beaded "cones", then affix the two together. That also meant I would need some jewelry wire. Of course you cant just buy the foot of wire that you need, I had to buy 30 yards of it. After a lot of thinking, standing, and looking in the jewelry aisle (I swear I was there about thirty minutes), I decided on my end clasps and beads. I also had determined I wanted a glue gun for assistance in holding the hair into the cone bead, plus I had a generous 50% off coupon and had been wanting a glue gun anyways.

I arrived home ready to get to work. Boyfriend was already there, and watched as I fiddled with the hair and beads, trying to get an idea of what exactly I was going to do, but also being very careful with the hair to keep it in a workable clump.

About an hour and a half later, a semi-presentable horsehair bracelet was born.

Here were the steps I took to complete this project:

1. Gather necessary items. This includes the horsehair of course, along with end clasps (I opted for the toggle claps because I find them easier to put on one handed), beads, (or if youre lucky and can find end cap clasps go with those), thin wire (I used 26 gauge), tweezers, glue gun, and glue sticks.

2. Brush or wash the hair. I personally only finger brushed what I used, fearful that washing would result in a lot of lost hair.

3. Determine what type of braid you want to use. Originally, I wanted to use the round braid, but had a hard time of it once I tried, so instead opted for the regular three strand braid. At first, I tried to affix the hair into the cone bead and attach the end clasp, then run some wire through it all. Boyfriend watched and snickered, so I asked what course of action he might suggest. His suggestion was to braid the hair first, then attach the clasps and beads at the end. So thats what I ended up doing. With the top of the hair still in the rubber band, I started my braid, then when I felt I was about halfway the length of the bracelet, ran the cone beads in for some decoration.

Photo is out of sequence, but since all of this work required the use of all my hansd and fingers, I didnt have any real opportunities to take additional photos.

I attached the cone beads by simply running the hair through it (wrapped it in wire so the upward direction of the bead on the hair wouldt create flyaway hairs), then applying some hot glue to hold the bead in place.

4. The second half of the bracelet was the hardest because I needed to add more horsehair (mane) for even thickness. As I was now running towards the end of the tail hair it was getting thinner. I decided the new hair would attach the best in the bead cone where the end clasp goes because the larger circumference of the bead would be exposed, not the smaller end. This meant that I had to braid upwards instead of downwards, and I was also going against the grain of the hair. But I managed to make it work and secured the end off with another rubber band.

5. At this stage, I had two braids and the cone beads affixed in the center. Now I needed to secure the cone beads that would place as my end caps, and tie in my end clasps. I wrapped wire around the end of the hair (taken the rubber band off now after wire was tied around) then ran the cone bead down the wire, then followed that with whichever end clasp. After the end clasp was beaded on, I ran the wire back into the cone bead, then quickly applied some hot glue and jammed the horsehair braid into the cone bead. I waited about fifteen seconds holding the hair and bead in place, and it dired quickly and securely.

This left a fair amount of wire exposed between the cone bead and the end clasp. Trying to be quick with the hot glue, I wasnt able to pull the wire tight to bring the clasp and bead tightly together. Using my tweezers, I was able to push the wire strings closely together, and feed it slightly into the cone bead. With a little bit left, I simply twisted the end clasp a few times with tightened it down closer to the cone bead.

6. Repeat step 5 for the second end.

7. With the beads and hair now secured and in place, I needed to address all the extra hair sticking out.

What, the extra hair wouldnt be ver complimenting? I didnt think so either.

I glued down a little bit to make sure that where I brought in more hair wouldt work its way back out of the braid. Then carefully cut all the flyaway ends. I then sprayed some hair spray over the whole thing and tried to pat down some of the remaining few flyaways.

Voila! Certainly not perfect by any means, and I really dont think I can get rid off all of the flyaway hair. But not bad for my first horsehair jewelry attempt I think.

Now, some tips...

• I think I should have worked with the hair slightly wet, or at least with some sort of conditioner or shampoo washed in it. The product and damp hair would have most likely helped keep the flyaway ends inside the braid better, and probably would have made everything much more handleable.
• End cap clasps would have made my life a lot easier, but the wire and hot glue gun helped make it work with what I had.
• A thicker chunk of tail hair would have been easier to work with as well. I incorportated the mane hair because of its contrasting color, but also to add necessary thickness. I believe a lot of stray hairs would have been eliminated had I not needed to add more hair while braiding.

But I definitely had fun with this project after figuring out a course of action. Unfortunetely, I went to put it on this morning and I didnt measure very accurately - it just barely stays on my wrist, coming very close to coming off when my hand is down. Without taking it apart, I dont think theres any way to make it smaller. But it will look nice hanging off my purse or rear view mirror in any case, and is a neat way to have Milo with me anywhere I go.

Milo's Gift

With Milo's seventh birthday (what?! Didnt I just buy him as a three year old??) coming up on the 24th, Im deciding what I want to do, or get, for him. Last year I wanted to have a custom stall sign made, but let it slip through the cracks. This year, I still plan to have one made, but save it for when our barn is built - I dont want it to be in the weather outside of his pasture. In the meantime I could place it on a wall or something in my house.

With so many options out there for custom stall signs, I figured I would get all your opinions on my final selections. Of course at this time, whichever I chose wont be here in time for the big day, but it would still be a nice piece (obviously) after his birthday.

Option A: The same design I had selected last year by Starfish Farms. This design is metal with silver engraved, afixed to a wood plaque:

I would select the Paint horse graphic (this same outline with paint markings). First line to read: Justa Cool Milo. Second line: Owned by Nina Halvorson. I would use the same black metal with silver engraving as shown, but have the plaque stained mahogony. This sign measures 3.5" x 10" and costs $35.99.

Option B: A member on a forum I frequent has her services available for stall signs through wood burning. Im awaiting a quote and the fine details, but examples of her work can be seen here. I like the look of the wood burning, but am not sure the longevity of it or if she even seals with anything. I almost feel like I would like some color put into it...

Option C: Ive always been a fan of Dana's Doodles. Her creative and hilarous drawings are just that. She offers custom stall signs, your choice of over hundreds of designs. I have sent an e-mail asking if she can personalize the colors in a selected drawing to more closely resemble Milo. Here are the two designs Im considering for personalization:


Reiner

Western Standing

Cute designs, but I just wonder if it would not be quite as suited for the stall front as a sturdy wood plaque. Maybe a good route would just be one of these personalized images made into a wall mounting? What are your thoughts?

Speaking of birthdays, I wanted to add that yesterday, the 13th, my dear old Koalt turned 25 years old. I sure hope he is doing well.



Milo is Always There For Me

I had been having a terrible day at work, and generally an upsetting and stressful week. I was super excited though for my lesson with Sarah however, just counting down the hours until I was off of work. Sarah came home from her vacation sick and had been nursing herself back to health. But after inclement weather causing the lessons in her schedule to cancel, along with her feeling under the weather, she texted asking if we could postpone. I agreed, disappointed but knew it was important for her to feel better and not compromise her recovery for a lesson.

So I drove to the barn, not entirely even feeling like riding anymore, but I knew I wanted to see Milo at least. I sat on the highway with my blinker flashing, waiting for the ferry traffic to subside long enough to turn into the driveway. Milo was right there on the corner, and had looked up from his grass grazing to see who had stopped on the highway. I pulled into the drive, and I knew Milo knew whose truck this was. I parked my truck by the outdoor arena, and as soon as I opened the door, Milo from across the pasture down the driveway, bucked and leaped in place, then came thundering to the gate.

This is one of the best parts of my day. Spotting Milo off of the highway and pulling into the driveway only to see how excited Milo is to see me, as I am to see him. That moment right there brought a smile across my glum face and I called out his name in a sing-song voice as I walked down his fenceline to retrieve the halter, Milo following my voice singing his name.

The entry to the pasture has been really muddy, but Milo met me right where the gate stood, letting me halter him without having to sink to my ankles in mud. What a thoughful guy. I rubbed his face and spoke praises to him, glad I was there. After grooming Milo I decided I would get on. My mood lifting, and the knowledge of a lesson free arena make me eager to mount up.

A boarder was longing, a leaser was riding. I warmed up Milo along the rail a few laps, circled a little bit and did some wall rollbacks. Milo was listening very well and was light off of my aids. His trotting was beautiful as I lengthened and shortened his stride. Milo was so light and supple in the bridle, and wasnt requiring a whole lot of inside rein correction - he was moving straight and forward. I established a few nice circles, then put him back on the rail to lope. The slightly new way of asking for the lope as given by Sarah has really improved our lead departures, vurtually setting Milo up for a lifted, balanced lope. He stepped right off into a beautiful lope, and as I maneauvered him around the arena from a circle or the rail, he was light off of a neck rein alone, I barely even had a feel of his mouth. But he remained flexed, supple, and over his back. It was one of the most consistent lopes he has ever worked.

Taking advice from the book, I wanted to work on what she calls "Arena Interval Training". I sheepishly admit that this is an exercise I have supposed to have been doing every ride, to help increase Milo's fitness and wind. Mostly I havent due not to laziness, but arena allowing. In Arena Interval Training, she suggests a working trot for a solid two minutes, then a consistent lope for two minutes, back to working trot for two minutes, again to a lope for two minutes, repeat for a total of twelve minutes. Repear on the other side, making this exercise a total of  24 minutes. This exercise really requires being able to lope and trot for consistent periods of time...and a total of eight minutes one direction. This cant be done during lessons sometimes due to changing direction at the trainer's discretion, as well as being able to avoid other riders in the smaller arena.

Milo worked well, and I can see this is an exercise I really should be incorporating into our workouts more. I already have gotten the impression that Milo seems to tire easily. I tend to work him about 30-40 minutes and be done. But when I ask for say another lope work after we already loped, Milo either thinks he doesnt have to, or is rather tired. I think Milo has a lot of muscle built, but I feel his wind needs to be increased. Hopefully repeating this exercise over a period of time will get him more fit.

But last night Milo worked the exercise well, concentrating on his work. There was a few moments in our second eight minute period where I felt I needed a whip to encourage him to stay forward off my leg (its a huge pet peeve of mine for a horse to decide to quit listening to the leg cue. I feel its imperative for the horse to always respect the forward cue of the leg). So next ride I think I will mount up with whip in hand so I dont get stuck needing it and not having it. Overall however, Milo worked very well, never trying to just quit working correctly. And even loping to the left he was much less resistent and tense on that side, even keeping his neck and shoulders straight. It was really a fantastic workout.

Throughout the ride I sprinkled in a few fencing lines. Once in particular Milo sunk his butt right down and went right into a back. For that I let him sit at the fence for a few minutes, earning his rest reward.

Things are coming together nicely as well, and I seem to be really understanding the applications of this bit and the most effective way to use them. Last night was another real Aha Moment, as I was gaining more control over my outside rein and really seeing the benefits of lifting it and not letting Milo cheat out by me moving it across his wither. Really giving him a wall on that outside helped dramatically, and for our turnarounds as well.

I was extremely happy with our ride, and moreover, happy I came to the barn and spent time with my sweet Milo. It reminded me that even when things are down in the sometimes difficult and stressful life as being an adult, my horse is always there for me, helping me remember to be grateful for the things I have, and simply being a great horse. I love my Milo.

The Five Horses We Meet

I found this on a public horse forum I frequent, and thought it might be interesting to share here. Feel free to copy and paste if you wish.

1. The Intro Horse.

We each came into horses in our own way, but it was always with a horse leading us. This might have been a friend’s first pony, or perhaps it was a draft horse on a farm you once visited It might have been a real-life meeting, or an imaginary one.

There were two horses that were my "first rides" or "intro horse" I guess you could say. My first memory of a real live horse was my Aunt's brown Quarter Horse. I got to ride her with my cousin for a few minutes. I remember thinking how big and scary she was, but still had the urge to get on. But throughout childhood when I longed for a horse, there was my imaginary Shire. He ran on the edge of the road along our car as we sped down the highway. I would see his heavy footfalls and his powerful strides in my mind, always running alongside the car.

2. The Experimental Horse
Once you had crossed the line between “Darn, they’re big!” and “Wow! Can I try that?” you found yourself face-to-face with the horse that would suffer through your early attempts at figuring out the whole horse experience … wherever this horse came from, he probably didn’t benefit from the encounter as much as you did…

I had many experimental horses. All of J's Arabians. I learned how each horse is vastly different and required a different approach. Rocky who taught me very much, Taffy who taught me patience, Vilya taught me the necessity of a soft hand, Betai taught me how to ride a rocking horse lope (best lope Ive ever ridden to this day), and finally Muneca who taught me the benefits of longing a fresh horse before getting on.

3. The Connected Horse
The first horses we meet don’t really connect with us, nor do we with them. Those are experiences in survival and tests of endurance. The Connected Horse is the first horse you truly bond with. This is the horse that sounds a chord that lives so deep in you that you might never have heard it otherwise…

Well, it must be most obvious from my last series of posts, that my connected horse would have been Koalt. Koalt was the first horse who I truly bonded with - this was from both sides. I learned what it meant to truly care for a horse, and the incredible feeling when a horse tries their hardest for you in return.

4. The Challenger
Into each horseperson’s life, a little challenge must fall. You’ll have read that one final training book, bought yourself a clicker and heading rope, and there you’ll stand, arms crossed, assessing the situation as if you actually knew what the situation was. It might be difficult to believe, as you are flying down the aisleway on the losing end of a braided cotton line, but you actually need this horse in your life…

Well, this horse is also the number 5 horse. Ive faced a lot of challenged with Milo. Not all necessarily bad, or with me trailing on the end of a cotton line, but Milo was the first horse who truly challenged me. And challenged me on a dominance level. He just two years ago was quite unruly and downright dangerous in the round pen. He would rear and charge. This was difinetly a challenge as I had never dealt with a horse like that. But I pushed back fear and rose to the occassion showing Milo that he is indeed NOT the boss horse. But there have been other instances with Milo that just have had me scratching my head in wonder as to what to do.

5. Your Deepest Heart
There will come a time when you will look at yourself with a cold, appraising eye, and you’ll have to be honest about your continued ability to deal with The Challenger and other difficult horses. At that point, you’ll seek out the horse that will be your soul mate forever… You’ll have bought him the most comfortable, best fitting equipment… Maybe you’ll still go to shows and ride – brilliantly or barely – in the Alzheimer’s class. Maybe you’ll just stay home. Whatever you do, one day you’ll realize that after all the money you spent on animal communicators and trainers, you only had to stop and listen and you would have clearly heard your horse’s thoughts and desires…

Milo has morphed from a dominating, challenging horse to what I would consider my "heart horse". I think he has put himself in that position because of the challenges that we have gone through. We both learned and grew together from the setbacks, the disagreements, and the challenge. But all of that made me open my eyes. The experience has taught me how to push aside what I might "see" on the outside, and really listen to what is going on with my horse. The understanding between Milo and I is something I havent had with another horse. Thats not to say we cannot grow even more, heck, daily as I learn more and more I feel that I truly know less and less. It is all a learning experience, and I plan to have Milo by my side through it all.

Last Photos of 2010

I had Friday off of work in observance of New Years Eve, and what better way to spend your day off than in the company of horses and friends? Not to mention, it was an absolutely gorgeous day. The temperatures dropped the past couple of days to mid twenties overnight and just at freezing during the day. But being true Northwest Cowgirls, we all bundled up and ventured out anyways.

No apples coming from these trees anytime soon...

Milo says, "Glad to see you Mom, but can't you see Im sunbathing?"

Mom, this is my good side. 

Milo, you realize how rediculous you look, right?

So I tried to step away from him to take a full on picture, and he insisted he needs to be two feet away from me.

See Mom, the good side. 

Mother, why are you over there now?

Let's just fix that....

Ahhh perfect spot.

So some friends hauled in to go trail riding with Heather and I. It was terrific out, but cold. Fortunetly, I was the toasty one being that I was riding bareback. :) We had about a two hour ride.

Stephanie and Red, and Maddie on Midge

Heather and Missy, and Milo and I. Missy and Milo love each other.

My horse was being such a good boy. 

It was a great way to wrap up the year.