More changes...

Classy is here! I picked him up last Thursday. He's in quarantine in the riding ring right now (let me know if you want to ride in there and I'll move him) and has settled in just fine.

This month we sadly say good bye to Gilligan. His owner, Natalie, sold him and he went to his new home on the weekend. We wish him well and hope that his new owner loves him as much as we did - he's a sweet guy.

Roxy is also leaving. She's going off for training for the winter. Natasha is pretty disappointed - she'd hoped to show her next spring and summer. There are other horses here for Natasha to ride, as well as her pony, Dash, so she'll be okay.

That means that we have two spaces available for outdoor board immediately.

Delilah comes back from Saddle Ridge tomorrow. She's been there a month already - and has made a lot of progress. Reuben and Karina got her to the point of accepting a saddle on her back. She's not ready to be ridden yet, but with lots of patient handling, she will continue to improve. If you go to the Saddle Ridge blog, you can see photos of Reuben and Delilah working with the saddle.

Many thanks to Dan Angell of Animal Care Solutions - he gave us a great discount on the ANIVAC System that should arrive here on Friday. This system will allow us to wash horses even in the winter without leaving them soaking wet or leaving huge puddles in the barn or yard. It'll save water, too - that's important when all our water comes from a well. It's a portable unit, so you can even use it outside (not in the depths of winter, though, the water in it would freeze). We'll make sure everyone knows how to use it safely.

Natasha, Mom and I spent the weekend in Toronto at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. We spent all day Saturday (from 8:30 am until 10:30 pm) and most of Sunday there. We rode the mechanical horses, shopped (I bought two more winter blankets, and Natasha and I both bought new helmets), handed out business cards, watched the horse shows, and collected free stuff.

Although our hotel room was tiny, it was clean, and we had a microwave and fridge. A continental breakfast (muffins, coffee, juice, waffles, apples) came with our room, too, so that saved us money on food. We had a great time, but we were still pretty happy to be home and to sleep in our own beds again.

Serge did a great job of holding down the fort at home. He took care of Mom's dog, Tinkerbelle, as well as our dogs, Jasper and Daisy, the three new kittens, all the horses, the cows, and nursed Stew (the Jersey steer) back to health after an episode of bloat (another vet bill). Serge seemed pretty happy that I was home when he got home from work on Monday!

Lest we forget

Today is Remembrance Day in Canada.

On November 11, at the eleventh hour, we pause to remember those who sacrificed their lives so that we could be free. Many others lived through the wars, some physically injured, others with memories of horrible sights and experiences that continue to haunt them. We thank them for their sacrifice, too.

We thank them and promise that we will never forget the terrible tragedy of war.

We also thank those who enlist and serve as peacekeepers and teachers to preserve our freedom, the men and women who stand guard for Canada and Canadians around the world, the men and women now in Afghanistan, and all who prepare to pay the ultimate price to make our world a safe place.

We also thank the story tellers who keep the memory of why, who, and how alive, so we can remember and can pass that wisdom onto the next generation.

We also remember the animals, birds, dogs and horses (and one cat), that give their lives to keep us free and to save the lives of humans.

Thank you.

Halloween Fun Day!

Natasha's mom came out on Wednesday and brought Natasha another birthday cake. Lucky girl - two birthday cakes!

Halloween Fun Day

Although it was a little cooler today than we hoped, the sun shone, people came, and the ponies showed off their costumes! Some people couldn't stay for long, but I'm really glad they dropped by.

First, though, I have photos of Sneakers and Dash from Halloween night. Sneakers was a cow - Natasha was a cowgirl, and rode him - and Spot was a unicorn. I led him - he's too young (and too little) for me to ride.


I parked the trailer in the parking lot by the Tim Hortons and we walked around from there. Both Sneakers and Spot were exceptionally well behaved -- and a big hit with the townspeople!



Sneakers and Spot both love children and both of them were pretty happy to be petted and told that they were good boys. Some generous people even made sure that they added an apple or two to Natasha's treat bag just for the ponies!



If you even has occasion to tie Spot, be aware that he knows how to untie a quick release knot. He untied himself from the trailer, but didn't go anywhere. You have to keep a close eye on him if you tie him!


We decorated the living room and dining room for the Halloween Fun Day.

Spider webs and spiders lurked in the corners. I put together treat bags and tiny pumpkin cauldrons of treats for everyone. Mom gave me a bunch of stuff from when she did more Girl Guides and Pony Club parties, so I didn't have to buy much.



We had a couple of new horses arrive today... They just came to visit, not to stay.

Michael rode a sorrel stallion into the living room.

Jasper was intrigued by ponies in the house and had to sniff him all over!

A pinto pony came, too!

The kids made ghosts out of felt, pipecleaners, and sparkle glue. I hung them from the curtain rod to dry.



Then the ponies were decorated.

Reba became a big green uni-dragon!

The pinto pony rode the uni-dragon.

Super Dash!

Jack Sparrow and his pirate pony (aka Otis), escorted the Princess.



Everyone lined up in a dry part of the field to be judged. Mom did the judging and handed out the ribbons.

Otis the pirate and Jack Sparrow give us their best pirate faces.

Otis the pirate took the ribbon for most original costume! Congratulations!

Levi was a purple princess. I know he's a gelding, but doesn't he look pretty?

He was very good, standing quietly to be brushed and dressed in many layers of purple.

Princess Levi took the ribbon for the creepiest costume - it's just wrong for a gelding to be a princess. :-)

After all the ponies were undressed and brushed, five of us (Otis, Dash, Levi, Sneakers and Reba) went for a short trail ride around the track and through the trail in the bush.

Then it was time to turn everyone back out into the field.

I had a great time - and hope everyone else did, too!

Thanks for coming out and making our first annual Halloween Fun Day a fabulous event!!

Happy Halloween!

This week brought a real mix of weather. Sunday was glorious and sunny, Monday was cooler, and on Tuesday, it snowed.

And snowed.

And snowed.

And the wind blew. Most of the horses had either a winter blanket or a rainsheet on to keep them dry and warm in the heavy, wet, blowing snow.

The heavy wet snow bent a lot of trees down. It was almost as though we were headed for another ice storm (January 1998 - Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec were devastated by days of freezing rain).

Then, on Thursday, the sun came out.

Now, on Friday, it's 15C (about 55F), the sun is shining, and most of the snow is gone. The weekend is supposed to be a bit cooler, but the high for Monday is warmer than today.

We have a new stallion arriving early next week. Classy Bingo Bar, a registered APHA Tobiano. He'll be standing at stud next spring (2009) at an introductory rate of $200 (plus mare care).

Call or email to book your spot now! I'll post more photos when he arrives so you can see how handsome he is from all sides.

Levi has been adopted!

A 14-year old girl down the road from the farm adopted Levi last night. He'll be here at the farm for two more weeks, then moving down the road. She hopes to compete locally with Levi next spring and summer, and he'll be a companion for her sister's horse.

Grandma Reba has a sponsor! Alexandria decided that she will sponsor Reba since Levi was adopted. Thank you, Alexandria!

We're still looking for a sponsor for Soul. She's in Our Soul is a ex-racehorse that won quite a bit of money at the track and had a couple of winning foals, but was discarded when her owners decided that she wasn't useful anymore. She ended up at a sale barn where she starved because she wasn't dominent enough to push her way to the hay bale. She got the leavings, and ate a lot of binder twine (the vet had to remove it from her bowel), further hindering her ability to absorb nutrients.

When she came in March 2008, the vet thought she wouldn't last another week as she was so emaciated. You could see every bone in her body - a walking skeleton. A month later, the vet didn't recognize her as she looked so much better.

She has put on about 300 lbs and she's still gaining weight slowly, and the vet says she's healthy now. She'll never race again, and will always be lame as the tendons on her front legs are badly bowed and have been fired at least once.

Soul is a sweetheart to handle and loves to be groomed. She'll stand in the aisle for hours if you have a brush in your hand. If you'd like to sponsor Soul, please send us an email.


Remember: Our spooktacular Halloween Fun Day will be on Sunday, Nov. 2nd, starting at noon! Bring your pony costume stuff and your own costume. There will be prizes and loot bags!!

Natasha and I took Sneakers and Spot out trick-or-treating in Casselman. Natasha was a cowgirl, Sneakers was a cow, and Spot was a unicorn. Spot and Sneakers were a big hit - and both were really well behaved. I'll post pictures later.

Monday posts - wrapping up the weekend

On Saturday, Mom went to the Oxford Downs Pony Club Used Tack Sale at Rooney's Feed and Seed in South Gower. She picked up a nice 64" winter blanket that will do for S'Heir or perhaps Spook this winter, some pink gaming reins and a matching curb chain, a few bits, and a battered (but cheap and still usable) leather halter.

The weather was dark, dreary and wet. Natasha was disappointed - she wanted to ride. Chores seemed to take a long time, as did putting on rain sheets.

As it was Natasha's birthday, she got to pick what to have for dinner. She chose Mom's spaghetti and garlic bread - perfect food for a cold, damp day.

Dessert was birthday cake: a white, green and purple cake!

As you can see in the photos, Natasha was pleased. There was a purple swirl on the inside. Green and white chocolate ponies decorated the edge and a few more decorated the top. Green and purple are Natasha's favorite colours.

Natasha says THANK YOU!!! for all the lovely presents. She really appreciates your thoughtfulness!

On Sunday, we went to look at a possible house for Mom near Embrun. Lori came to see it, too, arriving just as we finished up looking at the barn. We headed home for lunch and Lori came back after her tour to visit for a bit.

Despite the forecast, Sunday turned out to be sunny and warm (14C - about 60F). We'd already postponed the Halloween Fun Day based on the forecast (it was supposed to be the same dreary weather as Saturday), so we introduced Mom to Squish.

Alexandria and the rest of the Clarke family came out to visit Levi and help out with the chores. Thank you!

Otis was busy stuffing himself with hay - he's settled right in and seems pretty happy here. There's lots of food, so life is good.

Jasper is seven months old now. He's still growing - just look how big his feet are! At least his tail doesn't drag on the ground anymore.

The chicks are starting to look like chickens now. Momma hen still rounds them all up at the slightest threat (Tink got too close - she was curious). It's amazing how different the chicks are - it's quite obvious that they're not all from the same parents.

The chickens like their new coop. You can see the ramp to the door at the edge of the last picture. They'll be snug and warm this winter - the coop is fully insulated. Jasper likes to help round up the chickens at night when it's time for them to go inside.

Natasha is glad she wears her helmet every time she rides. Dash spooked when something big and brown moved in the bush (the resident moose, perhaps?) when she was on her trail ride. Natasha came off - and Dash's hoof clipped her helmet. She's okay - a bit bruised from the fall - and her helmet did its job and protected her head. She needs a new helmet (always replace your helmet after a fall - helmets can be bought, but no one sells replacement heads), but that's a small price to pay to be safe. Dash is okay, too.

This afternoon, Natasha and I went down to Saddle Ridge Stable to see Delilah. She's progressing well and Reuben and Karina really like her. On our way back, we saw one of Star's (Call Me Starmaker) babies - a pretty little filly. Unfortunately, the camera batteries died, so I can't post a photo. She sure looks like her daddy - what a cutie! I can't wait to see Beauty's foal in the spring.

Lousy weather

It's raining, and the forecast for tomorrow doesn't look much better.

Since it will be more fun if we're not all soaked or stuck in the aisle of the barn, the Halloween Fun Day is postponed until next weekend. (Nov. 2) It's too back we can't do it this weekend, but it does mean that Halloween candy will be on sale!


Halloween Fun Day POSTPONED - Rain Date: Nov. 2nd - 12 noon until whenever.


Natasha had a great birthday supper -spaghetti and garlic bread - and thought her cake was fabulous. She seemed pretty pleased with her gifts, too; a purple saddle pad and purple and lime green photo album, and another saddle pad (green) with matching polos from Serge and me. If you guessed that lime green and purple are Natasha's favorite colours, you'd be right!

Photos to come.

It's Friday!

Once chores are done today, Natasha and I will be heading off to North Gower to pick up Squish (aka Perfekt Song), a 20-year old Selle Francais mare. We'll settle her in here, then head off to Jen L.'s place to show off Mackenzie for a potential buyer.

Tonight is the Think Pink for Deb fundraiser at the Lucky 7 in Embrun. There will be a draw for 2 VIP seats for a Senators' game - come on out and buy a ticket or two!! All the money raised goes to help Deb with her cancer treatment. Click on the pink link to get details.

First thing tomorrow, we're off to the Oxford Downs Used Tack Sale in Rooney's in South Gower. I was a member of Oxford Downs for a long time - mom was the District Commissioner and the secretary at various times - so I think it's important to support the sale and it's great to see the new Pony Clubbers. They should have their new calendars on sale, too, so if you have a horse-crazy child in your house, this could be a perfect stocking stuffer!

Saturday evening, we'll celebrate Natasha's birthday with spaghetti and garlic bread and birthday cake. Yummy! I'm pretty sure there will be presents, too. You can leave a comment here to wish Natasha happy birthday if you don't get to say it in person - I'll make sure they get passed along to her.

Delilah is doing well at Saddle Ridge Stables. Karina updated her blog with a paragraph about Delilah's progress. We're very happy that she's progressing. If you're looking for a well-started horse, check out the Saddle Ridge blog - Karina and Reuben have a couple for sale that have at least 30 days of professional training.

On Sunday, weather permitting, we'll have our Halloween Fun Day. We're having a costume class for kids with the ponies and horses - Mom will be the judge - with ribbons for first and second prize as well as games. There will be loot bags for everyone and a barbeque and bonfire. We'll post pictures of the costumes here. I'm looking forward to it, that's for sure.