Merry Christmas from me and my elves!!!
The tales of an adult ammy hunter/jumper rider and her ponies
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 25, 2019
Monday, December 19, 2016
Spreading Christmas Cheer
On Sunday the 4H group in our barn took some horses over to the Oregon Veterans Home for Christmas caroling. The Veterans Home is a skilled nursing center about twenty minutes from the barn that is for vets, their spouses, or parents of servicemen killed in action. While most of the residents are older, there were a few around my age that had sever physical, mental, and/or emotional disabilities.
I had orginally said I'd go to help, and wasn't planning on taking Peebs. But Sunday morning one of the 4H'ers decided not to take her horse so there was an empty spot in the trailer. I figured why not, and did a quick sock wash and muzzle clip on Peebs. We then proceeded to deck the ponies out in more Christmas finery, including bows in their mane and tail, garland around their necks, and glitter on the butts. All of us wore Santa hats.
All the horses unloaded fine and we proceeded to walk around the parking lot while residents came out. One of the 4H'ers brother had his phone plugged into a portable speaker and was playing Christmas carols. Another brother was passing out Christmas cards from the group. There were probably 15-20 vets that came out to see the horses and a bunch of family and friends joined in. It was 28* so they didn't stay out too long, and most had blankets wrapped around them.
I was shocked at how good all the horses were. Most were in wheelchairs or had walkers and none of the horses cared. Some wanted to pet the ponies, and all were agreeable. There was one guy, Chris, who probably isn't much older than me, who is wheelchair bound and has difficulties talking and moving his hands. But he absolutely loved the horses. He kept grabbing their halters or necks and hugging and kissing them. His mom tried to take him inside when he started shivering but he wouldn't let her so an aide brought him a blanket. He asked if we had brushes so he could brush them and all of us were so upset that we didn't. We promised him that we'd come back in a few months when it was warmer so he could brush them. He kept telling us to make sure to take pictures. I was battling tears the whole time.
We then took the ponies for a walk around the campus so residents that weren't able to come outside could see them from their rooms or windows. Peebs saw a monster in the fog and decided that going around one of the building was not happening so we had to turn back. He was completely fine otherwise.
I am so glad I decided to take Peebs. It was such an amazing thing to see how happy the horses made the vets and just how good Peebs was about everything. I'll definitely be taking him back when the club goes again in a few months.
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| Christmas Peebs 2.0 |
I had orginally said I'd go to help, and wasn't planning on taking Peebs. But Sunday morning one of the 4H'ers decided not to take her horse so there was an empty spot in the trailer. I figured why not, and did a quick sock wash and muzzle clip on Peebs. We then proceeded to deck the ponies out in more Christmas finery, including bows in their mane and tail, garland around their necks, and glitter on the butts. All of us wore Santa hats.
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| This guy kept saying Peebs was a pretty boy. |
All the horses unloaded fine and we proceeded to walk around the parking lot while residents came out. One of the 4H'ers brother had his phone plugged into a portable speaker and was playing Christmas carols. Another brother was passing out Christmas cards from the group. There were probably 15-20 vets that came out to see the horses and a bunch of family and friends joined in. It was 28* so they didn't stay out too long, and most had blankets wrapped around them.
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| Meeting Chris |
I was shocked at how good all the horses were. Most were in wheelchairs or had walkers and none of the horses cared. Some wanted to pet the ponies, and all were agreeable. There was one guy, Chris, who probably isn't much older than me, who is wheelchair bound and has difficulties talking and moving his hands. But he absolutely loved the horses. He kept grabbing their halters or necks and hugging and kissing them. His mom tried to take him inside when he started shivering but he wouldn't let her so an aide brought him a blanket. He asked if we had brushes so he could brush them and all of us were so upset that we didn't. We promised him that we'd come back in a few months when it was warmer so he could brush them. He kept telling us to make sure to take pictures. I was battling tears the whole time.
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| Kisses for Chris |
We then took the ponies for a walk around the campus so residents that weren't able to come outside could see them from their rooms or windows. Peebs saw a monster in the fog and decided that going around one of the building was not happening so we had to turn back. He was completely fine otherwise.
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| Right before the attack of the fog monster |
I am so glad I decided to take Peebs. It was such an amazing thing to see how happy the horses made the vets and just how good Peebs was about everything. I'll definitely be taking him back when the club goes again in a few months.
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| Peebs kept trying to put his head in this guy's lap |
Tuesday, December 13, 2016
Saint Peebers
Peebs proved yet again he's a saint this weekend. As much as I get frustrated with out canter issues, and my jumping fear issues, I REALLY love and appreciate that I can do stupid shit with him and he takes it all in stride. I dressed him up (not nearly as awesomely as Bobby was), jumped a Christmas tree, and had a lesson in the pouring rain this past weekend.
I started by playing dress up Saturday with some garland, reindeer antlers, and a blinky red nose. Peebs wasn't a fan of the antlers, mainly because he can be a bit ear shy and they were touching his ears. It was hard to keep him from shaking his head and throwing them off. But we got a couple cute pics out if, even if he looks less than thrilled.
Bright and early Saturday I went Christmas tree shopping for the first time in 8yrs, I think. And I have no intention to put up my tree or decorate. It's purely jump filler. I've seen pics for years of people jumping their trees during the holidays, and finally this year I have a horse that I feel comfortable doing it on. So I went and bought a small little tree to play with. I put in the indoor while I had Peebs turned out and he glanced at it once then ignored it. I free lunged him a bit and he jumped it on his own so I figured we were good to go. I tacked him up and put the garland back on. A quick warm up later and we headed to the tree. And he didn't care. One. Little. Bit. He pretty much fell over the fence the first time. I think I need to get a bigger tree!
I started by playing dress up Saturday with some garland, reindeer antlers, and a blinky red nose. Peebs wasn't a fan of the antlers, mainly because he can be a bit ear shy and they were touching his ears. It was hard to keep him from shaking his head and throwing them off. But we got a couple cute pics out if, even if he looks less than thrilled.
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| Peebs: I'm pretty sure when I got bought by a 20something the stupid "dress up the lesson horse thing" would stop. Me: You thought wrong!!!! |
Sunday we had an early morning lesson. It had rained all night, but wasn't while we tacked up. The footing outside, while puddle filled, was fine so we braved the outdoors. And of course it promptly started raining about ten minutes into the lesson. Trainer called my bluff and made me stay outside. We did end up completely drenched but oh well. We didn't do much, just four fences strung together at the trot, working on bend and pace. Peebs was trying very hard to avoid the bigger puddles, and of course to get a good approach to fences we had to go through them. He wasn't pleased but I made a big effort to not get mad and pick at him and we actually had a pretty nice ride. It felt like if I picked a fight, there was a huge screw you in him and I'm glad I was able to avert disaster. Small victory!
Tuesday, December 6, 2016
Christmas Wishlist
Since it's that time of year I'm putting out my Christmas Wishlist. Some of the bigger ticket items are things I'm planning on replacing within the next year or so.
Leather Open Fronts:
I had to sell my much loved EquiFit open fronts (both the leather and the orginials) because they didn't fit Peebs. For whatever reason the EquiFits want to slide down his legs and bunch around his pasturn. I've had good luck with Majyk Equipe open fronts so I'd like to get a pair of their leather boots for showing. I haven't decided if I like the brown with the buckles or black with hook closures instead.
County Logic Girth:
I had to sell my 46" County Logic girth when I got my new saddle because it became to small for Peebs. I got a cheap fleece girth in a 48" that works, but its hard to clean and gets gross easy, especially in the wet Oregon winter. I'd love to pick up a new County Logic girth in a 48".
Deco Pony Name Plate:
I love the new Deco Pony name plates. I think I'd like to get both Peeb's show name and barn name on it. I've kinda jumped around in colors for my horses over the year, but lately I'm really into navy/silver combo, so navy background with silver lettering.
New Helmet:
My current helmet is due to be replaced in a year or so (unless *knocks wood* I have a fall). My head is a GPA shape; the CO's don't fit me at all. I've never tried a Samshield so I'd be interested in trying one on. But as far as GPAs go, I love my Speed Air. It's the comfiest helmet I've ever worn. I'm not sure I love the look of the First Lady, so it would probably be another Speed Air.
Leather Open Fronts:
I had to sell my much loved EquiFit open fronts (both the leather and the orginials) because they didn't fit Peebs. For whatever reason the EquiFits want to slide down his legs and bunch around his pasturn. I've had good luck with Majyk Equipe open fronts so I'd like to get a pair of their leather boots for showing. I haven't decided if I like the brown with the buckles or black with hook closures instead.
I had to sell my 46" County Logic girth when I got my new saddle because it became to small for Peebs. I got a cheap fleece girth in a 48" that works, but its hard to clean and gets gross easy, especially in the wet Oregon winter. I'd love to pick up a new County Logic girth in a 48".
Deco Pony Name Plate:
I love the new Deco Pony name plates. I think I'd like to get both Peeb's show name and barn name on it. I've kinda jumped around in colors for my horses over the year, but lately I'm really into navy/silver combo, so navy background with silver lettering.
New Helmet:
My current helmet is due to be replaced in a year or so (unless *knocks wood* I have a fall). My head is a GPA shape; the CO's don't fit me at all. I've never tried a Samshield so I'd be interested in trying one on. But as far as GPAs go, I love my Speed Air. It's the comfiest helmet I've ever worn. I'm not sure I love the look of the First Lady, so it would probably be another Speed Air.
New Tall Boots:
I'm probably going to have to go custom for new tall boots. My 17" calf is a hard fit for off the rack boots, coupled with my short height. I have a pair of Ariat V Sport boots that fit, but the blue cuff isn't exactly hunter ring approved. I can get away with it at schooling/local shows but I want to start doing the rated shows again in the next year or so as well as some of the local medal classes when we're jumping that big again.
Thursday, December 25, 2014
Merry Christmas!!
A Merry Christmas TBT from us!
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| Top is my first horse Chancie and bottom is Phoenix, McKenna and I |
Friday, December 12, 2014
Pony Express Christmas Blog Hop
Since my mom just asked what I would like for Christmas, besides cash, I'd thought I'd join Alanna's blog hop.
Swanky Saddle Script Name Plate:
I think this is so cool. Much cuter and funner than the regular saddle name plate. I've never had a name plate for my saddle and I would love to have one with my last name.
OTTB Designs:
I'd love to show our OTTB pride at shows, and what better way than with OTTB Designs saddle pad and their matching ear bonnet. Both with the rose design and in the navy with silver!
Swanky Saddle Script Name Plate:
I think this is so cool. Much cuter and funner than the regular saddle name plate. I've never had a name plate for my saddle and I would love to have one with my last name.
OTTB Designs:
I'd love to show our OTTB pride at shows, and what better way than with OTTB Designs saddle pad and their matching ear bonnet. Both with the rose design and in the navy with silver!
Quarter Sheet:
I'd love to have a quarter sheet for cold winter nights. I tend to weenie out when it's 35 or below and not ride, but having a nice fleece quarter sheet to cover both McKenna and my legs would help. (Mom, I know you're reading this so a medium sized purple or argyle please!)
Monday, December 30, 2013
Christmas Catch Up
I have been such a bad blogger!! The week before Christmas was super busy at work, then I left for five days to visit family, then had to immediately jump back into work. And my phone didn't want to play nice with out hotel's wifi so I couldn't update on the road.
Right before I left I got my Blogger Gift Exchange from Amber at TB adventures. It was awesome to get the package and rip into it. I had asked for anything pink for Miss McKenna, and we got a new pink brush, pink vet wrap, the trial pack of show sheen, and a bunch of horse treats. Thanks Amber, Jetta, and Misty!!
For Christmas I didn't get too much horsey stuff, other than the money to pay for the John Turner clinic next month. All of my families animals (my three ponies, my two cats, and my parent's dog and cat) gave me a new iPhone cover with horses on it. I found at 25lb bag of carrots at the grocery store so the ponies are getting a holiday treat!
Since I've been so busy I haven't done much with McKenna and Buddy. I did manage to sneak in a couple rides on Bud, and had a little jump school in which he was great. We only worked over a vertical and oxer a few times each but he pretty much nailed it so I didn't push it. McKenna's been getting lunged and I did light ride yesterday. My trainer was giving a lesson to a couple pony kids and basically told me to hop on McKenna and just work her around the ponies. We did a little walk/trot and mostly just hung out in the center of the ring while they played Simon Says. McKenna held it together pretty well, considering the girls were excited and lacked some steering skills. At one point Jen was standing right next to us and started clapping her hand to help one of the girls who was having trouble getting her pony to trot. McKenna jumped back and snorted at the clapping, but calmed down and was ok when Jen walked around us clapping. I'm hoping to have more time to work her this week.
Right before I left I got my Blogger Gift Exchange from Amber at TB adventures. It was awesome to get the package and rip into it. I had asked for anything pink for Miss McKenna, and we got a new pink brush, pink vet wrap, the trial pack of show sheen, and a bunch of horse treats. Thanks Amber, Jetta, and Misty!!For Christmas I didn't get too much horsey stuff, other than the money to pay for the John Turner clinic next month. All of my families animals (my three ponies, my two cats, and my parent's dog and cat) gave me a new iPhone cover with horses on it. I found at 25lb bag of carrots at the grocery store so the ponies are getting a holiday treat!
Since I've been so busy I haven't done much with McKenna and Buddy. I did manage to sneak in a couple rides on Bud, and had a little jump school in which he was great. We only worked over a vertical and oxer a few times each but he pretty much nailed it so I didn't push it. McKenna's been getting lunged and I did light ride yesterday. My trainer was giving a lesson to a couple pony kids and basically told me to hop on McKenna and just work her around the ponies. We did a little walk/trot and mostly just hung out in the center of the ring while they played Simon Says. McKenna held it together pretty well, considering the girls were excited and lacked some steering skills. At one point Jen was standing right next to us and started clapping her hand to help one of the girls who was having trouble getting her pony to trot. McKenna jumped back and snorted at the clapping, but calmed down and was ok when Jen walked around us clapping. I'm hoping to have more time to work her this week.
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