We Love Visitors!

I love it when I can get a signal on my cell phone at the barn...because often I can't.

When I can, I'm always thrilled to answer a call and have someone say, "Are you at the barn? We want to drop by."

This particular photo was taken when my friends Jeff and Rae were out for a drive with one of their dogs, Erin. Erin had never met horses before and Jeff and Rae felt like she was up for an adventure. The three horses in the picture happen to be very young Friesians. They were really curious about Erin.

Erin sniffed. The three horses lowered their heads and snorted a bit. I'm pretty sure Erin yawned and said, "You guys may be big, but you're amazingly boring. Snorting does not impress me in the least!"

And I'm fairly certain at least one of the Friesians said, "Whatcha doing on that side of the fence? If you wanna play, you gotta come in! Snort. Snort."

Erin has manners and good sense. She politely stayed right where she was. It was fun to watch the interaction between four animals who had never met before. It was even more fun to have company.

If you're ever out and about, drop by! I don't know where Tango was in this photo, but I'm sure he'd come out to see you. He might even do a trick or two!

Jeff and Rae are coming out again tomorrow with more dogs. Tango wrote it on his calendar so he won't forget!

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A Different Kind of Rescue

If you think this doesn't look like Tango and me, you're right. This horse was among one of 200 that competed in the New Vocations Charity Horse Show - along with me and Tango - this weekend. I told you that this show was really special. I didn't tell you why.

The show was all about raising funds and showcasing successful confident horses. The money raised helps to provide a peaceful environment to rehabilitate and train thoroughbred and standardbred race horses that are injured or retired from the racetrack. The goal is to eventually place these animals in loving homes. These horses have already given their hearts and souls. If it weren't for New Vocations, and other groups like them across the country, many of these horses would be slaughtered.

The lovely horse shown jumping above is one of many rescue horse who competed in the show. Does he look like he's ready to be slaughterd? I don't think so. To me, this horse looks like he's having a blast. Some horses really like to jump and I think this horse is one of them. New Vocations saved this horse's life.

The show was highly competitive and lots of fun. Thanks to sponsors and riders, this year over $40,000 was raised to help save more lives. More than thirty volunteers worked hard to make the show a success. Tango and I were privileged to be a part of the show and honored to do so well! If you'd like to know more about this amazing rescue program go to http://www.horseadoption.com/.

And no, Tango's not a thoroughbred or a standardbred. He's my very own rescue story though. Finishing 1st in our last class was truly icing on the cake.

July 26, 2009

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Cats and Computers

This post was written by my sister-in-law, Sandy. She thought I'd be tired after my long horse show so she surprised me with this scheduled guest post while I was gone.

Hello, my name is Brewster. I got my name from a little town my parents visited in New England. Did you know that cats like computers? Some people might not know that; let me explain. Here I'm doing what I can to help him out. See, he's on the phone and I'm sniffing out the problem we were reviewing on the computer screen. The picture had to be taken in such a manner you couldn't see our private information. He and I are working on the family bills. I was vacationing here for awhile since the folks went away. I kept quite busy because they have 2 computers in two different rooms and often needed my help. I traveled around alot, from computer to computer, to the basement with all kinds of new places to explore.

My favorite thing though was looking outside. They have nice big windows with wide window ledges for me to lay on, this big glass door where I can really keep an eye on things. I don't have those at my house. I've already booked myself a 2nd vacation here. Can you blame me? Do you get to go on your "own" special vacation?

Sometimes I need to take a nap, after all, I am on vacation.

** I am Jan's sister-in-law, Sandy. I have 3 blogs and invite you all to visit:
Sandy's Space where you can Brewster napping, and lots of other items
Traveling Suitcase where you can lots of virtual vacations
Bridge and Beyond where you can read about how homeless benefit from homemade knitting and crocheting and the goodness that comes from many caring hearts.

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What a Boy That Tango of Mine!

After a long fun weekend at the horse show, Tango and I are home. I'm going to tell you all about it when I get my pictures downloaded, but I'll give you a quick summary now.

Friday night was a practice night. Tango was full of energy and great fun to ride. He wanted to explore the whole fairground, so explore we did! There were 200 entries in this show so Tango made lots of new friends - people, dogs, and horses.

Saturday was challenging. It rained (more accurately poured) off and on all day. Tango and I showed in two huge classes and placed 6th in both. I was thrilled because I hadn't planned on placing at all. Just as I was ready to dismount (after my last class) it started to pour rain again. Good old Tango remembered his herd mentality and turned his back towards the storm. I think he thought he was benefiting us both!

Today was sunny and awesome. I showed Tango in two more classes. We came in 3rd in our first class and the judge offered some really good advice on my comment sheet.

"He needs more impulsion at the walk and trot," she said. "Don't hold back."

We had about forty minutes between classes so I had a little time to think about what to do. I decided to go for it since it was our last class of the show. I know Tango likes to move and I decided to just lean back and ride. "If he breaks into a canter when he's not supposed to, at least we'll have tried to follow the judge's advice," I thought to myself.

We had the same judge for the next class. Tango and I made adjustments. After what seemed like forever to get our scores, they were finally posted. Tango and I came in 1st place with a score of 70! If you know dressage, you know that's a really good score.

I'm still smiling. Tango got home and rolled in the mud. I'm positive it was a victory roll!

Maybe I'll come down off cloud nine tomorrow. Maybe not. What a great boy Tango is!

I really do have more to tell you about this special horse show. It benefited more than just Tango pony and me. Stay tuned!

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Tango's Almost Ready - Almost!

Just a quick post to let you know that Tango and I are leaving for another horse show tomorrow afternoon. I'll give him his bath tomorrow morning. Then I'm going to splurge and have someone who is much better than me braid his mane. After that, it's on the trailer and off to the show.

I don't know who's more excited, Tango or me! Wish us luck. I'll let you know how it goes on Sunday night when we get home.

By the way, this is a very special show. I'll tell you more about it on Sunday!

Also, thank you for all the nice comments on this blog. It's so nice to connect with other animal lovers. I look forward to hearing from all of you and I'm anxious to get to your blogs when I get back. You have such good ideas and information and FUN!

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The Test

This is my niece, Janet. She’s a testament to how to tell a real animal lover from a person who tolerates animals. Notice Annabelle in Janet’s lap and Maddie right beside her?
Well, Janet was visiting us (straight from Switzerland) and she had work to do on her computer...real work. I watched as Annabelle squirmed her way onto Janet’s lap. Then I watched as Janet inched her computer out a little more to make room for Annabelle. Annabelle got more and more comfortable. Janet inched out her computer until it actually left her lap and was on her legs.
My niece truly loves my dogs and every other animal she comes into contact with. Janet didn’t push Annabelle away or tell her “bad dog.” In fact, Janet went out of her way to accommodate Annabelle and make sure she was comfy and cozy. She allowed Maddie to snuggle against her.
It’s little things like this that clearly illustrate REAL animal people. We know each other. We pick up on subtle actions like this that demonstrate respect, compassion, and love.
In my family, we come by this honestly. My parents were this way...from adopting stray animals to rescuing orphaned raccoons. Animals are so much a part of our lives that we cannot imagine living without them. Can you?

P.S. Annabelle finally warmed up and moved off Janet's lap but as you will notice, she didn't move too far away!

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Where'd It Go?????????

"Where did what go?" you ask.

My mind, that's what!

Tango pony and I are competing in another horse show a week from today. It's a big deal for me. I love to show off my boy. I love for my friends and family to come watch! It's just so much fun.

So, I filled out the registration papers. I checked the classes we planned to compete in and I made sure to check that we would compete for two days. Not one day, mind you, two. I made sure to put that information in bold print.

Then I put my registration papers in an envelope. I carefully addressed it and made sure to include my return address. I took my sealed and addressed envelope to the post office and made sure to put it in what looked like a lucky mail box.

Then I came home. "I'll get my ride times in a week or so," I thought.

One week went by. Then two. I'm pretty much busy all the time so I didn't think much about how much time had passed until..............

I checked my phone messages last night. "Hello," said the voice on the answering machine. "We have registration papers for a horse named TANGO. We have this phone number. What we don't have is the name of the rider."

Imagine that. I forgot to put my name on the registration form. I thought about calling the nice lady back and telling her Tango would do fine on his own. Then I thought about calling back and saying that I have multiple personalities and couldn't decide which one of me planned to ride. But in the end, I just left a message with my name.

Now I'd like to say that this loss of memory is a one time occurrence. However, it seems to be a way of life with me. I forget everything.

I'd also like to say that this forgetfulness is just part of the aging process, but I've been forgetful for as long as I can remember.

That's funny. For as long as I can remember...I can't even remember how long it's been that I've been forgetting everything!

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