Life Lessons Sometimes Hurt

All that begins well doesn't always end well. Toward the end of our session at the Skoog Farm, all was going perfect until in the canter Justine's foot came out of the stirup. Unfortunately, rather than calmly stopping the horse, she became scared, screamed which scared and confused Winnie. Despite Winnie's attempts to keep her on, Justine finally fell off. After considerable encouragement, Justine got back on for a short walk. This was also important for Winnie since she was pretty distressed over the ordeal as well.

Later Sunday evening we learned that Justine has a broken humerus. The good news is it is not as bad a break as it could be, but it still hurts. It looks like no riding for Justine for three months, but we think it won't be hard to find some capable and willing volunteers.

Justine's arm really hurts, and Dad's butt hurts from kicking himself. Life is not always easy and education always has a cost.

You got that Winnie?

Sunday March 30, we all went to the Skoog farm again. Justine and Winnie had a great time, practicing, bonding and doing a little bit of whatever. Justine was confident enough to canter Winnie all the way around the arena a few times, and as Lori asked mix it up a bit with trot, canter, trot, walk. It was pretty comical how after an exercise on her own Winnie would walk back to Lori for more instructions. Lori would tell Justine what to practice next and Winnie looked straight at Lori the whole time even nodding her head sometimes as if she knew what was happening. Aunt Debbie and Grandpa came to watch and noticed a positive difference in horse and rider. Winnie worked the room to win the hearts of those in the room and she succeeded. Aunt Debbie even went for a little ride. Of course she won't admit she liked it, but we captured the smile and expression of accomplishment for future embarrassment if needed.

The "Eyes" of March

After about a month of the routine Winnie has more stamina, and I think would drive herself to Stable 54 if we let her. Justine has grown more confident and instructor is tyring quiet ways to get Justine to stretch her abilities a little. Then we noticed Winnie was doing the same thing. With a little quicker paced trot, a slight jump motion as goes over ground poles then settle back down as if giving Justine exposure to new things and sizing her up. This pic was taken after the first time Justine cantored Winnie. The deal to get Justine to do it was 5 steps and Jolene would catch Winne, but things were going so well, ooops Jolene conveniently forgot to catch Winnie. Both horse and rider were proud. Winnie did the slowest smoothest cantor we had seen her do. She was really trying hard to take care of her rider.

GO Winnie!!

After two weeks of the routine of going to Stable 54, Winnie decided she had more stuff to show than just novice rider stuff. One of the more accomplished and experienced riders Brianna had a go and Winnie figured out almost instantly "this kid's got the stuff", so Winnie found another gear. Winnie did two jumps the first was too low for her taste and she just walked over it, so the second was higher and she was eager to jump. Brianna's conclusion of the exercise? "I think I'm in love". Of course when dad had his turn for the "geezer ride" Winnie offered to teach him how to jump but he quickly rejected the generosity. Apparently only one of them knows they are old. :- )

Winnie on the GO

In February with the help of a fellow boarder for transportation, we started taking Winnie to Stable 54 where we take lessons, so Winnie could get some exercise and we could get some training on her. To our surprise, Winnie really REALLY likes to get in the trailer and see what adventure is next. She's also happiest when there are new curious onlookers that want to take a few rounds with her. "She loves to work". Here's Justine and Winnie showing off a bit, being silly and feeling the love

I'm Dreaming of a Winnie Christmas

A KENNEY Family first of all generations. Christmas with a horse. It is rare that it is not a full family activity when we do things with Winnie which is an added bonus. Thank you Roger for your part in making this happen. Michelle you selflessly shared "your pride and joy to a good home". We all promise to do whatever we can to give Winnie a good and happy life. Winnie has helped us to learn so much and a thirst to learn more, and she is making us better riders. We hope you can see her again if you so wish.

A "Winnie" Wonderland

Winnie seems to like her new home. She gets along well with her pasture mates and always has time for a human rubbing or treat. The more we ride/work her the more she seems to want to do it. We have been told by several people who know much more about horses than we do, that Winnie appears to be well adjusted and is a happy girl. Here Justine is getting some Winter Winnieland time in the outdoor arena. I have taken her on a few trail rides and she took good care of me. She likes to ride past her pasture mates as if to show off that she's getting attention.

Winnie gets time with the whole family. She even puts up with Ethan, who often does the cool down laps. :-)

Winnie's HOME!!!!!

Thank you millions Roger for all your help and for transporting Winnie to her new home, Oasis Stables in Brockport. Oasis is about 10 miles south of our house, nice new stalls, large pastures, small indoor arena, large outdoor arena and over 100 acres of trails. Kim the owner is also a riding instructor, horse trainer, 24/7 hard worker and probably annoyed to tears with our newbie questions.

Tears and Joy

After spending most of the day at the farm, Michelle decided that "Winnie going to the right home" was best for her. Winnie was not ready to be a pasture pet. Here Michelle and her father are leading Winnie to Roger's trailer to say their last farewells. It was a very emotional time for all. I think all of us had varying degrees of excitement, happiness and heartbreak.

Ride and Decide

While I rode, Roger, Dad and Mom watched Ethan had a new friend to play with and throw stones in the shallow pond. The one horse was younger and a bit much to handle for us beginners. The we met Winnie, an off the track thoroughbred (OTTB) that was the pride and joy of Michelle (owner) for twelve years trained and competed in dressage and hunt seat competitions. Winnie's track name was "Rate to Win", and Winnie it became twelve years ago. Winnie has a calm, matter of fact disposition but was game for a ride and being on the go was a reward not a command to her. Checkout the great view Winnie had from her pasture on top of a hill and you looked down into a valley on all four sides

Uncle Roger

This is a picture of my new uncle, uncle Roger's farm. None of us wanted to leave it was so beautiful and because he had HORSES!!!!! Before we went to the other farm, Uncle Roger gave me a good talking to about not appearing to excited or to let it show if I liked a horse or not. Roger is also a certifide/registered horse show judge, so he told me how he wanted me to ride and what he would be looking for with the horse, me and the match between us.

Where did Winnie come from?

On an unusually sunny and warm fall day, Dad said "the family was going to go on a road trip to scenic country, fall foliage, and oh yeah maybe check out a couple of horses". He thinks he's sly, but he didn't want to get my hopes up. So off to Bath New York we went. Mr. Parulski a friend of Dad's from grad school was going to meet us at his farm and go with us.

A Lesson Learned

Lori Skoog, a local expert and tremendous help to us, teaches us the proper and safe way to unload a horse. She may be retired from public school, but a teacher NEVER stops teaching. Thank you Mrs. Skoog!!!!

However, I think Winnie knew the lesson plan, the demonstration was just too easy.

Exciting Day

Winnie discusses the ride qualities of the trailer with Justine and shares her enthusiasm of being at the Skoog Farm.

Arrival at the......

LET'S GO!!!!

Winnie checks out the new (to us) trailer for the first time. Based on the ease and willingness to board, we think she's ok with it.

Someone who will listen

Ok, who's listening? The horse or Daddy? When stressed out take a relaxing walk down the lane on a crisp snowy morning with a good friend. Winnie was on her way to try the trailer for the first time and to do some work/riding, and she likes the idea.

Little wants to help

Love at first sight

Winnie met a cute boy at the Skoog Farm.

Lets Do Jumps!!!!!!

Winnie doing her first jump or hunt seat in official terms. Our instructor/professional Jolene is riding her. The verdict by Jolene? "this girl knows what she's doing and likes to do it, she is gentle with a lets do it attitude".