Sentiments From A Friend

Our good friend "Uncle Roger", who helped us so much with finding and transporting Winnie, sent me this nice anonymous writing this week. I found it interesting and heart felt since we can identify as well as I have heard Justine whisper into Winnie's ear similar poetry of her own.

JUST A HORSE
From time to time, people tell me, "lighten up, it's just a horse" or,"that's a lot of money for "just a horse".
They don't understand the distance traveled, the time spent, or the costs involved for "just a horse".
Some of my proudest moments have come about with "just a horse".
Many hours have passed and my only company was "just a horse", but I did not feel slighted.
Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by "just a horse" and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "just a horse" gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.

If you, too think it's "just a horse" then you will probably understand phrases like "just a friend", just a sunrise" or "just a promise".
"Just a horse" brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust and pure unbridled joy.
"Just a horse" brings out the compassion and patience that make me a better person.
Because of "just a horse" I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future.
So for me and folks like me, It's not "just a horse" but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment.
"Just a horse" brings out what's good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day.
I hope that someday they can understand that it's not "just a horse" but a thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being "just a woman/man".
So the next time you hear the phrase "just a horse" just smile, because they"just" don't understand.

What a Relief!!!

Friday May 16th we noticed Winnie's right hind leg was not moving as usual in the trot. She dragged it a big and her stride was shorter, but no head bob or other signs of lameness, nor did she act as if in pain or reluctant to do anything. Kim commented that first thing Wed morning Winnie and her pasture mates were unusually feisty and she thinks Winnie over did it because she was much slower after that. We gave Winnie the day off Saturday and returned this morning to check on her. I must like this horse stuff, because it was raining and I didn't care. She trotted to me at the gate (a good sign) and had some spring in her step. Then I realized why, it had nothing to do with me, Big Ethan was going to try to man the gate, the other horses were going to take advantage and sneak out, and Winnie was making sure none of them got too close to her little brother. GOOD NEWS we had her trot around in the indoor arena, and she did not show any signs of being stiff. She was back to old self, turning tight on a dime, digging in and taking off into a trot or canter without encouragement, she was having fun, or as if to show us to "not worry I'm fine."

The only problem was she could not figure out why we went to all the trouble and we weren't going on a trail ride or something. So she went back to the pasture and got the other horses riled up and got them to chase her. "Don't hurt yourself again wing-nut, they are half your age, and I like sleeping nights rather than worrying about you".

Saturday Road Trip

Saturday May 17th, we paid a visit to the Finger Lakes Thoroughbred Adoption Program or Rescue. We thought it would be interesting and educational to see the track from which Winnie came and better understand what her life was, and the transition that needed to occur to bring her where she is today. We got there late, so there was not much time, but the facility was immaculate and the staff and volunteers were friendly and helpful. The place is well run with rules and duties posted and very safety conscious. We saw several thoroughbreds between the ages of 8 months to 6 yrs old. Some had some pretty sad stories, but FLTAP has spent a lot of time and money on Vet's, surgeries and training to give them a new life. One Gelding, Turtle (strange name for a race horse) who had never been raced seemed to think little Ethan was pretty fun to watch. Turtle would mimic Ethan by shaking his head yes and no, or copy Ethan by kicking the stall. Thank goodness we did not bring the trailer, for Ethan was ready to load Turtle himself. The staff tried to tell us the only thing better than owning a horse is owning two. I told them the only thing worse than bankruptcy is getting there twice as fast.

They were glad to learn of Winnie (Rate to Win) new life and being well adjusted and happy. It helps them to keep up the uphill struggle they fight daily. They were helpful in explaining why she does some things she does now that tie to her early life, things to look for and ways to care for her as she ages, as well as offering assistance if we ever should need it. We wish we lived closer so we could donate some time in assistance in this worthy cause. If you want to checkout their website http://www.fingerlakestap.org/

From their we went to a great horse supply and tack store HUGE and I don't mean Fuccilo Hyundai Huge. Of course we had to stock up on peppermint treats for the girl, a mineral salt block and we got some joint supplement for added protection. Then off to checkout Canandaigua Lake and fine dining at Tom Wahls.

The Kenney Matriarchs

Friday May 16, 2008 history was made. We finally talked mommy into riding Winnie. Both of the female bosses of the family were going to have to figure out how to work together, this should be good. I don't mess with either one of them. Winnie instantly knew she had a rookie on her and moved very slow a patiently with instructor Jolene at their side. Don't worry about those reins mom, I know walk, stop left and right when Jolene says so, you just sit there and take care of your sore feet. Mom's feedback after a few turns, "I like her, she's more comfortable and trusting than the one we leased, I didn't like him". Kim the own of Oasis thinks it's pretty cool the whole family comes to love and enjoy one horse. However, that might be stable owner code for "you folks are nuts"!!!

Let's Go Abby!!!

After a few times around the arena, Winnie and Abby soon found out they each had a little something for each other. Abby had the ability, Winnie helped give her the confidence, and rewarded her with a nice smooth controlled canter. After an hour of Dad doing the geezer walk trot ride, being able to open it up and go a bit was a B-day present for Winnie. As you can see they snuck in a few walk/trot leg yields to have some fun. Stopping on ground poles proved to be a challenge because apparently Winnie has done this drill before and she knew better than anyone what was going on, so we had to change it up a bit so she didn't anticipate so much.

Good job Abby, thanks for helping out with her Birthday.

Someone New?!

After a bath and rest break, Winnie met a new rider, Abby. Abby is one of Jolene's students that lost her ride and wanted a larger horse, so we thought Winnie may fit the bill. Abby didn't seem to sure at first, but as usual Winnie detected Abby's feelings, As Winnie often seems to do, she calmed herself down and adjusted to the abilities of her rider. She once again worked hard to win Abby's heart, trust and build confidence. Then Winnie got her Birthday reward!!!! Abby decided this horse may be OK, and Winnie found out "this kid can ride"!!! As they cantered for a long time. Winnie had perhaps the smoothest and most controlled canter for Abby that any of us had seen her do. Go ahead and get the canter stuff out of your system girl, old dad is getting on for the geezer ride next.

Everyone Gets to Ride

Jolene was the first to ride Winnie. The did some walk trot and when Jolene asked for the canter, Winnie reminded her it does take much leg or asking to get her to get faster, and she jumped/bucked into it with much exuberance. For some horses resting is a reward, for Winnie letting her pick up the pace is a reward. If she could talk she would probably say, "standing still is for the ancient and for the pasture pets". Next Kim tried her out, and Winnie was a perfect lady for Kim. It may have been Kim's first ride of the season, so we're not sure who was more sore afterward. Kim did a lot of trot with her and leg yield (going sideway and cross legs).

Let's Play!!!!

We were standing in the middle of the arena and Winnie thought it great fun to run diagonals across the arena as fast as she could, going by us by just a few feet. A few times she kept it up right up to the fence and Justine thought she was going to jump it, but she'd barely get slowed enough to turn around and break away again. After a few minutes of this she on her own decided it was enough fun, and time for work, by walking up to us and waited for someone to get on.

A Little Spring for Spring

Apparently Winnie's peppy demeanor was her way of proving she was not ready to be called old. We let her burn off a little energy in the outdoor arena, and she was more than happy to take advantage of the opportunity. Started with some nice canter and then she decided she was back on the track and wanted to gallup like the wind. To the point as you can see one of her pads slipped out.

A Special Day

Friday May 2, 2008 was Winnie's 19th Birthday. Firday is our normal lesson day, so we got to spend some time with her. The weather was warm, so we finally were able to give her a bath, get the last of the heavy winter coat off. She was cuddly with Justine, but there was just something a little different about Winnie today.