Justine (Owner) and Brianna (Rider) debrief on the day's performance. I think the final assessment was positive. However after Justine's bear hug I'm not sure Brianna could breath after that hug.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Winnie's Debut
Sunday June 22, 2008 was the St. Jude's annual horse show. It is a less formal show and perfect for Winnie's first show in three years and our first ever. Justine still has not been cleared to ride, but we were blessed to have a willing and extremely talented and competent rider, Brianna. Brianna and Winnie have ridden a few times and seem to hit it off well. However, chances are if you let Winnie jump something and go fast, she's going to like you.
It was a family affair, in that Grandap Kenney, Aunt Debbie also came and even flying/motorcycle friends Rick and Helen surprised us by attending. New addition to the family Lillie May (we have very large and very small four legged kids) kept people laughing. Lillie was going to go for a ride, but Brianna not her nerve back. The only calm one in the bunch was Winnnie. Nothing phased her, she was a real good girl and as the judge said "a sweet girl".
"Old Horse CAN Jump"
Either someone forgot to tell Winnie she's an older girl or she just didn't care, because she attacked the cross 
rails with fervor. I think Brianna found Winnie's cruise control button, because she set her in a smooth canter and even over the jumps her speed and gait remained constant throughout the entire course. Brianna's reaction? "She's a good girl she listened to everything, she saw the first jump and dug in and I was amazed the power she had, at the end of the course she didn't want to do the circle and end, she wanted to circle and do it again."
This was the first event of the day, and the judge must have liked it because as they announced the rankings, and they got to 3rd place and no #27 Brianna/Winnie we all thought she did not place. Then WOW, "in first place blue ribbon #27 Brianna on Winnie". Brianna sat stunned and Justine vigorously thrust both arms into the air with a scream (Justine apparently forgot her broken arm too, but was feeling no pain). Winnie proudly accepted her ribbon and trotted happily away and then rested and snoozed. Brianna did an amazing job with her. We could only wish to ride half as well as she does.
rails with fervor. I think Brianna found Winnie's cruise control button, because she set her in a smooth canter and even over the jumps her speed and gait remained constant throughout the entire course. Brianna's reaction? "She's a good girl she listened to everything, she saw the first jump and dug in and I was amazed the power she had, at the end of the course she didn't want to do the circle and end, she wanted to circle and do it again."This was the first event of the day, and the judge must have liked it because as they announced the rankings, and they got to 3rd place and no #27 Brianna/Winnie we all thought she did not place. Then WOW, "in first place blue ribbon #27 Brianna on Winnie". Brianna sat stunned and Justine vigorously thrust both arms into the air with a scream (Justine apparently forgot her broken arm too, but was feeling no pain). Winnie proudly accepted her ribbon and trotted happily away and then rested and snoozed. Brianna did an amazing job with her. We could only wish to ride half as well as she does.
Rate to Win (Winnie) Wins Big
By the end of the day, here is how Winnie and Brianna finished up:
1st Place Cross Rails (hunter/jumper)
3rd Place Hunter Hack
1st Place Open Road Hack
3rd Place Open Equitation (judging the rider)5th Place Open Pleasure
Then the Big Surprises!!!!
1. For the Hunter Class (first 3 events) they got a huge ribbon and prizes for being "Show Champion"....... check out Brianna's emotion as she calls her mom to tell her she and the old girl won big!
2. For the Open Equitation the got "Show Reserve Champion"
Sunday, May 18, 2008
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.
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".
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.
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