Chasing Cans and Dreams

Returning....

2009-12-27T22:26:00.001-05:00

Wow I have neglected this soooo much. But I will be returning January 1, 2010 with lots of new things to tell you all. See you then ...Happy New Year!

Passing of Booger Barter

2009-12-09T15:47:00.000-05:00

I never met Booger Barter but know I would have liked him. I have seen several interviews with this team roping and barrel race producer and he seemed such a sweet and genuine man. Since his passing I have read many discussion boards and facebook entries and he was truly a loved man by many people. My family and I always dreamed of attending one of his Barrelnanza races to have a chance at a truck. Details are very few about the circumstances of his death. Prayers to his family and friends.

Ready for some more NFR action!

2009-12-05T20:39:00.001-05:00

It has been a great weekend for those who love barrel racing. Not only has the NFR kicked off but the Champion of Champions race in Ardmore was webcast. Hats off to Matt and Bendi Dunn and their great horse Mulberry Canyon Moon who won the Open Champion of Champions race for the 3rd year in a row. I am a little bias toward this horse because our weanling's sire is a half brother to her. My favorite trainer, Latricia Duke, cleaned house in the $100,000 race winning first and second place. This lady is a genius with a horse.

I am off to watch the action in the third round of the NFR!

Sick.....

2009-12-03T11:36:00.000-05:00

I have really neglected the blog for the past few days. Reese has been sick all week long. Just when I think she is about to rebound from it she takes a turn for the worse. It is a cold and what I thought was a stomach virus. But last night she started with a fever so we are off to the doctor for a professional opinion.

In my absence if you are a reader...and yes there are a few of you (THANKS!)...I want to recommend you jump over and read one of my most fav blogs http://www.thesouthdakotacowgirl.com/. Enjoy and hopefully I will be back tomorrow with better news on Reese and time to actually blog something worth reading!

A Great One Lost

2009-11-30T18:42:00.000-05:00

Last week was such a busy week for me, as I am sure it was for everyone. Two Thanksgiving dinners to attend, had to decline a 3rd. Friday we visited with friends in from out of state. Saturday we rode all day and I gave a lesson, Sunday barn chores and a sick baby. I am still trying to recover from literally NO sleep all night.

But that is nothing compared to the loss my friend experienced last week when her great horse Go For Tears former AQHA World Champion barrel horse had to be put to sleep. Sue, as he was affectionately referred to, had been batlling illness for a month and she made the tough decision to end his pain and suffering. He was such a fighter and so tough right to the last moment. Sue had an almost human personality. He won too many awards to mention. I loved watching my daughter hop on him bareback and ride when we would visit Jennifer. Sue will be GREATLY missed.
Jennifer and Go For Tears at the Houston Livestock Show Rodeo

Back on track

2009-11-29T17:33:00.001-05:00

Yes I have been on a hiatus from blogging...and I miss it! I will be back in the real world and blogging again tomorrow. I also have a lot of reading to catch up on as well. I need to find out how to add tabs to the top of my blog that link to different pages, so if any of you are tech experts on how to modify blogger please help. Until then have a great rest of your weekend!

Stay tuned....I will be right back :)

2009-11-23T19:02:00.001-05:00

Menacing Mule

2009-11-19T14:35:00.000-05:00

Oh my what a morning..... Background to this story several years ago my dad, for whatever reason, decided to breed a quarter horse mare to a jack and raise a mule. Which he did. About the time this mule was born he was diagnosed with cancer and for about 6 years battled cancer, many operations, radiation, chemo...very aggresive treatments. He was unable for these years to really do anything but feed the horses and mule that he had. Fast forward to 2009 and we have this 7 yr old, only broke to lead, stubborn, smarter than a human, mule. Her latest antic is to just get out of the pasture and back in as she pleases. We can not figure out how, possibly jumping the fence we just dont know. She gets out and it drives our Australian Shepherds crazy...herding instinct kicks in and they insist on herding her somewhere. So here we have mule, dogs barking and chasing, mule running through yard and down the road ( we live on a dead end one lane road so not really a traffic hazard). It has been going on for 2 weeks and is very annoying to me not to mention to my husband who loathes the mule I named Mabel. This morning it all about went wrong. Mabel had gotten out again during the night and when hubby went to feed the horses the dogs began to herd her as they always do. Mabel didn't want to be herded this morning and turned on the dogs and trampled Josey, our red Aussie. Josey ran into the woods and my hubby is fearful she went off to die. Mabel knowing she was in trouble retreats down the road and somehow back into the pasture while hubby looks for the dog. All is well as Josey showed up with just a slight limp and Mabel is back in the pasture for now....but something has to give or Mabel is going to end up on a trailer out of here in search of another home if she can't stay behind the fence. Anyone else ever dealt with a mule or any animal that is so contrary??????

Wordless Wednesday...cause I'm sick!

2009-11-18T16:31:00.000-05:00

I have a cold or possilby sinus infection and feel terrible today. So I will just post a picture of my toy Australian Shepherd Gracie...the sweetest little dog ever.

Neglected Blog and GREAT News!

2009-11-16T17:18:00.000-05:00

Yes I have neglected my blog for almost a week! I can't believe I have been so bad. It has been busy but there is good news to report. Chase was cleared to ride on Friday! The doctor of course said he must wear a helmet and cautioned us about him being careful and several other things that might still effect him. But he was clear to ride. On Saturday morning we headed out to an IBRA barrel race in Tennessee to get Chase back into the swing of things. His day started out well. He ran a friends horse in the youth, that he had never ridden and was in the first divison. He ran his horse in youth as well and clocked a first division time out of 36 horses...not a bad comeback. But there was more to come. He came back in the open and won the second division out of 107 horses! And there were some pretty big names there! It was awesome he was a half second off the winner. It was a great day.

Then it came time for my run. Since returning from my maternity leave I have stepped it up and really allowed my horse to run. I have overcome a lot of the nervousness that I previously experienced and the past two shows I was really running well. So I am ready Saturday to ask for speed...not just let him go on his own but ask him to run hard. I did an exhibition run where I pushed him a little but I wanted to save some horse for the race, he is 20. Now it is my turn and I decide I am ready...there is quite a long alley way and you actually start in the parking lot at this arena, run into a building. So I let him go from the parking lot, kick all the way down the alley....I am thinking in my mind to not let him step out of the first barrel like he didn in his exhibition run...next thing I know he drops to turn and I dont and I am hanging off the side looking up at the horn! I have that moment where I say ok should I let go or try to save this....I saved it. I ddin't hit the ground but boy was I CLOSE....and embarassed. Now I know everyone comes off at some point. But it is still embarassing. I really hope my next run I dont let this sit in the back of my mind and cause me to take a step back, rather than continue my progress forward.....guess we will see on Saturday.

WPRA World Finals

2009-11-10T10:26:00.000-05:00

The WPRA World Finals begins today in Tulsa, Ok. The best rodeo gals in the business will be racing and roping for world titles. The WPRA website is advertising a webcast of the entire event for $4.95. I have spent this morning trying to purchase it so I can watch but they seem to be having technical problems and I am unable to purchase at this point.

It is a lousy weather day here...cold and rainy so hopefully I can get this webcast going. Otherwise I will have to do laundry and other vile household chores!

Can we add 4 more hours to the day? Daylight time would be nice.

2009-11-09T12:16:00.000-05:00

I just can't seem to get anything accomplished! My house is a wreck and there are still 2 stalls in the barn that need cleaned badly! I am facing some real challenges managing my time with a 5 month old. She is pretty spoiled and requires a lot of my time and attention. But at the end of the day I feel so guilty that things aren't perfect, or even close to perfect after I have spent the entire day at home. Where does my time go! I get up around 5:30 or 6:00 every morning and get everyone up and off to work/school. Then baby wakes and I feed her and get her back to napping by around 7:30 or 8:00. From there I spend time on the net, reading blogs, working on projects and posting to my blog. That usually takes about 2 hours. Next I get Reese up and head to the barn to feed. I am usually back home by 11:00. From there Reese is usually asleep again by noon. I try so hard to not disturb her, she is a light sleeper, that there are certain chores I can't do such as run the sweeper and anything in my bedroom or bathroom (oh yeah she is still sleeping in the pack n play in our room. I just can't move her to her room yet. It is on the other end of the house.) At this point I have a couple hours to do house work and then back to the barn. What suggestions do you guys have for managing my time???? Evening is probably my busiest time, riding, cooking, homework and at anytime that I can get someone to play with her I am scrambling to clean in the kitchen and do some of the nosier chores. HELP! Suggestions needed.

AQHA World Championship

2009-11-06T09:11:00.000-05:00

Good Friday to all. Not much going on here today except me attached to the computer all day watching the AQHA World Championship show being webcast. Today are barrel and pole preliminaries. I will get to see my favorite horse, Rare Fred, run in the senior barrels today. I just love the style this horse has and his presence. He is my dream horse. Also I am watching for my sons friend Will Bingham in the poles and plan to root on all the other Kentucky crowd. Good luck to all! Enjoy your weekend I likely wont post again til Monday we are hoping to hit the road and go to a barrel race tomorrow.

Following the NFR Barrel Racing Qualifiers

2009-11-05T12:00:00.000-05:00

As the NFR approaches there are all kinds of last minute details being finalized. Unfortunately for a couple of the ladies they have had to go searching for a ride. Tammy Fischer's horse Roundpen is out due to an ankel injury but it was announced yesterday that she will be riding Cause Hesa Bully owned by Nancy Adkins. This is exciting news for Nancy. Tammy is sure to be a sentimental favorite this year. She lost her son earlier in the year but kept riding and made the final 15...now an injury to her horse...she has a lot to overcome but I am sure she will in grand style.

PJ Burger is also looking for a ride as the horse she rode most of the year Perks Master was taken out of her barn (possibly sold I am not sure what the story is but he was ridden last week at the NBHA World by one of the Steinhoff girls). PJ hasnt made an announcement yet but we are all anxiously awaiting.

I love the NFR and cant wait to watch!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-11-04T09:23:00.000-05:00

Happy 5 month birthday to our precious little Reese.

A Girl and Her Horse

2009-11-03T13:28:00.000-05:00

I will be honest and say nothing makes me happier than to see her ride. I always wanted a little girl and of course I wanted her to love horses as much as I do. For so long Madison was so afraid and just didnt have that drive to learn to ride. But in the past few months that has all changed. She wants nothing more than to ride and can't wait for the next horse show. She really listens to her step-dad, John, when he helps her and that makes me proud as Madison doesnt really like to take instruction from anyone at any other time. She is independent, opinionated and stubborn and I have no idea where all that came from (;) Here are some pictures I shot of her while riding.

Halloween Review

2009-11-02T09:55:00.000-05:00

Trick or treat went fairly well at our house considering the weather did not cooperate at all. Mr. Weatherman said rain would move out by 3pm...someone forgot to notify Mr. Rain. It rained on and off the entire time...but since we had decided to do trick or treat at a local park where my BFF was camped out it made for some dry accomidations for Reese while the others made the candy gathering rounds. Here are some pics.....

Fall Foliage Friday

2009-10-30T19:24:00.000-04:00

As fast as it came...it is gone. It seems like the peak for colors here lasted only about 12 hours before the leaves started to really fall. Most of the leaves are already gone. Today was a beautiful day with temps in the 70s, but tomorrow the rain and cool weather returns.

Choosing a saddle

2009-10-29T11:52:00.000-04:00

Madison needs a saddle. She has been riding a very old saddle that just isnt working for her at all. I certainly didn't realize when I started looking for a saddle for her just how expensive a youth saddle would be. The ones pictured in yesterdays post are all well known, quality brands such as Circle Y, Double J, Cactus, Billy Cook. Price range...$800-$3200! Good used ones are difficult to find and also quite expensive. As Madison and I discussed purchasing a saddle and the expense she came up with a GREAT solution. "Mom", she says "I dont want you to have to spend your money on a saddle because they are so much.....I will just ask Santa!" Great Idea! Problem solved.

We are still doing some shopping around before we decide on a saddle. It will be used by Madison for many years and then handed down to Reese if she decides to follow in her big sis footsteps.

If any of you know where to find a really good used youth barrel saddle we would still consider a used one at this point so please share!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-10-28T09:11:00.000-04:00

I am jumping on the Wordless Wednesday bandwagon becuase I really dont have time for a post today! Take a look at all these pics and I will explain tomorrow!

Post Congress Review

2009-10-27T13:22:00.000-04:00

What can I say...it was great as usual. (I forgot my camera BUMMER!) We arrived just in time to catch many of the barrel and pole classes. Congress lived up to all Chase expectations. He got to see the top riders and horses in the country. He was especially interested in seeing Mulberry Canyon Moon, as we all were. Our yearling is by her half brother so we feel a connection to her. She is such a great horse. She won the sweepstakes at Congress 2 years ago and since has gone to Angie Meadors who runs the PRCA circuit. Macy as they call her had a good run in the 2nd go of the sweeps but knocked a barrel in the finals. Other great horses we got to see were BF Shananigan, SR Red Ryder and many of the up and coming stars. In the end the sweepstakes was won by a young boy, Trevor Pruitt. I am going to guess him to be around 13. He is really cleaning up this year winning one go of the IBRA East Nationals and now the Congress Sweepstakes.

Many of our Kentucky friends placed in classes including Holly Botner who placed in senior barrels, 2nd in amateur and placed in the sweepstakes. The sire of our Bully colt also placed 4th in the amateur poles. And Chase good friend Will Bingham placed 3rd and 5th in Youth 14-18 poles.

The trade show was outstanding as usual. You don't ever really find any "great buys" but you get to see so many things that normally you can only find in a catalog or online. Having said that I came away with a late birthday present from the hubby, well worth the wait....something I have always wanted....a pair of black ostrich boots! How cool are these!

I am hoping to get time to work on my blog, add some pictures and more about my interest, in the next few days so be sure to check back.

Fall Foliage Friday

2009-10-23T09:00:00.000-04:00

The colors have really started to pop! I think we will be at peak next week and I hope to hike into the mountains and take some cool fall photos. For now here is what things look like this week. Sorry that it is another gloomy day for picture taking but we just keep repeating this gloomy weather pattern.

P.S. We head out today to Columbus Ohio to the All American Quarter Horse Congress. I will report next week on all that we see! Have a great weekend.

Happy Birthday

2009-10-21T06:52:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday to me. I share my birthday with the closest person to a sister I ever had my cousin Mendy. I am a year older but we share a birthday. Later in life my mom married and moved to Kansas and I acquirred a step sister Ashley that I love dearly and she also shares this birthday...so happy birthday to us all. With this birthday I am officially closer to 40 than to 30...that seems a bit odd to me. I just cant imagine being 40. It seems so....grown up! LOL I hope Mendy and Ash have a great day!

No post yesterday, and a brief one today as Bradley (oldest son) is not recovering well from H1N1. I will be calling the doctor this morning. It is such a scary thing that perfectly healthy young people are coming down with this and dying. He isnt able to get out of bed at all. On Monday he ate a bowl of soup but yesterday refused to eat anything. We did manage to get him to eat most of a Frosty from Wendys. His temperature remains right at 101 if we don't control it with meds. I am not happy with his progress. Keep him in your prayers.

H1N1 and miraculous recoveries....

2009-10-19T19:28:00.000-04:00

We interupt the normally scheduled My Monday Picks for an episode of H1N1...yes it has hit our house. My oldest son Bradley, 18, was diagnosed with it today. He was prescribed Tamiflu and though he feels really bad right now the Tamiflu has been working well to diminish the symptoms quickly. There is lots of Germx and hand washing going on here and the smell of bleach is in the air as I try to keep everyone else from getting the "swine flu". We opted not to get the vaccination. Our doctor said that unless you had some type of disease or ailment that would cause your immune system to be run down he didnt recommend it. And so we didnt take it. Actually I am not sure it is even available yet in our area. So 5 days of Tamiflu and he should be good as new.

I also wanted to post pictures of Chase 3 weeks to the day after his accident. It is amazing to see how he has healed...it truly is a miracle and blessing from God. He returns to the neurosurgeon on November 13th. We will be anxious for that visit as we should find out if Chase can return to riding. For now we are thankful that he has made such a speedy recovery.

Gloomy days and Grand Openings

2009-10-17T14:21:00.001-04:00

I believe I am beginning a bout with depression, brought on by stress, but totally enhanced by the gloomy and rainy weather we have had for one week! I honestly don't recall the last day I saw the sun. All I want to due is curl up under a blanket and take a nap!

But I was able to muster up the energy to drive into a neighboring town who opened a Tractor Supply store today. I LOVE that store! We picked up a water bottle for the rabbits and Purina Straregy horse feed. This is my favorite feed but had been unable to feed it since the closest dealer was an hour away. I guess now I can curl up under that blanket and take a nap! Have a nice weekend.

Fall Foliage Friday

2009-10-16T12:55:00.003-04:00

Besides the changing colors there is another common theme to Fall Foliage Friday pictures ....the rain and fog. I feel like I live in Seatle not in Kentucky. We have had almost constant rain for the past week and now it is turning cold, chance of snow flurries tonight! Horses will be blanketed tonight and Macy the pregnant barn dog will trade her hay bale for the laundry room just in case she decides to give birth.

Colors are really beginning to change and within a week we will be at peak...it truly is the most beautiful time of year here. Enjoy your Friday and your weekend.

Issues...do we have them?

2009-10-15T10:48:00.000-04:00

I am fairly new to the blog concept. I have loomed around reading them from time to time for years but only since starting my own have I really taken the time to read a lot of blogs from a variety of perspectives on life. We hear a lot about how women like to share information and that blogging is fast becoming the way to do it. Lots of blogs try to share information about common problems and issues that face women. However, when I read a lot of these blogs I find myself not relating to the same issues. Maybe it is because I live a rural life consumed with horses and dogs and kids and rabbits. What are your biggest issues? For the few of you that read my blog you likely have a lot in common with me and maybe we can relate better than I relate to some of the other blogs I read. Issues for me are time, time to do barn work, time to clean house and make supper, time to work the horses and fence the pasture. I need people who can share ideas about how to fence for the goats I want to buy and how to make a rabbit box for those 2 furry friends my son won me at the festival last week. I need to know how to get over my nervousness when I make a barrel run and should I use the magic seat for my daughter. Enough of my rambling...what are the things in your life that you need to vent about, resolve and plan for? Maybe we can help each other out!

Technical Tuesday

2009-10-14T12:22:00.000-04:00

I tried desperately to post on Tuesday but technical difficulties just wouldn't have it that I be success ful. I am still not sure what the issue was. I had a post completed, with pictures and it just vanished when I tried to save. I did however finally mange to get my laptop to recognize my camera. I have an older model Canon Digital Rebel and was having issues getting it to be recognized by my laptop...that problem is solved! YAY ME! Moving on to todays projects one of my favorites...(NOT)... the washing of the boots. Bell boots, splint boots all have to be washed as it was a little muddy where we ran Saturday night. So I am headed to my laundry room to throw them in the washer and get them cleaned up and ready for our next ride.

We really aren't sure where we plan to show next. We aren't making a lot of effort to find shows either until Chase is recovered. He goes back to the neurosurgeon November 13th and we will discuss his riding at that point. In the meantime we have planned an exciting trip for Chase next week. He has been down in the dumps after this whole ordeal so to lift his spirits we are going to take him to the All American Quarter Horse Congress next weekend. Chase has never been and is really looking forward to this trip. Ok I have delayed it as long as I can...off to the laundry room!

My Picks Monday

2009-10-12T20:00:00.002-04:00

Every Monday I will highlight some of my favorite things. Most of my picks will be related to things I love like horses, photography, scrapbooking and social media. But I will mix it up so it doesn't get boring. Here goes the first edition of My Picks Monday....

My pick for horse related websites is Barrel Horse World This site includes forums, classifieds and event listings. It is the place to go for horses, tack, dogs and trailers for sale.

My pick for blog of the week is A Cowboys Wife This professional blogger has great information and giveaways as well as links to her cooking website.

My pick for scrapbooking website is Big Picture Scrapbooking This method has changed how I scrapbook and I am so thankful! It took the stress of chronological order and that I must scrap them all....away and I enjoy scrapbooking much more these days.

Enjoy these websites as much as I do.

Fall Foliage Continued

2009-10-11T16:05:00.002-04:00

I thought I would catch up the fall foliage Friday post. Here are pics from this past week.

October 4, 2009 October 7, 2009

Fall Foliage Friday

2009-10-09T16:14:00.003-04:00

I had hoped to start this series at the first of the month but things have been a bit hectic with Chase recovery and other obligations. Better late than never...I live in one of the most beautiful regions of the country for fall foliage. Right outside my front door is a beautiful mountain that will display falls briliant colors as we head toward "peak of the season" Here are some pictures to chronicle the changing of the leaves.

October 1, 2009. Not much change at this point. we are expecting cool weather this weekend and that will kick the change into full swing!

October 3, 2009 Still not much change...but it is coming.

Meet Audrey Reese!

2009-10-08T09:09:00.003-04:00

Audrey Reese was born June 4, 2009. She is my late in life baby....being pregnant at 35 isn't so easy. But it was all worth it...including the 4 months of bed rest and the startling delivery. She has brought so much joy to our lives. I have had a different experience with her than with my other 4. With the other kids I always was thinking about them growing up and how I couldn't wait to see them walk and talk and play ball and hunt Easter eggs. With Reese I realize that will all come too soon. Her oldest brother is 18! What happened to the days when he was still learning to grasp things with his hands and make cooing sounds? He is technically (and I do only mean technically) an adult. With Reese I savor those moments that I can cuddle her like a baby and feed her and watch her play and learn to do things. I know all too soon I will turn around and she will be going out the door to drive to school. I am most happy that she has not only brought joy to the lives of me and her dad but also to her siblings. She is truly a joy for us all!

Live Webcasting IBRA and Congress

2009-10-07T13:36:00.002-04:00

The All American Quarter Horse Congress is in full swing and this year the webcast is FREE! Friday night is the highlight of the entire show for me...freestyle reining. Go to the link below to watch live coverage.
All American Quarter Horse Congress

The IBRA East Nationals is also going on with the Directors Race and $10,000 guaranteed 4-d races today. Link below is the the webcast. Good luck to all our Kentucky and Tennessee friends.
IBRA East Nationals Webcast

To magic seat...or not?

2009-10-06T10:10:00.005-04:00

The Magic Seat pictured above has been the source of many discussions and swaying opinions at our house. The device is basically some straps that go around your legs and then Velcro to your saddle to help you keep your seat. I see a lot of beginning youth riders using it and at first, after seeing kids put on horses beyond their riding ability, said no way I will never let Madison use that. But after talking with some trusted friends who have used or have coached youth who have used it I have changed my mind. I have been assured that it really doesn't hold you in the seat it only adds some stability so if a horse were to duck or spook you wont just pop out of the seat but if a horse were to take a fall you would come off. Both the ladies I asked about it said that it really just adds stability and is good for beginners to help them get their confidence. Madison is riding really well right now and has a lot of confidence and I would hate to see her lose it as it took a long time to build. She is confident enough to trust my judgement and get on any horse I approve and walk trot and lope circles. Yesterday we took her to a friends house to practice Rosie on the pattern and she did very well. She has an excellent seat and nice soft hands. She is ready to get into the arena and start competing in pee wee and I feel the Magic Seat will only help her develop her confidence and skills. So it looks like a yes to the Magic Seat. Anyone out there used it or have an opinion to share?

It is all about style...Classic Equine

2009-10-05T10:11:00.009-04:00

Since purchasing Rosie for Madison I have felt like we really need to get ourselves color coordinated for the shows. My motto has always been that if you have a bad run you can at least look good doing it! There are so many tack options out there that it can get quite confusing. Today I am going to talk about our bell boot and splint boot choices as well as a coordinating pad. When it comes to bell boots there is none other than the Classic Equine No Turn. These boots fit well, will NOT turn on you and really last through a lot of wear, tear and washing. We use the Classic Equine splint boots as well so everything matches really nicely. And to round out a great look I plan to purchase the ESP saddle pads to match. They come in some great colors and work really well under most any saddle. Below I have put together coordinating looks for each of us. I hope to purchase a few things as we go along, cant afford a total makeover all at one time. We have already purchased the Diva Dot bell boots for Rosie and Madison (hay bag to match) and I got the Paisley print bell boots (hay bag to match). Take a look and let me know what you think or if you have any questions about Classic Equine products...I highly reccommend them!

For Madison and Rosie

We already purchased thses and the hay bag to match. We are going to pair these splint boots with the bell boots...

and this ESP saddle pad

Madison is going to need a new saddle as well...and pretty soon. I want to do some research and shop around for a saddle before we make a purchase like that. There are so many things to consider saddle fit for the horse and the rider as well as how it looks.

I put together this look for me...I love the pink and brown!

I have already purchased these for me and the haybag to match.

Going for these splint boots and this ESP pad to complete the look!

And finally for Chase....who will be back in the saddle in no time I put these colors together.

Now if I can just win the lottery it would make this a much quicker and smoother process to get us all coordinated and looking good!

Posting Pictures

2009-10-04T21:57:00.007-04:00

My family and I have spent this evening watching the live webcast of the All American Quarter Horse Congress. Reining and cutting were on the schedule for tonight. We saw some pretty impressive reining horses. I cant wait for the Freestyle reining which is Friday night.

We were scheduled to leave Wednesday of this week to show at the IBRA National Finals. Chase and my husband John both qualified this year and we were so excited about going....prior to Chase having his wreck. We had invested a good amount of money in entry fees for the show and have requested a refund since this is a medical reason and we are hopeful that the show management will see this hardship and refund our money....I will let you know how that goes.

I was reviewing some of my earlier post and realized I never posted pictures of the weanling we are so excited about. Since then we purchased a yearling and a horse for my daughter to begin running pee wee barrels. So here are some long over due pictures...

I took these of Junior this weekend. He is 6 months old. AStreak of Fly is his registered name a son of Frenchmans Fly (by Frenchmans Guy and out of De Streaker (mother of Mulberry Canyon Moon) and out of Ms Do Da Dash.

Dinkys Excitabull our new yearling by Mr Excitabull out of an Undertaker Billy Mare

This is Rosie...The Rose Dancer. This picture was taken 2 days after we bought her and she needed about 200 lbs put on her...she looks much better now I just havent taken any pictues of her. We laugh sometimes becaues she is the biggest horse we own, for the smallest rider. And she is bred to be a speed demon...own daughter of Bet The Cash and out of a mare by Mr Trucka Jet....how did the little girl end up with all the speed? Rosie is working out great!

I Am Alive

2009-10-03T00:17:00.003-04:00

Have you heard the new Kenny Chesney and Dave Matthews song I Am Alive? I hadn't heard it until yesterday but wow when I did it brought up so many emotions. Last Saturday September 26 as I worked on this blog...hoping on Monday to debut the new look and new direction I want to go...I got a call that my son Chase, 15, had been in an accident. Chase had gone to his dad's for the weekend and from there joined up with a friend to ride his TRex. The TRex is a two seater type ATV. To make a long grueling story short they lost control on a wet road and struck a car. Chase was transferred from our small town hospital to the University of Kentucky Medical Center with a fractured skull, bone pushing on his brain, huge gash revealing his skull and a cracked cheek bone. After undergoing surgery to place a metal plate and mold the bone back together Chase is doing rather well. He is a miracle...God was with him and continues to answer our prayers of a speedy recovery. Though he is doing well there are challenges to come. Chase is a dedicated barrel racer and is missing the IBRA East National Finals and the Youth Barrel Bash. He is already counting the days until he can ride again. We are all praying for his recovery to be quick. Life is slowly working back to some sense of what our normal is.

This is Chase the morning after surgery...looking rough but giving us the thumbs up.

Chase after we arrived home.

Turning over a new leaf

2009-09-21T17:24:00.002-04:00

I have neglected the blog for the past week. Things have been so busy. Between lessons, barn work, riding horses and life in general I haven't had a chance to blog. But my husband is trying hard to make my life easier. He bought me a laptop and wireless router. Now I can use the computer from the comforts of my own bed or anywhere else I happen to be...now I have to show him what a difference it has made by being much more productive! So that is my plan to turn over a new leaf and work harder, longer and more efficiently. Wish me luck!

Can you ever catch up?

2009-09-17T09:21:00.002-04:00

This week has not gone well...I feel like I fell down a well and the harder I try to crawl out the deeper I sink. The week started on a bad note with several sick family members, some are still on the mend from a stomach virus. Thank goodness Reese didn't catch it. I am trying so hard to get myself on some sort of schedule so that I can find time to take care of Reese, clean house, do barn work, blog, work on website construction, give riding lessons and be ready for all the evening activities by the time school is out. So far no success. Even on days when I get up before 5 am, and I cant function doing that everyday, it just doesn't allow enough time to do it all. Dirty clothes are piled up, the kitchen table and island are filled with clutter, the garbage cans are filled with garbage, laundry is piled up both clean and dirty. Calgon take me away! There has to be a way to do it all. I am going to figure it out and when I do I will get back to you and share my success!

Understanding kids....

2009-09-09T13:36:00.001-04:00

It is so hard to understand kids these days. I guess I was raised in a different time and honestly probably a better time. Though my philosophy was to be more open to my kids and make them feel that their feelings mattered I would likely have been better served to rear them in the "because I said so" fashion that I was raised. So many kids today believe they have the right to argue and contradict their parents. To make matters worse when you have a blended family like mine there is always the "I want my (insert absent parent)". Kids feel like they can escape the rules and discipline of one parent by going to the home of the other. That is when it is truly vital that parents work together and support each others rules and discipline...otherwise kids will make every attempt to walk on both parents. There is a reason kids have parents. If they were born with all the wisdom they needed to make good decisions God would have never set up the whole "family" unit. There are several things in life that are important but none more than God and family. Kids should never be allowed to sacrifice either and parents should work to be sure they don't for if they do...down the road the consequences will be severe.

The day has finally arrived!

2009-09-04T09:11:00.002-04:00

I started this blog by telling everyone about the colt we bought back in the spring...A Streak of Fly. His pedigree is outstanding, his conformation, color and attitude are wonderful. His possibilities are limitless...this is a special horse with an incredible future.................and today he is coming home! We are traveling to Morristown, Tn to Rock Bottom Quarter Horses today to pick him up. Yes there will be a million photos of this event on here tomorrow so check back and see what he looks like. We really feel like Junior is a once in a lifetime horse and that he will be a life changing addition to the farm. We are soooo excited and very thankful to Ben and Jessica Gilbert for giving us the oppurtunity to own this great colt. If you are a Facebook friend the journey will no doubt be documented all day and mobile pictures will be uploaded so be on the lookout.

I hope everyone has a happy and safe holiday weekend!

Visitors from Kansas

2009-08-31T17:47:00.009-04:00

This week my mom, step dad, step sister and niece are visiting from Kansas. It is a sad situation that has brought them here to Kentucky but we love it when they come and are super excited that Ashely and Katelyn got to come with them. After meeting for breakfast yesterday morning they paid a visit to the farm and we spent the afternoon riding horses. It was a lot of fun. I hadn't seen my mom on a horse in years....many years. My neice Katelyn loved riding! She and Madison rode Missy, my 27 yr old former western pleasure horse.

John and Smokey Chase and Flame

Ashley (step sister) and Keith (step dad) My mom riding a horse again!

And then there was this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

At first glance yes this is a nice picture...3 generations of horsewomen. But all I can see is just how much weight I have gained! About 3 yrs ago I was a size 6. Yes I had a baby 3 months ago and I attribute it to being so happy and content with my life. BUT I hate the way happy and content is making me look. So I promise I am going to work on it. I am not committing to any sort of diet. I am going to eat a lot of cereal with low fat milk, cut down on the Pepsi consumption and ride more, it is great exercise.

Sunday

2009-08-30T14:53:00.002-04:00

I hope everyone has had a great weekend. Ours has been eventful to say the least. We didn't make it to the Tennessee IBRA State Show as we had hoped but we did purchase a new horse trailer so that was exciting. We also dealt with a leaky hot water heater that flooded the laundry room TWICE! John ran over our Jack Russell Terrier, Macy for the second time (thank God she lived). And today we got to visit with my mom, stepdad, step sister and niece from Kansas. They are all coming up to ride horses today hopefully I will be able to post some pictures of our afternoon tomorrow.
Just want to give a shout out to McDonalds for the Angus Burger. I had my first one yesterday and they are really great. Mind you they are 1/3 lb of beef so I can only eat half of one but they taste like a burger from a steakhouse or a sit down restaurant. Next time you visit the golden arches try one for yourself!
Dont forget to check out my barrel racing blog http://www.barrelracerinfo.blogspot.com/... great article tomorrow that will feature advice from world champions Jennifer Butcher and Janis Wagner. There are some exciting changes coming to the Barrel Racer Info site so check in often.
You can also find me on Facebook!
Have a great rest of your weekend!

TGIF

2009-08-28T12:24:00.002-04:00

Happy Friday to all! Good luck to all my Tennessee barrel racing friends who are attending the Tennessee State IBRA show this weekend. Hope you all do well and have a safe trip! Lots of exciting things going on here...hopefully all will go well and Iwill have good news next week.

Thanks to all my Facebook friends for coming over to my blog and following me!

What is really important

2009-08-25T19:30:00.002-04:00

So often we get caught up in the things to do, places to be of the world that we really do take what is important for granted. At the end of the day when there is nothing or everything to do, nowhere or everywhere to go...your family is the constant. Our family suffered the loss of my father-in-law just a couple months ago. The loss of such a special man really puts life into prospective. It is such a cliche but it is so true...live each day to the fullest no one knows what tomorrow brings.

Billy Hatzman a talented barrel racer from central Ky. lost his father in a car accident on Sunday. Please keep his family in your prayers as they go through this most difficult time.

Cory Lampkin a young barrel racer from Tennessee re-broke his leg yesterday. He was recovering from a serious break just a few weeks ago while running barrels at the Fortune Five race. Cory was well on his way to recovery and had made 2 exhibition runs on Saturday. I spoke to his mother Connie tonight and she said that Cory was going through a difficult time. Though they know there are much worse things that could happen it is difficult. Please keep Cory in your prayers as he undergoes surgery tomorrow morning.

Arena nerves

2009-08-24T20:53:00.003-04:00

Yes...they got the best of me. ARENA NERVES... I had so much anticipation going into the barrel race on Saturday. Story has been running faster and turning harder since beginning his Lubrisyn regmine. We made a spectacular practice run during the week...the pressure was on to make a great run. And I BLEW it! I knocked down 2 barrels. I was so disappointed. I just knew as long as I could remember to breathe through my run, push all the way to the barrel and keep my hands down I would be in great shape. I didnt do any of those things. I am now DETERMINED to become a better rider. I am determined to mentally get prepared and overcome "arena nerves". On my barrel racing blog http://www.barrelracerinfo.blogspot.com/ next week I will be posting tips from accomplished barrel racers on how to over come arena nerves. Stay tuned to see if I can take their advice and over come my nervousness as I prepare for my first IPRA rodeo in two weeks.

Lubrisyn testimony

2009-08-22T10:35:00.000-04:00

As I sit here feeding Reese I am already anticipating my run today. We run IBRA sanctioned races and I run in the open. I am too old for the youth, obviously and havent quite hit the mark for the masters class. Each show it is a one chance deal for me. My horse, Darn Good Story, is....well...seasoned doesnt do justice to describe him. He is a 20 year old former futurity winner, AQHA point earner, rodeo winner...what hasn't this horse done in his lifetime. We have owned him for almost 2 years. The years of running have taken their toll and his has some arthritis in his joints. We work hard and maintain him through joint injections, Adequon, ice wraps and our newest aid is the supplement Lubrisyn. Wow what a difference this product has made. Story has been taking it for almost a month now. Our first run after he started it I could see a big difference in him. He felt better and we ran about .3 faster. I moved from the bottom of the third division to the top an won second place that night. We took a couple weekends off as the horses hadnt missed a weekend since May. Today will be our second show since using Lubrisyn. I am excited! We practiced on the pattern one day this week, mostly for me I am still learning about barrel racing. His run was amazing. He is wrapping barrels, using his hind quarters and he is so full of energy. Today will be be a test of my riding skills. I am just returning from having a baby on June 4th and getting with this horse with his "new legs" will be a challenge for me. As my friend Tanya says "ride em like you stole em and whip to the trailer" I dont know about all that but we will see how it all turns out.......

aka....Junior

2009-08-21T09:35:00.007-04:00

There is a lot of excitement building in this small Kentucky farm about a horse we are simply calling....Junior. That is him pictured above at 4 months old. The name is very humble but the pedigree and the hopes we have for this horse are anything but... Junior's sire is Frenchman's Fly pictured below...

Check out Fly's pedigree at the link below. He is an own son of Frenchmans Guy and out of De Streaker...yes he is a half brother to the great Mulberry Canyon Moon.

http://www.rockbottomquarterhorses.com/FlyStud.html

Juniors dam is Ms Do Da Lady.

Check out her pedigree at the link below. She has Dash For Cash, Streakin Six, Easy Jet and Easily Smasshed on her papers!
http://www.rockbottomquarterhorses.com/MsDoDaLadyPedigree.html

Both sire and dam of Junior are owned by Jessica Young Gilbert and husband Ben, Rock Bottom Quarter Horses, of Morristown Tn. visit their website, www.rockbottomquarterhorses.com, and check out their great remuda of horses. Jessica and Ben are not only great horse people but wonderful friends who love their horses and barrel racing.

Be sure to check back and follow Junior's progress as we prepare him to be a GREAT....GREAT horse.

In the beginning.....

2009-08-20T09:12:00.003-04:00

Social media is truly changing life as we all know it. I know it surely has changed my life. I discovered MySpace quite sometime ago due to having teenagers. I created, or had my son Chase, create a MySpace page for me. The absolute intent of this page was and is to keep an eye on who and what our kids talk about. I just don't think you can ever be too careful especially when some members of the crew are a little naive. Then a few months ago while pregnant and on bed rest I discovered Facebook. Life has never been the same. I was introduced to it by my step dad who lives miles away in Kansas. He uses it to stay in touch with family around the country. I thought what a great idea so I created a Facebook page. I loved the fact I could update it right from bed on my cell phone. I quickly realized just how many friends were currently using it and how I could reconnect with people who had moved away. I was addicted. Next came my husband. He made fun of me for awhile but I discovered it was all just a show when after stepping away from the computer briefly I caught him reading and commenting on my page. It became a constant thing that he wanted to read what was going on so I insisted he get off my page and make his own....what was I thinking? He now has over 100 friends and has become some kind of expert farmer on Farmville. He is addicted. We also got Chase on board and my step daughter Lauren has a page, though she doesnt use hers quite as much as she does MySpace. Next I found Twitter. The really cool think about Twitter is the ability to follow famous people. How cool is it to know that Taylor Swift is baking cookies or that Miley Cyrus just ate at Ben and Jerrys? I also love the updates from companies about new products they are about to release. So you can see I am truly a Social Mediaite...is that a word? The only unturned social media page that I hadn't jumped into was a blog....and here I am. I am not an expert on anything except life and will share the crazy, busy, happy, sad and real events of life. I someone out there reads and follows my reflections and shares their take on what is happening.