Day 1

Today I started my first attempt at being a horsewoman. Yes I know that sounds stupid after 6 years with horses and 3 colt starting under my belt... ( I am sure that is nothing to some of you ), but to me, its alot. I know Buck said, the best thing you can do with your horse is to spend time with them... It is hard when your working a full time job, and going to school and having a home to maintain... but you know I am in this for the long haul. I Love my horses, and I love the lifestyle.. Well the Santa Cruz Horse life style is a Little different then I guess the rest of the country... but I don't think I would trade it for anything...

So today I started my News Years resolution. Spend more time with my horses, and in doing so, create a better understanding of my relationship to them. Basically what that means is I get up now at 6am and go down to the stables where my 3 horses are. They are Emma a 6 year old PMU who is just now getting started, Marshall my 4 1/2 year old mustang, and Lucy, the crazy 24 year old appendix qtr that was donated to me...

Note.. if someone offers you a free horse, run the other way.

I get down to the stable by 6:15, turn out the horses, muck them out, curry them down, and then feed. Then I get to work by 8am, and shower * yes my work has showers!* and at my desk by 8:30.... pretty sweet.. though this morning I got a sleepy start.

Today, Marshall was like who the hell are you! - He is such a pocket pony.
I know I am being weird, but he is my guy. I dont let anyone else handle him, or ride him.
The other two, who cares, but Marshall is raised, trained and loved by me... He is my horse.

I think that is important too, that a person have a horse of their own. Phooka, who is my guy, I will let other people ride, he is not as soft as Marshall... In Marshall I was able to preserve that initial softness...
Do you know what I am saying...

In a colt, just started, they have a softness... gah it is like the cream... and once you lose it, you never get it back... Marshall still has it... the rest.. I lost... well you learn don't you... !

Today I will work with Emma and Marshall on my lunch hour, ( now that they are worked out and curried out, I can actually ride them on lunch!) Will update on progress

Until then

Happy Trails!

LW