Hartsong Ranch

Horses

Lorie — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:19:37 GMT

I thought I should write about horses.

I love horses. I always have, since I was a little girl. There is a photo that my mom used to show me all the time of me on this dirty, sad looking pony. I am wearing a little girl cowboy hat. I had a big fat lip from some un-remembered bump or fall. I didn't care, I was horseback! Thrilled to be there, even if it was just for a photo. I don't know where that photo is now, probably in my dad's attic in the big box of photos. My family was never big on photo albums, the pictures were always stored in a deep drawer in a big ugly "antique green" coffee table in our un-used formal living room. I used to spend hours sprawled on the floor looking at old photos. Besides Christmas Day that is the only time I can remember being in there...

Anyway, this is about horses, not old photos, although I do have something that bridges both. This picture is my mom, sometime in the 1950's in Montana. She and my dad rented horses and went off on the nearby trails. No guide. The ranch hand told them if they felt like they were lost, to just let go of the reins and the horses would bring them home.

Currently, my horses are muddy. And if not miserable, I would have to say they are at least mildly irritated at the continuing rain. I am happy that they have a pasture to roam in, but I can't wait until the barn is done and they have a shelter to get out of the weather. The weather mostly meaning the rain. I never worry about them in the snow. They are all in the prime of life (from 5 through 9 years old), super healthy, strong and with those wonderful fuzzy coats that you can just bury yourself in. The snow lies on them like a blanket and when you put your hand down under their hair, by the skin, it is warm and dry, like a cozy cabin with a fire in the fireplace. But in the rain, I fret. I fear they will get soaked, even when they go up in their woods protected under the trees. I am pretty sure it bothers me more than it bothers them. They frisk around between the storms, nicker at me when I come out and generally appear happy, healthy and worry free.

That is one thing I love about horses. They weather the storm, and look graceful, beautiful, and strong while doing it. They are creatures of the moment. When the weather is nasty, they put their butts to the wind and hunker down. As soon as it clears up, they are right back out there, playing and enjoying themselves. They don't harbor grudges, they don't judge you on your physical appearance, they just are. When you let go off the reins, they'll bring you home.

Poetry Challenge!

Lorie — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:57:37 GMT

Here is my poem, inspired by Diva's Bio Poetry Challenge.

So fun and I'm not even a poet!!

Lorie

Joyful, playful, healthy, fun

daughter of stoic, driven European immigrants

lover of......... riding horses through green mountain meadows

bright yellow sunflowers in dark blue vases...

brilliant full moons peeking in my nighttime window

Who feels grateful to be here, overwhelmed by the bounty of a joyous life and also deeply sorrowful over the suburbanization of our world.

Who finds happiness in spending time with her one true love,

working, laughing, loving.

Who needs big open spaces filled with animals and flowers.

Who gives her heart, and

Who fears it won't be returned.

Who would like to see society valuing the earth over profit.

Who enjoys porter style beers that taste like chocolate milk...

Who likes to wear her hair down, held back from her face by a small, sparkly dragonfly comb- that used to be mom's.

Resident of the Big Sky country, Hartsong Ranch

fabulous day!

Lorie — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 23:54:48 GMT

I had just the most awesome day today!!! Normally, I jockey a computer for 9 hours, 5 days a week, but not today!!! Our Equestrian teacher had a vacation today and she asked me (yes me!) to cover her class today. it is actually more than a class it is 3 hours before lunch and then 3 hours after lunch with a small crew of 4 teenagers. this morning we picked up poop and ran the wheelbarrows up onto the compost pile, we talked and sang along with old 70's songs, which none of them knew and I knew ALL the words to. It was A BLAST!!

Then we groomed all 6 of the horses and gave them a lunch time snack while we came back and had super yummy chicken for lunch.

After lunch, we went back out and talked a little about horse illnesses, then got one of them out and, with the aid of a labeled diagram, put post it notes all over her with the different parts- like hoof, croup, stifle. it was soooo fun! Then I got to show them how to put on a western saddle and bridle and they got to do a little riding.

it was the absolute best!! and on top of it all I got paid to do it! so much better than sitting at the computer.

yay horsies!!!

Trust

Lorie — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 19:47:06 GMT

Trust has always been a big issue for me.

I painted this little painting to highlight what I trust. It wasn't planned, but looking at it, I can see it represents three things I trust and reveals something I didn't really realize, but know to be true about myself.

Can you see it? Tell me what you think I trust and what part of this painting reveals about me!