Returning the Favor

Last May when I was out in Utah visiting my daughter, Jessica, I also made some time to get together with Tara Oliver and her mama, Cristine Holt, who live just a few miles from Jessica. One of the highlights of our get together was visiting with Tara's horses, so when she and Cris came out to judge at FAMulous, naturally I returned the favor!

Tara with Hokey and Sultanna.

Tara and Cris are true horse lovers - their passion for equines is a lifelong one.

 Tara with Trouble, Diablo, and Abby.

 Trouble and Diablo moved on after some petting and went back to grazing

but the ever social Abby stuck around. She really does enjoy being with people (even after all the treats have been munched!)

That sociability trait of Abby's was what led to my decision to bring her home with me when I found her at Indiana Horse Rescue. She simply loves people.

Even after Tara walked away, Abby stayed by the gate hoping for some more interaction.

I couldn't resist - if she wanted more people contact, then I would give it to her!

 It was fun showing Tara and Cris my little corner of the horse world, simple though it may be

because they, too, find joy in those simple aspects of a horsey life.

Some More Donations

Tick! Tick! Tick! Tick! Time is just flying by as The FAMulous Collectibility Show approaches this Saturday. So much to do!

Still, it's fun planning and preparing for a show, so even though there is a lot to do in the little time that is left, I am not too stressed.

Today, Cristine Holt and Tara Oliver, our Customs judges, fly in. Craig and I head down to Indianapolis this afternoon to pick them up at the airport. They'll stay with me until Monday - Cris and Tara are also long time friends and we wanted some time to visit, too.

Cris has donated these two pieces for a silent auction.

This Parr's Dream Doll resin was painted in 2005 by Danielle Feldman. Isn't she pretty! I love the pinking on her nose.

The late Kathy McKenzie is the artist for this Stone Pebbles Saddlebred. Kathy's work is very coveted and we have had a lot of interest in both pieces.

In fact, we have been asked by people who are not coming to the show if they can bid. Allison and I talked and we are going to open bids up today.

Tick! Tick! Tick! Tick!

Tara's New Horse

In May while I was out in Utah visiting my daughter and her family, I got together with hobbyist Tara Oliver who invited us to come over for lunch and then visit her horses. (Go here for that blog post.)

A flat shod Tennessee Walker enthusiast, Tara had two mares  and we got to spend a lovely hour or so with them.

  Casper and T-Bone.

T-Bone and Casper were very patient as the little kids swarmed around them wielding brushes and mane combs. (When they finished, the bottom half of the horses was very clean; the top half not so much!)

Sadly, T-Bone had to be euthanized a few weeks ago and Tara had some difficult days as she adjusted to the loss of her sweet mare.

Then began the search for a new horse. Tara specifically wanted a gaited breed, so she looked for Tennessee Walkers and Missouri Fox Trotters.  After visiting many barns and ranches, Tara brought home this girl.

Maggie, a lovely chestnut Missouri Fox Trotter.

Isn't this a beautiful picture of Casper and Maggie?

The mares have made friends with one another and Maggie is settling into her new home.

Lucky Tara, lucky Casper, and lucky, lucky Maggie.

Another Hobbyist's Horse Room

One of the things I enjoyed most during our trip out west was visiting with Cristine Holt and her daughter, Tara Holt Oliver. Both are long time hobbyists, and have been friends of mine since the mid 1990s. During our visit, Cris gave me a peek into her horse room.

She had a wonderful assortment of models and other horsey objects and art all around the room. (Don't miss that art hanging on the door from a grandchild!)

 Her horse room doubles as her office, and there are several comfy chairs for visitors.

Cris has a collection of cattle - her other collecting love. And the shelves also reflect her love of God, family, and things from her career as a breeder of Tennessee Walkers.

Cris pared much of her collection down when she moved from her native Iowa to Utah five or six years ago.

Customs, long ears, and five gaiters all made the cut. (I love the two long ears on the right who appear to be talking to each other.)

It was fun to sit in there with Cris, chatting and just absorbing the horsey atmosphere. And, it kind of made me homesick for my own horse room!

A Grooming Session

T-Bone and Casper are so gentle that we let the kids (all under six) groom them during our visit.

Pony Pal Cambria and Tara's daughter were so excited to get started that they began climbing the fence to get to the horses!

 Once Tara had the horses haltered and tied, the kiddos all grabbed a brush or curry comb

 and the groom-fest began.

 Cambria was just a little too short to get that muddy patch on Casper's hip.

 Her shoulder was much more accessible. 

 Cris, Casper, and T-Bone.

Tara works on T-Bone's legs.

I did a little grooming work on both horses, but mostly I just enjoyed watching the kids and horses interact. It is good to see another generation growing up with a love for horses.