Show Prep

I am going to head up to the Stone Country Fair next weekend - it was a last minute decision as usually May is FAR too busy at school for me to have spare time, but the class list was very similar to GLC's March show and since I had the spreadsheet of entries for that one, they easily transferred to this show.

 Deciding who to take and then checking for condition, washing the models, making tags, etc. is very time consuming; having essentially everything already done meant all I had to do was to pull the ponies and pack!

When I unpack from a show, I repack my tubs so I can easily grab and go the next time. That made it much easier to get ready for next weekend's event, too.

 There were a few differences on the class list and I had four new documentation cards to make as a result, but really, the preparation for this show only took me about three hours. (A new record!)

I'm ready to go! Well, except I have a week to wait and I still need to pack my suitcase...

Derby Decorating

Next Saturday is the Kentucky Derby, and I have put a few things out in honor of the big race.

My Kentucky Derby salt and pepper shakers and a porcelain rendition of Kip Dideriksen on Refrigerator are on the mantle. (He was a Quarter Horse, but he was also a descendant of the Thoroughbred and Kentucky Derby winner, Native Dancer.)

 I have my small collection of Kentucky Derby glasses out on display.

Each one is the birth year of my children - 1977, 1979, 1981, 1982, 1985, and 1988.

I made a small table runner, but I am not really sold on the fabric. An online search turned up several different fabrics commemorating the race, but they were pretty lackluster. So, I bought a yard of this fabric to see how it looked. (I'll keep looking.)

I'm headed to a model horse show next weekend so I will miss the race itself, but we'll DVR it and watch after we return.

Tagalongs

Abby knows my car and often has made it up to the gate before I can even get parked. Recently, two other herd members have begun coming up with her.

 (I love how they're all peeking through the mesh of the gate and watching me approach.)

I don't give Sultanna and Snickerdoodle treats; maybe they're just nosy?

Often I have to shoo them off - they are young and still learning manners, so sometimes they crowd me and make it difficult for me to visit Abby. Still, they're very sweet and I'd rather have young horses who want human companionship than those who shy away when you get close. Tim is doing such a nice job with them.

Happy Anniversary!

Five years ago today, I brought this girl home from Indiana Horse Rescue.

Best. Decision. Ever.

Happy Anniversary, Abby!

Spring in Indiana

Spring in Indiana is beautiful (despite the severe weather and tornados.)

 Everything is bright green and lush.

Often you find yourself behind a piece of farm equipment being moved from field to field as you drive out in the country.

 We quit feeding hay because the pastures have greened up and have enough grass to sustain the herd.

And this girl...

... sheds her winter coat! I pull brushful after brushful off of her until I, too, am covered in horse hair and look like I need to be groomed, too!

Horse "Auction"

Our church youth held a fundraiser Saturday evening, and it was an auction of their services for babysitting, lawn mowing, cleaning, baking, car detailing... just about anything. The adults were able to show support by offering goods or services to auction off, too.

Tim stepped up to the plate.

 I love his sense of humor! And I have to admit, even though I could ride with him any time, I sort of wanted to bid on it! But I didn't and it sold to someone else.

Other horsefolk that attend our church also offered something horsey to help out the youth.

There was a lot of joking about this lot, but it, too, sold quickly and for good money.

Hokey, Trouble, Tim, Abby, Sultanna, and Snickerdoodle. (Diablo took off as soon as she saw the bridle - she was in no mood to be ridden today!)

Diablo, Snickerdoodle, Abby, Trouble, and Hokey.

Tim chose to ride Sultanna today - who would YOU choose to ride if you'd bought the auction lot?

Under the Weather?

Yesterday when I went out to see Abby, she seemed a bit under the weather. While the rest of the herd was grazing, she was standing with her legs in an unusual placement and not eating.

 But, as soon as she saw my car, she came right up to the gate for a visit.

 We visited for a while and I did my usual check for cuts, bumps, or scrapes. Everything appeared as though it were fine.

Still, I couldn't shake the feeling that she was a little off, and as I drove down the lane to go home, I stopped and watched her some more. Again, she stood oddly for a few moments, and then resumed grazing.

With thoughts of colic or founder on my mind, I decided to come back in a few hours and check on her again. I also texted Tim and let him know I thought she might be off, but would go out and check her myself and then let him know if anything was amiss.

I returned about three hours later as the sun was beginning to go down. Unable to believe her good fortune at having two visits in one day, Abby eagerly hustled up to the gate as soon as she saw me.

Again we visited (and she got another candy cane) and this time she seemed more like herself - alert, a little sassy, eager to lick my hands, and not listless or acting oddly at all.

Still, I watched her closely for any signs that she was not feeling well, but there was no odd stances or indications that she was off.

As I drove down the lane to go home, I stopped and observed Abby for a while, just as I had several hours earlier. She was with her BFF, Diablo, grazing contentedly, and just fine.

I'll go out this morning again and  do a check, but I think whatever it was has passed. Abby has never been ill in the five years I have had her; looks like that run of good health is continuing.