End of the Count Down

Today is that!

I know I have been missing in action here for a month. 
Though***I have been sighted with my mare out and about at the river, galloping along a farmers field, on the mountain, near some ponds, and a few nights horse camping, near a lake.
 Mostly though, day and night, at this Farmhouse above. 

My newly retired sister got word from her BO that their local Hay Man had a house for rent. She called, she and I looked, then she said, "I'll take it!"
 Ever since then, my life has been full of "TSP" and  "Devine" paint!
In fact, I am on the way now for more paint, lunch, to the bank, to another store and on out to Pantz mare, and the Farmhouse. 
I love calling it the "Farmhouse". That is what it is, and it so happens to be just a quarter mile, less than 120 seconds away- from her horse!

This week is the week we have counted down to...moving her, and setting up Farmhouse!

Dandi times pt 2

Now these times I tell you of below, are the " NOT-so-dandy" times as shared previously. Though the worst is over, and all involved can look up, and move forward.
                                               ***

 When things go south, I take cues in stress management  from our 2 lovely rescue kitties. They also shared some neat confidence booster tips, seen below, while taking in the summer's finest times~

Martina McBride, aka "Mari", shares her favorite secret and remedy to a stressful day (or week) by example.
 It works too, I have personally tried the beauty sleep/stress management method... outside, during the day!

Wild tiger cat, GloryB, has an altogether different example to share. 

 While the climbing of the tree comes naturally, and is surely fun,

her tip encourages "Personal Growth". Growth comes challenging yourself to reach NEW HEIGHTS ~ 

They afford one a certain self confidence and a whole new perspective. There usually is risk involved, but having someone around you trust, solves that.

These methods, shared by our kitties came in handy ....

_______________________________________________________________________

The  beginning few weeks of August were horrendous for shocking accidents, people at their worst, and horse health problems. Having made it a month away from it all...I am breathing/sleeping better and calming down. 

Thanks Mari, for this "how to handle the HEAT" tip! 

Yea...we joined most of the country in heat, during the trying times I will share now.

***

Standing at work and finishing up a client I got a cell call, from one of Pantz's caregivers. Pantz apparently was not able to breath well. We had been noticing a cough of sorts, after the winter being in a stall at her last boarding place. Though the stall door was never shut, and she had a large pea gravel paddock to roll and walk in, she stayed in her stall. 

We were not at all happy with the last barn's moldy and dusty atmosphere from the start. But choices to board Pantz have been limited by time restraints and availability. Every time we went to the last barn, we  cleaned the dusty fines out of her hay feeder, off the floors, and also swept out the stall.  DUST, DIRT  were everywhere. Leaving it, caused it to become moldy, during the wintertime.
It makes me love my stable all the more...my PBO's make sure it is SUPER CLEAN!

Now that we had to move Pantz again, unfortunately, the changes did not change the conditions she lived in. In fact, she has less space to be out than before. Her cough came back and with the onset of  HIGH HEAT- it tipped her off the edge of allergies. 
Before my sissy and I moved her into this familiar setting. We cleaned and cleaned. I was sick for a week after, and my sister was really sick, with respiratory ailments, for 2 weeks after. ( that was our warning signs)
Standing in the stall, though the door was open, gave her relief from flies, but she was inhaling molds, saw dust and Ammonia.


   Pantz with flaring nostrils, gathering vital air, though standing still.

She basically has the horsey version of C.O.P.D. Formerly called "heaves" and now I am told, by our vet, is called" R.A.O." Recurrent Airway Obstruction. She was feeling terrible and it stressed both my sissy and me out, till we could take her to the vets office. 
They gave her almost instant relief, once they found out she was not having any kind of infection. She gets what people get,  steroids and antihistamines.
24 hours was amazing relief for her. No longer did she have to breath through a straw. That sound was terrible!!
The vet told us, that is what she was having to do, since horses do not use their mouth, like we can, to receive air.

So the next day my sister and I stripped the mats from the stall to find concrete. There were cement like sawdust ridges under the mats. They become wet with urine and never dried out or got cleaned. Since the stall is not level, it pooled. 
We power washed it all out, Vinegar sprayed the mats  off and allowed them to dry in the sun. We decided never to use the stall pellets again. They are treated wood and become like dust. I always stuff up when I clean the stall, and that was what Pantz was laying her head down on, when she rested.
She now has no bedding,  just mats. She has begun to "P" outside and that is what we wanted. Whew! Now, I had to help sissy medicate the mare, twice a day, for 3 weeks. * sigh*


That crisis was afoot while another, unknowingly brewed. The day after I got the call about Pantz, I again was standing at work with clients, when my cell phone rang. I had no clue to who it was, it was an "unknown"  number. So, I opted to wait till my current client was done before I retrieved the V.M. 
When I did.....
   I listened to a horrific message, It was from someone I did not know personally, but someone I did know well, had them call me. 

There had apparently been a terrible horse accident involving a personal friend, and my former boarding PBO. The person that called me was told " I was probably the only one who KNEW EXACTLY where they were"- in the high mountain woods of Colton , Oregon. 
This gal calling me did not know where she was, and couldn't even find her way back to the road, to help paramedics get to my  badly hurt girlfriend.  

NOW*** this may offend some, but I must say*** I am NOT  personalty a fan of the new fangled " Paso Fino's". They are so  narrow in the chest , seemingly are unable to navigate themselves, with uneven terrains.  I have met several, and all have fallen with rider- on the high country trails we ride. 
This was the case here as well. This pony, praise God it was that, all of 700 lbs, would not cross a creek and backed up a steep, uneven trail. It lost it's balance and fell backwards. 

I was so shocked, while I stood at work, knowing my girlfriend was seriously hurt and no one knew where she was..I called my 5 remaining clients to cancel. 
I knew I had to go help her!
 I also called her husband before leaving the salon. He did not know anything was up yet. I told him where to go looking for them and also, I told him I'd come along soon, to help.

I called en route, while I drove the 25 miles to the accident location. This drive was familiar, as I used to board with these friends 2 years ago. I was told that it probably was not necessary  for me to come out, since there were some 20 odd emergency response personal,  on scene .
BUT, I just had that strong feeling, I should follow through. God had me go, I know now.

My girlfriend ( you see her  leg), tree gravity I.V. liquids above her. Colton, Molalla, Life flight  professionals, along with local volunteer teams with her.

The scene above is after I ran -as hard as I could -for a half mile to take Paramedics to my girlfriend. No one knew how to get to her. The woman that was with her got lost coming out of the woods, and then proceeded to get the emergency help lost on the way back as well. Bless her heart, she was just lost and in shock. 

Once I arrived and saw all the emergency people, I tried to tell them I knew where she was and they couldn't grasp that. I had my hand up in the air, as a grade school-er- that knows the answer. But they did not heed me.... So I just set out for my girlfriend.

I made sure to set my GPS "Cardiotrainer" phone app. , as I left the road to the high trail where I knew my friend was. The "Lifeflight" Helicopter was circling above as I ran. I got there finally, very much out of breath. The first responders had just gotten there, as well. It had taken them an hour to find her, with "the- long-way- there-trail", the lost gal had taken them on.  They were shocked at seeing me and said, "WHERE DID YOU COME FROM AND HOW LONG IS THE TRAIL?"

 I simply handed them my phone....

They were able to "Ping" from it, the location. Then,  they decided to NOT use the Army National Guard Helicopter-

to lift my friend out of the woods. They thought it was going to be 2 miles up or the 2 miles it had taken them to get to her. 

They opted for the "Life Flight" Helicopter, just feet away from the Army National Guard Copter.

I am so glad I went!! 

It was a 1/2 mile out to the road, the way I came!

My friend sustained 

* 9 broken ribs

* a punctured lung

* a crushed # 2 lumbar vertebrae

Her  Lf Femur had apparently come out of the socket as well...but was not broken as they thought!

She was able to come home last week finally, after successful back surgery and general stabaization.

Now taking cues from my mare and Kitty...

I am going to be like calm, cool and blend in with the scenery.

Washashe keeps and eye out always, then chills during the breaks of our rides, for a nice munch and rest before we ride on homeward again.

There have been so many wonderful events in our lives  more recently, that the shocking and difficult, ere now, are all but faded...onto the next I say!! 

Lord knows that He has all my times in His hands, and I do rest in Him, knowing everything is useful for my personal growth and also, for my worth/use in society. Nothing is by chance ( I believe) if you look inward firstly, then outwardly. I only can do either -by God's certain to highlight the truth- filter. 

Dandi Riding pt 1

Dandelion, that is!

The trails have been in full bloom and brilliant for colorful riding times. Too bad they are mostly weeds, not good for equine consumption, or to be too near your nice fields. But for photos and such, they are brilliant.

July just flew past...whoosh! And now that it is August, seems things are still in go-go mode. 

My sissy and I have been able to go out for some very nice rides together. Some local and also- TO THE MOUNTAIN!

Mount Hood National Forest is such a diverse destination. Sandy footing mostly, though smooth dirt paths can be found as well. There are rivers to cross, lakes to swim in... and then, there is the P.C.T.- Pacific Crest Trail that runs through so many of the places we ride.

I adore where I live and what it offers for Horseman's delight!

My sister is now officially "RETIRED". 

 She sure has done a great many things in her working career;  Lineman for the Railroad in California, Professional leather worker/ seamstress for a number of local businesses in Portland, including "Portland Leather Co."

Polo Pony trainer / exerciser and driver of many long haul trips of various horse groups. She galloped Track TB's, back in the day before she was repelled by the whole thing!

She was also Jumping and Dressage coach, with a flourishing and devoted group of clients throughout the years. 

Her last 2 jobs were through the police; 14 years managing the stables for "Portland Mounted Police", training the horses and coaching the policemen and women along to bond and learn about their specific horse partner. She was one of 2 trainers that would prepare the horses for street duties.

my sister in white

She  spearheaded and developed a conscientious feeding program for them that cut -substantially-the rate of colic to the horses. Having done extensive research of the horses digestive processes and she is a  professional, when it comes to the facts of feeding, as well as handling and training. 

Yea, I kinda adore her and many other folks do too. She is someone too rely upon for any kind of care of the horse, never " lording it over you" that she knows her facts and rarely is wrong. She does  assess the bottom line issues concerning a horse's well being and soundness of mind and body. She's worked with some of the best teachers/trainers of the previous, and our current generation.  Good Horse Sense and beyond, she is my mainstay go to gal. It will be nice to have her in town in future, to help with things.

Her last employment was also Police related and was most difficult. She raised her son alone, with it's good wage, but the price of life given to it= was high. I am so happy she no longer has to be a Corrections Deputy! 

So now.....she is scouting the area for housing and employment in the surrounds of Portland. Her mother, son, sister(me) and horse are here. 

She'd love to manage a nice stable or be  in retail of organic foods. I am keeping my eyes and ears peeled  for her, as well as for a nice country place to reside.

Looking ahead and all around, we are now!

My Indian Pony

WASHASHE

* "People of the Middle Waters"

or otherwise known as :" OSAGE" tribe~

The other day, I spied a feather on the path. The mare stood nicely  on our sunset ride, while I took interest in the beauty .

With certain delight, I dismounted to claim the prize!

I have always been drawn to feathers, and find myself treating finding them, as special.

I "Google'd"- "Finding a feather on your path", and discovered that there are MANY thoughts on the subject ranging from;  "you are on the right path","you posses wisdom, for you are on a higher spiritual path" (weather you accept it or not). I chuckled at reading that one.

"Finding a feather on one's path is a sign of encouragement, as you philosophically travel this path".

Also, different colors can mean very different things. 

Some liken the finding of a feather on the path you take as: " the spiritual realm telling you, that Angels are near, and ready to assist you".

I associate feathers with my OSAGE heritage. A symbol of being apart of an Indian tribe. Washashe's Dam  was registered as "Me Osage" and her stable name was "Feather". 

Indian Chiefs wore Feathers to symbolize  their communication with Spirit.

Some other explanations claimed: " You are eating too many chickens, and are turning into one!" "Finding a feather on your path means-"NOTHING!"

All I know is, I have a collection of feathers that the mare and me have happened upon, some blue, some white, black, grey and this one; white with certain black stripes! I do think it's a tail feather from a hawk.

The day  we found the feather, I was investigating a trail used recently by a large group of organised riders. The trail was  now certainly "TOAST", and I had gotten off. It became pretty dicey and hazardous to ride through , certain parts.  A large metal cable was strewn through a section and I removed it, as well as some other debris that could damage legs and pasturns . Some of the mud holes were literally- knee deep.

 I was taking the photo below, the larger version of the top shot. I cropped it above, so as to show off the feather in Wa's forelock.

I have NOT TAKEN this route for some 6 weeks or so...it was bad  enough before the large group of riders. 

As I was standing there, I thought I heard -what my brain said was - the road and a large truck coming closer. In the 30 seconds I pondered weather or not it was a truck, and the fact I didn't think I had ever heard the road from there before....I REALIZED- The loud humming was actually a "Buzzing", and it was below us, and getting really, really LOUD! 

We were so outa there...running, me on foot and the mare behind me! Though I didn't see one bee, or the mare act like she knew they were there, I THANKED God, for the sparing of us such a terrible thing, as getting attacked by a swarm!

Reading through the different "finding a feather on your path" descriptions of meaning; this definitely falls under the category for "Angels being nearby, and  ready to assist!"

WHEW***

Safely home again, my Indian Pony and me are HAPPY and SOUND!

We will be riding with our wonderful feather, in the future too!

The Best Fantasy

Always looking to see what's out there

With a title like that...some may think I will be revealing something.

Nope- That is just the Registered name for my sister's mare, aka- "Pantz". 

She is a definite Lead mare , has had several foals. The last one grew to be over 16 hands. His name is Nickers.

My sister had lost her beautiful "St. Timothy" TB she evented with. He was near 30 and she had so many wonderful memories.

St. Timothy

 It was early in 2003, she still had  the green Washashe, but had recently met up with a group that did competitive "Drill Team" riding.  Desperate to ride,  with no place to do it at the Oregon coast where she lived, she joined the drill team group. She was offered Pantz to learn the drill patterns on. Eventually ride in events. "Emerald Rein" drill team was very successful and my sister enjoyed the competition of it.

drill team 

 They traveled all over to compete and when they were close, I went and was her groom and cool out gal. Pantz Knew the drills... litterally, when the whistle blew, she'd do a flying lead change of direction!

 To this day, I have to be careful if I blow my safety whistle on the trails!

move day recently to "Two's A Team" stable

Pantz mare has a definite opinion, and if you are not her leader, shell walk all over you.

You must earn her respect gently, and sometimes over and over...but NEVER by force, or she'll distrust you. She came from an abusive cowboy dude- that beat her with a broom handle and she always is suspect, when you clean her stall. Sometimes pinning her ears. I just tell her, " no fear, I'm looking out for you", and rub her withers with my hands, if she gets that look.

 If you are anthropomorphic about horses, this mare Pantz, will most likely set you back a notch. Her last barn caregiver did not like her unfortunately. They had a run in or two that we heard about -with some expletives  sprinkled on top of the story.

 It's just NEVER nice to have to trust someone, that dislikes your horse!

  GOOD NEWS- Pantz now is somewhere that the folks do seem to appreciate her. The last several times I have gone to see her, someone -new to me- that met her said, " I sure like this mare, she's a sweetheart!" The owner also told me how much she likes her, days after she moved back in.  

*** sigh of contentment...did you hear it??

And yes, she has been here before, years ago when I boarded here as well. The owner literally MADE a spot for Pantz, due to my sister's private facility at the Oregon coast selling and there was NO-Where-else to go  at the coast. Similar to how we came to moving her again now...owner quitting and selling, No-Where else  to go acceptable for quality care. Maybe there was someplace around?? But bad business practices kept them from bothering to call us back.  We found that to be so unprofessional, at least tell us, " we do such a good job, sorry, there are no openings"!

lovely  new electronic gate with stable name

So, now she is settling. My sissy and I have ridden together a few more times, I have picked Pantz up and trailered  out to ride as well. 

She is such a great little mare. My sister says, " she 19 or 20"...for like, the past 3 years. I think that makes her about 22 or 23!

 (Find her papers sis!)

This mare will do just about anything for you...Pony a green horse across a creek for his first time....

ponying Certo

Walk or swim in a mountain lake....

Go out to sea...

Climb a mountain for the view....

Or, ride into the sunset.

One thing is for certain, this was the best $1.00 my sister ever spent! Yea, you read that right, she practically inherited the mare!

Pantz is best friends with Washashe mare, and we have boarded  them together, when possible, in the past. They love each other and have shared several great years.

Winter mares, sharing a blustery day together...

 Romping in a favorite field in the summer ...

Hanging out for a bite in the shade....

Pantz Mare, I adore you and I am so happy that your horsemom, my sister, is so generous to share you with me!

Horse love is so special, they give us all they can , allow us to see and experience nature in themselves and also from the view of being with them- in it. 

How blessed we are to have them be so accepting and giving to us...

Go hug your horsey, I know I am gonna kiss and hug mine soon, and Pantz Mare too!!!

Summer Rain

Our rides have been kissed by heavy laden branches of moisture.


The air pregnant with a rain feeling, 65 degrees with a slight breeze. 
For Oregon, the humidity foreign, breezes make it bearable. Thunder storms have riddled our area.


Dressed in short sleeves, it is comfortable. The mare in her usual attire, we both get soaked! Wet drops  from all surrounding greenery were cold at first, but then welcome, as the drenching droplets land upon ears, legs, shoulders and face. 


Happy that I chose this trail to take out to start with; as we had time to dry on the more open lands of the ride, later.


Fresh was the air, but these trails showed signs of heavy usage since the last time we rode. A herd of folks must have come upon this area, in the last 2 days. That was confirmed to me, once I returned from this slippery ride. 
Trailers in the masses, had been seen in a parking area nearby.


Somewhere else we shall choose to ride, till this moist trend ceases for a few weeks, giving the local trails time to mend and dry.
***************************************************
Pantz was welcomed back to "Two's A Team" facility recently. The move was good and she seemed to remember the place.
 Now, maybe we can settle her into a nice routine for a few years...this moving every year ( last 3) because owners selling and quitting- is for the birds!


Enjoying a romp and roll in the recently upgraded round pen, she always takes such long looks about!

L*O*V*E is - this smartly done area. 

The coarse sand is 3-5 inches deep, very easy to walk/trot in and "corralled" by a nice  boards, making it last without waste. 

Once the move day was over and Pantz got rested,

my sissy and I took the Horses for a wonderful 

"Independence Day ride".

 After all the hard work and emotional stresses, the ride truly made the difference!

All ears

Refreshed again!

Tee he he!

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE Times to you and yours!!