Happy New Year

(nycxplorer.com photo)

Happy new year to everyone. There are few places on the planet that are more fun on new year's eve than Times Square in NYC.  Ask me how I know?  I can think of a few others - Sydney Opera House, a deserted beach on Vieques, Paris, Chateau Lake Louise for starters.  I'll be in the country, by the fire, eating a gourmet dinner with a good bottle of Virginia wine with hubby and frankly, there's no place I'd rather be this evening.  Where will you be? Hope 2012 was good to you and 2013 is even better!  Be safe, ride often, watch the sunsets, love your animals and enjoy every moment of every day!  Au revoir!

2012 - the Highs and Lows

As 2012 comes to an end it's time to reflect on what seemed like a very short year.  I can't believe we are almost to 2013.  Let's take a look at how it sorted out.

The Retirement of Baby April
It was a bittersweet year with the horses.  Things did not end well for Baby April who is in rehab (in her stall until February with the companionship of Little Linus).  At least we know what her prognosis is and maybe she'll be the world's best mom in lieu of a being a really talented show horse.  She'll be the best at whatever life has in store for this incredibly sweet large mare.

The Retirement of Super Sega
Sega's illustrious horse show career ended in 2012 which was not a surprise but it was still hard to swallow.  When I ride her now I often think of all that we accomplished and what a steady eddy, always there horse she was (and how rare that is).  We may attend a few shows in 2013 (under saddle classes) as I think she would enjoy it but her competitive career came to an end after 12 years, which is a feat unto itself.  She is loving her retirement and rules the barn!

(David Bell Photo)

The Loss of Laura
It's always hard to lose someone but when someone leaves this world before her time it makes it that much more difficult.  Losing Laura was like that.  She was one of the best people I have ever known and I think about her often.  She always had a smile on her face, was laughing most of the time despite her illness.  She lived life the right way and is an inspiration to me.

Our Ski Trip to Canada
In February we traveled to Alberta to a spot we had not visited in 10 years.  The trip was so much fun that we are doing it again in 2013.  It was memorable and I can't wait to go back!

The Derecho
Late June brought us the derecho, the most unbelievable windstorm that I have lived through.  Ninety minutes of 50-100 MPH winds (and no rain) and lots of damage to my area including no power and water for a week.  We remedied that with our new generator but it was a wake-up call that our weather patterns are indeed changing and our planet is screaming at us for help! 

Our communal spring sustained us and much our friends that week.

Truman

Tru had a good 2012, unlike 2011 in which he had a serious illness.  He seems to be healthy, is happy and brings me so much joy and happiness every day.  For him I am thankful.

Raleigh Revisited

I made two trips to Raleigh, NC and caught up with two very old friends, Bonnie and Julie. I have known Bonnie all of my life and Julie and I were great pals in high school.  It was so much fun to see them both and I hope to go back a few times in 2013. This is Julie on the right.

Annual Trip to the US Open
Another highlight was my annual trip to NYC with my great friend Jess to see the US Open.  After being rained out in 2011 we managed to see the best tennis we've seen yet - Serena Williams, Sharapova, Federer, Berdych and others.  It was a great two days!

I feel very fortunate to have my health, my friends, my farm, my animals, my hubby, and my family.  Things don't always go as planned but when the lemons come you just go and make lemonade.  Hoping that your highs were up there in 2012 but your lows were not "low riders."  Enjoy these last few days of 2012!

A Pony's Death at Devon

There was a lot of chatter in the horse world last spring when a fancy show pony named Humble died immediately after getting an injection at the Devon Horse Show, one of the most competitive shows in the country.  For those of us who have been in the horse show world for a while know all too well that drugs are a big part of the routine at many barns.  Like any sport that involves a lot of money, sometimes the playing field, well, let's just say that it's not all that level at the upper levels of the sport. 

Glad to see the New York Times tackle the subject.  I can also say, that as a licensed Horse Show Steward (the officials of the sport and we are are licensed), there is little that you can do under the current rules as the article clearly points out.

You can see the article here.

Here is the drug list that has the pony's name on it.  Most of these drugs are used for calming. Legend and Adequan are used to "juice" the joints so to speak, more of a wear and tear issue.  My own horses get them, mostly due to age and use.   That pony was getting a lot of Banamine.  I keep Banamine in my barn and use it in emergencies when a horse has a sudden injury and needs to be relaxed or for colic.

(New York Times photo)

A pony needlessly died and maybe something good will come out of all this.  I'm not holding my breath though.  There are a lot of politics in the horse show world and lots of money with lots of influence. Sounds a bit like our Federal Government don't you think?

One Last Look at Christmas

Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year and I always hate to kiss it good-by.  Here are a few photos I took just before the holiday.  Enjoy.  Au revoir!

Sargent Reckless Horse Model!

For those who enjoyed the recent post about Sargent Reckless, I thought you might enjoy seeing a photo of the new Breyer horse model made in Reckless' honor.  If you missed the post, you can read it here.

The story of this horse still amazes me; an inspiration as we enter a new year!

Hope everyone had a merry and safe Christmas!

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas and happy holidays to all of the HCC readers across the globe!  Best wishes for a wonderful holiday with your family and of course, your furry friends! 

Some people refer to say "we three kings" but around here we prefer to say "we three ponies...."

Be safe in your travels, may your Christmas be merry and bright and may there be a bit of horse country in your holiday wherever you may be....

A Vintage Christmas

Counting down the days now, it's almost here.  We do have a few holiday traditions.  For one, we watch old Christmas movies.  Last night Holiday Inn.  Last weekend White Christmas. Christmas Vacation, Polar Express, It's a Wonderful Life, and Christmas in Connecticut are also on the list.

I love old things, even vintage Christmas.  We did not have a lot of traditions growing up. We always had a nice tree and Santa was always good to us even though we were spoiled or lavished with gifts.  A few things under the tree each year, that was it.  But I still love the old stuff. There was more glamor, more sophistication, it seemed more real back then.

Here are some old reminders of Christmas past.  Enjoy your Saturday. Create a memory.

More Library Love

Several of you asked me about including photos of my own "library" so here it goes.  Let me start by adding that this room was once the dining room in the house.  It is a pass through room, lodged between what is now the dining room (a much larger and more formal room with a window) and the kitchen.  My den was added on and also is connected.

The room is very dark.  The cabinets are painted a deep glossy brown.  Hardwood floors and the rug is a shag rug that I had made to use in a room in my old house.  Going to use it until it wears out since it fits and it does lighten up the room.

The shelves house our extensive glass collection, mostly glass from the 20's, 30's and 40's from old glass makers from WV, PA and Ohio.  Some Staffordshire and Herend thrown in.  The room to the right is the back hall. That is an updated addition to the house.  

This is one corner of the room, our grandfather clock, from the late 1700's, made in Philadelphia.  Those are the pictures my neighbor did of the horses earlier this year.

This photo includes the old chandelier that we bought this year and had installed. It came out of an old house in Roanoke, Va.  We also have lights installed above the bookcases but they don't give off much light.

The window was an original window and it was left like that when the addition was added.  We took off the old addition and redid it (the old one closely resembled a mobile home).

This is the corner between the dining room and the hall. There is a small antique desk there above which sits my new oil painting. I need to raise it up (walls are plaster so it's not easy to do).  That's my large needlepoint bag (with all my unfinished projects) sitting on the chair.

 

We don't really use this room much, it is more of a pass-through room, but it is cozy. Needs a fireplace and it would be perfect!

 

Horses in the Morning - On the Radio!

Did you know there is a horse radio program called Horses in the Morning?  It is on Horse Radio Network (HRN) which was founded in July 2008 starting with one show (The Stable Scoop Radio Show) and no listeners the Horse Radio Network has now grown to eight shows with tens of thousands of listeners from around the world.

You can listen to it here.

It is the first live morning radio show with an equine theme.  Hosted by HRN founder Glenn the Geek and Jamie Jennings the show includes entertaining conversation, out of the ordinary guests, numerous regular horse related segments, listener call in, contests, giveaways and so much more.  If you can't listen live, the shows are available on podcasts through iTunes. 

What you'll find on the show are some regular segments and special guests as well as  "Horse News of the Day."  

Hosts are Jamie Jennings and Glenn the Geek.  

Jamie was born and raised in Atlanta, GA.  She began riding at the age of 6 on her not-so-trusty pony, Snowflake.  She was bit with the horse bug at an early age, and she rode up and down the east coast, with most time spent in Lexington, Cleveland, and Southern Pines. Jamie started eventing when she was 18 and
successfully competed up through Prelim.  Her motto is “Once you event, you NEVER go back!”  Jamie is the current Area 10 Novice Champion with her horse, Demure.   Her life goal is to compete in every state in the continental US!  She was a professional broadcaster in Atlanta for ten years and began reporting for a local Atlanta sports station, and quickly moved up to host multiple morning and afternoon shows on country, top40, and Alternative Rock stations. She now lives in Phoenix, AZ with her husband Chad, a fighter pilot for the USAF. After getting married in May, they bought and are still building “Flyover Farm.”

Glenn the Geek founded HRN in July 2008.  Starting with one show (The Stable Scoop Radio Show) and no listeners the Horse Radio Network has now grown to eight shows with tens of thousands of listeners from around the world. Glenn hosts several of the shows on the network including the Stable Scoop Radio Show, the 2010 Radio Show, Tack and Habit and Horse Tip Daily.  Known as America's Horse Husband, Glenn married into the horse thing about 25 years ago when he met Jennifer, his horse addicted wife.  Together they ran a large training, boarding and lesson facility for over 10 years.  Glenn learned to drive horses and his passion lies in being in a carriage driving ponies.

But if you are not a morning person there are lots of other things for your on HRN.  Who knew?  Radio for horse lovers!

Have a Tartan Holiday!

I don't think I will ever tire of plaid at Christmas. It's allure is timeless and treasured and you can wear it so many ways.............

(Pininterest Photos)