5 Things I Love About My Horse

1. That velvety, snuffling muzzle

2. Her exquisite, uniquely equine scent

3. That low rumbly nicker when she sees me coming

4. Her complete devotion to carrots and Mrs. Pastures cookies

5. Her saucy trot and bucks when I turn her out in cool weather

I just love my horse! Every time I go to the barn, I always leave in a better mood than when I arrived. I love taking care of her, buying carrots, good hay, Stall Dry.......anything to make her life better makes me happy! I feel very blessed that I am able to have her in my life.

Farewell to Summer

Well summer is almost done. Here on the Oregon coast we tend to have a late burst of good weather, September is usually one of the most "summery" months for us and this year is no exception, we've had a beautiful couple of weeks and the temp even made it into the 80's (that's a heat wave for us lol) Perfect weather to turn Lily into a bathing beauty! She's not a huge bath fan, but now she's spiffy and all ready for that first coat of winter mud.

I had high hopes for this summer and getting Lily going under saddle. It didn't go exactly according to plan, but we're progressing. We'll go slow but steady this Fall/Winter and I hope to be able to introduce a little trail riding next summer!!

We had a huge blackberry crop this year too and next summer I'm going to try my hand at making some blackberry wine. Blackberry wine and maybe a sunset ride on the beach next summer??? Something to look forward to!

A Life Without Gizmo Would Suck Too

I will admit that this post has very little to do with my horse or any facet of horsemanship really, but a lot to do with one of my other favorite furry beasties, a cat named Gizmo who's nickname is Silver Paws.

I came across Gizmo aka silver paws when he was 6 weeks old and fell in love! At the time I couldn't take him because I was on my scooter and didn't feel safe about stuffing him in my back basket! The lady who had him assured me that she could keep him till the following Monday if I could take him then and I did!!!

This little cat has loads and loads of personality and is a total sweetheart on top of it. He's a mighty grasshopper stalker (yum, extra protein) and snatches an occasional bird (which I'm not thrilled about, but what can you do) But one of his favorite things to stalk are the turkey slices I occasionally give him, loves that turkey!

We live in the perfect location for the cats up a dead end gravel road with only 4 houses on it so the cats can stay out all day if they want although we always bring them in at night (we have coyotes and coons in the area). Giz loves to romp around the yard with his sisters and brothers ( 7 cats total......yikes!) He's also great at posing as you might have noticed. He's doing his best Lily impression in that saddle picture, the worlds first Team Penning cat perhaps? Perfect in every way that's my Giz!

Autumn

Maples wrapped in their brilliant best

Throw off those robes for winter rest

Leaves that whisper as they fall

Orange,red and gold enthrall

With crystal air and waning light

Autumn rustles into sight