September.....ahhh the cooler weather....

Well, here we are. It's September and everyone is back at school. Daily rides have been replaced with weekly ones.

The summer was GREAT! It was so great to see all of our returning campers!! It was just as great to meet the many new faces we saw!! Thank you all for your continued support!! Everyone learned a LOT this summer and many people conquered fears and did things they didn't think possible!

This fall we are once again holding our Wednesday After School program and it's full! We have 9 great campers (8 now, 9 in Oct) and they all seem to really like what we have been doing. The more advanced riders have been taught by Klara, instructor/owner extraordinaire, and the others have been with me. We have been doing a lot of lunging and ground work prior to our lessons and the kids seem to really enjoy it! (I can't say the same for the horses!)

If you have any questions or want to sign up for lessons, please contact Klara or myself!

Week Two....Intermediates and Advanced Riders

What a week!!

Started off with rain, then ended with gorgeous weather!! All the girls did an amazing job and did their instructors proud!

Ashlee rode Licorice most of the week and they developed into quite a team. They sailed over our new lattice jump several times and lead everyone in the "drill" formations.

Estella rode several horses including Copper and Lacey. She battled nerves and ended the week following Ashlee's hoof prints jumping the lattice. She did an awesome job!

Taylor rode Joey and managed to battle nerves of her own to jump Joey over the lattice. It seemed that jump was the one a lot of people were nervous about. These three girls did a great job!

Kara fell in love with Emma and mostly rode her this week. Despite some frustrating moments, she and Emma made it thru with flying colors.

Brickley, our youngest rider, started the week on Lacey and ended on Joey. Although she, too, had some frustrating moments, she likewise made it thru successfully.

Everyone did a wonderful job, learned new skills and developed ones they had had. We cannot thank you enough for all of your hard work and your support!! We would not have camps without you all!!!

Chris Lombard video

Ever heard of Chris Lombard? If not, you are missing out on an incredible person. Now, I admit I've only met the guy once and it wasn't for but a few seconds, so if you were to ask, he will probably say he's never met me. BUT needless to say he's got a way with horses. See the video below for a sampling of what he does.

http://www.necn.com/Boston/New-England/2009/06/25/Maine-man-brings-forgotten/1245963034.html

Week One......

Wow....one week of camp is over....seems like it just started!!!

It started out wet, but ended sunny and hot. All the horses and campers did a great job and the strides they all made were impressive!!!

Ally spent a good part of the time riding Licorice. What a team!!! Ally and Lic also christened the new jump standards this week and did a great job!

Natasha, joining us for 4 out of the 5 days, fell in love with Copper and also did a great job with Lacey. Her leg position was so much better than it used to be and although she owed me a soda and chocolate on Friday, she did a great job!

Juliana came back to us and did lots of work with Lacey and Whinny. She learned to canter and although being a perfectionist and things didn't go her way all the time, she still had a smile on her face at the end of the week.

Alysha came to us as a newbie and worked on posting at the trot without holding on. Our goal for the week was to be able to do that and steer by the end of the week and she surpassed that! GREAT JOB!!

And last but certainly not least, Sierra joined us again for another round of camp. Everyone would agree that she did an amazing job!! For several camps, she had a walker next to her, but mid week, Klara heard about her doing lots of tumbles and such at cheerleading. When we heard that, Klara said, "NO MORE WALKERS!!" By the end of the week, Sierra was trotting on her own and even changing directions on the diagonal at the trot!!!!

Helpers Ashlee, Taylor, Amanda, Estella, Kara and Tara were on hand helping to make sure the barn chores got done and the campers were on time for lessons.

Estella did an amazing job creating a slide show that was viewed at the "show" Friday afternoon. Everyone was impressed!!

Next week are the more advanced kids: be prepared to work HARD!!!!

More Pics

Again, thank you Helen for taking these great shots!!!

New Missy Pics!!!

So the last time Helen Peppe was at the barn she took some pics of my girl. I was stunned when she emailed them to me. They are wonderful!!! Thank you, Helen, for taking them! As always, you have an amazing talent!!

Happy June!! Now, sign up for Camp!

Ok, it's really June and.....ugh...we are getting more rain today and the next two days. BUT the last few days have been great! I have been on Missy about 4 days per week and she's been an angel. :) Tex is slowly settling in and the rest of the ponies are the same.

Alright guys....you all have a week left of school....what does that mean?? SUMMER CAMP IS ON THE WAY!!!! If you haven't yet signed up for a week, DO SO NOW!!!! The weeks are filling up, and there are only 8 slots per week, so get a move on!

We had great fun with you all during our Wednesday after school program and can't wait to see you all again soon! We have lots of fun things in store for the summer program, so get plenty of rest and start getting ready for camp!!

See you soon!

Rain, rain, go away.....

Man...talk about a chilly, rainy day!!! Brrrr!!!!!!!!!!! I checked the temp today on my way home from tha barn and it said 44*. Let me repeat that. 44*. UGH!!! I thought it was techinically summer, since it was Memorial Day just 2 days ago!!! Where did the nice, warm weather go??? BRING IT BACK!!!

Despite the crappy weather (yes, I said crappy) lessons went on as scheduled with the Wednesday program. The horses were a bit wound up at first, but settled in nicely. Everyone did a great job today and we are so proud of you girls!!!

Well, I haven't been able to have a true training ride on my girl in almost a week!! UGH!!! I had planned on a ride today, but given the weather, I decided it was bad enough she had to stand in it, I didn't want to make her work in it - not to mention I knew I would get wet enough teaching later on....So, today she had off. I did a short ride on her on Monday and it was basically a hack around the farm, as they were working on the arena footing.

Speaking of which, I LOVE THE FOOTING!!! Did anyone else notice how nice it was?? For those that don't know, 2 loads of sand were taken out and it was all smoothed over. It looked great and you don't feel like you are constantly walking in beach sand. I think it will be better for the horses to jump in later. (Although, I'm still hoping for my jump field....) I can't wait to get my girl in there on Friday - depending of course on the weather.

Ok, that's enough for me for now. One more week to go in the Wednesday program and then the countdown to Summer Camps begins!!!

If you haven't already, make sure you sign up for your week soon! Spots are limited and going fast!

Hello! Goodbye....

Ok, so change of plans....Tex won't be coming back after all. Due to some extenuating circumstances, Tex will remain where he is for a while longer. What is the one rule we stress at WBF?? Anyone???

SAFETY!!!!

Tex remained a safety risk and therefore cannot return to the farm. However, the horses we have at the farm are great and we will keep them all safe - and in turn will keep us ALL safe!

See you Wednesday!

May?!

Ok, ok....here I am. After several requests I am updating my blog. I'm sorry to keep my faithful readers wondering and guessing. I've been rather busy lately and I apologize for not updating sooner!

Ok, so what has happened in the last month....let's see....April Vacation! For those that were there, we had a BLAST! Lots of time in the saddle, learning about the Farrier and what he does, as well as a trip to Dunkin Donuts were some of the highlights! ALL of our campers did a great job and as usual, the Show Off went well! Parents and friends were on hand to witness everyone's big and little accomplishments! Well done!

The following week began our after school lesson program with the Portland schools. We have 7 riders and they have all been doing a great job! We have Veronica, Emma, Max, Brickley, Natasha, Molly and Bethany joining us and it's wonderful to see the beginners learn something new and the more intermediate riders enhance their skills. :)

In case anyone is wondering about Missy, I will let you know her progress. She has been getting better and better. She really enjoys being out of the ring, and is more cooperative when we are in the ring. Every ride has been different and for her, that is the key. I have gone into a pasture and done some w/t/c and although she is fast (one of her ways to avoid working), she is moving which is more than I can say for a month ago! I have also taken her up Canter Hill a few times and of course, like the other ponies, she has loved that, too. By the summer camp season, a few advanced riders may get the chance to ride her if she continues on her good stretch. I'm hoping by then we can go into the ring all the time and have her nice and slow.

Saturday May 17th we said goodbye to Red. Redman has gone to his new home in Raymond and we hope he will be very happy there. We will certainly miss him. But on a happy note, Tex has come back to us! I personally am looking forward to working with him again and I know my students have missed him.

Wow....this is a book! Enjoy your last few weeks in school and get ready for some serious riding this summer!!!

Until next time....

April Vacation Camp starts with a bang!!!

With a day that was sunny and mild, we started our April Vacation Camp. All eight girls were eager to begin riding and ride they did. Four riders at a time got on a horse in the ring while the other four either walked beside the riders or watched from outside the ring. The first horses used were Whinny, Jelly, Lacey and Red. All four ponies did a great job and so did the riders. It was a nice warm up.

Next, Joey, Copper, Licorice and our new addition Emma were worked. Emma was in the round pen with one rider while the others were in the arena with 3 more riders. All horses were good, if only a bit grouchy towards the end.

Riders Ally, Ashlee, Emma, Sierra, Natasha, Taylor, Brickley, and Molly did a great job for their first day of camp, each having 3 rides in all. That's about 90 minutes in the saddle!!!

The rest of the week will be learning about farriers and we will watch a farrier do his job! Other activities will include crafts, movies, a trip to Dunkin Donuts, and of course more riding!

Thanks to Amanda, Tara and Estella for all of your hard work today!!!

Website correction for photos

Here is the correct URL for the slideshow....

http://s394.photobucket.com/albums/pp26/wbfmgr/?albumview=slideshow

Slideshow on website

Just an FYI that the slideshow on the main website has been updated. Go take a look today!

www.wilsonbrookfarm.com

Happy Easter!

It's the day before Easter and all through the barn

Not a creature was stirring not even the.....yarn

Ok, so a poet I am not. LOL At any rate, I hope the Easter Bunny is good to you all!!

The weather has been great lately - for the most part - and I have enjoyed seeing the main barn ponies interact with the others again. Of course, with that goes all the arguing and figuring out the pecking order again, so there have been some interesting moments. It seems for a day or two Missy and "Big Bertha" (aka Whinnie) were best friends. Follwed the other day by Missy being picked on by Jelly. Go figure. The smallest pony at the barn intimidates my mare.

Speaking of Missy, I had one day of some serious training. It was great until she got tired and then pulled her usual antics, but she did well and I can't wait to get back on!

Klara has been riding Antje lately and I'm so happy for her. I really hope the two of them can do some dressage shows and lots of trail riding. I would love to see them in the show ring, although I know showing isn't her thing - it's mine.

I hope all of you had a great time at today's Adopt a Horse session! April Vacation Camp is coming up!

Happy Easter!!

Until next time.....

Update

A difficult decision was made this morning with regards to the farm. Sadly, all of the horses had to be sold or given back to their owners. Antje and Zef are leaving next week for Holland. I am no longer employed there and everyone is upset about the situation. Even Sammy and Sasha seem to feel the sadness. They were rather mopey today.

The barns will be torn down, the pastures will be un-fenced, and the ring will be filled with rocks. I feel simply awful for the whole thing and I feel so badly for Klara. All that work we did Saturday......
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**april fools**

Pictures 3/28/09 Here they are!

WBF Cleans Up!

Well, even though the weather wasn't as nice as I would have wanted it, we got a lot done on the farm today. I think everyone had a good time and everyone pitched in!! Thank you all for your help!!! Unfortunately, there is still lots to do. Amanda........ :)

The rides went well, too. Everyone (including the instructors!) got on a pony and went for a ride! I will be sure to have pics up within the next few days....keep checking back!

Our next event at WBF is our April Vacation Camp! We currently have 9 girls signed up!!! This should prove a great beginning to our season! To those who have signed up, we can't wait to see you!!! For those who have not signed up, we only have one spot left, so hurry!! Time's a wastin'!

Thanks again to our girls who showed up today:

Ashlee
Adela
Ally
Amanda
Emily
Emma
Estella
Savannah

And of course, thanks to Klara for providing lunch!!

UPCOMING EVENT - SATURDAY 3/28

Ok guys, here's the deal:

Saturday, March 28th from 11-5 we will be having our 2nd Adopt-a-Horse day as well as the Spring Clean up day. We will be cleaning from about 11-1 and then will have lunch (provided) and then some pony fun. PLEASE be prepared to work hard and have just as much fun. Also, be sure to DRESS APPROPRIATELY!!!! It looks to be a rather mild day, so dress in layers so you can take off or put on sweaters and such as necessary. And make sure you have your boots!!!!

Looking forward to Saturday!

Happy Birthday!!!

Today was supposed to be a good day. After all, it's my birthday...and no, I'm not telling you how old I am. Suffice it to say I feel about a good 10-15 years younger than I am. At any rate, I went to the barn per usual on this fine Thursday afternoon. Life was great. got the chores done and Amanda and I tacked up Whinnie (i.e. Big Bertha) and Missy for a hack up and down the driveway. Life was great.....until it was time to bridle Missy.

Before I continue on with what happened next, let me just say that this is the 2nd birthday in a row that I got injured. Last year, Zef bit me. This year....well....my beautiful.....sweet...lovable mare.....stepped on me. And let me tell you (and you can ask Amanda) I yelled. A lot. Loudly. BUT I continued on my path and finished tacking her up. Amanda boarded BB and I then hobbled around and got on Missy.

The ride was nice, although Missy was a bit of a handful. I think she's getting used to the hacks up and down the road. BB wasn't bad. She had pep in her step at times and was her lazy self other times.

The lesson I learned today: stay way from the farm on my birthday.

Happy St Patrick's Day!!!

We're half way thru March already!!! WOW!!!!

The weather has been great so I have been starting some of the spring projects I have on my list. My very looooong list. The first project is to fork all the manure (aka "barn salt") that I spread earlier in the year to make a safer path from red barn to round pen. It worked great, but now it's time to put it where it goes. I also took about a kubota full of manure out of the round pen - not that you can tell now! Oh well.....

March 28th is our next Adopt-a-Horse day!! Given that it was also supposed to be our Spring Clean Up day, be prepared to do some WORK that day, too!!! If you can, bring some lawn/garden tools to help out!!! We have A LOT of work to do to make the farm ready for spring and summer fun!!!!

I rode Missy the other day....it was so nice. We tried to go in the snow, but it was too deep, so we turned around and just did the driveway/road. It was a great workout for her, though, with all the hills. I plan on doing a lot more of that in the coming weeks so I can try to build up her hind end.

That's all I have for now....until next time.....

Congrats Klara and Bill!!!!

(above photo courtesy Kim Graham)

Congrats go to Bill and Klara on their wedding!!! It was a beautiful day and the evening was wonderful. We had a great time and I couldn't be happier for the two of them. MUAH!!

Wishing them all the best!!!!

Today's Art Project

Ok, so I've been wanting to do something for the horses in the main barn by way of name plates. I found it.

Last night, we went to Walmart and bought supplies and today I made the 4 ponies their very own nameplates....sort of. they have their initial, but it gives them something, anyway. here are the finished products.....

And here is Missy's up close....

I hadn't planned on painting them black first. In fact, i had planned on the letters being black, but things didn't turn out that way. I like them this way, I think. Now, I hvae to figure an easy, safe way to hang them on the stall doors.....

Guess What We Got.....

So I have the best hubby in the world.....look what he made for us!!!!!





That's right!!! We have another set!!!! And he's working on a third set, but he needs some more materials. I can't wait until spring/summer now!!!!

Enough Already!!!!

Ok, I don't know about you, but I'm DONE with winter. I mean really.....why do we need so much snow?? Is it to remind us that we live in Maine, because honestly, I don't need a reminder. Is it to help us appreciate the warm weather more? Trust me when I say I appreciate it plenty. Really. After all, I'm praying for it. So why all the snow?

I swear, in a former life I lived in Mexico or Florida....

I hate being cold, I hate the cold wind, I hate frozen water buckets, I hate slipping on the ice....I like wearing short sleeve shirts and jeans without thermal underwear. I like sweating without freezing when the wind crawls underneath the back of my sweater...need I go on??

The ponies don't seem to mind, unless it's windy, then I don't think they care too much for the winter, either. Thankfully, they have nice warm coats, so I don't worry too much. I will admit that it's kind of fun watching them frolick in the snow; rolling, running, kicking up their heels. It really is fun to watch. God knows they have plenty now to froklick in.....*enter grumble here*

Rather than ending on a negative note - yes, I realize this blog entry has much negativity - I will look on the bright side....only 25 more days until it's officially Spring!! :)

What's in a Name?

Alright, guys, this pony needs a new name. Yes, I know - we've tried this before. Lucy just didn't stick. But you know...Jelly isn't right, either. So, let's take a poll and see what we can think of. Here are the options. Please reply BY COMMENT BELOW . Tell your friends and other regulars to come check out her pics and vote! Her new name will be revealed at our next gathering in March!!

a. Oreo

b. Daisy

c. Princess

d. Other (write your suggestion here!): ____________________

Have fun and be creative!!

Upcoming Events at WBF!!!

Hi all!!

Just wanted to let you know of a few things to think about for the next few months:

~ Feb 18 - half day mini camp 12-4pm
~ March 21 - 2nd Adopt-a-Horse day 10-12pm
~ March 28 - WBF Spring Clean Up Day 10-5pm
~ April 4 - Rain/Snow Date for Spring Clean Up Day 10-5pm
~ April 20-24 - April Vacation Camp 2009 9-3:30pm

More information about the Spring Clean Up Day is coming. We are also thinking about doing a parade in New Gloucester on Memorial Day, but it's not definite. A few things need to be worked through first.

Please let me and Klara know if you have any questions or concerns. :)

Stay warm!!

February Vacation Afternoon Camp - sign up now!

Hi guys!!

Wednesday, Feb 18th, I will be holding a camp from 12-4. Cost is $25 and may include some riding time, given the right footing.

The day will include:

~ grooming time
~ work in the round pen
~ learning about horse ailments and illness

I alone will be conducting all parts of this day camp, so if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me, either here or via email.

Surprise!!!

Let me tell you that I was not expecting the surprise I got from Bill and Klara last Friday.

It started last Wednesday when out of the blue, Klara says to me, "I've got a surprise for you! You'll get it Friday." Now, I have a rather impatient personality, meaning that when someone says that and expects me to WAIT PATIENTLY until then, well, let's just say I have a hard time.

For the next two days, I thought and thought. What could it be? I had no clue. And why was I getting a surprise? Again, no clue.

Friday comes and I go about doing the normal, then that evening Bill, Klara, and Estella came over for dinner. After a rough start to the evening, we all sat down for dinner. All was going well and then suddenly Klara announces, "So Bill and I have been talking about you...." of course, my first thought was "Oh no..." As she continues, I get butterflies in my belly. "Because of all the hard work arond the farm and all the extra stuff, we wanted to give you something special. Free leasing Missy."

I froze. Literally.

"Are you joking?" I asked.

"No," Klara responded.

After a few moments of shock, I realized that I now am free leasing a horse. A gray mare (something I always swore I would never have - but wouldn't trade for the world!) who I have fallen in love with over the last 9 mos since she has been with us.

I am so in love with this horse and I am looking forward to doing LOTS of training with her. Wish us luck!

Today's Little Adventure....Naughty Ponies

*sigh* Picture this.....

It's cold. Very cold. Windy, cold and I just want to get the horses out so I could go home and get Victoria on the bus. Winter barn horses got out with no issues. I then head up to the main barn. Antje and Red go out first. I always take 2 at a time, but usually Zef and Missy get out first. At any rate, on the way to the round pen, Zef and Missy decided to prance and just be silly. Once we got to the round pen, I opened the door, and unhooked the lead from her halter. I pulled her so she was almost in, then let go, thinking she would just go in. (Note that Zef was still attached to the lead behind her and on the other side of her.) Unfortunately, Missy had other ideas.

Away from the round pen she went. I tried to get her, but she turned away from me and I ended up falling in the snow. (Grrrrr....) Of course, since Missy was going on an adventure, Zef wanted to go, too. I couldn't hold onto the lead so he and Missy decided to trot away and had some fun in the driveway. Then, before I knew it, Zef decides the big snow banking at the top of the path leading to the outdoor looks like great fun. Over he scrambles. And Missy follows.

Next thing I know, they are headed off down the path. Meanwhile, the round pen is still not hooked. Over to it I run, then I went to the barn to get a carrot. I run to the pasture at the winter barn and lo and behold, Zef and Missy are there, saying hello to the others. Luckily, I got Zef first, then got Missy. Otherwise, it would have taken me a lot longer to get them.

I cursed them all the way back up the driveway. They were very naughty ponies.

On the flip side, the tack room and grain area got a bit of a makeover. :) I love the way it looks and I hope Bill and Klara like it, too!

Until next time.....

More snow?! Ugh!

Yep, you read right. We got more snow. Of course, that would have been a surprise only if you had been living under a rock for the last two weeks. Since I know you don't , you have seen, probably dealt with, all the white stuff piling high. What a pain!!! Give me spring!!!

Amanda is doing a great job at the farm! Her work ethic seems to be great and I appreciate her help.

Today, I got on Missy. :D I cannot tell you how great that felt! I'm still flying high! She used her new bridle, but I'm not sure the bit fits. I measured it with the other bit she's been using and it seemed the same, but when I looked at it in her mouth, I'm not sure. I'll have to get Klara to look at it for a 2nd opinion. At any rate, we had a great time. We walked up and down the driveway and I could just feel how happy she was. I cannot wait to start her under saddle training again!

Sunday, we head to Portland for the United Way Summer Champ Camp Fair. With any luck, we'll get people to sign up that day! I need to update the brochures and get them printed.

Anyway, the next session is in March. (why did we skip Feb???) Couple of reminders: PLEASE!!! Dress warmly!!! By then the weather may have changed so make sure to dress in layers!!! AND NO SNEAKERS!!!! Assume we will be riding! We all know how to dress appropriately! If proper footwear is not worn, you will not be allowed to get on a horse, bareback or not!!!

Ok, I'm off my soapbox now. :) Keep warm!! See you in March!

New Pictures!

Hi guys!

This is going to be short, as the ponies are waiting for me....

Yesterday I took some new pics of the ponies and the farm. I am including the link to the new slideshow. Hope you enjoy - and please comment to let me know you saw it!

http://s394.photobucket.com/albums/pp26/wbfmgr/?albumview=slideshow

Have a great day!

First Adopt-a-Horse Session

Today was the first session and the five girls - Ashley, Taylor, Savannah, Emily and Ally - who showed up did well! We learned some parts of the horse and even discussed part of my last blog. Then, given the nice weather - albeit cold - we took Joey and Jelly into the arena and barebacked. The ponies did well for not having a rider on their back in a few months! i think the girls did, too. Of course, watching Savannah 'fall' off Jelly was rather hysterical.

Please be on the lookout for an updated slideshow on the website. When I get my act together, I plan on bringing my camera and taking some pics of the horses in the snow.

Our newest addition to the WBF family, Amanda, was also there and it was great to meet her. She will be at the barn to help out, working under my supervision, in exhange for some time in the saddle....once the weather gets better, of course! At any rate, welcome Amanda! I look forward to working with you!

This week begins my Wednesday sessions with Kylie and Emma. I am very excited about this. The first part of our sessions will be focused on the horse and learning the parts, feeding, first aid and other important issues.

For those who didn't make today's session, we hope to see you next time! Stay warm, and stay safe!

Baby, It's Cooold Outside!

Wow! If you have been outside at all lately, you know that it's COLD. And I don't mean just a little uncomfortable, I mean freeze-your-nose-hairs cold. Yowza! It has made doing chores a bit tricky, as the Kubota won't start and of course the ever present frozen water buckets. Nonetheless the horses need to get out and they need to have hay - and lots of it! - and water.

There are several ways to keep a horse nice and cozy when it's cold out and here are three of the main ways:

1) offer shelter - if a covered area cannot be offered, a tree will be good, too.
2) blanketing - this is good for thin (malnourished) horses and those horses that shiver and are older who can't produce enough insulation with their own hair.
3) free choice hay - this is by far the best thing for them. By giving them additional hay, their body will work more to digest the hay and will therefore warm the horse from the inside.

I opted for choice #3. Well, kind of. Although, they do not have hay in front of them all the time, I did give them more hay at lunch and an extra flake for dinner. it woudl be great to have some beet pulp or forage extender to mix with hot water as a nice mash for dinner, but we don't have any and there is no hot water in the barn.

At any rate, things are good at WBF. We are looking forward to seeing everyone on Saturday for our first Adopt-a-Horse session. Be on the lookout for a new helper, Amanda. She has been riding for a couple of years and is a welcome addition to the farm! Welcome, Amanda!

Say goodbye....

Well, as of today two ponies have left the farm. Snow has gone to a place where hopefully someone can deal with her......idiosynchrosies. Tex has gone to Bill and Klara's friend's Sue and Clint's house (where Missy came from). With any luck, he will come back a new pony.

It's sad when we have to say goodbye to ponies, but in these two cases, it truly was for the best. In one of the cases it was becoming a safety issue and that is simply not acceptable. At WBF, our main concern is everyone's safety. We cannot have unsafe ponies for our riders and therefore a tough decision had to be made.

Tomorrow, we go back to work and school. YAY! I can't wait to see the ponies tomorrow and get back to doing what I love to do.

Don't forget: Next Saturday is the first day of our Adopt-a-Horse winter program!! The ponies will love the attention and we will love getting to see all of you!

Zeffy - Captured in a Painting!

This is what I got Klara for Christmas. It's a Graphite painting of Zef. Debbie Flood, a Maine artist from Belfast, did the commission and I'm so pleased at how it turned out. I think it really captures his power and strength and beauty. She did an amazing job - Thank you, Debbie! You can view Debbie's other work at her website http://www.debfloodart.com/ . Here are Debbie's own words about the painting: "Thank you for giving me the chance to paint him, Wendy! This is a young Friesian Colt, Zefiros Van Der WilsonBrook. I so enjoyed painting this one, it is Graphite on 11 x 13 Strathmore drawing paper. This horse resides on a wonderful farm here in Maine. You can check out his home here: http://www.wilsonbrookfarm.com & Wendy has a neat Blog here: http://trainerwendy.blogspot.com She's a certified riding Instructor at this farm."

The ground is pretty well frozen and the horses slip and slide during turn out and turn in. I feel compelled to fix the problem and may work on it a bit this afternoon. It's simply not safe for man nor equine.

This week, I start my On the Ground lessons with Kylie. I'm so excited. I've missed her shining face at the barn. Between grooming, learning about feeding and other barn management things, I'm sure we'll discover a lot in the coming weeks.

Hope you all are looking forward to coming up in a couple of weeks. It should be lots of fun and the horses I'm sure will love the attention.

Happy New Year!

Well, it's officially 2009!!! I expect this year to be just as good - if not better! - than 2008.

It was nice to hang out with Klara and her family last night. No worries, no stalls to clean or horses to feed, but just hanging out. We don't often get a chance to do that so it was nice to just BE with each other as friends, rather than business associates.

I bought Missy her halter...again. The first one I bought was too big for her. So, I went to Adam's Horse Supply and got another one - this one was cheaper, so I got a matching lead to go with it. :) I love spoiling that girl!

We are looking forward to the first Saturday where we all gather with our adopted ponies and have some fun. I know the ponies will love the attention!

Wishing you all the very best and most fulfilled new years!