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.....