Today after working with 2 nice Morgans in Evansville, I visited my mentor Pat Fitzgerald and rode Catcha. Catcha is has a very sweet personality, and has beautiful movement to go along with her flashy color. It took a bit for me to adjust to her trot – she’s got the oomph of a big warmblood, even in that slightly deep sand! A young girl (age 9 maybe?) has been riding her with the hunter group as well, and Catcha is learning to jump, does flying lead …

Here are some video snippets of yesterday’s trail ride with Don the Andalusian. I’m riding one handed as I film these, and they are “uncut”, simply because I don’t know how to edit them. Please forgive me for the occasional repetition.
You can hear Don’s fabulous walking stride. He was relaxed and steady for most of our ride, and brave in the “scary” parts.

This one shows the beautiful pasture where Rainy lives with her friends. I love walking up that enormous hill to get Rainy for our …

Here Melissa (Ignite Your Voice) and I are dancing to the wonderful drumming and singing at Colleen’s party. It was a beautiful gathering, and at the end the mosquitoes came on full force. My “Safe for Human Use” natural bug and mosquito repellent (for horses) proved completely ineffective, so we headed for the Union Terrace later that night.
Colleen is the one standing behind the lovely flower-petal cupcakes Happy Birthday, Colleen!
click the “play” arrow to see video

I’m pleased to be taking some riding lessons from Bobbie McDonald out at Saddle Ridge. And I’m using Don as my trusty steed (Thank you, Don.) He is physically gifted and a bit green at some of these things, although not as green as I am. We shot video of it, which was also helpful because I could blatantly see why I need these riding lessons! Bobbie was clear and encouraging, and I felt and saw results. I’ll see her next week, same time.

TCLB
Thanks to good friends, I recently found out about this talented band and wanted to let y’all know about them. Original songs, and if you’ve never seen a violinist plug it in and use the “wah-wah” pedal…. it’s amazing.
From their press page: “Contradictory (their first album) is a collaboration of lively and talented musicians….if your attention isn’t caught by the soothing vocals, great acoustics, or funny lyrics, then you, my friend, should check to see if you’re still breathing.”-Veronica Ramos Space City Rock Houston, TX
The …

Okay, if you haven’t had a good laugh yet today, watch these videos. Diesel does a pretty good job, and after seeing these videos, I can see why he complains. I look ENORMOUS on him! I’m a light 5′8″, honestly. It’s so funny with the helmet, boots, gloves, and this professional trainer, towering over this cute little mule, in a western saddle, no less. I think he will be great (and look great too) with younger and smaller riders. Thank you, Diesel, for …

Have you been in Absolutely Art yet? It’s wonderful! And it’s next door to Cafe Zoma, so you can get a sandwich or coffee and see their rotating art exhibit as well. Here’s a little clip of Jeanne Ross, an amazing artist in her own right, hanging my prints on the wall for display. Absolutely Art is located at 2322 Atwood Ave. Madison, WI 53704. Click here to see their website.

Diesel has made lots of progress since he arrived. He drives outside nicely and he has been riding walk, trot, and canter indoors. He prefers driving to riding, but he is a good sport under saddle anyways. I’ve got to get some footage of us riding, because we are quite a sight!
Diesel will go home early July. I’d like to find someone to board their mini with Rowdy for company or find a mini to take in for training when Diesel goes home.

I am so honored to be working with this horse for a couple of weeks. We will do some
riding and driving, and I’ll spend time with him on the trails to build his confidence and improve his fitness. Mentor Pat Fitzgerald will give me some lessons on him, and among other things, I will learn to ride with my shoulders BACK. Wouldn’t that make it a prettier picture?
This is the first time I’ve ridden Don. In the first video (above), after about a minute …

A very special gathering occurred thanks to Melissa bringing wonderful friends together for a birthday party. There was music, drumming, and dancing, and at the end of the night almost everyone was making hilarious impromptu skits with sock puppets. (My personal dream come true!) Melissa is a talented life coach and you can visit her beautiful site by clicking here.