Luxury Accommodations

We now have 2-12x12 foot stalls in our garage. It was time for Divine to be turned-out into a larger area. The vets at Tufts had recommended an area of approximately 20x20. Since this is New England,there's lots of snow and ice on the ground. We didn't want to jeopardize the healing of her knee, so decided to convert some of our large garage into her new turnout area. It was designed with a swinging gate across the middle. The gate is open during the day, which provides a large area for Divine. At night we close the gate, and have 2-12x12 stalls. Divine stays in one, and Fancy gets to sleep in the other. My sister Emmy gave us all the panels and a gate for the enclosure, so all we had to buy were the stall matts. Divine and Fancy seem to be enjoying all the space--in our barn the stalls are 10x10! Our 2 cars, and the truck still fit in the garage. We just have to be careful not to keep the engines running!

Guess What you are Doing---

You're wearing long underwear, flannel lined jeans, tee-shirt, turtleneck, sweatshirt, down vest, wool socks, your warmest boots, gloves and a hat. If you guessed watching a polo game in January, in New England, you are correct. Tom and I went to watch the final game of an arena polo tournament being held at Shallowbrook Equestrian Center. Fortunately, we always cheer for both sides. If we had to pick sides it would have been a slight dilemma, as Mark and Jenn were on opposing teams. The game was very exciting. The scores went back and forth by 1 point, with the final score being 11 to 10. Marks team made the final goal. All the horses played very well. It was the first time I had seen Eva, Tequila, and Trick since their move to Shallowbrook. They looked great, and Eva especially, was outstanding. We look forward to more polo matches this winter. Will have to be sure that the long underwear and wool socks are handy!

Dedicated Walker

Divine Brown (DB) is still on stall rest, following her knee surgery. She does get to be hand walked 15 minutes daily. It snowed yesterday and today, but that didn't hinder Tom giving DB her walk!

New Years Resolutions

I was asked today what my New Years Resolution was going to be. I haven't thought about it, seeing as in the past when I have made these promises, they are always broken by the end of the week! When I started to ponder the idea of making a resolution for this year, I came-up with many things-not just one. Some of my thoughts were: to lose weight, and exercise more(this is standard,and has never happened. I also want to ride more often, and participate in more horse related activities. I've already started some of those. I have been elected Chairperson for the Barre Riding and Driving Club Spring Fun Show. Somehow, I was also elected club spokesperson, which will involve writing articles about club activities for the newspapers and horse magazines. While I'm writing, I want to also submit more articles to the media regarding the horrors of horse slaughter, and what humane options there are for unwanted horses. I am also thinking about getting my riding instructors license. We have a big riding ring, and lots of quiet horses. It might be fun to teach some beginners about horses and riding. Then theres books to read, and reread. I hate to brag, but I have an enormous library of horse-related books. About a third, I've never read. Some other ideas for resolutions don't involve things to do, but ways to act. I want to be less judgemental of people, to think before I open my mouth, and to not over-react to so many things. So what do you, my readers, hope to accomplish in 2010? Is it horse related? Personal goals? I'll wish you luck, if you'll wish me luck!!! Happy New Year!!