Outside My Window

Its the end of February 2010. We had rain and snow all week. It seems like everyone has had enough of this weather, and is getting Spring fever. I try not to get too hopeful, as this is New England. About this time of year I start to think about, and get excited about, the upcoming riding season. My desk/computer is next to a window that looks out at our riding ring, and it is such a tease, calling me to get on a horse and ride! I day-dream about upcoming horse shows, trail rides, gymkhanas, polo matches, and just being outside all day "playing with horses". Every year I tell myself that this will be the year that I ride more often, and try something new. This year I have decided to try playing polo.Last weekend Tom and I participated in the Sweethearts Tournament at Shallowbrook. There were 8 teams of 4. It was very low-key, only walk/trot. Our teammates had never ridden until the night before the game. We didn't make it into the finals, but had a blast. After the game was a fabulous dinner, and awards. We will definately sign-up for next years tournament. Maybe, by then I'll be able to hit the ball!!

For Sale

Beginner safe, brown and white pinto gelding (I think!) 6 hands high. Easy keeper. Goes barefoot. Age unknown. Shipping not available. Purchased from Pier One Imports for $85. Asking $35

Little Miss Nosey

Clothes Horse

Tequila is back home for a couple months of "rest and relaxation". Mark must have packed her suitcase quickly, because she arrived with only a halter, and 2 very thin sheets! She doesn't get very warm and fuzzy in the cold weather, so being the "good mother" that I am, I just HAD to buy her a new winter blanket. My blanket buying process is as follows: First, measure horse for size. She is a size 74. Then, decide how much money I want to spend which is usually not enough! Next, choose a color. Finally, add the few extra things I prefer in a blanket. I happen to like the clasp-type chest buckles and a european-style neck. The brands I like are Weatherbeeta, Tuff Rider, and McAlister. The first place I always check-out is eBay. Our farm "colors" are green and brown, I want to spent no more than $60 (that has to include shipping), and the blanket has to be waterproof, and warm. I type all these criteria into the computer, and, surprize, surprize, come up with nothing. I then make the 1/2hour trip to the closest tack shop. There I confirm my previous finding that I will need to get a 3rd job to buy one there! I always hope they'll have a "Super Discount Sale". Next, I check Craigs List, and then I'm back on the computer. Typing in my criteria, and several variations, the search result finally come up with SmartPak Equine. Now I hate to sound silly, but I refuse to buy anything from them, no matter what the price. They have the AQHA as one of their promoters, and the AQHA is the largest financial and political backer of horse slaughter. Just a plug, but last year, over 130,000 american horses were shipped to Mexico and Canada. The #1 breed is the QH.
Well, back to my story. Several hours later over the course of a couple of days, I end up buying Tequila's blanket at StateLine Tack. Its size 75, has a regular neckline, chest buckles, and the color is Hollyberry. At least it's warm--300 grams of filling, a WeatherBeeta, waterproof, fits her very well, and, including shipping, was $59.99! Its matches her chesnut color very well--so well, I think I'll buy new blankets for everyone!!

Sex on the Beach

Not really--but I caught your attention!
Tom and I got to see something new last week. Mark had been invited to play polo as a team member of Myopia Polo. The game was held in Newport, on Second Beach. Of course, Tom and I got lost getting there, but didn't miss Mark playing his 2 chukkers. Fortunately we did miss having to tack-up Trick and Eva. Condidering the footing, and the slant of the beach, it was an interesting game to watch. Hoofprints made holes in the sand, so the ball would get caught, and it was hard to line up the ball for shots. Halftime had to be abbreviated because "Hurry-up with those horses, The tide is coming in fast!" There was a huge audience. I think lots of people had come to the beach to get some exercise, and ended-up wandering over to watch the game. All in all, it was a fun, and fast game. Jenn was also playing arena polo nearby at Glen Farm, so we quickly loaded the horses in the trailer. Unfortunately, we missed her game against Vassar. I was glad we got to experience polo on the beach, but I doubt Mark will do it again. He was too worried about the horses hurting their legs in the sand. Oh, by the way; the other team was Newport, and they won, with a final score of 2-1.