I have had the crud. Everything slowed down because I wasn't at my top level. Everyone gave me well-wishes and that always helps.
The sun is shining outside (where I want to be) and I drink hot drinks while thinking of REAL illnesses. I know about some of those so can look forward, during this little 'suffering', to healing quickly and, actually, rather easily.
I guess I am being Pollyannaish; counting my blessings.
I dislike that trait. I don't want to count my blessings; I want to count my trials. That way I know I have Faith that God doesn't need me to 'run things'--that running in my peak times is a wonderful gift...and so should be running in my difficulties.
Glad to be alive and knowing the difference between BIG deals and LITTLE deals! Keeping my whinewhinewhine to myself and appreciating the time and space I am allowed to heal.
When we see our Horses taking that one more stride; going the extra mile ; reaching for the extra lift over a jump; building muscle with the exercise increased from day to day, we talk about: increasing their 'bottom'.
So, when I am sick, I try to accept that I am increasing my endurance...reaching my new 'bottom'.
I hope this note today finds all of you well. Happy trails today, wfh
Monday, March 8, 2010
Monday, March 1, 2010
RIDING THE BALANCED SEAT
WHY DO IT?
If you want to make your Coach happy--TRY TO DO IT! If you want to have a 'happy' horse--ASK IT TO TRY TO ACHIEVE IT!
The balanced seat is the beginning of mounted co-operation between the Horse and the Rider.
Think about this: the Horse can shiver a fly or bug off its coat/skin; how sensitive is that? Yet some people seem proud of "de-sensitizing" their Horse! Why would any animal or human want to be entered into "dead" actions? (Futz on that I say!)
Oh, I think I understand what they mean to imply but training a Horse to trust the human's judgement in a frightening situation is not the same as sensitive responses to the Rider's requests.
The goal of keeping the Horse sensitive to the Rider's requests, to form the two into a co-active unit with the least amount of spent energy, should be a major goal. The Rider should always be aware of the Horse's natural instinct to flee from fearful encounters.
A Rider should not want to 'make' a Horse "light"; a Rider should want to NOT interfere in the Horse's natural Lightness!
A balanced seat produces a balanced load for the Horse to carry. The Horse learns to trust that the Rider will not unbalance its carriage or its ground-concussion, thereby gaining the freedom to go forward in a regulated and cadenced manner.
CONCLUSION ONE: the Horse cannot become athletically balanced until the Rider is athletically balanced--and--vice versus.
So, it follows that while a Horse is being schooled to respond to aids and cues and to physically develop its rate, stride, suspension and suppleness, the Rider should also be developing his/her skills--on a TRAINED Horse. (The trained, schooler Horse is the Coach's best friend, these wonderful animals have learned to EXCUSE the struggling Rider and just continue along their way, trusting the Coach!).
Thus the old saying: "green Horse/green Rider= failure" proves to be true.
CONCLUSION TWO: the Horse and the Rider must be capable of mounted work BEFORE being put to it together. This conclusion demands both physical and mental training and conditioning. This is why the art of Horsemastery (willing co-operation) takes time and consistency.
Next point: about degree of training: most Riders just pile onto the saddle (which may or maynot fit and/or be placed in the proper position upon the Horse) then they bounce about until they land in a heap of some stability, whereupon the Horse learns to balance them and carry their bunden,as they are best able.
Over time the Rider and the Horse find an agreed-to balance between themselves.
THIS DOES NOT MEAN THEY HAVE REACHED THE BEST BALANCE POSSIBLE.
AND IT DOES NOT MEAN THAT THEY WILL ADVANCE BEYOND THIS ACHIEVED LEVEL.
However: all Riders do not seek discipline beyond basic levels of contentment! In other words: not everyone wants to be a trained member of the Ballet. Many are content to Dance for joy and pleasure (immediate expression)!
For those Riders who want more training, precise timing and mental/physical ability--they must understand technique and must train their muscles/nerves and must include patience in their disciplines.
Think of the hours a skater spends learning to glide without effort, learning to leap at the just-right moment, trusting her partner to do his best when she is thrown out over the ice...just pause and see that mentally. Hours and hours, why does she do it? (and him too, why does he?) And those Olympians have Coaches, very able, highly disciplined Coaches.
Move over (mentally) to the Dressage performance pair or to the horse/rider combo approaching the jump or to the rider setting up for reining patterns demonstrations. The same long hours in the saddle were spent, the same disciplines of muscle/mental controls were established...all...for the love of the work! All for the love of the goal and the possibility of the achievement.
And--if the competition is medium to upper levels--they PROBABLY had an educated Coach to lead them to this point!
They probably did NOT teach themselves or train their Horses alone.
So.
As we go forward in these "Lessons" set your goals firmly in your mind; take no more discipline than you desire, NEVER lose your pleasure in being with the Horse; and remember that your goals (dreams) can prove to be beyond your talents or your horse's talents, so acceptance of the highest level of achievement must always be the ULTIMATE goal!
If you 'want it' and your horse 'likes it' then you can try to 'do it'. If you can't reach the goal, after you have accepted the work and discipline and talent involved; perhaps you should find happiness with the highest level actually achieved.
PLEASE...do not blame your Horse...or quit too soon and blame yourself ! I have seen instances where adjusting the placement of the saddle or developing a specific exercise has made the difference in the solution to a problem.
There is NEVER a moment, in training, for anger or cruelty or overt force--if the Rider cannot Love the Horse's condition then s/he SHOULD not be engaged in this Art!
Remember: 'going for the gold' can bring on tears and frustrations and sadnesses as well as successes.
This blending of the Horse and Rider into a partnership has its challenges. But this goal is ALWAYS correct to people who just plain love horses! Coach
If you want to make your Coach happy--TRY TO DO IT! If you want to have a 'happy' horse--ASK IT TO TRY TO ACHIEVE IT!
The balanced seat is the beginning of mounted co-operation between the Horse and the Rider.
Think about this: the Horse can shiver a fly or bug off its coat/skin; how sensitive is that? Yet some people seem proud of "de-sensitizing" their Horse! Why would any animal or human want to be entered into "dead" actions? (Futz on that I say!)
Oh, I think I understand what they mean to imply but training a Horse to trust the human's judgement in a frightening situation is not the same as sensitive responses to the Rider's requests.
The goal of keeping the Horse sensitive to the Rider's requests, to form the two into a co-active unit with the least amount of spent energy, should be a major goal. The Rider should always be aware of the Horse's natural instinct to flee from fearful encounters.
A Rider should not want to 'make' a Horse "light"; a Rider should want to NOT interfere in the Horse's natural Lightness!
A balanced seat produces a balanced load for the Horse to carry. The Horse learns to trust that the Rider will not unbalance its carriage or its ground-concussion, thereby gaining the freedom to go forward in a regulated and cadenced manner.
CONCLUSION ONE: the Horse cannot become athletically balanced until the Rider is athletically balanced--and--vice versus.
So, it follows that while a Horse is being schooled to respond to aids and cues and to physically develop its rate, stride, suspension and suppleness, the Rider should also be developing his/her skills--on a TRAINED Horse. (The trained, schooler Horse is the Coach's best friend, these wonderful animals have learned to EXCUSE the struggling Rider and just continue along their way, trusting the Coach!).
Thus the old saying: "green Horse/green Rider= failure" proves to be true.
CONCLUSION TWO: the Horse and the Rider must be capable of mounted work BEFORE being put to it together. This conclusion demands both physical and mental training and conditioning. This is why the art of Horsemastery (willing co-operation) takes time and consistency.
Next point: about degree of training: most Riders just pile onto the saddle (which may or maynot fit and/or be placed in the proper position upon the Horse) then they bounce about until they land in a heap of some stability, whereupon the Horse learns to balance them and carry their bunden,as they are best able.
Over time the Rider and the Horse find an agreed-to balance between themselves.
THIS DOES NOT MEAN THEY HAVE REACHED THE BEST BALANCE POSSIBLE.
AND IT DOES NOT MEAN THAT THEY WILL ADVANCE BEYOND THIS ACHIEVED LEVEL.
However: all Riders do not seek discipline beyond basic levels of contentment! In other words: not everyone wants to be a trained member of the Ballet. Many are content to Dance for joy and pleasure (immediate expression)!
For those Riders who want more training, precise timing and mental/physical ability--they must understand technique and must train their muscles/nerves and must include patience in their disciplines.
Think of the hours a skater spends learning to glide without effort, learning to leap at the just-right moment, trusting her partner to do his best when she is thrown out over the ice...just pause and see that mentally. Hours and hours, why does she do it? (and him too, why does he?) And those Olympians have Coaches, very able, highly disciplined Coaches.
Move over (mentally) to the Dressage performance pair or to the horse/rider combo approaching the jump or to the rider setting up for reining patterns demonstrations. The same long hours in the saddle were spent, the same disciplines of muscle/mental controls were established...all...for the love of the work! All for the love of the goal and the possibility of the achievement.
And--if the competition is medium to upper levels--they PROBABLY had an educated Coach to lead them to this point!
They probably did NOT teach themselves or train their Horses alone.
So.
As we go forward in these "Lessons" set your goals firmly in your mind; take no more discipline than you desire, NEVER lose your pleasure in being with the Horse; and remember that your goals (dreams) can prove to be beyond your talents or your horse's talents, so acceptance of the highest level of achievement must always be the ULTIMATE goal!
If you 'want it' and your horse 'likes it' then you can try to 'do it'. If you can't reach the goal, after you have accepted the work and discipline and talent involved; perhaps you should find happiness with the highest level actually achieved.
PLEASE...do not blame your Horse...or quit too soon and blame yourself ! I have seen instances where adjusting the placement of the saddle or developing a specific exercise has made the difference in the solution to a problem.
There is NEVER a moment, in training, for anger or cruelty or overt force--if the Rider cannot Love the Horse's condition then s/he SHOULD not be engaged in this Art!
Remember: 'going for the gold' can bring on tears and frustrations and sadnesses as well as successes.
This blending of the Horse and Rider into a partnership has its challenges. But this goal is ALWAYS correct to people who just plain love horses! Coach
Friday, February 26, 2010
FARRIER CHECK LIST
Over the years; starting with six horses and "growing" a herd to over one hundred horses I have learned how to co-operate with Farriers, so they will actually return for more!
Standing on their heads, under horses, whacking away at them with hammer and nails just truly needs all the appreciation and assistance a Cowhand can offer! A cup of coffee and a few chuckles goes a long way on 'points' too!
The first Farrier I learned from was a fellow named James; he was about 5'5" and STRONG. He roamed around the pack ranches shoeing strings of pack horses and hunting rentals; he could cold-shoe 25 head in a long day. He had zero tolerance, if the horse 'fussed' he simply pulled the shoes, trimmed and quit on that one.
The second farm Farrier was a guy name Charles (all the Farriers I have worked with had really classical cowboy names, odd but true). He was also not too tall and could have pumped iron really easily, or throw a horse if he chose. His discipline manner was unique; he actually tied up a front leg and then held up the leg he was shoeing! He was completely silent at his work except for small 'kissy' sounds to the horse if it moved about. If the horse contined to 'fuss' he just stepped back and let it fall down, if it chose. Most of them became really quiet for him.
The next man in line was Robert (see?) who was the tallest Farrier of the whole group of these smiths. He walked about with the horse on a lead, checking and looking at the legs and feet, then he asked his apprentice to trot the horse and finally to canter it on a long line. If the horse had more energy than he wanted to work with, the Apprentice leaped on bareback and rode about in the corral until Robert finished another horse.
There were more farriers, of course: hot-shoers, cold-shoers, trimmers of foals, half shoers and even corrective veterinarian/farriers--the one common thing they required was: a quiet horse. Of course, not one of them expected to chase a horse to catch!
They also expected clean and not-wet legs and feet. If the horse wasn't trained to handle, they rejected it until it was trained; if the horse wouldn't lunge, rejected; got rough, you got it--later, Dude!
Not one of them refused to work on the first horse without charge to show me how he worked and what he knew and if we could form a partnership. If they had a temper which showed up we agreed to pay and dismiss him from more service.
There was one woman Farrier who did nothing but Foals (the most dangerous horses on the ranch in my opinion) and she worked for over six years before moving away to her own smithing shop.
Most of the Farriers we worked with were trained by an older Farrier and had served Apprenticeships; they were decent and polite; they wanted my check to clear that night and they were Angels in Disguise! PHF
Standing on their heads, under horses, whacking away at them with hammer and nails just truly needs all the appreciation and assistance a Cowhand can offer! A cup of coffee and a few chuckles goes a long way on 'points' too!
The first Farrier I learned from was a fellow named James; he was about 5'5" and STRONG. He roamed around the pack ranches shoeing strings of pack horses and hunting rentals; he could cold-shoe 25 head in a long day. He had zero tolerance, if the horse 'fussed' he simply pulled the shoes, trimmed and quit on that one.
The second farm Farrier was a guy name Charles (all the Farriers I have worked with had really classical cowboy names, odd but true). He was also not too tall and could have pumped iron really easily, or throw a horse if he chose. His discipline manner was unique; he actually tied up a front leg and then held up the leg he was shoeing! He was completely silent at his work except for small 'kissy' sounds to the horse if it moved about. If the horse contined to 'fuss' he just stepped back and let it fall down, if it chose. Most of them became really quiet for him.
The next man in line was Robert (see?) who was the tallest Farrier of the whole group of these smiths. He walked about with the horse on a lead, checking and looking at the legs and feet, then he asked his apprentice to trot the horse and finally to canter it on a long line. If the horse had more energy than he wanted to work with, the Apprentice leaped on bareback and rode about in the corral until Robert finished another horse.
There were more farriers, of course: hot-shoers, cold-shoers, trimmers of foals, half shoers and even corrective veterinarian/farriers--the one common thing they required was: a quiet horse. Of course, not one of them expected to chase a horse to catch!
They also expected clean and not-wet legs and feet. If the horse wasn't trained to handle, they rejected it until it was trained; if the horse wouldn't lunge, rejected; got rough, you got it--later, Dude!
Not one of them refused to work on the first horse without charge to show me how he worked and what he knew and if we could form a partnership. If they had a temper which showed up we agreed to pay and dismiss him from more service.
There was one woman Farrier who did nothing but Foals (the most dangerous horses on the ranch in my opinion) and she worked for over six years before moving away to her own smithing shop.
Most of the Farriers we worked with were trained by an older Farrier and had served Apprenticeships; they were decent and polite; they wanted my check to clear that night and they were Angels in Disguise! PHF
Thursday, February 25, 2010
GUIDE TO STAYING WARM
In below-freezing weather: ice in the buckets, frost on the nostrils, fingers turning blue, away from the stove, gotta work outside today...
checking the hay bales left for sale; checking hooves and shoes, for the Farrier's next trip; moving the manure small loads to the main pile; checking oil in the feed cart and the farm truck...stuff to do in the cold.
So:
DRESS ACCORDINGLY: long john bottoms and top; undershirt, long sleeves; undershirt, short sleeves; soft, warm long sleeved sweater; socks, short cotton, long woollies, toe warmers; wool pants; heavy stomper-boots; lamblined vest; ski-temp coat and overpants; two hats, muffler; inside then outside gloves...now....just like a kid, guess what?
Oh,
I do so look forward to sun long enough to warm up a spot here and there...
I remind myself:
All for the love of a Horse...I am a crazy person. Acceptance equals peace. PhF
checking the hay bales left for sale; checking hooves and shoes, for the Farrier's next trip; moving the manure small loads to the main pile; checking oil in the feed cart and the farm truck...stuff to do in the cold.
So:
DRESS ACCORDINGLY: long john bottoms and top; undershirt, long sleeves; undershirt, short sleeves; soft, warm long sleeved sweater; socks, short cotton, long woollies, toe warmers; wool pants; heavy stomper-boots; lamblined vest; ski-temp coat and overpants; two hats, muffler; inside then outside gloves...now....just like a kid, guess what?
Oh,
I do so look forward to sun long enough to warm up a spot here and there...
I remind myself:
All for the love of a Horse...I am a crazy person. Acceptance equals peace. PhF
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
POT-LICKER SPAGETTI
Here's another pot-pan dinner for COLD/WET days!
When it is sooo cold and really quite nasty outside we don't want to come inside to cook--we want to come inside to EAT! So here is a very tasty casserole for the ranch-hands:
Get out the black iron deep pot with a lid; dribble in about 2 teaspoons of oil, heat to popping and pour in 2/3 cups of 'pulled' beef (pre-cook to falling apart then use two forks to shred), stirring fast, then cut down to simmer---
If you want a veggie dish, instead of the meat, take 2/3 medium size turnips , cube and use, clean them don't peel---
Chop together: 1 cup celery, smaller and center sections are best in this dish, with the leaves; 1 onion , rough sliced; 1 mild bell pepper, without the skins or stems, chopped to cubes and about 2 cups of fresh tomatoes, skinned and chopped; stir into the pot, cover over a spoon to vent
open a small can of Mexican tomatos/ peppers sausa, combine with a small can of tomato paste, stir in 1/2 cup parmesan or romano grated cheese and 1 can of water; stir this combination into the pot and lid it closed, on lowest heat
Grate 1 cup of extra sharp cheddar, stir with 1/2 cup sugar, add 2 teaspoons of fresh garlic; add this to the pot and simmer covered until the cheese has melted
Stir it up, add in 1 cup of water (more if it is sticking) and 2/3 cups of wheat short, thick pasta pieces; cover it over the spoon again and raise the heat to a very low boil, stir often
When the pasta has softened and changed color, add salt and pepper to taste; drop the heat to warming, cover and it is ready to dip up to .... EAT!
Serve with soda flat bread or toasted tortillas, some salad of thin sliced celery, apple, romain and black olives and some peppered small carrots as a side dish
Everyone should feel better after dinner! Cookie
When it is sooo cold and really quite nasty outside we don't want to come inside to cook--we want to come inside to EAT! So here is a very tasty casserole for the ranch-hands:
Get out the black iron deep pot with a lid; dribble in about 2 teaspoons of oil, heat to popping and pour in 2/3 cups of 'pulled' beef (pre-cook to falling apart then use two forks to shred), stirring fast, then cut down to simmer---
If you want a veggie dish, instead of the meat, take 2/3 medium size turnips , cube and use, clean them don't peel---
Chop together: 1 cup celery, smaller and center sections are best in this dish, with the leaves; 1 onion , rough sliced; 1 mild bell pepper, without the skins or stems, chopped to cubes and about 2 cups of fresh tomatoes, skinned and chopped; stir into the pot, cover over a spoon to vent
open a small can of Mexican tomatos/ peppers sausa, combine with a small can of tomato paste, stir in 1/2 cup parmesan or romano grated cheese and 1 can of water; stir this combination into the pot and lid it closed, on lowest heat
Grate 1 cup of extra sharp cheddar, stir with 1/2 cup sugar, add 2 teaspoons of fresh garlic; add this to the pot and simmer covered until the cheese has melted
Stir it up, add in 1 cup of water (more if it is sticking) and 2/3 cups of wheat short, thick pasta pieces; cover it over the spoon again and raise the heat to a very low boil, stir often
When the pasta has softened and changed color, add salt and pepper to taste; drop the heat to warming, cover and it is ready to dip up to .... EAT!
Serve with soda flat bread or toasted tortillas, some salad of thin sliced celery, apple, romain and black olives and some peppered small carrots as a side dish
Everyone should feel better after dinner! Cookie
Thursday, February 18, 2010
PREVIEW ON WILD HORSES ARTICLES
WE ARE ALMOST READY TO POST THE SUMMARIES
It turned into a writing frenzy!
But, as promised to readers who asked: we will post past histories and contacts and current conditions and sites of more information and the projections of some highly informed folks.
This situation has become tragic. That is how we see it and that is our viewpoint in writing about it. If you watched the people in charge turn out the wolves, after tracking collars were placed on them, and you find yourself asking why this tracking turn-out program wasn't even (apparently) considered for the Wild Horse herds...you must read our posts.
more action is needed for our beloved companions...how will you respond?
We will be asking questions through polls and comments...we will post considered comments and we may even write a lot of letters for YOU to email in support of gathered ideas....Plan to revisit and give us your ideas.
Thanks! PHF
It turned into a writing frenzy!
But, as promised to readers who asked: we will post past histories and contacts and current conditions and sites of more information and the projections of some highly informed folks.
This situation has become tragic. That is how we see it and that is our viewpoint in writing about it. If you watched the people in charge turn out the wolves, after tracking collars were placed on them, and you find yourself asking why this tracking turn-out program wasn't even (apparently) considered for the Wild Horse herds...you must read our posts.
more action is needed for our beloved companions...how will you respond?
We will be asking questions through polls and comments...we will post considered comments and we may even write a lot of letters for YOU to email in support of gathered ideas....Plan to revisit and give us your ideas.
Thanks! PHF
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
COLD WEATHER GROOMING--
SITTING IN THE TACK ROOM, WATCHING
the girl putting on night grooming before stalling up.
She has caught up and brought in and hosed the legs free of mud, up to the knees.
Now the horse is clipped into the grooming rack; the Groomer is scraping off the mud with the heavy rubber mud scrubber; back, shoulders, belly, sides, belly again, neck, chest, hips, thighs outside; she changes her tool to the scraper/cutter blade; all over the same sections except the belly; now she works on the face, careful about the eyes, with the rubber mitt, the horse looks deeply at her, she seperates the forelock and slides down the sections, shaking out the mud.
Now, all over with the rubber mitt--adding in the inner thighs and the belly; to the stiff brush and then the medium brush, dipping and shaking it through a water bucket, then she is down to the soft brush, with particular attention paid to the face.
The horse has gone to sleep.
The Groomer now works on the mane and tail: stiff to medium to soft brush, to the plastic brush and big comb for knots, using the lazer de-matter over all; working from top to bottom, holding it in her second hand to pull through without pulling out.
She is humming; and leaning her head against the horse, here and there.
A grooming towel, slightly wet; a second towel to dry. The pick and she picks out the feet; then, back to the wash rack for a second go over the packed snow in the hooves.
Blankets at the stall; a kiss on the nose, a hand treat of carrots and the horse gets to quit for the day.
That was the final horse of six---now the Groomer gets to quit for the day too.
Nitey-nite, you two Rulers of the Horse World!
the girl putting on night grooming before stalling up.
She has caught up and brought in and hosed the legs free of mud, up to the knees.
Now the horse is clipped into the grooming rack; the Groomer is scraping off the mud with the heavy rubber mud scrubber; back, shoulders, belly, sides, belly again, neck, chest, hips, thighs outside; she changes her tool to the scraper/cutter blade; all over the same sections except the belly; now she works on the face, careful about the eyes, with the rubber mitt, the horse looks deeply at her, she seperates the forelock and slides down the sections, shaking out the mud.
Now, all over with the rubber mitt--adding in the inner thighs and the belly; to the stiff brush and then the medium brush, dipping and shaking it through a water bucket, then she is down to the soft brush, with particular attention paid to the face.
The horse has gone to sleep.
The Groomer now works on the mane and tail: stiff to medium to soft brush, to the plastic brush and big comb for knots, using the lazer de-matter over all; working from top to bottom, holding it in her second hand to pull through without pulling out.
She is humming; and leaning her head against the horse, here and there.
A grooming towel, slightly wet; a second towel to dry. The pick and she picks out the feet; then, back to the wash rack for a second go over the packed snow in the hooves.
Blankets at the stall; a kiss on the nose, a hand treat of carrots and the horse gets to quit for the day.
That was the final horse of six---now the Groomer gets to quit for the day too.
Nitey-nite, you two Rulers of the Horse World!
Monday, February 15, 2010
THE EQUESTRIAN OLYMPICS...WINTER STYLE...
I THINK WE SHOULD HAVE SOME WINTER HORSE EVENTS
Sleigh driving comes to mind. Also, sled pulling over icey patches through snow. Loading hay bales and hitching up with frozen fingers. Cleats on the horses' shoes and metal runners, on the sleds, all iced up to glide smoothly. Hides or Fur pelts to cover the laps/legs of people on board. Courses of orange cones set up like Dressage driving runs.
And, just for fun, those Clydesdales kicking snowballs at each other or dumping tree snow cascades onto the unsuspecting yearlings standing under the limbs!!
Yep, have gone around the Winter Bends!
Like a garderner reading up on new seeds for Spring planting; I think everyone who is reading today should go 'shopping' through the ads on this site.
It costs nothing to look and sometimes there is that just-right item that one saves up to buy...for when the cold finally breaks...finally, please Lord! Phf (hope you enjoy a chuckle)
Sleigh driving comes to mind. Also, sled pulling over icey patches through snow. Loading hay bales and hitching up with frozen fingers. Cleats on the horses' shoes and metal runners, on the sleds, all iced up to glide smoothly. Hides or Fur pelts to cover the laps/legs of people on board. Courses of orange cones set up like Dressage driving runs.
And, just for fun, those Clydesdales kicking snowballs at each other or dumping tree snow cascades onto the unsuspecting yearlings standing under the limbs!!
Yep, have gone around the Winter Bends!
Like a garderner reading up on new seeds for Spring planting; I think everyone who is reading today should go 'shopping' through the ads on this site.
It costs nothing to look and sometimes there is that just-right item that one saves up to buy...for when the cold finally breaks...finally, please Lord! Phf (hope you enjoy a chuckle)
Saturday, February 13, 2010
COWGIRL CUISINE--CHILI, WHAT ELSE?
There are times when one just cannot keep up! So: COOK!
Here is my receipe for GREAT Non-Veggie CHILI.
Gather together: large pot (cast iron if you're lucky) with lid; cans, or pre-cooked, red beans and black beans, pinto beans and wax beans; mix in any proportion you like
some sort of meat: elk (or other wild critter), beef, pork, hamburger or make a mix of ground or strung or chopped
mix together: garlic, chopped or crushed; onion, chopped or sliced; chili peppers, mild or hot; salt to taste and pepper, hotter than you usually cook
lightly sear these in the pot in the smallest bit of butter--
now: add in commercial liquid hot sauce to taste (Cajon is gooood)
next: sear the meat in with the seasonings and cut back the heat (stove or cookfire)
add in the beans
HERE IS THE SECRET INGREDIANT: honey and tomato paste mixed together ; proportion: the smallest can from the beans--filled
let this mess cook for around an hour, then add in chili powder to taste
turn the fire back again, cover with lid and simmer another hour or so, until thick
tear up some sourdough buns , load the Cowgirl China enamel bowls, set out coffee/tea mugs and
ENJOY! from Cookie and Crew
And a comment from the 'Boss' :
OK...now about the recent time away: I was testing the usage of the Blog by Sub-Clubs Members; they really want to go forward with OTHER horse-folks included in comments and exchanges; so I have switched back to Moderated Comments
FOR EVERYONE INTERESTED IN FOLLOWING ALONG!!
Not enough Cooks , apparently! Everybody, come on in; Chili's ON.....PHF
ps: if you have problems reading/commenting PLEASE email me so I can sort it out--thanks!
Here is my receipe for GREAT Non-Veggie CHILI.
Gather together: large pot (cast iron if you're lucky) with lid; cans, or pre-cooked, red beans and black beans, pinto beans and wax beans; mix in any proportion you like
some sort of meat: elk (or other wild critter), beef, pork, hamburger or make a mix of ground or strung or chopped
mix together: garlic, chopped or crushed; onion, chopped or sliced; chili peppers, mild or hot; salt to taste and pepper, hotter than you usually cook
lightly sear these in the pot in the smallest bit of butter--
now: add in commercial liquid hot sauce to taste (Cajon is gooood)
next: sear the meat in with the seasonings and cut back the heat (stove or cookfire)
add in the beans
HERE IS THE SECRET INGREDIANT: honey and tomato paste mixed together ; proportion: the smallest can from the beans--filled
let this mess cook for around an hour, then add in chili powder to taste
turn the fire back again, cover with lid and simmer another hour or so, until thick
tear up some sourdough buns , load the Cowgirl China enamel bowls, set out coffee/tea mugs and
ENJOY! from Cookie and Crew
And a comment from the 'Boss' :
OK...now about the recent time away: I was testing the usage of the Blog by Sub-Clubs Members; they really want to go forward with OTHER horse-folks included in comments and exchanges; so I have switched back to Moderated Comments
FOR EVERYONE INTERESTED IN FOLLOWING ALONG!!
Not enough Cooks , apparently! Everybody, come on in; Chili's ON.....PHF
ps: if you have problems reading/commenting PLEASE email me so I can sort it out--thanks!
Monday, January 11, 2010
CONSIDERATIONS
A REVIEW ON THE USE OF SAFETY EQUIPMENT.
Yes, here it is again. About once a year, someone who teaches or trains or is 'seeable' gets hurt and the subject of why, or why-not, were they using safety equipment comes up.
As a Teacher I have always recommended being as SAFE as possible when working with a Horse. As a Trainer I have been very careful to adhere to my own recommendations about safety. Handling horses daily in repeated routines brings with it a certain: non-awareness.
We. if Professionals, must always be aware of our teaching-by-observation situation. It is wise to create rules and habits which reflect what we teach!
Currently, there are some stories of certain Teachers/Trainers who have put aside the professional suggestions of many other Pros about using safety gear...helmets, vests, boots, etc.
So, I want to state some 'rules' I have developed over my years of equine related work, hope you don't get too bored!
Primary Point: safety IS an issue in our chosen field.
Horses don't think like Humans which means they don't respond like Humans. They also are mostly unaware of how 'fragile' WE, as Humans, are.
We can project an idea into the future and realize that the situation MAY become more dangerous FOR OUR HORSE unless we take action to change directions...horses change direction when they become aware of THEIR OWN possible danger...rarely, if ever, acting because of OUR possible danger.
Think about that.
They know the responsibility of caring for themselves; we should know that same responsiblity of caring, not only for their safety but, for ourselves too!
If a person must wear a helmet, or vest, or boots, to show in a particular event, why NOT get used to working in that helmet, vest, boots? Will the gear always make one safe? No, of course not! Will it ever? Possibly...so: why not use it?
Does using the equipment mean that a person can take ridiculous risks? Well, they can court risk if they choose to, but the gear is like the Horse: it guarantees nothing in the way of safety!
I have seen many accidents where a helmet, worn properly, did NOT protect the Human wearing it; maybe in one or two cases the helmet even made the accident worse. However, there have been some situations where the helmet DID protect the person and without it...that person would have been more hurt than they were.
Think about that.
There are LAWS for performance of certain actions, so we must, in some circumstances, obey the LAW and perform in certain ways. Without these LAWS we may choose to perform other actions.
So, as usual, if there is no over-all RULE to wear protective gear, one must CHOOSE what action to follow.
If there is a RULE about the use of equipment, one MUST comply or suffer the consequences of dis-obediance.
So, if protective gear is REQUIRED why not be practiced in the wearing of it?
Working in our field has some required involvment in not performing casually. Doesn't it?
I have seen that being aware and 'staying in the moment' assist Horse and Human is avoiding injuries.
The person who is riding along on a very well trained Horse while chatting with a friend can, without awareness of the instant, have the Horse slide, slowly, casually, down a short step of no more than ten inches, lose footing and, without malice, lie down their 1100 pounds onto the leg, hip and ribcage of the non-dismounting rider. The Horse then gets right up onto its feet and stands still, unhurt...while the Rider realizes that s/he has a broken leg, hip and lower ribcage!
No protective gear would have prevented that accident but awareness by the Human might have done so.
MAIN CONCLUSION: Stay alert and aware and be as safe as possible! P.H.F.
Yes, here it is again. About once a year, someone who teaches or trains or is 'seeable' gets hurt and the subject of why, or why-not, were they using safety equipment comes up.
As a Teacher I have always recommended being as SAFE as possible when working with a Horse. As a Trainer I have been very careful to adhere to my own recommendations about safety. Handling horses daily in repeated routines brings with it a certain: non-awareness.
We. if Professionals, must always be aware of our teaching-by-observation situation. It is wise to create rules and habits which reflect what we teach!
Currently, there are some stories of certain Teachers/Trainers who have put aside the professional suggestions of many other Pros about using safety gear...helmets, vests, boots, etc.
So, I want to state some 'rules' I have developed over my years of equine related work, hope you don't get too bored!
Primary Point: safety IS an issue in our chosen field.
Horses don't think like Humans which means they don't respond like Humans. They also are mostly unaware of how 'fragile' WE, as Humans, are.
We can project an idea into the future and realize that the situation MAY become more dangerous FOR OUR HORSE unless we take action to change directions...horses change direction when they become aware of THEIR OWN possible danger...rarely, if ever, acting because of OUR possible danger.
Think about that.
They know the responsibility of caring for themselves; we should know that same responsiblity of caring, not only for their safety but, for ourselves too!
If a person must wear a helmet, or vest, or boots, to show in a particular event, why NOT get used to working in that helmet, vest, boots? Will the gear always make one safe? No, of course not! Will it ever? Possibly...so: why not use it?
Does using the equipment mean that a person can take ridiculous risks? Well, they can court risk if they choose to, but the gear is like the Horse: it guarantees nothing in the way of safety!
I have seen many accidents where a helmet, worn properly, did NOT protect the Human wearing it; maybe in one or two cases the helmet even made the accident worse. However, there have been some situations where the helmet DID protect the person and without it...that person would have been more hurt than they were.
Think about that.
There are LAWS for performance of certain actions, so we must, in some circumstances, obey the LAW and perform in certain ways. Without these LAWS we may choose to perform other actions.
So, as usual, if there is no over-all RULE to wear protective gear, one must CHOOSE what action to follow.
If there is a RULE about the use of equipment, one MUST comply or suffer the consequences of dis-obediance.
So, if protective gear is REQUIRED why not be practiced in the wearing of it?
Working in our field has some required involvment in not performing casually. Doesn't it?
I have seen that being aware and 'staying in the moment' assist Horse and Human is avoiding injuries.
The person who is riding along on a very well trained Horse while chatting with a friend can, without awareness of the instant, have the Horse slide, slowly, casually, down a short step of no more than ten inches, lose footing and, without malice, lie down their 1100 pounds onto the leg, hip and ribcage of the non-dismounting rider. The Horse then gets right up onto its feet and stands still, unhurt...while the Rider realizes that s/he has a broken leg, hip and lower ribcage!
No protective gear would have prevented that accident but awareness by the Human might have done so.
MAIN CONCLUSION: Stay alert and aware and be as safe as possible! P.H.F.
Friday, January 8, 2010
HORSEMAN'S JOURNAL
Good Morning on this snowy day! A good day for getting out there a bit early.
Feeding will take a bit more time and pulling blankets is an excellent idea...because...they are going to roll and run!
My lessons have all cancelled; no one wants to cope with the grooming...whoozes!
So, think I will spend some time in the tack room; want to put some new bits into seasoned bridles and all the blankets need checking for repairs. I have also put a few halters back on hooks for time to clean them throughly...like today.
Before I go back to the house to "get a bean" I will load up the tackroom stove for heating. Mucking isn't so tough since I'll use the tractor and just touch up most stalls.
I know lots of folks who will be bored today, having to stay inside. Lots of grumbling going on in the wide world about starting cars and not keeping appointments...some of the actions I WON'T HAVE to deal with today.
I am grateful to God for Snowdays! HippyHip...
Feeding will take a bit more time and pulling blankets is an excellent idea...because...they are going to roll and run!
My lessons have all cancelled; no one wants to cope with the grooming...whoozes!
So, think I will spend some time in the tack room; want to put some new bits into seasoned bridles and all the blankets need checking for repairs. I have also put a few halters back on hooks for time to clean them throughly...like today.
Before I go back to the house to "get a bean" I will load up the tackroom stove for heating. Mucking isn't so tough since I'll use the tractor and just touch up most stalls.
I know lots of folks who will be bored today, having to stay inside. Lots of grumbling going on in the wide world about starting cars and not keeping appointments...some of the actions I WON'T HAVE to deal with today.
I am grateful to God for Snowdays! HippyHip...
Thursday, January 7, 2010
DIRECTIONS INSIDE 2010
As promised: please read the new headings in the sidebar; this is where the site is going for the next year! We are all excited with these directions!
If you are burning to post some ideas and/or suggestions to the broader community we would appreciate your considering requesting our 'copy' guidelines and then sharing your words of wisdom with us.
The Heritage Horses Internet's Sub-Club Staff will be writing some columns: the HorseMaster's Journal ; the Ethics and Philosophies of the Sports-Horse; and the HSW daily posting of "Lessons/suggestions".
We will search for teachers, trainers, vets, farriers, managers and other interesting Guest Writers to include on-site.
Shoot! We will probably even post some Cowgirl Cuisine receipes to go with those camfires & horse stories...we hope you have fun and also learn a few new ideas along the way...wfh, webmaster
If you are burning to post some ideas and/or suggestions to the broader community we would appreciate your considering requesting our 'copy' guidelines and then sharing your words of wisdom with us.
The Heritage Horses Internet's Sub-Club Staff will be writing some columns: the HorseMaster's Journal ; the Ethics and Philosophies of the Sports-Horse; and the HSW daily posting of "Lessons/suggestions".
We will search for teachers, trainers, vets, farriers, managers and other interesting Guest Writers to include on-site.
Shoot! We will probably even post some Cowgirl Cuisine receipes to go with those camfires & horse stories...we hope you have fun and also learn a few new ideas along the way...wfh, webmaster
Monday, January 4, 2010
2010 AWAITS...
OK,OK,OK...I have taken awhile; well, that is what happens when one gets some 'wisdom' (years) and thinks things through before taking the jump!
The ads for this site beginning a new lifestyle are out on the eBay store page now. The HHI ads for used and new Equine items will be set by the end of the next few days (the 10th hopefully) so these will be available for our Members, at a discount , along with the regular eb customers.
This means that I will be able to begin outlining and listing the learning sections of this Club. And...I want to also mention the other sources and types of information we will be listing here.
So, just keep dropping in over the next few days, checking it all out and reading, reading, reading...It is the Beginning of a new Year...walk on...PhF
The ads for this site beginning a new lifestyle are out on the eBay store page now. The HHI ads for used and new Equine items will be set by the end of the next few days (the 10th hopefully) so these will be available for our Members, at a discount , along with the regular eb customers.
This means that I will be able to begin outlining and listing the learning sections of this Club. And...I want to also mention the other sources and types of information we will be listing here.
So, just keep dropping in over the next few days, checking it all out and reading, reading, reading...It is the Beginning of a new Year...walk on...PhF
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