New World

I didn't realize how long it had been since I posted on this blog. JC is no longer showing. I got ill in June and decided to take some time away from the show ring. He is now at a boarding barn recouping from some youngster issues he had. We now just spend time with each other. The whole family has gotten involved including my husband. We have learned a lot about each other since July.

It has been amazing though. When we were in training, I got to ride maybe 20 minutes 1 x per week. Now, when the weather cooperates, I can get out at least twice a week for 30 minutes or more. My saddle is even beginning to show signs of use lol. I will write more about our exploits of doing it on our own in the next blog.

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A Stellar Show- But, not stellar eating

Well I fell off the eating healthy wagon yesterday. We were only at the
horse show for the day which made it difficult to really have a
schedule. We left here at 11:30 and I had a bagel with lox and cream
cheese (light) around 10:30. By the time the afternoon performance got
over, it was almost 4:00 before we got to lunch. We ended up in an
italian place that some people we knew wanted to go to. Everything was
heavy cream and there was nothing that I would call "diet". At least my
husband and continued

We Made It

I think back to May when I was first going to show JC and how I wasn't sure he was ready for an amateur. Boy was I wrong. That horse does whatever you ask of him. He has come thru for me in the shows whenever I have needed him to be there. Yes, we have had our ups and downs, but, mostly, ups. He has been reserve grand champion twice and has always been in the ribbons for me. He has never quit on me or given up even when he had reason to.

I remember our second show. I arrived and JC's leg was swollen. read the full story

Jet and the Mannequin

It is funny how horses get so set in what they are doing that they forget how to be a horse. We recently retired a mare we had bred years ago. My sister has been showing her for the past 10 years. Jet (New York's Best M&N) started showing at the age of three in 3 year old fine harness. She also showed in 4 year old fine harness and my sister began showing her at the age of 5. Jet turned 13 last year and we decided she had done enough and would take over for her mother, who passed away years ago, to keep that line going.

We moved Jet to a barn closer to where I live and to the clinic where we do all our breeding. The first day Jet was turned out into the pasture she didn't know what to do. Every time she couldn't see a person, she would have a fit. She was so used to being around people and had never been turned out since she came in for training at the age of 2. The people taking care of her thought she would adjust. After a week, they still couldn't leave her outside alone. So, the person who takes care of her came up with an idea. Kristin just didn't have all day to stay outside with Jet. Kristin got Jet a mannequin. She borrowed it from someone just to see what would happen. She put her jeans and another girl's sweatshirt on the mannequin and placed it under a tree. She then let Jet out into the field. read more

What a Journey it Has Been!

As I read back through my many posts about JC (Buck Almighty), I began to think about our entire journey together and what a journey it has been. JC came to Winsome farms in August of 2006 when he was a yearling. I had only seen him a few times at his previous home. We have been breeding a long time and, from the day he arrived at Winsome, I knew I had to have him. He was the one baby that just touched my heart. He was big and lanky with this wonderfully chiseled face and a flaxen mane and tail on a liver chestnut body. He was warm and loving and would run over to me whenever he saw me at the fence.

The first step was to get him gelded as that had not been done yet. We got him gelded and he ended up with a terrible infection and ended up at the clinic for over 3 weeks. It was a bit touch and go, but they said he was so sweet about the whole thing. They could drain the fluid and he would just stand there and let them. Remember-this is a place that none of us would want drained if we were males. I would visit him at the clinic and he was so sweet; he knew everyone was trying to help him. read on

4 Weeks and Counting

I remember a year ago, we were wondering if JC would make it into the show ring as a 3 year old. He did and he did us proud. Six months ago we were debating whether or not I would learn to ride him well enough to be able to show him as a 4 year old. It was questionable as my leg was broken at the time. Well, here we are 4 weeks from our first show and he is an angel. He tries to please every second from the moment you go to get on him. I am vertically challenged so it takes me time to get on. I have to use a three step stool. He just stands and waits until everything is adjusted and I am ready to go. read more

Raquel-the Filly

It is so much fun to watch the new babies come in each year. This year Raquel, our now 2 year old, came in. What a different personality she is from her brother. Raquel definitely has attitude. She is a mare and doesn't let anyone forget it. She tries hard, but gets confused, and then gets upset. It really is not fair to her that we keep comparing her to her brother. We have to remember that we have been breeding for over 25 years and she is still one of the best ones we have bred.

It is hard to remember to have patience. They are not going to look like show horses the day they come into training. She has a lot more attitude than JC, but doesn't seem to have his heart. That just could be because of her age. I remember when JC was her age. We were told he wouldn't amount to much and he certainly is a good boy. I have to remember not to lose faith in her and give her the time she needs to become what she can. She is a talented baby with lots of personality. She loves her carrots and you can play with her in her stall. She is not mean in the least. more