Finally, Everything Is Underway and Hauling My Adorable Mare

Now we're down to brass tacks and getting serious.

I've been cruising a little bit, I'm blaming my allergies for this one (not) but the time has come to get down to serious biz and really get into the move. My allergies have come back with a vengenance (can't think how to spell that) and so there is no looking back, must move.

The one thing I wanted to say was for the first time ever, I may hire an equine transport to move my precious, bratty mare. That's a scary thing for me. I've always hauled my own horses and can't think of ever paying someone to move my horse. I've hauled with other people in my trailer but not turning over my babies to someone else.

So, I talked to the transport guy and we'll see how it goes. I like him from the sound of him on the phone but due diligence must be done by me. I have to do this pretty quickly as I'm turning off the 'net tomorrow or Friday and don't have anything set up for the new place. However, I think an aircard might be the ticket. Then I could post when and where I like.

Anyhoo, everyone ride safe and please keep checking back now and again. Hopefully, by the first of so of next week, I'll be back in business. I appreciate my readers!!

Ride safe, everyone. :-)

The Moving Begins

Starting today, the moving begins in earnest. We found a neat house and looks like it's going to be a neat home soonest.

My allergies have abated a bit, almost to the point that I was starting to rethink the whole moving thing...until another attack hit. That was it for me. Even if I'm clear as a bell for the rest of the year, I know next Spring is coming and that feels like a lead weight around my neck. Dreading it, I am.

So, like before, I'll be back when I get the 'net on at my new house. Just after I got this new service here...but I digress. Please bookmark this site and keep checking back often. I really appreciate my readers.

Ride safe. :-)

Sorry, Allergies Are Keeping Me Down

I'll be back with more posts but right now, my allergies are making me very ill. I've taken every med on the market, seems like, and the meds are almost as bad as the allergies. Y'know, they either put me out like a light or when they start wearing off, I feel super hung over and ill.

The upshot is, we're moving out of southwestern Oregon to the drier lower middle part of the state. Took a trip over the mountain the first of this week and my allergies promptly went away, not to show up till we came back to this side of the mountain, around White City or so.

I'm guessing the pollen and mold are doing a number on me that I've never experienced before as I'm from the martini-driest parts of the southwest US.

So, for the next week or so, we're in moving mode and I'm not sure of what is in the way of internet over there. For the next few days I'll have internet but other things are taking higher priority. I'll be back in the future and please keep my blog bookmarked and check back now and again. I feel badly to let it go for now but my health is something to keep and to not regret not taking care of myself.

Ride safe everyone and enjoy those horses!! :-)

People Allergies and Horses

How in the hell do people with allergies deal with horses?? I'm dying here! I've taken just about every allergy med on the shelf and nothing works.

Even if it says not drowsy, puts me right out. I still sneeze and get a runny nose (most attractive, I can tell you) and have the itchy eyes (even more attractive).

One of the meds worked fine till it started to wear off and then I felt ever so hung over. Just like if I had been drinking and then was hung over. I don't do alkyhol in the least and this is one of the main reason. The hangover is too bad for me to enjoy that swell tasting Margarita, I know it's coming and just ruins the whole experience.

Or the meds put me out to the point that I've wasted most of the day. That's a non-starter too. When I go to the barn, I wheeze and snort and even my horse looks at me pitifully. Walking across the barn takes major effort because my poor system isn't getting its full ration of oxygen! Forget walking down to the arena, that's what my horse is for anyway, I'll ride her down there.

Just saw an ad on the telly about some stuff that you put on your nostrils and it's supposed to block the nasties before they get in your system. That one is next on my list to try.

Sucks to be me right now...

Get Out There and Ride! Do it!!

I wrote at the end of my last post about getting out there and riding. I was going to name this post, Just Do It but I think that's the Nike shoe line thingy and of course, didn't want any confusion. :-)

When the weather is nice, get out and ride. It'll clear your head, your problems with your spouse will fade to the background (well, does with me anyway...), the economy is off in the wild blue wonder and the world will get back on its axis again.

What could be better than looking at nature from the back of your favorite hoss?? I ask you!

Even when I don't feel like swinging my big ol' Billy Cook up on my mare, I still will sometimes climb aboard bareback and sit around the barn/arena and watch the world go by. Listen to the bees (or whatever those little bzzzing things are) go by and notice that there were a few flies out yesterday and need to start spraying for the boogers.

Even my cranky, bratty mare seems to enjoy getting out of her stall and meander around, knowing I'm not asking anything that requires collecting or work for that matter. Plunking down the trail. That's it.

Somehow after those sorts of 'rides' (loosely termed here), when I get in my pickup, I feel so much better and can deal with idiot people better who don't see things my way!! hehehe... The good feelings stay with me far into the evening and usually into the next day.

All in all, it's wonderful to have a horse and be able to enjoy her. Now, everyone, get out there and swing a leg over your favorite cayuse this weekend!

Barely Handled But Will Trade For ?? Of Value

I'm seeing this a whole lot lately. Please read closely...

http://medford.craigslist.org/grd/1126843120.html

http://medford.craigslist.org/grd/1126852583.html (Actually, this two above ads may be the same person, not sure)

http://medford.craigslist.org/grd/1126454925.html

There are scores more of these types of ads. I'm always amazed when people have something equine, no matter how bad it looks, they think they have something of true value. Who in their right mind would think that anyone would trade for a barely handled and what-looks-like-barely-fed horse for a husband type horse? A husband type horse (meaning a horse that is willing, usually, to trudge along and not try to make you a widow) is worth his weight in gold.

A husband type horse is still a horse and hubby can still end up in the emergency room but there is usually way less chance of that happening. A barely handled horse or one that's been improperly handled, the chances of you/hubby ending up in the ER are pretty damn high. Or with the pain of cracked fingers or jammed thumbs or being kicked or...all involves intense pain of some sort.

There isn't any comparison. I remember years ago, a lady I knew wanted to trade her young, barely broke filly for a Steady Eddie. Her reasoning?? Steady Eddie was an older horse and her filly was young and 'had plenty of room to grow and years ahead of her'. Needless to say, she was rebuffed. Then she was mad because she thought the other owners were stoopid for not seeing the light. I tried to explain it to her but to no avail. Matter of fact, she got mad at me and things weren't quite the same after that.

Unless you are looking at the high end horses, which most of CL isn't, a steady older horse that is proven not to buck, run off, bite, kick, strike, will load in most any trailer, stand for the shoer and vet, etc. is worth WAY more than any little pip in the pasture, even if papered. I should say I do see some really *nice* horses from time to time on CL but they are few and far between. CL has its place and it is very useful for what it is.

So, especially in this age of ultra cheap horses, do your homework on what other horses are going for. Check around. Learn what is out there and keep it inside your noggin. Horses right now are very cheap or free. I've had horses offered to me for free lately. I can't take them due to money constraints but some of these horses have been offered for money. Just because someone is asking good money for a horse online, if you talk to them in person, you might make a good deal for little to no money. Depends on the horse. Don't get bluffed. Know your stuff and you'll do alright!

Now, get out there and ride!!

Really, Check Your Pictures and What You're Showing the World

Honestly, I thought I was sort of through with this subject. That people would LEARN on their own after a few nudges from me and maybe from other people. Nope, this one post coming up is a total let down. I would be oh-so-embarrassed to even post this...

http://medford.craigslist.org/grd/1125920681.html

WTF is THIS?? This horse must be an absolute saint to put up with this crap on his back!

First off, there is the riding in shorts...okay, okay, I have ridden in shorts but bareback. I do remember making a few blisters on the inside of my knees and upper inner calves when in a saddle. Still, shouldn't do it.

Second, NO boots?? NO heels to keep the foot from sliding through the stirrup in case of an accident?? Are you frickin' insane? I-d-i-o-t.

Third, are you sure you're sitting down hard enough on his back?? Maybe just a bit harder, scoot back a bit onto his loin. No wait, get behind the motion and plop around a bit.

Fourth, since your upper body isn't following the movement, pull back with all your might on the reins to help balance you....yeah, that's the ticket.

Fifth, your lower leg...good grief. Might as well not be there. Make sure you get that heel just a bit higher, that'll really help your center of gravity (anyone notice my snarky, sarcastic tone there?)

Sixth, are we really this far along??, your poor horse's legs are all a-kimbo. He should at least have his hind legs somewhat together to push off, even if it's only over a bale of hay. Same for his front legs, they should be somewhat together for landing without taking a chance on bowing a tendon or falling down.

Seventh, where the f*ck is your helmet for jumping?? I'm not a helmet person by and large, but for jumping, you ALWAYS wear a helmet.

Eighth, the poor horse must be either in pain or hurting somewhat because his tail is swishing mightily. He's annoyed in some way, rest assured.

Now to the good point, only one but it's a good'un. This horse is an absolute saint. It looks like he'd put up with any ninny that forks him and try to please, no matter if it hurts him. My heart actually goes out to this guy and I truly hope he gets a good home with someone who will actually LEARN about horses and take the time to care for him. His price is either a typo ($1500, get real) or they have stars in their eyes, as it's way too high in this day and age but he's certainly worth something as he seems like he's safe for nincompoops.

I gotta quit writing about this, just plain annoyed over this. Poor horse!