Arctic Blast = No Horsey Time

I am so bummed that I have not been able to get out to the barn and see Jack. Even more so I wish I could have been around to help out at the barn with all the winter horse chores. The power was out, propane heaters were used to keep the pipes from freezing and horses were hand walked up and down the barn aisles as the arena was frozen. The wonderful people of Continental Farms deserve a vacation, somewhere warm for all their hard work. I can't imagine going through winters like this every year. The Portland area rarely sees snow and nothing like this has happened in nearly 30 years. As you can imagine no one was prepared. I am sending out warm Holiday wishes to all and extra warmth to those who have put in time and labor to care for our horse buddies in this "Arctic Blast". 

The Problem with Unwanted Horses

More and more articles in horse mags and online sites are focusing their attention on the current situation of what to do with unwanted horses. Just writing the word unwanted makes me so sad. In this article is a link to a survey being conducted regarding this problem. If anyone has time or ideas please speak up. 
A link to read the full article can be found here. 

Riding into Winter

I realize I've been a bad blogger. I am finding it difficult to pack in all I aspire to do as the days grow shorter. I don't officially have internet at my house which I should remedy. Also, I don't always get a chance to take pictures, which I think enhances the blogging experience for me. I will get better. I have been riding Jack as often as I can. He is a new horse I have begun 1/2 leasing. I think it will be a great experience. I have given him a little body work and intend to give him a full massage as soon as he fully recovers from his worms (poor buddy). I am currently trying to figure out what direction to focus my attention towards regarding "the future", or rather "what I want to be when I grow up when I am already grown up". I've decided that I need to be a bit more assertive with the marketing of my massage work with horses. I am finding it difficult with the economy to acquire new business. I plan to continue studying and start offering free massages at my barn, as well as volunteering at a local equine rescue. I am fortunate to have a somewhat flexible work schedule which pays me enough to afford lessons and leasing, although bartending is not satisfying and purely for monetary reasons. My dream is to have a rehab center for horses bringing together various holistic practitioners. I would love to have it be an educational center for horse owners as well, offering workshops and trainings as well as body work and massage for the rider, we all could benefit from that for sure. I recently came across an article in the NW Horse Source magazine about a woman that has a rehab and recovery center with holistic practitioners , located in Bozeman, Montana. She followed her passion and has inspired me to do the same, to think about the possibilities rather than the what if's. Her website is www.fourcatranch.com. She puts out a newsletter if anyone is interested. I hope you all are well and enjoying your horse buddies. 

I am wishing for a wireless internet connection for the holidays, so I can be a better blogger.

Almost Back in the Saddle

I am going a bit stir crazy. I miss the barn, the people, and especially the horses. The weather here in Oregon the past week has been so beautiful. I would have given anything to be on atop a beautiful horse buddy. I had acupuncture for my back pain a few days ago. That has been the best treatment thus far. I am going back for more! All of the amazing photos from fellow bloggers have been so inspiring. I used to be an avid photographer, I think I'll get back at it. I hope everyone is enjoying their horse friends and having a lovely autumn.

Tagged!

I've been tagged over at EquineMine.

Choose the book closest to  you.

Open to page 56

Go to the 5th sentence on that page and write down  a few lines.

My book is Centered Riding by Sally Swift

"It is nearly one-quarter of your weight and will hit the ground with a thump! Your leg might drop an inch or more with this technique, and certainly it will soften and lengthen. Done repeatedly, in your horse's rhythm at any gait, it becomes the basis for the perfect inside aid."

Sounds so mysterious, right? This is the chapter on balance and body rhythm. I keep this book close to me and refer to it often. I am such a visual learner that I get great benefit from her imagery. In doing this exercise I realized I am surrounded by horse books and more horse books, I need a little fiction in my life.

This is the first time I've been tagged. I'm not sure if I am suppossed to tag others or who has gotten this yet. I'll do a bit of research and get back to you all.

Thanks Equinemine!

Back Pain is the Worst

I have been absent for a few weeks dealing with unexpected back pain. Randomly last Sunday I was getting out of bed and a pain out of nowhere threw me to the ground. I laid in bed for the first 24 hours, then slowly started walking again the first few days. I have been to the chiropractor a few times and am now frustrated at my slow recovery. I feel like my life has been put on hold. I am becoming more patient each day but miss the horses. Needless to say I am bored of watching movies and icing my back. Unfortunately it hurts to sit so standing or lying flat have been my two options. I've been without internet as well. But the biggest and brightest news is that we have a new president. I am extremely excited and hopeful for the future!! 

Looking for a horse to ride

I have been working hard at organizing my marketing materials for my equine massage business. I think I am finally ready! Although I am now once again without horse. I was leasing a great guy to get me back into riding again, but he has decided that his job is retirement. I have been taking lessons this past month on a wonderful horse with such a bigger engine. Working on the basics and developing my seat. Wish I had been leasing him these past few months, as I have learned so much. Sadly, he is not for lease so I must wait to see if there is someone else I might ride. I am determined to continue, although financially it might not make sense. When have horses ever made sense financially? The fall here in Portland is beautiful, yet getting cold. I hope everyone is enjoying the fall wherever they may be. If anyone in the Oregon area knows of any riding opportunities please let me know. I am willing to trade work/massage for lessons. 

End of Summer

I spent the past weekend on the Oregon coast. It was amazing and beautiful, and best of all SUNNY! The coast is rarely this warm and without wind. I feel fortunate to have spent it with James and Bear. 

Feeling frustrated lately with riding. I want to progress more than I am. I feel great after a lesson but on my own I feel directionless. Finding it difficult to tell if it is me or the horse somedays. Looking forward to the day I can have a horse buddy of my own versus leasing. I am in love with one of the horses at the barn, although I believe I am not ready for him, and he is most likely too expensive. It is hard to justify the money I spend on horses sometimes. But we all feel like that at times, right? Patience and Diligence.

September 1st

The end of August here in Oregon was filled with mild weather and yesterday a typical fall day complete with rain. I convinced myself that it would be great to go out to the barn Saturday. I brought a good friend of mine out to take some pictures with me and enjoy some horse time. It is always fun to see one of your non horsey friends interact with your favorite animal. After having such a great lesson on Weds. I was anxious to see how much we could get done on this ride. Once again I leave confused, and a bit frustrated. I have so many questions and want to learn so much, I need to practice patience and not take it so personal. The horses are amazing and just being out on the property watching them interact is worth the drive for me. I look forward to more adventures this week.

Is it still summer in Oregon?

The last few days of August are here and already we here in oregon have had more than a few days that hint that fall is biting the backs of our heels. Although fall is my favorite season, I am in no way ready to surrender. I want more summer. I haven't had as many summer adventures as I had hoped. As a child summer seemed to last for a year. Now it's a few weeks. Let's all hope for that indian summer.

My first ride in 2 weeks

It's been a few weeks since I've been able to saddle and ride Brooks. It was a nice cool day at the barn, and I was the only one there. It was great to enjoy the silence and watch the horses be horses out in the field. Brooks felt good although a bit reluctant to work. I've been trying to stretch him after his workout, but he's not a fan. I think I'll keep trying and see if he can get into it. Carrot stretches always seem to work, though somedays I feel like I'm nothing but a walking carrot in his eyes. Looking forward to my lesson this Weds.

I'm Back!

After many ups and downs through out the winter and spring, I have finally completed my certification as an Equine Body Worker. I took a hiatus to buy a new (newer) vehicle than old mancamp, studied intensively, and found new friends in the horse world who let me into their barns to massage their beloved horses. I was fortunate to come across Talisman Farms in Aurora, Oregon. Talisman Farms is an Eventing barn with an amazing trainer by the name of Julie Hook. I met Molly McAllister, a friend of a friend through the Audobon Society in Portland. From there I was able to finish my externship on Molly's horse's as well as her friend Jenn's amazing buddies, Mixer and Nick. Nearing the end of certification I was excited at the opportunity to begin riding again. I began leasing a wonderful horse by the name of Brooks. With Julie's guidance and the opportunity to come out multiple days a week to ride I felt that I would be able to learn more than ever before. Just being around the barn lifts my spirits, and Brooks is a wonderful partner to practice my massage techniques on. I have also been working on my new website: www.nwhorsemassage.com
Hope you all are enjoying the summertime and I look forward to connecting back into the horse blogger community.