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.