Get the Ball Rolling

Feeling awful while reading everyone's 2014 first rides and goal list. I really have no excuse why I haven't ridden since LAST YEAR except for time. Yes, I could be at the barn right now or right after work, working my pony, being happy. But I also have that other 4-legged animal that's just as needy and with Dad gone, no puppy-sitter. Chevy gets pretty destructive the longer he is left by himself which is horrible. And it doesn't take once, it's those days where I'm not home for 8-10 hours 2-3 days in a row and I accidently leave a roll of paper towels on the table. I have been crating him (which he loves his crate) and things are good, but I still feel guilty for stopping in, letting him out, and putting him back in his crate just to leave again for a couple of hours. I'm just lucky that the cat is so independent. He can even feed himself.

Caught in the act!

I had my chance to ride New Year's Day but we were in desperate need of hay. I got out at 1, ran and let the dog out, then went straight to Ed's to get some hay. Of course when I go with him to load it instead of just meeting him there with Kate, it's a project because I end up helping him (which I don't mind at all. He's always helping me out). So a 1-2 hour hay pick up is about 3-4 hours... Especially when we get there to feed the cows and one is down. Poor girl had been laying down for so long that her back end "fell asleep" which happens. It's not like when our leg falls asleep because they're basically paralyzed. She was having diarrhea with some blood and clear mucus... We actually thought she may have calved early but we couldn't find a sign of a baby. She tried to get up a couple of times but couldn't even when we helped. Ed went back later and she was finally up so he lead her up to the barn thank goodness. Fingers crossed she's okay, I'll call him tomorrow.

Trying to get up.

Poor cow.

We finally went to the Pottery to pick up the hay (85 bales) and went to the barn and unloaded it. By the time it was done N had fed ponies and I could ride but then I received a text... After a short 5 minute phone call I made my way to a friend's house to play knight in shining armor. There are some phone calls that can wait for me to put my horse first, but this couldn't. By the time I got home it was 10pm and couldn't go back to the barn.

Last night we had a blizzard... Another night of not riding... Just cuddling... Lucky dog.

Awesome blizzard spot.

Made it to the barn late this morning, no one plowed... YAY JEEP! I shoveled a bath around the door and to the manure trailer the fed horses. It was frigid so I opened windows and kept them in. Work changed the schedule and I offered to come in 12-6 if needed, but they said they probably wouldn't need me. That would've been a blessing and a curse at the same time. I can't afford another day off without pay... Especially when they send us home early or call us off all the time during the down season. I called in at 11am and was told to come in, no big deal. Put the horses out and got to watch them play for a while. I should've just put them out first time... Especially my guy, he just loves the snow. Rolled in it over and over, tossing his head. Felt even more guilty that I haven't been riding...

My little Montana pony... Lovin' the snow!

Still brainstorming a list of goals for 2014. I see a lot of people doing monthly goals this year and I think that it may be easier for me to do that instead of lose sight of a full year list of goals. What does everyone else think?

Also realized I never posted about emotions and working with horses, probably because I haven't been really working with anyone. I was on such a role. Nat had an awesome ride on Comet after I worked with him which made me feel great and A has been doing an amazing job with Lucy. I miss my barn time with the girls... I'm working until 2 tomorrow... Barn by 3, Brantley under saddle? YES PLEASE!