I worry more about my horse’s health than I do my own. That has to change and soon if I am going to pilot my friends the best I can.

Instead of trusting the advertisements, I choose to trust LMF feed. I have used it since 1996 when I moved my horses in with Amy Tryon.

There are a lot of horse topics that we discuss and chit chat about with our horse friends. But, what we don’t talk about is also pretty interesting.

The wildfire smoke has forced me stay inside for the last few days and I’m checking off a few things on my to-do list that have otherwise been forgotten. Maybe not forgotten, but shelved for a later day because I’m putting off forward action when it’s easier to just coast along and keep doing the same ole same ole pattern. But, I’m inspired for change!

We cooked up a plan to trade Ellie for two young homebreds. My husband, Mark, gave me the thumbs up, and next thing you know….. after a whirlwind of coggins tests, flexions and xrays, I’m dashing off to Texas for the great horse exchange.

The purpose of this blog is to be my personal tribute to Ellie.

What goals? Will we have a 2020 season? Are all events going to cancel? Am I confined to my home? Will I Be Well?

When is ‘working hard’ too much? Doesn’t working hard produce results? And if I work hard for something, doesn’t it mean that I have earned it? Good things come to those who have blood, sweat and tears invested in it?

Today I watched my student make that all-important shift from being a passenger and victim to the horse’s decisions to becoming the Captain of the team. It was one of the best things I have witnessed for a long time.

I dedicate this to my friend Erica. As of now, she is my longest student and boarder, but that will all end next week. My dear friend has thrown up her hands to the traditional world and decided that she wants life a little more life-outrageous. 

I am so relieved to be in a place that makes my horses happy….. and with less spiders.

It seems incredibly apropos to be sitting here on a balmy evening, drinking Kentucky bourbon on ice. I’m listening to the crickets chirp, in that loud way that we really don’t get in the Pacific Northwest.

Everytime I travel for an event, I think that there is nothing to report about, but then I get admonished by friends and clients left back at home that I didn’t keep everyone informed and entertained! So, here it goes.