OK, OK, I know it's been forever!!!! And I'm not actually sure how long it's been. All I know is that I've been busy!
Ranger had surgery on October 19th, to remove the nerve in his leg that transmitted the pain from his sidebone. It's a common surgery, but one I wanted to avoid. He was in so much pain, though, that I decided to go forward, and I'm glad I did! He's back under saddle--in fact, here's a pic from last week from our first ride in 4 months! Look how happy we both are!
RJ is growing like a weed! He had a lot to overcome; he was pretty sick his first few weeks here. He had a serious infection, which is now cleared up. He also had an awful infestation of tapeworms and small encrusted strongyles, so he's been getting dewormer regularly, and now he has a normal parasite load. The worms caused anemia, which has been corrected, and all of the above caused him to lose weight. He's finally put weight back on, and feels great! But best of all, none of his tribulations changed his personality--he's still quiet, affectionate and smart. I can't believe he's a baby--he's so docile! He'll become roommates with a mini (Pumpkin) and Claire, the goat, tomorrow.
Beau blew out his suspensory ligament last month. That's a very serious injury. It could take a year before we know if he can be ridden. I'll probably retire him, though. He's 23 years old, and I'll bet he'd like to be out on a pasture all day, every day, with just the occasional walking ride around the paddock. In the meantime, he gets walked 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. It's keeping me fit!
We took our yearly Christmas photos today--thanks JJ and Brent for helping! Here are a few of the "behind the scenes" shots--what happens before the good photo is snapped!
Renee from Renee's Friend's Fund, a non-profit charity to help women with breast cancer, gave me her pink ribbon pin to wear. It's on my tie at work, and I'm pretty proud of it!
View from my office window-
Finally, I met someone and we've been dating for a couple of months! He's totally different from any man I've ever dated. He's handsome, smart, funny, educated, respectful--he's the whole package, and he likes cats and sushi, too! Who would have thought that Sue was right--that there really was someone out there for me! She kept saying "I just know it," and, well, he's here! Meet Josh-this was on our first date.
We hopped on the Fun Bus, and the Fun began!
Of course we stopped at Secretariat's statue and grave. Yes, he's buried at the Kentucky Horse Park, one of only a few famous horses buried here. Man O'War is here, War Admiral, Eclipse and a few more distinguished horses can be visited here. Some amazing horses are also still living here, including Funny Cide, who was a Triple Crown contender, and Cigar.
The Start monument shows the stride of Secretariat (closest pole, where Sue is standing) at 24 feet, John Henry (middle pole) at 25.5' and Man O'War--28 feet! That's the distance each covered when his hind foot pushed off, and his front foot landed! The path leads to Man O'War's memorial and gravesite. Wouldn't you have loved to see him and Secretariat in a race together? I know the movie "Secretariat" is out, but if you've never seen the video of the Belmont Stakes, where Secretariat won by 31 lengths, here it is: 
We met some equestrian superstars. I didn't get a pic of me & Ron Turcotte, Secretariat's jockey, but he signed a poster of himself and Secretariat for me. What a special keepsake! Mr. Turcotte is in a wheelchair, now, and I think his health is failing, so I am very grateful that he came to the Games to share his memories. I asked him what it was like, riding Secretariat, and his eyes lit up, and he said, "There was nothing like it." Can you imagine riding the best racehorse in history? I hope that when he goes, it's during his sleep while he's riding that race again... Next, I met Jane Savoie. Jane is an Olympic rider and coach. She's got a new system with sensors in the saddle and reins that tell a rider how balanced and correctly they are riding. I've always worried that my seat has been affected by my injuries from the accident with the semi, and from being hurt at work last year. Jane coached me on the mechanical horse, and showed me that I actually have a very good seat, but I'm left-side dominant with more weight in the left rein, and my left leg is back about an inch. She had me sit correctly and showed me how to "muscle memory" that seat, and I've been riding with that in mind ever since. Beau has made some incredible changes to match the small adjustments I've made--both he & I are happier! Can't wait to try it out on Ranger after his surgery (which is Oct 19th--he'll have about 6 weeks of rehab, so I'll start riding him again in December). WOW, I WAS COACHED BY JANE SAVOIE!!!
Clinton Anderson was there, too. I got to say Thank You for the time he took with me back in Sacramento, 6 years ago, at Expo. I showed him the results--pics of Ranger & Beau under saddle and winning. Clinton also donated 100 tickets to Heather Buck, who was critically injured a few months ago when her horse fell on her, then kicked her in the head while trying to get up. Heather wasn't supposed to live, but she did, and she's up and talking now! Clinton is a class act, and a great guy.
We also met Lynn Palm, who took Rugged Lark to the top as an English, Dressage and Western horse. Lynn's new book was just published, and both Sue & I bought copies which Lynn signed--we're some of the first people to get copies! I've already started reading mine; Lynn makes so much sense.
Lynn rode in a clinic demonstration on Rugged Painted Lark, a son of Rugged Lark. She rode him western, then dropped the bridle and rode English, including some jumps. He's an amazing and beautiful stallion, and I know she'll go far with him.
Right after Lynn was the Western Dressage clinic. The original clinician, Eitan Beth-Halachmy, had a heart attack during the opening ceremonies, and was in very serious condition in the hospital. JP Giacomini filled in on his Andalusian stallion. JP joked, "If I rode my stallion without a bridle like Lynn did, there would be little colts all over the place!" He was funny, informative and very clear in his instruction. He made the canter pirouette EASY--and I did it today on Beau, and got an amazing effort from my horse. I'd love to go to a JP clinic, and if there's one anywhere nearby, you'll be seeing pics of us on my blog! 
There was a lot of artwork at the WEG, and all over Lexington. Sue & I met and watched a stained glass artist make a lampshade. It was beautiful work--he had two enormous sculptures standing nearby, made of tiny 1" squares. Each sculpture had to be at least 6' tall, or taller. This was his Painted Pony--it was lit from within, and absolutely beautiful at night. 
Speaking of ponies, this is Molly, a hurricane Katrina survivor. I had seen the email that has gone viral about her, and thought that it was a good PhotoShop job and a ridiculous story. But, look at her right front leg--next to me--yes, that's a prosthesis! She was attacked by dogs after Katrina and her leg had to be amputated. Normally, you'd euthanize a horse with an injury like this, but she had an incredible will to live, and her owner asked that she be given the chance. What is it--5 years since Katrina? She travels all over, teaching disabled kids that there is life after injury. What an amazing story--and even more amazing that she's real.
Sue & I missed our horses, and decided to go riding.
Those Painted Ponies were everywhere on the grounds, including the Pumpkin Patch. Check out Peter Rabbit!
This Pony was covered with shells--clam shells made up the winning race blanket, and little limpit (is that what they are called?) shells are glued all over the body. Some other sort of round shell was strung to make the hairs on the mane. Can you imagine the work that went into this Pony? I remember getting frustrated gluing pasta onto a shoebox in grade school!
This flying horse is made of blown, spun glass!
And the Western horse and I enjoyed a nice conversation. Check out his chaps!
Finally, the Dressage Finals!
Laura Bechtol-Scheimer and Mistral Hojris, the Silver medal winners.
Edward Gal and Moorlands Totilas won Gold, Laura won Silver, and Steffan Peters won Bronze! It was the first medal for the US in Dressage at WEG. I have some great pics of both on the other camera, which I'll upload when I can. 
The Dutch were THRILLED that their teams had done so well--they medaled in the team effort!
After the games, Sue & I spent a day toodling around Lexington. We found Mary Todd Lincoln's childhood home, so I sat on the porch. Can you believe that Mrs. Lincoln walked on these steps? It was as awe-inspiring as realizing that I was at Ford's Theatre in Washington DC, when I realized exactly where I was standing.
Afterwards, we met up with Paul and Judy Licato, whom we knew from West Texas Airport. We hadn't seen them in over 20 years. They are retired now, living in Lexington, operating a boarding kennel. Paul still flies his C-172. They are a little older and a little grayer, but then, aren't we all? :-)
Big rocks and badlands...reminds me of Bryce Canyon. Hell of a place to lose a cow.
I spotted this lizard with his dinner. Can you see the grasshopper in his mouth? We didn't stay to watch him choke it down--figured that might take all night!
We got the the ranch around 8p, and it was already dark. Rich J Cat Man Do, my colt, was in the hay barn, way back between two tall stacks of hay, only about 2 feet apart, facing away from us. There was no way he could turn around. I thought, Oh, wow, this is going to be a wreck. However, Rich kissed to him and said, "Here, baby," and RJ backed right out, calm as could be! My only real baby point of reference is Ranger, and I can guarantee you that would not have been the way Ranger would have gotten out! Right there, I knew I had a colt with a nice, calm disposition, and a brain (Sorry, Ranger...but Ranger didn't grow a brain until he was 5 years of age).
We came out early the next morning to see the broodmares, including RJ's dam, Catty Joe Jack. She's double Two Eyed Jack, with Watch Joe Jack, Joe Jack Honey Bar, Leo Bar Honey, and Baron Bell on her papers. His sire was Little Buck Peppy (now a gelding), with Peppy San Badger, Doc O'Lena, King, King Fritz, Dustin Command, Skippa Slip and Skipper W on his papers. Both parents are TANKS! Catty is about 14.3HH, and Little Buck is 15 HH, so RJ should mature close to 15 HH. 
Look at that butt! She's got power, and he inherited it. 
The broodmare band. Rich Orton has some NICE horses!
Rich raises QH's as a hobby; his real job is to raise Holstien bulls for dairies. He's got lots of awards from the cattle side of things. You know me, I'm always fascinated with cows (bulls, in this case), right, Sue? Or maybe they are fascinated with me?
We got RJ loaded up without a problem, and off we went, back to Colorado.
Trips are never without excitement...and snow in the pass qualifies as such. I HATE driving in snow! And why is it snowing in OCTOBER????
But we made it, and RJ settled right in. I can't believe how calm and quiet he is. He just wants to get along. He's already picking up his feet for me, leads and ties without question and nothing seems to spook or faze him. I'm almost scared that something is wrong with him, but he learns so fast, and is curious, so I guess that a well-bred domestic colt is totally different than a wild colt, who is bred to bolt to survive. Time will tell, but I think I got a good one! :-)
