That moment...

when you realize that one bead stands between you and the successful completion of your project. 

Sigh. It looks like I'm going bead shopping.

Strike three

Well, it's happened again. Another unpainted resin has joined the herd.

I could try to justify this by saying that no money exchanged hands, but really? I just wanted a cute new pony.

And this pony is so cute.

She arrived with her own little friend.

He's pretty cute, too.

They are cute together. 

Thank you so much, Mindy! I love them.

Almost wordless Wednesday

Mahaganaska's baby is so pretty. I can't stop taking pictures of her. Here are a few of my favorites. Enjoy!

Jana's TJS donations

Got bell boots?

The Jennifer Show does, thanks to Jana Skybova!

Like Rachel's sports medicine boots, Jana's bell boots are a must have accessory for the serious performance shower. These stretchy, silicone bell boots look and feel like their full sized counterparts, but are much easier to use. I have a least a half dozen pairs in my own tack box.

But that's not all... Jana also sent one of her quilted saddle pads. Jana is as good a seamstress as she is a saddle maker. I know some lucky shower is going to be very happy to win this pad!

We are so excited to be able to offer prizes of this caliber to the Jennifer Show entrants. Thank you so much, Jana. You are as generous as you are talented!

Foaling season

Spring isn't just mud season and shedding season, it's also foaling season.

With only one foal due this year, James and I knew our chances of being present at a birth were fairly small. Fortunately, Mahaganaska was very accommodating. She had her foal right on schedule and not too late at night. This was the scene when James and I arrived.

"Hello, little one." 

A few minutes later, the umbilical cord broke. Linda treated the filly's navel with iodine... 

 and Lee toweled her dry.

Of course, James had to sneak in there, too. For some reason he thinks this foal is his.

She's not, but she'd be a good one. She was on her feet in less than a half hour. 

Not even wobbly! 

James helped guide her in...

 for her first meal.

Then she sampled a little hay...

and passed the meconium. 

With all her first day milestones behind her, it was time for photos! 

Okay, I kind of want her, too. 

What a fun foaling party...

and what a beautiful foal! 

Thank you, Mahaganaska.

And now I'm off to the barn again to see "our" baby in the sunlight!

Dust in the wind

Every time I post pictures like this...

Richard Squared, customized by Tiffany Purdy, owned and shown by Leah Koerper

or this...

someone is sure to ask about the dust. There was a time when I, too, struggled to create realistic clouds of dust.

Then these girls came into my life.

 Now...

every bath day... 

is also a harvest day. 

Voila! Nice, clean clouds of dust! 

Hurray for prop making orange dogs!

Olympia

Horse Nation is holding a contest to crown the World's Best Lesson Horse, and my favorite, living school horse, Olympia, is one of the finalists. Here's her biography, which was written by my riding buddy, Mary Jo. 

Olympia

by Mary Jo Stark

Born during the opening ceremonies of the 2002 Winter Olympics, Twin Peak Olympia (Greentree Brigadier x UVM Noontide) was destined for greatness from the beginning. 

Sarah Jarvis bought Olympia as a yearling with the intention of showing her in carriage driving and dressage, but her life and business changed, and Olympia found her niche as lesson horse extraordinaire.

Photo by Sarah Jarvis

In eleven years, Olympia has guided students through their first trail rides, over their first jumps ad into their first show rings. 

Photo by Sarah Jarvis

Her kind, patient disposition and classic Morgan work ethic make her ideal for teaching. Her students have ranged in age from less than one to more than eighty years. Olympia is especially talented when pair with special needs students, including two young people with autism.

Photo by Mark Davis

A girl who found riding too physically stimulating learned how to experience horses in a new way, from the seat of a buggy, whereas a young boy, Mark, improved his coordination, balance, and self-confidence and now shows in dressage, combining his new skills with Olympia’s special knowledge. 

According to Mark’s grandfather, “I trust Olympia has only good intentions for her riders, which is important to parents of special needs students."

Olympia with her best friend, Missy

All of the horses nominated for this award are worthy, but I am biased. I know Olympia, and I've ridden Olympia. She truly is truly the epitome of the World's Best Lesson Horse. Please visit Horse Nation's website and vote for Olympia!