January mish mosh

I've written a post every day but one this month, but there are always things that get left out. Before this space is completely overtaken by NaMoPaiMo, I want to share a few odds and ends from the first month of 2026.

In response to the post about Olive's Sage's chicken feet, Darleen Stoddard shared this photo of her and good mare, Hope. She says, I also could not resist the chicken feet. Sadly, they turn to the side if you trot with them on.

Although James was in the spotlight, I also got to shout Hurray! Hurray! when Ryan came over to help me launch the NaMoPaiMo website.

I made him take a picture with Baby Olive, but rest assured, I will be the one painting her.

I think I mentioned that we've had a lot of boxes at work? 

Most of them were filled with the same old stuff, but there was also this very unusual Stubben girth.

It's designed to be used with a liner, which is sold separately. We didn't get the liner, just the girth.

The big storm that blanketed more than half of the country in snow and ice mostly missed us. We had a very cold weekend, but less than an inch of snow.

Between NaMoPaiMo, work and the frigid temperatures, Sage mostly had last week off. Today, I did sit on her again. Hopefully, by the time we get to February's mish mosh post, we'll be doing a little bit of independent riding.

I'm usually the photographer at the barn, but Giselle's friend, Jess, showed up with a serious camera and took this photo of Sage. I love it!

In less good barn news, Kaffi continues to have occasional, mild colic episodes. It's frustrating and stressful for everyone and really not fair to him.

In addition to dealing with all that, Karen also said goodbye to her one of her English Setters. It was very unexpected, and my heart breaks for her and her beautiful, Tallulah.

Finally, I would be remiss if I didn't mention - even briefly - the absolute horror show this month has been on the national level. 

I am grateful to everyone who has spoken out against this very unAmerican regime, and that includes Breyer, who issued this statement of values earlier today.

They also participated in the National Shutdown Day. Bravo!

January is almost over. One more day, and then it's NaMoPaiMo!

Tack reference Tuesday

I visited New Orleans several times in the mid-1990's, mostly without my camera. As a result, I have just one picture of the city's iconic carriage mules from that time frame. 

Last month, I flew into New Orleans to visit my friend, Carol. She picked me up and the airport, and we spent the day with my nephew, Tom, and his wife, Erin, before heading east to Carol's Ocean Springs, Mississippi home.

For the return trip, we decided to spend a little more time in New Orleans. We drove over the day before my flight, checked into a hotel and then walked to the French Quarter.

Eventually, we found a quieter place...

for dinner...

and drinks.

After that, we walked to Jackson Square...

and found the mules!

This time, I took all the pictures.

Old habits die hard. Even though I'm sure I'll never need them, I still took a slew of harness and carriage reference pictures. Just in case.

Of course, then we decided we needed to go for a ride.

This is "our" mule, Archie.

And we're off!

It wasn't the most exciting carriage ride we've been on together - those honors will forever belong to Robby in Bruges - but it was fine.

I enjoyed seeing New Orleans framed between Archie's big ears.

Thanks, friend!

And thank you to Carol, too. I'm so glad we got to do that!

Tack reference Tuesday

A little more than eight years ago, my husband and I spent a day in the Colorado mountains, attending the Leadville Boom Days and Burro Races.

We arrived about an hour before the start of one of the races and spent that time in the pre-race area, meeting the the donkeys, talking to their handlers and taking lots of photos.

At that time, I was still actively running a model horse tack business, so a lot of my attention was focussed on the tack.

Each donkey was required to wear a regulation pack saddle with a pick, shovel, and gold pan.

Most also carried at least one quart of water, food (an energy bar) and weather appropriate clothing (such as a windbreaker). 

Of course, when it came to race time, most of this was covered up by the entrant pinney!

The rules allows use of a "jack chain" - that is a chain or strap that apply pressures over the muzzle, under the chin or through the mouth - but we didn't see any of those. Mostly, it was just a bunch of normal nylon...

and rope halters.

Lead ropes can be up to fifteen feet in length.

Also worth noting, there were a few donkeys outfitted in hoof boots...

and at least one had a camera mounted on his saddle.

Handler attire was what you would expect for a long distance running at altitude in the summer. Beyond athletic shoes - which everyone wore - there were lots of shorts...

and leggings,

gloves...

and ball caps and visors.

Of course, with an event as quirky as this, there are always going to be a few people who really dress for the occasion!

A few more photos just because.

I always thought burro racing would be a really fun event to recreate in 1:9 scale. I probably won't ever get around to doing it, but maybe - hopefully! - these photos will inspire someone else. If that's you, be sure to share pictures of your entry. Even it takes another eight years for it to happen, I'd love to see them!