Some encouraging words....

In troubled times, I find these words really really comforting.  Chew on them....

Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack in everything
That's how the light gets in

Mr Leonard Cohen

& Good Morning, from Small Wonders

Cf Meter Maid

I really really dislike "Maya"'s registered name.  I mean really... Meter Maid?  I don't get it.  I would have changed it, but I've been told that it is bad luck to change a horses name.  So... not wanting to temp fate, I've kept it.  So... Maya is the third family member profiled here.  What can I say about this lovely creature?  First off, she is soooo lovey... nothing like Bella, who can be notoriously standoffish.  She brings truth to the phrase.... ""she wants to fit in your back pocket.  I'm convinced, at times, she would prefer to be with humans that her own herd mates.  Not sure why.  I am so blessed to have two mares that are completely unalike in every manner.  She is a huge heart, and always gives a 100 percent.  In fact some say she tries too hard, and becomes a little nervous in the show pen.  She's got a huge motor, and she is so incredibly agile, it's crazy.  Simply put,  loads of talent.  She has been a mama, twice now.  And she was an amazing one at that.  For her second foal, she went off and had her baby in the middle of the night, in the pasture, and by the time anyway got up the next morning, the baby was already cleaned and walking around next to Mom.  How cool is that.  I hope to buy her second baby back to the person I sold her to.  Not sure... we will see.  So, let me introduce you to CF Meter Maid!!!!!!!

Wind Diva

The second family member to be profiled.  This lady's name is Wind Diva, aka Bella.  I love this mare more than anything I can name.  She's taught me how to ride.  When I bought this mare, a lot of people were concerned because she came from racing on the track.  She was one of the fastest mares in the quarter horse racing industry at the time.  What makes this mare so incredibly special, is that she takes care of me.  She knows the exact speed I can handle, and will not go any faster, regardless if I ask her!  How cool is that!! That's what sets horses apart from one another.  What this mare has taught me is that whatever we do out there, whether in the show pen or otherwise, if something goes wrong it is NEVER the horses fault.  That's right.... it's always rider error.  Let's face it, these creatures are so incredibly wise, I don't think we know the extent of their intelligence.  I don't know if I could ever sell this mare, really.  It would be difficult.  I know there will come a day when I won't be barrel racing any more, but I think at that point, she should go into retirement... maybe breed her so she can try out being a mama.  Oh yea, she is also out of one of the top sires in the industry, so her blood lines rock.  So.... without further ado......

Meet Janie-Mare

The first family member to be profiled.  This mare is what we call a "cutting" mare.  She's basically a cow horse.  Bred specifically to work with cow/cattle.  I've never had the privilege to see her in action (the poor girl is lame now), she is one of the sweetest mares I've ever come across.  I've only had her for about 5 months, so she is low man on the totem pole, here with my herd, but she has been buddying up to Maya, one of my other mares.  Maya has seen to it that Janie isn't totally excluded from the herd.  Herd mentality is a tough love affair.... Horses can be quite mean while establishing their hierarchy.  But once it's been established, there can be harmony(ish).

Good Morning... from Small Wonders

A bug's life...at Small Wonders

Blessed Fall

Delicious Autumn.  My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird, I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns.

George Eliot 1841