How do I look?

Camryn here:  First off so sorry for my absence, no real reason.  Just nothing blogworthy I guess.
Mom finally got around to trying my new Boett Sweet Itch rug on me...

Do you think it makes my butt look big?

I feel like a Victoria Secret model, with my new lingerie and all...

Dad helped Mom get me dressed the first time as the entire thingie goes on over my head.  Mom worried I might object to not being able to see for a few moments but, I did just fine.  It's really very comfy and those midges can't eat me at all!!!  Only problem Mom has found with it is that when it rains the water slides offa my back then down into the belly band were it puddles up a bit.  Mom laughed as her unbuckled and emptied the puddle out.  Mom washed it the other day and put it back on today without any help at all.  I stood way still even though I didn't like my ears getting all bent up.  Please realize for the rest of summer I'll be wearing my "lingerie" in most pictures.  I can even wear it when we ride as the belly band comes off.  I do think it'd look better in hot pink with black lace trim however!

Later...

Needed: Party Planner...

Camryn here:
I'm in need of a Party Planner.  I recall promising a party when I got my hay delivered.  Well, it's here "BOOYA"!  Mom n Dad will be out all day at Gramma's 80th birthday party, so that'll work best I think.  The new hay looks, smells & tastes delicious.  Got at least a hundred bales I'm guessing. Oh, and my new Omega supplement stuff came today too, it's way yummy so we can use those for an appetizer.  Any thoughts on games we can play, besides basketball of course.  Doc n Pippin please bring your cart, maybe we can have pony version pony rides?  Perhaps pin the tail on the human?  Anyone attending must be nice to my dog Onyx by the way.  Otherwise I'll have to kick bootee! Oh, could you Zoe bring along your Boett Rug, I'll wear mine too and we can tell ghost stories!!!  Ooooh Yeah, this is gonna be fun!
I had a big scare today, the hay man decided to dump all the loose hay in my paddock, this was a wonderful idea I thought.  That is until the truck bed started rising up off the truck making big noise.  The higher it got the bigger my eyes got.  Mom had me on a lead rope and kept me in one place, she calmly took deep breaths and said "eeeeasy, eeeeasy girl" over n over.  This really helped as I didn't take off or nothing bad.  Mom did ask Dad, "have you ever seen a tap dancing horse before?".  That's what I did, I'd jig my fronts, then my backs, fronts, then backs...When it was over and I was still Mom let out a big deliberate sigh so I let out an even bigger one like this "SIGH".  Then she clicked n treated me, the truck pulled away and she led me over to all the lovely loose hay it'd dumped.  Felt liked I'd almost gone to H#$^, then took a shortcut to Heaven!  Darn maybe I shoulda saved that for one of the ghost stories?
Later...

modeling & riding...

Camryn here:
Today was a perfect beautiful day.  Then Mom had to go and ruin it!!!  Just kidding there, but seriously Mom decided it was a day to ride, or at least putz about in the paddock and try out my new bitless bridle.  Have to say it rocks...

The head piece is all nice n padded, it's roomy enough for my big forehead too.  Mom says the leather smells delicious, I smelled it and didn't think much.  The reins can either clip on the side rings, making it a sidepull.  Or to the rope that criss crosses under my jaw making it operate from the poll.  Mom attached it to the latter part.  It even comes with matching reins.  

As you can see it matchy matches my saddle and pad making me a true fashionista. If you squint real hard you might be able to see that my new breast plate matches as well.  I rock in my new duds.  Mom didn't put my new cantle bag on yet.  It's not quite a perfect match but, it'll do.

About the riding, love, love, love being bitless.  First we practiced flexing side to side of course I was perfect and recieved lots of clicks and treats.  Then we backed a bit, next off we went on a little walk a bout.  All the work we did with leg cues last year came right back to me (more click/treats of course).  Oh, nearly forgot to mention Mom got a new treat bag at Equine Affaire too.  Mom barely even had a chance to use the reins I was soooo awesome.  We also practiced my brakes and backing every time she had me "whoa".  After just a few times I took a few steps back every time we stopped. We even did a little trotting though Mom really needs some work in that area (bumping bottom if you know what I mean) Sadly Mom only rode in the paddock, I'd have much prefered checking out how easily it would be to grab grass with in a bitless, couldn't talk her into that "yet".  Mom says we'll give it a try once the pasture is dry enough that I can be out to graze and not be crazy famished for green stuff first.  I hate common sense sometimes!   

Mom has tons of Equine pix, though she still has to go thru them all.  Probably not till the weekend as she plans to play cowgirl with me after work if the weather remains cooperative.  Poor Dad won't be getting dinner cooked for him most likely the rest of the week.

Later

Mom's back/I score big time...

Camryn here:
Mom's home from the Equine!  First off she and her friends had an excellant time.  She saw tons of Haflingers, oddly she didn't get many piktures of them this year.  To busy yakking and shopping is my guess.  She said Fantasia was beyond excellant and inspiring as is the norm.  Her fav was the therapy riding group.  Even though she needed tissues throut it as it touched her deeply.  Normally the Haflinger Driving Drill Team woulda been her #1.  After her telling me about more about the therapy group, I totally understood the Haflingers rating #2 though. 
Dad did good taking care of me, his stall cleaning is rather sub par but, Mom didn't mention this as he did try.
Mom shopped till she dropped and I scored big time.  Yowza did I ever score.  I got my bitless bridle, Mom tried it on me and it's very comfy and fits.  She knew how much I'd like one but, after looking at tons of various kinds was thinking "the right one" was going to be impossible.  She came across the Action Rider Tack booth and there it was, she said it called my name.  It matches not just my saddle but, my saddle pad to boot!! She promises to take piktures of me in it soon.  Course while we learn to use it, the bitless is just for at home use. I also got a new breast plate from them too, it's biothane so her can clean my sweat right off in a bucket!!!  She'd found an alpaca one she thought I'd really like but, realized my sweat would make it kinda yucky pretty quick like making it uncomfy when we do long multi day camping rides.  Also I got a really nice TrailMax cantle bag, it matches my pad n bridle it's snugs up to the back of my saddle so won't be flop, flopping on me as we trot n stuff.  I'll be a real comfy fashionista on the trail.  Shame that my renegades are red instead of burgandy though, they'll clash a tad I guess.  I got two new fly masks, bummer they're the kind I can't seem to get off easily.  But, they are earless which I explained to Mom last year that I prefer.  More Cowboy Magic for my mane n tail.  She ordered some new supplements for my sweetitch that contain Omega 3's, those will arrive later in the week. AND (drumroll)....a Boett Sweetitch Rug!!!  Mom's been wanting one for me ever since she figured out I have allergies to bugs.  But, they're way expensive, add shipping and it's beyond budget killing.  The Boett peoples were at Equine Affaire for the first time, Mom just happened to see their booth in her near fruitless search for a new fly sheet.  They were having a sale, Mom called Dad and I got one now!!!  Mom has to try it on me later this week.  So between the new rug and my supplements I'll be pretty itch free this summer and without steriods too.  Can you tell I'm happy about that!!!  She'll try to get pix of me modeling it when we try it on.
So, while I missed Mom this weekend, after she totally proved that she thought of me the entire time she was gone she has been completely forgiven for her absence :) 
Later...

Mom's going MIA...

Camryn here:
Mom is going to be MIA for a few days.  Dad will be pinch hitting in the critter care dept.  He doesn't do it often, Mom even managed critter care (except pulling hay from the loft) with ribs broke.  Dad don't mind, and Mom has written very specific instructions.  Onyx n my feed will be all made up in coffee containers that Mom saves just for weekends such as this.
Mom n the girls are heading off to the Ohio Equine Affaire first thing in the morning.  After I'm taken care of & get "I'll miss your gurly gurl" hugs.  I already have my part of the shopping list made up with wants,  Mom says maybe one of my wants but the rest will be needs.  SIGH I tried.  A new fly sheet, fly masks, are a two of several needs, bittless bridle is one of my many wants.
Mom's got her camera all packed to take lots of pics, she way excited about the entire weekend.  But, most excited to learn that the Ohio Haflinger Drill Team is part of Fantasia.  Her can't wait for that.
Later...

Supervisory position...

Camryn here:
Mom changed my header photo to one of me helping Dad.  I'm helping him as I helped Mom spring clean my barn/house.  Making sure he doesn't miss any spots in the garden.  I think it's awesome that my people have a gas powered plow thing rather than hooking me up and making me do it. 

"Supervising is soooo much simpler don't you agree?"

Later

New fun equine toy...

Camryn here:
Guess what I got a new toy and boy is it fun...

What is it you ask, well it's the same thing that Mom's humans played with most on Christmas morning...

My very own box!!!  If your imaginative like I am they're very cool...

This is my version of "Hide N Seek".  If you put your head in, the bring it out looking at your human it can also be a game of...

"PEEK A BOO"

"Hey, Mom did you read these instructions first?  Oh, it's upside down, oops"

It's also a poor horse version of a fancy smancy equine ball.  Who says boxes don't roll!!!

Then you pose with what came in the box and play "I'm in a commercial"!!!  Dad got Mom a new shopvac to clean all the cobwebs n such from the barn.  Reason I got to play with the box was cause I kept trying to supervise pointing out spots Mom may have missed while cleaning my barn/house.  Yeah, I know shopvac noise is scary to most horses, not me though.  Same with the box, I thought it was facinating.  Mom contimplated putting the box over Onyx to check my reaction to a walking box, but thought better of than little experiment.

Later

My Sister Chilly...

Camryn here:
Mom found this ad the other day.  Her was soooo excited as it's my full sister!!!  Unfortunatly Mr Logic aka Dad pointed out we don't have room "yet".  But, Mom knows a lady who's really nice who's been looking for a Haflinger.  This lady came to visit me last summer and really liked me.  Course I'm not nor will I be for sale.  So anyhow, Mom thought of her and gave her a call.  Next week, Mom n Judy are going to go visit with Chilly.  Wouldn't it be sooooo awesome if they liked each other, I'd get to go trail riding with my very own sister!!!  Another plus is that Chilly is clicker trained which is something Judy wants to learn too.  I copy and pasted the ad for Chilly off of Horse Clicks so you could see it...
                                                                                                                                                                

click to enlarge

Registered Haflinger mare for sale. Chilled Champagne MRA is an 8 year old Haflinger draft type mare. She’s had dressage training over the past 2 years and shows good rhythm and balance in her work at a walk and trot; good circles too. Her canter is a work in progress. She's been worked over cavaletti and started over cross-rails. She's also been ridden western. She participated in a wagon trail ride a few years ago with her former owner. Super cute mover and goes in a snaffle. Her training includes clicker training, longe line and ground driven. Typical Haflinger, stops and looks, especially at anything new. She’s nosy! And in your pocket too she comes when you call in the field. Like most Haflingers, best for advanced beginner, youth or amateur. Stands for farrier, no shoes needed, very easy keeper. Email for more information, pictures or video. I’m selling her because of my health, otherwise I’d keep this mare forever.

                                                                                                                                                               

Course Judy going to see Chilly doesn't mean it's a done deal.  Still I've got all hooves crossed, still if it doesn't happen.  If any of my lovely readers may be interested just go to horseclicks, then Haflingers in Ohio and you'll find Chilly.  Just make sure you're an awesome home if you do so!

Later

Signs of spring (graphic)

Camryn here:
Well, I know most people judge signs of spring by the appearance of things like this...

Isn't they pretty reflecting off of the pond in the yard?  Anyway, that's what most people see as a sign of spring.  Not my Mom, she works in a greenhouse so she's been seeing flowers for many months already.  Today begonia planting, tomorrow Gerber Daisies.
The picture below is rather graphic but, Mom said she knew it was spring when she saw this...

Can you see what it is?  It's a big ol garter snake eating a toad!!!  SIGH, you know now how abnormal my Mom is.  I mean seriously, how many people grab their camera to take a picture like this?
Later

Grass at last...

Camryn here:
FINALLY, Mom is letting me have grass!!!  Her started hand grazing me yesterday in the yard.  Her says I'm her weed wacker, she's taking me to all the places Dad couldn't get with the mower.  Only the sections of yard that I won't sink in, and only for bout 10 minutes at a time right now.  Yum, yum, YUM...
Oh, Mom n Dad went to a Fire Dept. fish fry this weekend.  My oldest human brother (Chris) is a Fireman guy.  So Mom got to talking to Chris landlord who she already knows.  He has a barn with 26 Mules, Donkey's, Mini Donkey's and Mini Horses. The Mules her rides and drives, the others he rescued.  He offered Mom a Mini Donkey for free.  Mom had to say no for two reasons 1. Dad was there and 2. We don't got room.  BUT, Mom told me that next year they're planning to sell this place and buy a place with more acreage.  Mom says maybe then she'll give Tim a call and see if we can get a few suitable friends with hooves for me!!!  Reason for moving is they plan on having Grampa Ivan move here, they'll be looking for something with an In-Law (Mom calls them Out-Laws though) suite.  That way they can make sure Ivan is doing good, and they'll all maintain their privacy too.  Mom says Grampa used to raise chickens when he was young for 4H, so she said if he'd like they can get some chickens and he can teach her bout them.  That way he'll have a job or at least an interest to keep him busy.
Later

Getting groceries in...

Camryn here:
It's been so sloppy wet here that there was no way that our Hay man Jim would be able to get his truck into my barn/house.  I was getting worried as my stack was getting mighty low.  Mom saved the day though, she went and picked up a load in her truck.  Not a lot but, enough to make me feel secure in being sure to eat. Silly Mom was so proud of herself.  The hay guy throwed bales to her and told her how to stack in the truck.  Her did just what he said and didn't even need to tie the load (22 bales) down or anything.  She had straps to secure it, but Hay man Jim said there was no need.  Mom told him she'd be peeing her pants all the way home if her didn't tie it down.  Hay man Jim just laughed.  She said she felt just like a horse owner driving her load home.  See what I mean by Silly?  I mean she is a horse owner, soooooo just saying.
Once home, she had to wait for Dad to move the hay into my barn/house.  Dad was gonna just pull the truck back into the barn.  That is till Mom reminded him having a degree in engineering must not guarantee being smart.  I mean if the Hay man Jim's big ol monster of a truck wouldn't make it in and out, no way would her F-150 right!!!  So Dad plugged his brain back in and GOT R DONE!

Loading up the ATV, the bucket isn't just for movin dirt ya know...

I'm must casually munching on a snack tucked between the middle gate and back gate.  I have no clue what Mom n Dad or doing, nor do I care...

See how good Dad got it loaded!  He's pretty smart after all...

Here comes Dad driving yummies into the barn for me...

This of course caused me to look up from my snack. I'm like "what the @#%$"

Mom was standing nearby & explained I need not be concerned about hay with wheels headed right for me. 

Life is Good :)

Later!