Brad's Come in Brown Too....

So, uh - I wouldn't say that I've been shopping, more like "keeping an eye out" for anything super interesting. 

Oh.  Interesting.

We've even gone so far to bop around a bit and see a few younger prospects that have popped up.  And while I've never been a good window shopper, it's amazing how much less desperately I shop when I have a great horse at home in the barn...

Of the horses we've seen, there are a few lovely ones I liked, and if I were horseless, I probably would have jumped all over them...  But for one reason or another (size, price, grumpy face...) I could easily pass while I've got a wonderful Windsor waiting for me at home. 

Anyway, I really don't think I've ever actively shopped when I haven't been horseless and willing to compromise (sometimes a lot), so this whole "be really picky" thing is new to me. 

The idea with a possible new pony would be to have something fun to ride that could get me some good mileage while keeping Winds' schedule a bit lighter.  Since I'm not sure I can actually show two horses actively, I'd want the second horse to be something that would be easily marketable in a year or so. 

I should clarify - this would not be an investment horse.  I remain skeptical that such things exist.  But it would be nice to have something that's nice, calm, and attractive enough that I'd have a shot in hell of moving it along to another happy ammy.

In my crazy dream world, I'll have Windsy for ever and ever, and possibly have a rotating second horse that I learn on, show a little, sell -  then go find something else to learn on, show a little and sell.  I have zero illusions of making money - and I'm not sure the rotating roster idea will even work - but it's helping to at least define what to maybe-possibly search for.

Anyway, the current contender is definitely the flashiest of the group we've considered thus far.  A nice liver chestnut with a cute face and a daisy cutter trot.  He's 5, hasn't done a ton, but has shown 1.10m with an amateur.  I like his balance, looks, and gaits.  His jump isn't the biggest, loftiest thing out there, but it's cute and consistent.  He seems straightforward, forgiving (and is a total push ride) - all things that are good for an increasingly chicken, ammy...

blurry - but you can imagine

There are still a few question marks that need answering, but I like him and while I know it's dangerous to name the puppy (especially before you vet it), I can't help but to start brainstorming names.....

Vetting is scheduled for Monday.  Cross your fingers, toes and hooves!

Showtime. (finally)

Trunk Packed.

Trailer Packed.

Horse is on a trailer!

snugglepuppy

My actual Windsor updates have been a bit sparse the last few months (well, all of my updates have been a bit sparse I guess), but things have been plugging along quite nicely. 

Aside from being perhaps a tad too chubby, Winds looks great.  He's feeling strong, supple and eager to work.  We've been slowly building up fitness and increasing his jump load, typically bouncing around ten to twelve 2'6" jumps a few times a week. 

His changes are light, he's loading his hind end beautifully at the base, and it feels like he's landing and carrying through better than has.  Mind you, the jumps are tiny, so all this should be easier - but still...

It all means that I can finally justify a field trip to get off the farm a bit - So we are headed to Tbird (for one week only) to see how Winds' brain is off the property and see how he does opening up on a bigger stride and jumping around a tad. 

Expectations are... non-existent, and I don't even know what exactly we'll be entering.  Probably something at 2'6" or maaaaybe 2'9" but I'm not certain.  the idea is to do a course (possibly two) for a couple days, then he'll just hack out easily over the weekend without any classes.

I think we're both ready for a change of scenery though, and I'm eager to see if he looks as good as he feels!

The slow winter and spring have been great for our skills though, and while I know at this point we'll take the rest of the season relatively easy - everything just feels a bit more polished and put together than it did this time last year. 

Finally - I uh.... have been shopping a little and there may or may not be a few new possible "Brads."

Things are cooking, and I'm hoping to share some pics/deets soon!

Barn Rat

Taking the kid to the barn has been one of the more entertaining things going on this Spring.  As she exits "babyland" and sets foot firmly in toddlerdom, the opportunity to saddle her with my crippling horse obsession has presented herself.

I try to keep my expectations low, and whenever anyone asks me if "she loves horses too" I tend to respond with "she loves anything that's fuzzy.  Including old socks." 

And while that's true, the kid does adore the horses and pretty much all of her imaginary playtime is taken up with them somehow (unless she's playing with her fake kitchen emulating my cooking - which involves a lot of shouting and frustrated noises... shrug?). 

Anyway,  It's cute. 

At home she has commandeered an old Hobby Horse which takes turns being Windsor, or another Eq horse in the barn, or Chico Linda (sp!?) from Spirit- running free. 

on course.

She takes her Hobby Horse management very seriously, and you WILL be scolded if you try to ride before brushing your horse.  You will also be scolded if you don't give the Hobby Horse a carrot.  Or enough pats.  Or tell it thank you for jumping...

Also, everything is a jump, (her lead changes are pretty good) and she is disappointed when she knocks something down.  She sleeps with a plastic (non breyer) horse named "White White" and recently started trying to learn how to wrap polos on her pretend ponies.

At the real barn, she is obsessed with a big, lovely (fancy) mare who tolerates her.  She attempts two-point while walking over poles and can hand out over 10lbs of carrots in under 2 minutes.  She loves to brush legs and thinks hoofpicks are fascinating.

She recently got a new helmet and won't take it off (new paddock boots are on order and will likely suffer a similar fate).

But perhaps one of my most enjoyable moments to date, was taking her up to a horse show last weekend, and watching her ride the Derby winner back to the barn.  Just last year she was too small to ride Winds when he won the class, but my trainer's son had the honors. 

It was one of those moments where I realized how fun it was to have her along and actually enjoying the horses and the show and the camaraderie of our barn family. 

I'm thinking there is a whole other aspect to this horse thing being a mom - and it looks like a lot more fun than I thought it would.

Long Overdue (the post, not the colt..)

Checking back in! holy moly lots is happening.  But most notable to the blog-o-sphere is probably the arrival of Prairie's colt.  (squee!)

peek-a-boo

You may recall - Prairie is enjoying a new life as a broodmare with an old friend from Pony Club.  She was bred to their KWPN stud, Versace (Ferro/Idocus) last year and gave birth to a healthy little colt in April.

Anyway, all is well.  The colt is strong and social and all things you want a baby to be.  He has been named "Vegas" and will go by Ace in the barn.  I hope I am able to follow his journey and see what life has in store for this little guy.  I believe he will be presented for inspection with the Oldenburg NA this summer, but we shall see!  Just in case anyone is shopping, his full description is here.

As for Daddy (since little Ace isn't doing much yet), he doesn't a huge competition record to share, but he's cute and the babies have a reputation for extreme rideability (which would be a nice feature to add to Prair...).  Most of his accomplishments have come on the breeding side of things, including a couple approved sons and being the Dressage Sport Horse Breeding Champion for KWPN in North America.  Seems like a cool dude.

Interestingly enough, Versache was gelded a couple years ago and is actually for sale if anyone is looking for something snazzy to place with!

More updates on Windsor and the rest of the clan to come!


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