Never assume

 Never assume the worst, that is. On the other hand, if you do, then it's always a pleasant surprise when you are proven wrong!

I had a pleasant surprise this morning when I went to feed the barn cats and Smokey was there, meowing loudly and demanding his canned cat food! He didn't get et by coyotes after all! 

The two Siamese, Misty and Smudge weren't best pleased though, as Smokey is a very bossy hissy cat. Just look at that crabby face! He hisses at me and I hiss right back at him. Now if only Bandit shows up I will be happy, he went missing 2 days after Smokey. 

We have another blast of cold air lately, nights down to -18 C and hovering around or just below freezing during the day. They are saying there is a probability of a brown Christmas- I'm ok with that as it means the mares can graze longer and that will save on the amount of hay I have to feed. 

I bought myself an early Christmas present 😄 Ever since I broke my ankle last year it has affected my balance and my confidence in the saddle, part of the reason I haven't been riding much this year. I still have pain in the arch of my foot and narrow stirrups make it worse. So here is what I bought to help with that:

A set of 5 inch tread stirrups, that I can rest the whole width of my whole foot on, and a night latch handle that buckles onto the swells of the saddle - something to grab if I feel off balance. With plus temps coming up for the next few days, it will be perfect for trying them out. Ruby won't be best pleased, I'm sure after having a few months off!

How pathetic!

I also finished the adjustments on my bosal, at least she won't have a cold bit to deal with!  That bosal is special to me, it is actually a bit heavy as it is designed for colt breaking and was braided for me by 93 year old (at the time, he is now deceased) Al Grandchamp, considered a Master Rawhider in his day. He lived to be 102 and passed away in 2009.  But it will do for now, if Ruby works well in it I may invest in a lighter one someday. 

Lotsa stuff happening!

First of all, go visit Mikey she got hurt coming off her horse and is in rough shape. Maybe she'll take this chance to slow down a little..........but then again, maybe not!

Secondly, I received news last night that one of my heroes and mentor, Al Grandchamp, of Radersburg, Montana, passed away a few days ago, just 2 months short of his 103rd birthday. He is the one who made the hackamore I used on Sassy, and numerous other horses. He made it when he was 93. Here is a little bit about his rawhide braiding, and here is a letter he wrote about Ed Connell, author of Hackamore Reinsman. I was privileged to have known Al, a kind and thoughtful man, who was an astute horseman.

The fillies are getting along now, and Sparkle is definitely the boss.

There was a little of this chasing going on, but soon they were buddied up.

After a while, Sparkle lay down and Velvet approached cautiously;

Hmmm, maybe a little closer???

Yup, it's okay....

So relaxed and peaceful!

So I went to Cranbrook to buy material for making curtains, and this is what I see when I get home:

Any guesses as to what my post will be for Sunday Stills, sounds?

Death of a Legend

Make the right thing easy and the wrong thing hard.
These words from legendary horseman Ray Hunt echo throughout the years. I remember the first time I heard them, at a clinic given by Walt Vermadahl in 1990. Walt had been to some Ray Hunt clinics and shared what he learned with us. Those words have stayed with me, colouring my approach to horsemanship. Those words have helped me in life as well as in my relationship with horses.
The world has lost a legend, but his legacy lives on in every person who has embraced natural horsemanship, with every person who has learned to listen to the horse, to handle their horses with feel, timing and balance.
We and our horses owe Ray Hunt and the Dorrance brothers a debt of gratitude.
Ray, may your soul rest in well deserved peace.

Sunday Silence-me, Al Grandchamp, and Walt Vermadahl

A Gift

A few years ago, I was fortunate enough to attend horsemanship clinics given by Walt Vermadahl. Those of you who follow rodeo will remember the Tryan's AQHA heading horse of the year"Walt". They bought him from Walt Vermadahl, hence the nickname. Walt lived in Montana at the time; he now lives in northern California- and he came every May to Canada and put on a colt starting and horsemanship clinic. I learned so much from him, and from another gentleman that he used to bring with him- Al Grandchamp, a master rawhide braider and Walt's mentor. I believe Al is 100 years old this year.When he was 93, he made me this bosal hackamore, which I use on all the colts I start.

Sassy has a little muzzle, so I need to make a couple of wraps with the mecate to make it fit better. I use it at this stage of training just for longeing and turning from the ground. When it's time to get on her, I will use it for her first rides.

I am thankful to Walt and Al for all that I learned from them. Taking those clinics dramatically improved my understanding of horses and riding, and gave me building blocks to keep on improving, and the desire to keep on learning.