Cave-in

A few posts bag, I mentioned that I was having issues with Blogger and my internet browser, and that I was contemplating a different blog host. Subsequent posts (i.e. everything between that post and this one) had been written via phone app.  But typing on a phone is ha-ard. And I like things easy.  So today I finally took some time to figure out what the deal was with Blogger vs. Internet Browser, and what my options were.

Apparently, blogger does not like whatever version of Internet Explorer I have been using. Which happens to be (according to Internet Explorer's web page) the most up-to-date version. So hrm. No fix there. Next I perused a couple other blogging hosts, to contemplate a move. But, I hate change (I am very RBI) and I've had this blog for a long time now! I didn't really want to relocate...  So my third and final option (which is the option I went with, in the end) was to download a new internet browser. Again, I'm not so good with change... but this was the easiest option, and I figured I had very little to lose.

I figured, if anything, I could just download the browser and use it ONLY for updating my blog (yeah, that's how non-change oriented I am). I downloaded google's Chrome browser, which is what I am using right now. So far, it's OK. I like the idea of a home page, with quick "app"s to my favorite places. And of course I like that it is compatible with Blogger, and YouTube (duh, it's Google) which are the major things I use the web for these days...

Anyways. The idea here is to make blogging easier, so that I update more often. We shall see.

Next post will be horse related!  I need to post an update on braiding progress (probably combine "attempt 2 and attempt 3" into one post.

Right now it is a whooping 32 degrees outside (Which is crazy cold for my part of Texas!) so I am huddled up inside, sipping coffee and contemplating a bubble bath. It's supposed to warm up tomorrow and, if so, I will be at the barn with my pretty Gwen :)

J

Back in shape

So for the past week and a half or so I have been really pushing Gwen a bit harder in an effort to both assess her soundness and start getting her fit. She has been doing so well! So far she's shown no sign of lameness, just a bit of stiffness when I get her going. I contribute this to her lack if exercise, the chilly weather, and the fact that she has been locked in a stall for three months.

Last night and this, I've been asking her to do a lot of extended trot, both on physical extension and in length of time in the gait. She even started offering to canter! I can't wait until the end of February when I can finally ride her again! 

My pretty girl!! Sorry for the slightly fuzzy quality.

J

Exciting news!!

As of Saturday January 18th, I am the proud owner of a beautiful sorrel quarter horse!  Yup, that's right! I bought Gwen!!!

I am super thrilled. :)

I did a lot of thinking about whether or not I wanted to purchase Gwen or try to get a younger, more athletic horse... At the end of the day I went with my heart. Everything I want to do, I can do with Gwen. If I someday get really into showing, nothing says I can't own two horses, right? ;) 

Honestly tho, I chose Gwen because I knew what I was getting, and what she could do. I chose that over the unknown. Plus, I love her.

J

Perfect practice makes perfect...

Gwen is doing well! I got her out today on my 22' line and we practiced yo-yo, circles and had a long friendly game while I answered a phone call. She did SO well! It's literally been months since we've really played, but I was getting good responses off phase one including a reverse and half- circle backwards Whoohoo! 

Also, as part of my 2014 goal of attending a horse show, I have begun practicing braids! This is harder than it first appears (and it already appears pretty damn hard!) because I refuse to pull or shorten her mane. Yes, I am a little bit crazy. But, I know this can be done because I have seen it in person!

Anyways. I have never before attempted to braid hunter style braids, let alone on long hair. My goal is to practice every week end, with the hopes of being proficient enought to do my own braids when we are ready to show later this year. And, I want to document my progress! Below is perhaps the worst attempt at braiding ever documented, but I will show it because I want something to compare to next weekend. 

Ta da!!! 

The sad part is that the really GOOD braid is hidden from view by her lock of hair. Oh well! And, btw, this little length of braids took me thirty minutes, thanks to a very curious horse.

Till next time,

J

( posted using my phone)

Need a new blog host

I need a new blog host. Blogger has been great, but now it is incompatible with my internet browser. This is frustrating since I would like to post more updates as part of my New Years resolution, but that just isn't working out at the moment. I am using the app on my phone to write this. Any ideas??

In other news, Gwen's recovery is going smoothly. She is showing no signs of pain and can walk/trot on concrete in a straight line with no limp. Slight orchids when we turn corners tho, so our next job is to do some phys therapy to help her work thru that. In very optimistic that she will be fine. It will be three months since the incident on January 19th and I plan to give her until mid dr before we ride again. 

J