Crazyhorse Studios & Paint Horses

2009-03-21T20:48:00.003-04:00

Jeez time slips away...I have been so busy it is like 4:00 pm before I even remember to turn the computer on...gotta down-load these latest pics and share...oh wait...here's some...Got more from the MITS show which was so much fun even though I was totally exhausted afterwards...Tables were full, horses were awesome and I got to see Jamie Coughlin for the first time in years...

2009-02-10T18:37:00.004-05:00

My workspace for sewing...my painting work place is sucha disaster...I erased a buncha ugly pics today but this new camera will fix that shortly...What a mess. I got to finish Jessica's top tonight as she needs it for Sunday...Saturday...Valentine's day...got a horse show to monitor and then off to the Pinto Club's year-end awards dinner in Tampa...somewhere in there I get to see Jimmy!
APHA has asked me to donate a couple sculptures to their foundation for fund-raising...Oh yeah...like if I wasnt busy before, things ought to hop up like mad here after October....People love their ponies in hand...I will have to get help to prep sculptures but we'll see.

2009-01-29T21:54:00.003-05:00

Crashing along here and pleased with the work outcome...Willoughby (top/above) is drying nicely...several layers later he is actually looking pretty good. My NEW camera arrived DOA...total disaster. Amazon is rushing a new one to me...RATS!
The Chip below should be in Washington by the morning...I hope Sandy loves him. Will re-do the unclaimed Novilheiro and get him up for sale as well as the custom Strapless who I completely finished tonight. Ready to start working on the next six victims: Two ISH, a Lady Phase, a Palouse, and the stupid horse I can never remember what his name is (looks like Big Chex to Cash...) Now have two Lonestars to work and two Alborozo...I need to start reducing that massive box of bodies in the studio!!!

2009-01-24T21:05:00.003-05:00

I should tell about Clarcona...what a disaster. I did an awesome pattern in the mud and the crud and the cold...Cleo was incredible...but the friggin' judges were so nobbed out on the cutie pies and the politics, they placed one bitch who split the cone in the pattern and I was nowhere...I did trail class (Cleo was incredible but I F.U.'d the pattern) so we did not place...the next day I stayed out of the classes...why bother? All I am good for is packing the classes so the drugged/dead tail horses can win for their darling/trainer-packing/hot babes...which I am not. I think I am done with APHA. I do not have the clout or the ability to tolerate the never-ending bullshit. But this belongs in the other blog...
Will move it later.

2009-01-24T20:58:00.004-05:00

More frustration...send horses off and wonder why people dont tell you they got them, or at least to frack off...makes me feel like I cant paint...and I forgot to get a picture of the last one. Grrrr....

Well I got Break fixed and he looks awesome...I say that and wonder if they will see the repair that I did and you cannot see...
Working on finishing the Willoughby as a lady in Germany wants him...gotta get my camera up n runnin' so I can take shots...he is almost done.
Here is Break all repaired...in fact he is packed. He and the buckskin overo Chip leave Monday. Lousy camera.

2009-01-13T18:56:00.004-05:00

I want to be a weather man so I can be wrong all the time and nobody gives a hoot...

Raining like mad all day despite the overpaid/never right weather guy assuring me that the rain would be minute...so there I am dragging in wet soggy horses out of the pasture and in 15 minutes I am soaked to the skin...
Crush looks like PigPen.

Anyhow I worked inside most all day...got Breakittomegently nearly ready to ship home, and the lil Pandy finally stopped wrestling her color mess by her tail and we are good to go tomorrow...the gates open up for more completions and so I work on the Lonestar for Brenda and Mary's deceased Paint mare. What a beauty she was...
Thursday I get new glasses (I give up on contacts; ain't happening) and tomorrow Renan comes to do four horses, three with new shoes and Foxy gets a simple trim...Then Friday morning, the coldest weekend of the entire year, we head to Clarcona with one horse, six stalls and endless fun (let's hope) and I am bringing hot apple cider...I know it will be much appreciated. Sugar is staying home this time; I know Jimmy will keep her warm.
Guess I won't take any work as there will be no sitting outside in the warm sun sanding...I will be freezing my butt off and snuggling in bed watching "Scrubs" dvds and movies I have to catch up on will be my best plan!!!

2009-01-11T19:35:00.007-05:00

A since completed/finished/shipped out pretty boy...wish I had better pics...Hey Brenda...?

This week is already racing fast forward...two horses leave this week (for sure) and I HAFTA get this base white oils on the Matriarch...Gads I love the effect but the stuff is going on so slow...layers n layers n layers(ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ)...thank Gawd Sonya helped so much in New York; the new procedure takes weeks (WEEKS) off the white oil dry-time...Looks so dang good too!
REALLY excited about Nebraska...gotta do Carra something really fancy for the show and earn more than the airfare back for her...of course it helps to get a Crasyhorse out in the right hands and start showing performance!! Will see what she sends me to cut!!

2009-01-08T21:28:00.003-05:00

One down and a mega wrecked studio to go... sold one more BHR mustang...kissed his pink nose good-bye and realized the mustang shelf is looking pretty empty...Buh Bye my beauties...I hope they love you as much as I did...Saw the majority of my 'stang collection go away...got just two or three left now and they will go soon too...After I saw that one in the gutter all bloated and warped, I knew my collecting days were over...
On to happier things; April's foal is done, I can pack her up and ship her out tomorrow or Monday. Sandy's Chip is nearly dry and in fact he will go with me this weekend for final details and he can leave next week. Time trudges on, and I will even closer to another birthday I do not want to recognize. BFD.
Leave early tomorrow for New Smyrna and two days of showing. I have to work the gate from 3-6 for my free stall, but Lisa will let me in at 2:00 to shove Cleo in a stall, set the living quarters up in the campground, and get the AC turned on for Sugar. Girls' weekend out...I hope I win everything in sight; I need a boost...
The guy above is going up for sale when I get his last little itty bitty whites done...he is almost there...this was supposed to be Suzanne's of her world champion Carlos (Isthatyourfinalanswer) but she sold him and pissed out on me...Eh, so what...I have about 6 more to get painted up and offered for sale...need Jenn to update everything.

2009-01-03T20:01:00.005-05:00

Yes it has been a while...I was thinking of dumping this blog as it just time spent on the computer I could be somewhere's else but screw it...No one else reads it but me and it has become like a diary...so wot the hell..
Yesterday I was in a freak accident; Cleo slipped on the wash-rack, panicked, reared and came down on top of me crushing me against the rail...My back has black and blue lines across it. I think I passed out. When I realized what was happening, I was flat on my back in front of the wash-rack and Jimmy was yelling, get up get up...
Today I had to go to Hillsborough for a show and it didnt roll well...I did three classes, won one, took second in the other, came dribbling in dead last (and why I have no clue) in horsemanship so I said "screw it" and came home. Cleo was awesome and that's all that mattered. My body is sore as hell.
Above is a Novilheiro I worked my ass off on and the slacker ditched out on me...Her loss. But I can guarantee she is out there pissing and moaning about how *I* ripped her off...You betcha, you loser. Contact me now so I can shove your $150 up your stupid ass...
Tomorrow is Sunday in Tampa...going to the Gold Coast to watch one of the biggest AQHA horse shows in the country. See Barbara. See Peg. See Bev. Real people.

So my mood is squashed flat...I am so sick of stuff...it all confounds me. Never said I was an Einstein but I will say what I have to, and would appreciate the same in return. Will be back to post more when I think about it...

2008-11-18T19:46:00.003-05:00

Work is turning into amazing fun! Got the details all set out on three outfits today (just waiting on the suede to come so I can complete the entire look...crystals are already here) and in the meantime my oils are drying so fast (thanks to Sonya Johnson) that I am spinning through the work with blazing speed. I needed a pick-me-up and there it was~!

All done for the year!!!

2008-11-13T19:35:00.008-05:00

Just judged the last show of the year for me!! It was mega fun and after all these shows I am taking a break...looks like my next one will be in June unless something else comes up!!

Here is a shot of my drastic custom Ideal Stock Horse that won every one's hearts in New York...I gotta download the pics of him completely finished...What a loser if you live in that region and missed this show!! It was amazing fun! I look forward to the next one; hope to be asked back for the clinic they were asking me about...Would LOVE to do a clinic for them!
I saw some incredible stuff. No lack for talent in that region; the dolls were amazing! I saw Jaime Baker's pastel work and it was beyond the BEST I have ever seen! I got to judge with Sonya Johnson who gave me some awesome tips on using my white oils; I really need to spend more time up there. Morgen was there and she is a hoot. My little Ed mule sold massive amounts of tickets, I was so pleased with the response to my work! I know the Ed had to have paid for my air fare alone! No telling what that ISH brought in!
I am so psyched and already back to work on a buncha stuff; got mega ideas and have already started using Sonya's advice on the oils!!

Minneapolis was a blast too...got to meet Tiffany Purdy and she wowed me with her mega talent! We sat in Bev's kitchen and she gave us some impromptu sculting tips! Got home and put them to work! OMG, I am so lucky! I look forward to next year...hoping to juice up my schedule with lots of shows and judging AND showing...my work has improved so much!

2008-10-22T21:00:00.004-04:00

Heading out to Minneapolis tomorrow afternoon...will be gone until Sunday. Judging at the River Valley Live show in Hastings, MN. Here is the nearly completed raffle donation I created from the wonky Stone Chip drafter; she has had her legs shortened, her body re-built, the whole shebang to make her look more horse-like...love this girl...guess I need to make me one!

Working steadily and non-stop on a Novileirho, a resin Chip, Pandy and an ISH that I am taking with me to the New York show. I havent gone to the gym in a week (do I ever miss that!) but I got to get caught up around here so I can focus on the upcoming show and holiday season...

More when I get back home~~

2008-10-19T12:09:00.006-04:00

Not sure what this guy's name is but he is a portrait model done for a client...he had a notched ear which gave me FITS! But I love his color when I got done with him!

Leaving for Bev's in Minneapolis on Thursday; should be major fun...the little Stone Chipper is almost done...I may be able to get pics of it by tomorrow!
Work has been nuts; here is what is getting done:
Pandy for April C.
Chip resin for Sandy
Novilheiro for Lizbeth
ISH for Region X
Stone Chip for Bev
Lonestar for Brenda
Matriarch for Mary
Custom reiner for Sandy
Mare & foal for Joe S

There is more but they are mostly on the backburner as I delegate most of my time to getting this stuff focused on...I must have painted for 12 hours on Friday! Cleo cut her foot so I have been only riding Crush and we dont have anything until late in November...I am the designated Thanksgiving Day cook for the neighborhood! First time in YEARS we will be here for T-day~!

2008-09-27T18:00:00.003-04:00

This month has been wild...judged in Colorado, worked the driving show at the saddle club I belong to, and then went to Flagler Beach to judge OFs while Caitlin showed my resins...NAN qualified almost everyone...well anyways, those that mattered...My biggest thrill was Ziptasm winning the custom division, and my Sensational Outkast being a shining star!
Next weekend we are doing a 3 day show in Orlando, then onto the Paint/Pinto show (taking a ton of work with me as usual) as I am so bombarded (gladly) with work, that I am working a full 8 hour day, weekends, and lots of over-time! Riding every day too, getting the Crushpuppy ready for his debut in Pinto schooling classes with friend Michelle as competition and her baby boy...should be fun. The show next weekend is a 3 day Battle of the Barns and I am cooking chili, showing two horses, and planning on sleeping quite well with those gin-laced slurpees Barb and I do...So bad!!!

2008-09-17T10:20:00.004-04:00

Colorado was wonderful...judging was the best! The Stone models are so impressive. I really thought there would be little to look at but I was so wrong!!! Gorgeous stuff! It inspires me to come home and get to work on those dozen Palouse bodies and those TWO dozen ISH bodies!
The cabins were fantastic! Like little houses! Cold and even snowed (I am a Florida girl!) but I got to wear my congress jacket and thermal undies...The hayride was a total blast. Nothing like a big cup of marguerita to enjoy while two gorgeous Belgians haul us over the country side...I met amazing people and reunited with old friends...I could hang with Theresa, Marianna, and Sheila (and Mary!) all the time! I miss them already!

2008-08-24T19:36:00.005-04:00

Rode all weekend...it is so incredible to have your Ipod on and experience the sensation of your favorite song, riding out in the big world on a 1200 lb creature and singing (and not well I am sure) to Gwen Stefani's "Bananas" or to Bush, Live, maybe some Kelly Clarkson...Rode the water box to some Nirvana, flying lead changes to Colin Hay, some Black-Eyed Peas to get you thru the back thrus, and Bon Jovi to serenade the ride home thru the woods...
Life is good; I couldnt be happier...when everyone is out and happily grazing (rode three different horses) I can come in the house and find my current work is dry and ready to be sanded/further painting or sculpting...Got some heavy duty stuff going on too; two Infinitys with drastic changes, a Utopia with a new mane and tail, a Deseoso to a darkish light dapple gray bald faced part bred (Too cool...I am keeping this one!) two Desparados, a Majestuoso that is sold and leaving soon, as well as a custom ordered Lonestar and a Matriarch, which shall be a portrait model of a beloved horse that has passed away...
Time to go feed...I hear Foxy banging on her stall door!

2008-08-15T22:47:00.003-04:00

Virginia was a blast...camped on a hillside...ate like a fat hog...walked MILES up and down these mountains...did damn little except walk and work on model horses. Sugar was by my side 24/7 and I saw precious little of the horse show as the arena was down a busy truck spewing highway so I didnt ride my Honda to the arena...I would be road kill...
More later...

2008-07-21T21:35:00.003-04:00

WE're GOING to Virginia after-all!!!!!!!!!!!!

We leave next Monday night for a 15-20 hour drive...it is gonna be fun and I cannot wait to see VA!!! Also(this is sucha HOOT!) there is a Breyer Fun Day at the Lexington Horse Park on August 1st!!! Think I will sign up for it!!

2008-07-20T18:20:00.007-04:00

What a week it was...rain, poured, lightening flashed, awnings blew skyward...Not our's though (thank you oh God of living quarters accessories!) But in the aftermath, we are not going to Virginia...Clyde, at 26 yrs of age, almost died so Jess never showed, Cara was well on her way to major success when Truman suffered some sort of attack (did I mention the heat?) and Amanda got stuck with the judge from hell...

Cara looked fantastic on Truman; he suffered some kind of heat stroke tho...poor old man! She has her new horse for next year and LOOK OUT as she is gonna be awesome!

Kailey did incredibly well with her 3 yr old Elmo (and wearing the shirt I made her! YAHOO!)

2008-07-08T21:38:00.004-04:00

Well leaving for nearly a week...so sad to leave the guys behind...I am a sore NON-shower...I wanna be the one riding...oh well, swallowed my big girl pills and going to just hang out...Why am I even going? I support Caitlin; I think I am the emotional clothesline she needs...
I have a box of work, a stack of DVDs, my exercise tapes and my Honda...oh yeah and my dog...she sleeps when I go ride the scoot.
Next year I am going to Paint AND Pinto world shows...try n stop me...I will go alone if I hafto...well, me and Cleo...maybe Crush...
Guess I am feeling sad...I sold off such a HUGE bunch of my precious models...but they will go on and cheer others...I am keeping Gunsmoke, and a couple of the 5 Gaiters...Some of those guys just defy artistic description...Got more work today...when I get back I shall launch the next crowd of obligations...got one that is almost done, a lovely loping quarter horse...His shoes should be here soon and then he can scoot home to B. Then the Nov gets finished;the base is going look hot with it's vegetation and underbrush!
Must pack~

2008-07-07T14:43:00.003-04:00

Oh well it WILL be a Happy Tuesday! Today I pitched several broken crapped out resins...Renee, if you are reading this, I owe ya, sistah...You give me the strength to say 'aw frak it'...Tomorrow will be Bloody Tuesday...Buh BYE to the Wixom from Hell (Thanks a crap load, BdV) You suck for the ruination and I rock for tossing the load of shit in the trash and doing a Sopppprano on it.

I have started selling off my dearest models...I hope people will appreciate them. I coddled them for the last 35 years and if someone else gets to love them as much as I did, go for it. I will miss them but I will not fear for them any longer. I foresee a disaster this hurricane season and I do not want to suffer again. My insurance is paid up on the trailers, the trucks, the horses...come get me...

Half the year gone...

2008-07-04T20:09:00.006-04:00

I bought myself a new saddle today...sometimes doing that just makes me feel so attached to the world. The butter soft leather is going to feel incredible and boost my confidence in myself and Cleo's showing...it is a LONG ways off to the October Paint show. We are headed to Virginia in about three weeks to take a couple of the clients' horses to the Lexington facility for the southern Regionals show. I so wish I could piggy back another Paint show in like we did last year...it was amazing fun.
Anyhow the saddle is a French-made close contact Huntseat-er that I just couldnt resist. My Collegiate is fantastic but time to move up in the world.
Spent all day watching the world show live-stream on the internet and cataloging models...going to sell off everything but a very precious few...Some of my other artist customs I just will never part with like Sawyer (Sue Thompson) and my Carol Williams pieces. The other stuff is just that, stuff...The custom glazes will all stay, Leslie's especially but I am ridding myself and my cabinets of most everything else. Some of the pieces from the 1920s, 30's and 40's will stay as Caitlin says she wants them. I cannot believe I have close to 50 of those Peter Stone messes that are pure worthless...good thing I have so many custom orders for stock horses!
Here's one I will never get rid of...he is awesome and he reminds me of the fun I had in El Paso with Renee and Caitlin...

2008-06-30T13:36:00.005-04:00

This is the show shirt I made Kaily.

View from my office window...

View from the other window in the office.

2008-05-28T09:55:00.007-04:00

Pictured is me on Foxy, Caitlin on Cleo, and Evanne on "Crackhead" the rescue horse! This was from a recent show where the Paint gang RULED!

My truck is BROKE!!!!!!!!!! Dammit, I feel stranded! Yeah yeah, I can drive one of the other 4 vehicles sitting around here but I hate to be in a strange one...
Renan comes today to put shoes on the Crushpuppy...he is ready for them. Last weekend, once more, we were GRAND CHAMPION walk/trot horse at the open show...Not only that, we actually loped his first canter class and he ROCKED my world!!!!!!!!!!!
I also am back on Cleo and am so happy with my big girl...I missed her. Tho there is nothing wrong with Miss Piggy, I love riding Cleo huntseat...I am in the process of buying her a new english saddle...
Pictures coming...camera keeps getting left behind. We MIGHT show this weekend if it doesnt rain.
I am LOVING the gym...I am getting definition in my torso, and I actually am getting a cute ASS!!! Jimmy finally noticed! WooooHoooo! My english boots are too big thru the calf now...Caitlin says I will need new boots before we do the World shows~! Oh rats! NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am sewing again...got the coolest outfit almost finished for Kailey (so easy to sew for little girls!) and the just delivered the fabric from Joann's that I will turn into a new railshirt for me! I love this sewing machine, it is so much better than the Singer I had as a kid!

2008-05-19T15:05:00.004-04:00

Busy as hell...as usual...bought myself a sewing machine and off I go...I sewed as teen and here I am, back at it again...I am making Kailey an outfit, most likely Amanda is next, and I am working on MY OWN too!
Showed all weekend...first time I have showed Cleo since last November! We earned 5 firsts, three seconds, two thirds...and nothing lower than that...I ended up Grand Champion Sr. rider and won an etched glass plate, huge long streamer ribbon, and an etched crystal goblet!
Caitlin showed Crush in green horse and ended up reserve grand champion! He was such a good boy! Caitlin's attitude towards him is finally changing.
We are joining the Silver Sands Bridle Club...love that place...
More to come....gotta go work!

Oh yeah...Fuzzy died. His owners are so sad...his portrait model sits in the middle of a memorial to him...faithful beloved horse owned by the same people all his long long life. Cleo's sire died last week too...

2008-04-14T17:22:00.001-04:00

Advertising Slogan for paint:

What’s in your paint?

2008-04-08T19:15:00.007-04:00

The essence of showing...the anticipation is just killing me...this weekend will be a tough one as I am determined to start my foothold on making top 20 in the masters division in APHA...Me and Foxy can do it...and the way I feel right now after nearly three weeks at the gym, I may even start her back on poles/barrels and stakes to add the points...We shall see.

The Region X Roadtrip custom is coming along and is amazing...He is going to be a stand-out...I have never seen this position done before..(well anyhow) and no one will be able to tell what he started out as...poor little hurricane victim...

2008-04-06T22:56:00.003-04:00

Here is a pic of the retired quarter horse I just finished...looks just like the ol' Fuzzy Man...(wonder what his registered name is?)

Yep behind again...what's up with me...well, I didnt go to New Hampshire thru no fault of my own (long story) but in the end I got a BETTER gig judging at Region X Roadshow...OMG mini NAN! Can't wait! That's in November!

Joined a gym...and I truly LOVE it! Working out with the stud muffins on the weight machines and eliptical machines...I am even running on the treadmill...I thought I would like manage a half hour three times a week but I find myself there every freaking day for over an hour!!!!! Now I know at my age, I will never have a beach-buff body but I am damn sure gonna give it hell...Actually my back feels much better!

The work is pouring in...who knew everyone wants a copy of their favorite horse...the one I am working on right now is so cute; he is just a coppery red chestnut but he is so loved, so cared for...it inspires me to work on that representation of him on this Lady Phase...he even has a notched ear!

What else...today it is pouring down, and has been since yesterday...I have done nothing but work on the models and clean house and barn...Cleaned out a whole new storage area in the trailer bay; think I will see about getting about 200 bales of hay in there. Nothing makes me happier than giving the guys all the hay they want.
Started riding Crush again but today he came in out of the rain on three legs...think he was running around the studio side of the pasture (HUGE amount of land) and hurt himself...Since he is going with us to Tampa next weekend, I gave him bute, another 10cc of penicillin and he will spend this week in one of the paddocks staying quiet.
Got to get shavings this week, and Renan comes on Tuesday to reset shoes...money in, money out...
Speaking of the studio, it dodged a bullet yesterday when a huge old oak fell during the rain storm and missed the studio porch by feet...C'mon, God, I have really good this year...don't take my studio again!!!!!!!!!!

2008-03-22T13:22:00.003-04:00

Here is a picture of the beautiful orchid plant Jimmy got me for Valentine's Day...the bloom is incredible and there are like six of them! Wasnt the sports car I had asked for but close enough!
Well I didnt get selected for the cover...but that is fine; I have taken in so much portrait and flat work that I am going to close my books until I complete at least 4 of them. What an honor.
Going to New Hampshire next couple weeks to judge a large live show; looking forward to meeting some new northern hobbyists...betcha their resins will blow my mind!
Cleo has several people looking at her, Oklahoma, California, and even some one over seas. I cannot picture my big girl being so far away!

2008-02-25T09:54:00.002-05:00

Here are two of the sketches that left TODAY for Texas~~~~~~~~~~~~~!!!

2008-02-23T20:34:00.002-05:00

My favorite artists!

2008-02-23T16:22:00.007-05:00

Pictured is "Dirty White Boy" an original sculpture owned by Jimmy Daniels, created my ME!

I do love Carol Williams...not only is she talented, she is approachable and NICE! I also love Suann Wamsley, Cindi Williams, Sue Thompson, Lee English, and Lynn Fraley...talent isnt being able to do ONE repetitive thing; it is being able to step outside your box and brave the beyond.

2008-02-22T10:46:00.006-05:00

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!! I got everything done and the digital pics of my drawings turned out AMAZING! I also dredged up some really well photo'd customs from the live horse folks and scanned them in and will include these in my portfolio...Here is one:

Breakittomegently...a twh gelding

I forget this yearling filly's name but she is an original sculpture and I think her pattern turned out perfect!

Cruising through...all kinds of work done this week so far!

2008-02-20T21:25:00.003-05:00

I have my portfolio all ready to go and am so excited to see what happens...and oh well, if they don't like it I am a big girl...no worry as the work is pouring in and I will do just fine...

Here is a horse I just got to call about...Zee Zee Hot and that is Ben Young riding him...Tommy Breedlove owns him and I would love to make him mine...
Crush is healing well and we should be back out at the shows in a month or so...in case I didnt mention it, he just about tore his hind leg off in a pasture accident...still trying to figure out how he did it.

2008-02-16T10:05:00.005-05:00

This is a sketch I did when I was up in North Carolina at the 8 judge paint show on my sprained ankle and I couldnt even make it up the hill to the arena on my crutches...I love this one but sorry I didnt do it in prismacolor pencils...no worry tho, I got more to do...

This drawing is one from when I was in high school...it weathered a house fire and two hurricanes...but my ability to draw is never damaged by the elements but I just love this picture so much as I wanted to own this horse so bad.

I have been working hard to get this flat work done for the Paint Horse association...so excited to see if they like it (what's not to like?) and also get a horse ready to take to Oklahoma and Texas for the shows...only 4 months to go until Pinto world...

2008-02-09T20:38:00.001-05:00

2008-02-09T20:24:00.000-05:00

Today was the day...Crush was clipped, banded, and a bit cleaner than he is used to...for a white horse, he washes up very nicely! At first when I hit the road, I thought 1-4 would be miserable with it being race week in Daytona but I guess the crews were already up there...Silver Sands was packed, and the raceway was in full 'event' when I drove past...the skies were full of antique planes and banner planes...wish I could have gone to the beach but no where to ride a horse there anymore!

Anyhow I got registered for 3 showmanship classes opting to wait until after the lunch break to see about riding him in any classes...Well the show was very interesting...Crush was a total doll, clipped, got him banded, he washed up nice, and loaded up, traveled well, the show was well attended...I entered three classes, schooling showmanship, green horse showmanship and senior showmanship...since that is what I want to establish first and foremost when he is at a show; MY way and no other way! Schooling was just that, I poinked him in the shoulder with my finger to activate his pivot, and we didn’t place (BFD) but the next class was HUGE so I decided to go commando and do it like he knew it...WE WON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I almost fainted...I was laughing so hard...Then our next showmanship class, he was really dragging and we came in last (6th) but no worry; I was so proud of him...he didn’t spook, rebel, bolt, run me over, well you know the whole list of misbehavior at unexpected moments...
Anyhow I took him back to the trailer to get some water, some hay and shade and I hear my name called over the intercom system to come to the office, Tracy Burke wants to see me...well I am thinking she wants to see me before I leave since it has been two years since we have spoken and we have always been horse show comrades...I go up to the office and she is rather upset to tell me someone filed a complaint against me!!! HUH??? Apparently I pissed off one of the "QUEEN BEES" of the open shows and she decided that she didn’t like me and my all white horse, so she filed on me for entering two classes I wasn’t supposed to (according to her...) Never mind I didn’t RIDE a single frigging class...Talk about petty...I was so pissed all I can think about THAT is why I do not show open any more...as much as I may bitch about the competition in APHA at least they are not petty bitchers and whiners who get hostile on a new face in the arena that could steal their walk/trot thunder...
Anyhow me and my boy had a damn fine showmanship class...he was so tired he got the hiccups after I loaded him back up (he always was a weirdo) and I bet you he is passed out cold in his stall this very moment.
I got some pictures but they are on my old 35 mm so will hafta wait until I shoot out the roll...Planning on taking him to another show the 23rd & 24th if my schedule is clear...I still have to ride Foxy.

2008-02-08T17:34:00.001-05:00

So fricking excited...tomorrow is my first show with Crush...hauling up to Silver Sands in Daytona Beach for a chance in their monster indoor arena, otherwise we have to wait until April to take him to Tampa...anyhow, he is scrubbed white and after he eats supper, I will clip and band him...he wore a tail yesterday, I rode him, practiced showmanship, all the good stuff...of course he was a doll but can he do it in an indoor arena??????????????????????????????????????????????????
I feel like a little kid with my very first horse!

Free Comments & Graphics

2008-02-07T18:15:00.000-05:00

Will be back later with updates; the crew is stalled and needs hay and I have been working all day on my flat work projects for the Paint Horse Association...am SO excited to see what they think and DO with my submissions!
We did the Tampa Florida State Fair paint show last weekend and I was high point amateur! Oh yay...my first show with Foxy in THREE freaking years...She tried her best to run the program but it didnt work; I took charge and she screwed up mightily in hunt seat eq but we won every thing else...I honestly cannot wait to get Crush out and make him my show horse; Caitlin has fallen head over heels for my big girl Cleo and they rocked at Tampa ending up high point 14-18. We won monogrammed cooler sheets; very nice!

Cranking on the New Year...

2008-01-30T22:26:00.001-05:00

Caitlin on Cleo...

Yeah it has been wild here for a change...we have been to three shows since January first...has been fun. I want Cleo back although me and Foxy are doing just fine...and suddenly Cleo is no longer for sale. Caitlin is loving showing her...fine with me...So I am working on Crush.
I have been working diligently on my awards stuff (got the go ahead from the Paint horse board) as well as my chance to do the world show poster...If they accept my work, I am taking the mares and Caitlin out to Oklahoma and Texas for the summer...took much fun and opportunity to pass up.
Crush is coming along great...he went to another show last weekend and he actually got BORED! He was sighing and gazing out over the stall door watching me walk Foxy back to the arena, not freaking out or nothing...My boy! I love to ride him; he has the nicest lope!
Just bought Stroke 9 and am looking for more Post Secrets books on Amazon...Love to read those!
Back to work...

2008-01-30T22:21:00.001-05:00

The push is on to get our year organized and planned...we may need a bigger horse trailer/living quarters so I can set up the studio...the demand for my work from live horse people is terrific and I am so glad I have it!

2008-01-02T12:18:00.001-05:00

Here I am riding my "new" old horse Foxy. As usual, my kid has absconded with my other horse Cleo and while she WAS for sale, no more mention has been made of it...the little snot is out riding her right now...While I adore Foxy and yes, she IS my horse, I was so hoping to make Cleo the major champion she deserves to be...Anyhow I rode Foxy huntseat yesterday and long for Cleo...she is far more comfortable and better suited to riding english...I do make Foxy look bigger than her 15 hands as I am kind of a small person myself, I do so like a 16 + hander to post on...
More later...Emma, love ya and miss ya...How's Jasmine?

2008-01-01T09:42:00.000-05:00

It has been a year I will always remember...for the art, it got better when I decided I did'nt have to stand in the shadows of someone who made little of my talent...AWESOME feeling to look at something I created for the reason I wanted to create it for, and LIKE IT! I use my LOVE of art to create and not to make it financial reason to exist!
As for my live horses, it just always gets better...recognizing where I made my mistakes with Cleo will get me further with Foxy...it is KILLING me to stop showing my big girl but getting back to Foxy will give me a boost of confidence...Radar and I have come to an agreement in the show ring; if he will stand still and not play with me, I won't smear Tiger Balm on my hands and make his nose twitch. And me and Crush continue to defy everyone's low opinion of him...he IS a good boy and by the end of '08 we will have points from the association and I may even train him to drive...
The good things in 2007:
Caitlin and Foxy in Tennessee being 1st in showmanship after an 8 hour class and 140 exhibitors.
Me losing all that weight!
Me and Cleo beating the two world champions in HUS in Conyers, Georgia when I went there by myself (me, Sugar, and Cleo) I feel like I could go to Oklahoma by myself now!
Ending up 25th in the nation in HUS.
Caitlin & Foxy ending up FIRST in the nation in poles!!!!!
Completing the sculptures for the presentation and getting the live horse art collectors as major 'fans'...what a terrific shot to my art heart!
There's so much more and I have decided NOT to list the bad things as I am not gonna dwell on them!

I feel like I have got my issues cornered...I have all my sculptures ready to present to the Paint horse board the end of this month, and even my notes typed out (no mistakes!) and so far it is looking like a very cool plan!

Happy New Year!

2008-01-01T09:39:00.000-05:00

2007-12-26T16:23:00.000-05:00

moar funny pictures

SHAME ON ME!

2007-12-08T09:39:00.000-05:00

Here is me and Radar in halter class...he is so handsome and you can tell the 20 pound weight loss has paid off!

I am so far behind...we got home from Perry, Georiga, our final show of the year on November 26th and we just collapsed...Cleo felt bad, Foxy had her extra mean wrinkles in place, and Radar didn't have an ounce of piss left in him to harass anyone...
Georgia was fun...Caitlin did awesome as usual; she got Radar's superior in youth halter geldings, won everything in speed events, and cleaned some clocks in youth showmanship, horsemanship and trail (once more) However Cleo and I did NOTHING! Beat by people who had no clue what a diagonal was (like the judges!) and so I just quit...why add to the competition's points when they are doing it all wrong and I get punished for it!
Next year we are staying closer to home. Paint shows within the state of Florida and focus on getting Crush out, me on Foxy, Caitlin on Cleo, and Radar's amateur superior in halter. Our next show is at Clarcona on January 21st...long ways off.
I had Jenn take over my web site...nothing I did was right so she has done an incredible job. I will continue to practice and learn on my own...I am just not a computer literate person!
On the studio front, I have almost completed the stack of Christmas orders of portrait models of the live horses...so much fun replicating people's beloved pets...

LOTS n LOTS of good news!

2007-10-27T10:29:00.001-04:00

Here are Foxy & Cleo in their stalls in North Carolina...we should have brought Radar...halter horses werent that special!

I lost a total of 18 pounds so far!! What a great feeling! My clothes look much better and I am excited to wear my new showmanship outfit for the Jax show and the Georgia show!
We just got back from North Carolina and while I didnt do so hot, Caitlin got tons of points! She was also circuit champ in barrel racing of all things winning an expensive jacket embroidered with her's and Foxy's names...The drive was wonderful and the mountains were gorgeous...we had a wonderful time!

2007-10-12T14:12:00.001-04:00

Tomorrow we have a show in Tampa...just doing the halter classes as two of my LEAST favorite judges are judging...so we will take Radar over, do a couple classes, and leave...I get to hang with Michelle and see what being on the Pinto Horse club board is all about...still not sure if I want to do that...

Here is a picture of Radar...what a gorgeous guy...this is him right out of the pasture...Caitlin clipped him, gave him a bath and kicked the competitions ASS!!

Here is a picture of my stupid broken foot...My entire leg swelled up and from the looks of my foot I could weigh 400 pounds...Today the swelling is much better, I am getting around without the crutches despite my massage therapist reprimanding me for doing so...she said I could sustain a stress fracture. Oh great news.
On the studio front, I have several sketches to post that I think will get the interest I had hoped for...easier to carry a sketch pad and a pencil tin than the entire studio with me...especially since now we are headed for Georgia, North Carolina, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Texas and possibly Colorado in the near future...

2007-10-08T18:17:00.000-04:00

Back from South Carolina...what a TERRIFIC and successful show for Caitlin...nabbed a ton of points as follows:

won open pole- bending
youth pole-bending
showmanship: 1st, 2nd, 6th, 7th
youth geldings: 3 1sts and a gate
Open geldings: 3 2nds and a gate

And there I was, a lump of uselessness because all I could do was hobble about on crutches and whine to myself...I was NO help...
Radar was awesome...we are so excited about his presence in the show ring...3 out of 4 judges loved him!

We have decided to go to North Carolina for the 8 judge Dash For Cash show...let's see if we can finish out the year first in the nation in youth poles...

More later and pictures too...

2007-10-03T12:17:00.001-04:00

I cannot believe the luck I am having...actually there is no such thing as luck...mine is just one crappy event after another...
Yesterday the plan was to go get weighed (restarted Transformations diet plan) and afterwards go eat a pancake breakfast at Steak N Shake...I lose 10 lbs so the pancakes tasted good even tho I couldnt even eat a full order (more good news!) Then we headed home to hitch the 2 horse and go after Radar, the new horse...My truck wouldnt come off the hitch of the 2 horse so I stood on the bumper to weigh it down and get it to drop...drop it did and FLUNG me high in the air like one of those pancakes and smashed me to the ground!! As soon as I landed I knew my ankle was injured...the pain was incredible...I screamed and held onto the truck tail gate, sobbing uncontrollably while Caitlin tried to get me to calm down...finally she got me to the ground and called Jimmy on the dispatch to come home...My ankle was swelled up like a basketball and it was turning a frightening shade of yellow....
Cut to the chase...they take me to the hospital where I get to learn I have a severe sprain...no riding, by crackee...I sob all the way home...let me ruin it for everyone...
Anyhow we get me loaded on pain pills, and hitch up the '05 gooseneck (brakes albeit brand new on the 2 horse are seized up!~) so we get to Carol's and she and Caitlin collect all of Radar's belongings while I sit like an invalid with Bob who just got done with cancer surgery (he has to show me the staples) and he keeps asking me why a 75 yr old woman is jumping off her truck..."Bob, when you feel better, I will have to kill you!"... I am not 75!!!! Not even close!
So anyhow we decide to still do the South Carolina show even tho Cleo will not go, and Caitlin will have to do EVERYTHING, including drive...I am just baggage.
Jimmy fixes the brakes on the 2 horse, helps Caitlin load the '07 Exiss, spends the evening teasing her and Preston (and me of course!) and we all decide we can do this, despite our menfolk giving us warning after warning...We will only need to be there for the Friday and Saturday classes, can head home early Sunday morning since there is no need now to hang around for my Sunday classes, and if my ankle feels better I will certainly try to show Radar in our one class, amateur geldings. No riding...Cleo is acting mad at me although I havent been to the barn, Caitlin tells me she is cranky...all that practicing...well, after this show my next will be the Florida Fall Classic in Jacksonville, so maybe I will crank on the judges there...Would be awesome to win another saddle!

Pictures of latest work...

2007-09-28T14:39:00.002-04:00

ALMOST done done done...he needs some more dry time and some teeny touches...and his eyes...like to leave them till the last...
Done done done!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Leaves on Monday!
LOOK WHAT I FOUND!!!!!!!!!!!! At the bottom of a box of stuff in the studio, this guy turned up! I had just starting painting him when Hurricane Charlie took out my studio...both ears were gone and his tail was broken off...I just repaired his ears and will resculpt them to perfection, reattached his swishing tail, and took off his damaged mane...he was going to be a blanket appaloosa but who knows now...he survived and he has to be extra special!

This is the donation to Bev's live show...I think I made it...not sure of the date but the company didnt send him to the right place so she had to ship him again...WE KNOW WHY!!!!!!!!! (losers)
Anyhow I think he turned out great despite the rush job...he is drying here so the pic is crappy...Thats the Bates Hotel back drop...

2007-09-28T11:47:00.000-04:00

Wow the time is just sailing past...where did May go??? June? July? August was a dream...We leave Wednesday for South Carolina and I am working diligently to have all my completed work shipped out...Camera is full of pics, just have to get organized with boxes to ship out with, etc...
Charles brought the 2 horse trailer back today...what a sweet man! New brakes, new wheel bearings and he commented that this trailer is in brand new condition underneath...no evidence of it being a 17 yr old trailer! So we will use it Tuesday when we go pick up Radar...the place looks like a horse trailer sales yard but Caitlin can take the 2005 gooseneck as her own, we will share the '07 for the big shows, and the 2 horse will be here forever...
Carol told me Carmen had the trees trimmed yesterday around "our" house...I have to do the larger for sale sign for the St Cloud farm and put it up on Sunday, maybe mow the front pasture, and visit my step-mom...
Today is Jaimee's birthday...she would have been 20 years old if she had lived...hard to believe she was even ever here on earth. All we went thru seems so far away...Caitlin is taking me out to the cemetery after we go get a new angel for her headstone which got broken off...I'll get one for Grandma's headstone too...must have been a bad day for angels...

2007-09-27T10:58:00.001-04:00

Updates coming shortly...off to the dentist f0r a repair!!!!!!!!!! UGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-09-24T11:07:00.000-04:00

It is official, Radar is joining our team...he will go with us in 2 weeks to South Carolina and become our halter horse specialty...Caitlin is ecstatic...Try N Imprint This is his registered name, he has ONE halter point and now he better get ready as his points will do nothing but churn upward...we have South Carolina, Jacksonville, Tampa, and then Perry, Georgia...Bob and Carol are delighted as are we...I have never had a halter horse for the amateur classes, I won't know how to act~! Oh yes I will!!! He will be bringing home the points and I cannot wait to see how we fare against the big names...I hope this makes Bob's surgery and cancer treatment go easier, we gotta win this one for DADDY!!!

pictures!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-09-23T13:47:00.001-04:00

What a front porch...I am so in love with this place...
The back of the house...those are Bob's cattle...he can keep them there as they are sweet...then I won't have to buy my own...The smaller building will be my studio...to the right of that is a HUGE barn...Yellow...ugh...I know...but it goes well with the change of location...so why not...
The view from the road...no neighbors...3500 acres of cattle next door, behind us in I-75...yeah, this is our next home...

2007-09-23T13:35:00.000-04:00

The calls are coming in...and my price of half a mill isnt off at all on the farm...did an internet search this morning and total BARE ass property is selling for $200,000 and we are talking 40 miles away from Disney...and here I sit with the frickin' keys to Mickey's front gate...HA!
Jimmy is going to get his helicopter license, which means then a helicopter will follow...and what a perfect place than the Coleman place to set up a pad and landing field for him...really anxious for him to see this place...hell, I am really anxious to become the owner of the place...

More thunder rumblings so the guys are staying in...will finish three more horses this afternoon and get them bagged up for shipping out...May just work some showmanship in the barn so Cleo remembers what her job is...Carol and Bob are getting ready to put Radar in our name so we can show him at the next Paint show...they are nervous as hell but they are excited too about seeing their big boy baby start winning...and he will! Gotta get pics the next time I go over...Bob goes in for surgery this Wednesday and I will be around in case Carol needs a shoulder. I would be freaking out!

2007-09-22T20:30:00.000-04:00

I did it! The farm is now for sale...I kinda walked around the fields today and listened to the hammer of the traffic outside the fences and remembered all the foals we raised, the horses we broke, the long gone sand filled round pen, the way the night looked during a hurricane and how everything was still standing after a storm...the way the music would echo during a party when we put the speakers out on the big wooden porch and let the sound dust us with magic...all gone, matured away as we grew up, our kids became adults themselves, the horses moved on to new homes, and us too...
When I got back to the Kissimmee farm, there were already two phone calls...one from a slick realtor and one call from the guy who lives on the adjoining farm, with all the deer models all ove the yard that he shoots at...He thinks he can get the land cheap...sorry...
Happily the lady loves the arab despite the bad pics...I am so happy...he looks like crap in the pic and he is gorgeous; I wish I could see how his first live show goes...
Raining down intensely...Caitlin has gone to help Preston move out of his house since his dad has kicked him out...bummer...never throw a child out...
Went to see "The Brave One" with Jodie Foster...loved it...Yeah gun toting may become a style...

2007-09-22T10:44:00.000-04:00

Here is the "Pig in the Poke" I am working on...really stabbed me to have it called that but oh well...toughen up, sister, and close those books!!!!!!!!!!!

Saturday...three horses drying on the counter top...it is trying to rain and I just brought in the herd from their early morning grazing, which they adore...Foxy backs up into a corner after breakfast and just vegges out, she is so content...
Guess the St. Cloud farm will go up for sale today so I can buy the Coleman place...won't miss it I guess...gone are the herds of Brahma, the dozens of adorable Sand Hill crane chicks playing war games while mom watches intently for evil, but the cattle are gone, the cranes get mashed on the new cutesy named roads and my farm stands like a stubborn reminder of what Florida used to be, while million dollar mansions creep into existance in the brahma pasture. Where used to be wild native grasses growing, are thick green shrugs of carpet grass tossed down by Mexicans who work by the day...
I will get a ton of money for the place that cost us so little, because no one wanted to live that far out, down a desolate road, in the back of a cattle ranch, with no street lights or convenience stores to run to...Now it looks like a freak sitting in the middle of golf grassy neighborhoods, the stores loom every where and I want out...even of this place, where we have even more land but the crime and the "sprawl" run over onto our pastures...one more orange-lobbing trespasser and I will be toting a gun...
My camera is fading fast, cannot get any details on my work and I am just not ready to drop another $900 on a digital camera that is worth anything...
Here is me on Crush...I need to sell him too but I am sick of people and their promises...so I may just keep him and spare myself of all the nonsense...Put Cleo up for sale 'just to see' and do not care if anyone inquires about her or not...Can you tell I am having a bitchy day!???

2007-09-18T10:23:00.000-04:00

Much work on the table today...and I still have to ride and work Cleo and Crush...no show this weekend so I may drag Jimmy up to Coleman to see the farm I want to buy...he has offered to put me and Caitlin in it (what are ya trying to do, get rid of me?) but I foresee him loving it as much as we do...
Must paint Bev's donation (all ready to go!) and do Mr. Turner's Chip's final detailing...this horse looks HOT! Also Emily's repair on the resin and start her Marabella portrait model...lots of busy so off I go...gotta gets pics of everything I am working on!

2007-09-16T21:37:00.000-04:00

What a terrific weekend!!!!!!!!!! Me and Cleo beat another world champion; our third!!!!!!!! We rock~! We had so much fun in Ocala; the girls were incredible! I am so pleased with Cleo's progress and the work we have been steadily doing is steadily producing the results I want...over 20 points in one month...too good to be true!
Caitlin banded 17 horses and I got to spend a lot of time with Patti and Laurie...was very fun...

2007-09-14T08:58:00.000-04:00

Well I am off to yet another weekend of horse showing...passion? I guess so...it just keeps me focused and working...Next weekend will be a NON show weekend but we will go over and watch the show...just not enough competition and the expense isnt worth it...(Pinto show in Tampa) Caitlin can band and make some money and I will just eye the judging...

Be back Saturday night!!

2007-09-13T11:22:00.000-04:00

This week has been busy...all booked up now for Christmas orders, and I am working every day finishing up projects for shipping out before Halloween, even better than my usual Thanksgiving deadline!
Couldnt ride yesterday since we had a major lightening show...so I did yet more on sculptures...got the Turner horse finished all the way, and the Bev donation ready for it's final coat of Paint...progress, and I LOVE it!
Saturday we have a one day/two judge show in Ocala...finally Caitlin decided to go...clipped Foxy and has been preparing herself for it...I am so ready to show Cleo here in Florida since all I have done as of late is leave the state!
Sunday we will go to Bob and Carol's to see what we can do to ease their burdens; I dread the aging process...Bob will have major surgery in a couple weeks to remove a rib to get to the cancer. Caitlin is going to ride Radar, and we will see if it might be necessary to bring Radar back here...there is room for him and plenty of time for another horse. Crush is progressing so well, when Caitlin claims he is spooky and untrustworthy, why is so calm and gentle with me on his back?
I am thinking of buying a sports car...what for tho? My Ram is good to me but I crave one of those Crossfires...we'll see what happens after the first of the year. We need to start making plans for the sale of the other farm and then buying another one in another state...I am so sick of the crowds here...

2007-09-11T09:08:00.000-04:00

Today is a memorial...it brings back horrific memories and sights...

Last night I painted...great stuff came down and I cannot wait to finish and photo it...
Didnt get to ride as it rained all day after the blacksmith left...Cleo looks wonderful and I cannot wait to show her and Foxy this weekend...

2007-09-09T09:13:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was so fun; I did the western riding class and won it!! My first time ever doing that pattern class...it looks so hard but I think I am finally getting my frazzled old brain to be able to sort out which cone is where and put the horse in the right spot...Foxy seemed surprised to have me back in the saddle but that's okay...she and I have always been a good team...
Caitlin got to ride Nicco...he is an awesome horse and now I REALLY want to get him for her...She was so depressed when she saw how well behaved he is and realized this is her dream horse...pics forthcoming.
I got my last custom for the year...this one a TB gelding...the other is a white grade mare that just sparkles personality...feels so good to be booked up and working all the time. Bev's donation is almost done as well, things just are fitting so smoothly into place!
Here is a lovely picture of Cleo I found in Caitlin's myspace...I think I took this a while back and it shows what a truly pretty mare she is...

2007-09-07T16:53:00.000-04:00

Plenty is getting done...painted for hours the other night. I am repairing Amy's lovely resin (it is perhaps better I am not keeping up with all the new releases as then I am not inspired to buy one~) Her daughter's lovely mare will look perfect on a Marabella, but more so I am inspired to recreate that mare's expressive eyes especially since Amy has described what a tremendous ride she has been for her daughter...this will be fun!

The saddest part of this week is the untimely death of Jree...we had so much fun in her presence and when she came here to stay for a weekend of judging, even Caitlin was transfixed by her personality...I remember the very first time I met Liz and Jree in person...I was at Breyerfest and looked out my window and saw the oddest and most unusually dressed people coming up the walk...Okay, whatever, I thought, and that was the last time I ever had a thought about how either of them looked...Jree was a graceful elegant sweetheart of a lady, her smile was infectious and I admired her free spirit of boas, terribly cool and elegant dresses, and her endless talent for art...I remember her petting Silver, and Silver snitched her boa and held on while Jree tugged it away from her laughing...
And now she is gone. I am feeling so misplaced. Why things like this happen... ?

Met Preston...he has gorgeous eyes and he is tall and thin, very good looking. I am glad Danny he is gone...too many unanswered questions with him...
We have a show tomorrow...sort of...just an excursion to Orlando for me to practice on Foxy, do some western riding and even some speed events, and for Caitlin to do poles and barrel practice...Not much of a show but a chance to hang out with Erika and Mo, see her parents, sell some show clothes, and get out of the studio...I guess Preston is coming too. Loki will accompany us as well making this kind of like a labor day weekend I didnt experience last weekend...NEXT weekend is a one day Paint show in Ocala...another DPHC foolishness...

2007-09-05T09:20:00.000-04:00

Get to meet the new boyfriend today...good! He sounds wonderful~

I have a full day of studio planned. I have two horses to finish, two to start and some new ideas to toss into the mix...My awards connections are so ready for me to present them with the ideas...I just wish they were more selective as they just want 'anything' and that is not me...
I can be very very busy! I find I cannot paint up here tho, too 'clean' but I can check the paint in the terrific light...makes for lots of running around but such is life...

This weekend we are at Clarcona for a day of 'hanging out' with Erika and Mo, and her hilarious parents...get to meet "Boner" (Wishbone) who is Mo's cute Paint gelding that looks like Crush...We are taking Crush and Foxy and I will be riding both...Caitlin just wants to meet with clients and sell the show clothes we no longer wear...fine with me...

Here is a pic of the War Chant I have GOT to finish...he is so hot and I have two buyers for him so this one needs to be out there winning at the shows...I want to send him off with a cool name...
(think think think)

2007-09-04T11:47:00.000-04:00

I did it...all the apprehension and fear of going totally alone on this was unfounded...I showed and won and handled everything with damn little aggravation...okay I did crap out my elbow at that rest area outside Valdosta but that was a freak accident...I shot backwards when I thought the sewage tank was gonna blow out at me and fell...the freakin' plumbing was in my hands!!!!!!! Whatever little varmint I hit took out the pipes and all the gray water was running all over the pavement...I was so grossed out as I couldnt just toss the pipes...probably had his greasy little splatter all over it...
Felt bad he was dead but it was him or me and $100,000 rig and trailer, and a $50,000 horse at stake...couldnt swerve in time, couldnt slam on the brakes and send Cleo into a wall...so little critter, thank you for donating your shuffley little life for me and mine...so ya got me back by sending me backwards at warp speed when I thought a weekend's worth of shit was coming at me...My whole shoulder hurts, my elbow is hamburger, and my pride is damaged...no one laughed as at 3:00 in the morning, who the hell was there to see me removing the carnage and hoping it wouldnt shit-shower on me!!!
As for the show...I hope Kit realizes she is a total no one...her smarmy look on her face as I showed to her didnt faze me...I did everything perfect in that showmanship class and I hope it made her feel all warm and juicy to hand off the placings to people who ran like they had 3 legs, rolled their shoulders like their bras were falling off, because the NEXT day under FOUR judges who do not bring their animosities and personal vendettas to their jobs, I got TWO SECONDS a 3rd and a 4th under them...Kit, your time is coming and I will be thrilled when APHA says hits the bricks, bitch...No one likes you, and I was happy to hear the comments in the office coming from EVERYONE as you will not make anyone's favorite lists, except of course for your ex-clients you place so well...
Anyhow the show was so small (gee it had to be because of the judges, ya think???) but I did get hired by Sue to work the horse expo in November and I did meet some super nice people...and that is what it is all about...I had more than 6 people tell me they were shocked I didnt place better. That makes me feel good since I work so hard to be competitive against people who have trainers, coaches, really expensive horses and have super model looks...I am just an average old lady so when I can get that kind of attention, it makes me try harder...Pics coming later...gotta go ride...

2007-08-28T12:35:00.000-04:00

Now I am sick from hanging around those freakin' airports for far too long...nauseated as heck but I will still ride today as I have my goals all laid out like clean undies!!
I clipped Cleo yesterday and I will never stop admiring what awesome horses we have...she was so good...will start riding Crush every day when I get back from Conyers, Georgia and start his habitual exercises like I did with Foxy...worked great on her and Crush is just as good as she is...
Here is a pic of an awesome horse from the Nebraska show...Not sure who did it but I love the pattern, and that is a Carol Williams' Matriarch.

Nebraska Live show

2007-08-27T12:20:00.001-04:00

Oh man was this show FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!! Carra did an amazing job and her creativity was awesome...her pirate theme is beyond comparison and she has a wonderful vision for this show! I loved it and would like to nominate it to member show of the year!
Pictures coming!

2007-08-27T12:01:00.000-04:00

I meant to mention how Caitlin did at 4-H regionals in Memphis...it was an amazing show...I felt useless, as after ten years of 4-H and basically 17 yrs of being a horse kid, she didnt need me for much more than recording 143 kids' scores when they were also in her class...I seriously consider dumping my amateur card and getting a judging card...I can do this job and I would probably excel at it...

Anyhow Caitlin's results were:
Showmanship...FIRST
Western Riding....FIRST
Horsemanship...Fourth
Trail...Ninth
Western Pleasure...Honorable Mention (her tail fell out!!)

Anyhow she ended up (after a near melt down over the tail fiasco, which has NEVER happened to either of us ever before!!) HIGH POINT WESTERN RIDER which completely made her week, despite some terrible news from home that didnt concern the horses...
I watched almost ALL the trail patterns and the first place horse missed half of an obstacle and Foxy clunked ONE pole so that was kinda confusing...I wondered a LOT about some of the judging...but after all these years of showing we are completely used to the judges' mind and are so satisfied with her final 4-H show...there were 146 kids in that trail class, close to that in showmanship, and was just the topping on the cake as she departed 8 long years of 4-H showing...

2007-08-23T21:14:00.001-04:00

Well getting ready to head to Nebraska and judging for a one day show...will spend more time in an airport than anything...
Rode Cleo again today huntseat and she was awesome...Next week's show under 8 judges shall tell me how we are doing...
Here's a pic of a resin by Jamie Coughlin I did a major custom and paint job on...Wish I could remember his name and who owns him...he looks awesome in this set-up from the NAN show.

2007-08-22T22:26:00.001-04:00

Today has been great despite some changes in the future plans...I will be going it alone to some out of state shows since Caitlin can't miss some of these college classes...should be interesting...
Cleo continues to exceed my expectations as we practice daily for these classes. I just hope my sick and broken back will hold up...today I shortened my stirrups even more on my english saddle so let's see if that helps any...
Here is a pic of Crush; he is my next project. I am anxious to get on him and start working on his style...he seems more stock seat than english but once I get him going I can plan on getting Cleo into driving. THAT will be fun!!

Getting ready for the fall shows...

2007-08-19T14:29:00.000-04:00

Looking forward to showing my ASS this fall...and that might mean Cleo if she thinks her tricks in the show ring are going un-noticed... news flash!
Anyhow I am also back to work in earnest on my Christmas catalog...last year it just never left the ground...too much to do and no heart in it...now without the other farm income, I can earnestly see where this is much needed...

Cleo and Foxy on the road to Memphis!

2007-08-19T11:39:00.001-04:00

Here we were in gorgeous Gainesville, Georgia for a one day show...on our way to Memphis for the last ever 4-H Southern Regionals...done with 4-H after this one...