Spent the day yesterday cleaning out the barn! The area that was to be the corner stall has been collecting junk and chicken maure for 4 years. We really need to add another stall so we can offer live cover stud service for our Morgan stallion. I know Gary kept putting it off just because he didn't want to tackle the clear out the junk part of getting the job done. It took 4 garden cart loads to get it emptied. Very little of it got salvaged and most has been put out for garbage collection next week. Our mare is about 3 weeks away for foaling and has started bagging up. We put her in the run out stall next to her 2005 filly so she would not fret. She's calm about it. Everyone think bay filly for us. Becca RNY 03/2005 Holton, KS

Hi Nicole, I'm usually lurking on the OFF forum, but I had to check in at the horse people place after about a year of not reading stuff here. Last time I was here I had bought a mule, but I was just too big to use her and she forgot everything she'd learned. Now I'm feeding a mule that is used as pasture decoration (along with the two ponies) and horse treat fanatic. I did buy a palomino gelding about 3 weeks ago and I've ridden him twice! I range from 135 to 140 pounds right now, down from the top of 286, and climbing into the saddle is such a thrill. I can't believe I can get up there, with the help of a bale of hay for a mounting block because my legs didn't grow any longer yet, and my butt fits nicely in my Aussie saddle. And I'm wearing blue jeans! Hadn't worn jeans in about 20 years. I'll be able to wear jeans when I trail ride this year. Used to have to wear sweat pants all the time. Have fun riding! Best, Janice W.

Hey Cary, Welcome to the board, and sorry I posted this so long after the original. Just been busy, but thats a horse owners life. Well you could put your saddle on cosignment at Sporthorse Saddlery there in New Hudson (Grandriver and Milford Rd.). Or at Northville Saddlery (7mile and Northiville Rd.) or at Franklin Saddler in Franklin (13 mile and Franklin rd.). And this is the time of seaon many people start looking. And if you still have it I can ask a few friends if they are in need of one for a younger child. My friends and I are all into pleasure horses, not Dressage and stuff. Yeah alot of us are hunters so I may be able to help ya out some. Had my lil sis not sprouted over the past couple years It would have fit her great, but now shes in a 17" And im in a 18 1/2". But let me know how much you are asking, tree size, and gullet opening size. Or what breed it was mainly used on. If you still have it available. Nicole

I'm in central Michigan and looking for someone to ride with. I presently don't have a horse but am preparing to purchase/board one perhaps later this year. I prefer Western and have years of experience riding, grooming and caring for these magnificent creatures. If you are nearby central Michigan and have a spare horse that I can help ride this year, or know someone who does, please let me know. THANKS!!!

We had a nice sunny day today so we decided to take advantage of it and play with the horses. A couple of young neighbor girls came by and wanted to see the horses so we let Dixie (4.5 yr old NSH) up into the corral. She was really feeling good and did lots of prancing and bucking for a few minutes. I leaned over and disengaged her hindquarters and she trotted over to me, tail and head in the air. I asked her to lower her head and she calmed right down. We played Follow me all over the place, forwards and back, alternating between following and driving. She was light as a feather. My husband laid down in the corral to see what she would do. She sure asked a lot of questions...she could not figure out what he wanted by that behavior. She nudged him, pulled on his coat, blew in his face, tried to paw at him. She backed up to him then walked away but came right back. Finally she stood over him and started yawning over and over again....too funny!! Next I brought Keno (25 yr old appy mare) into the corral. She, too, was really light and I made sure that I didn't create any braces in her. I set everything up and waited and she softened each time. The horse, who typically doesn't really like humans, was following me all over the corral. I was even able to back her up by standing behind her with the savvy string around her back legs. I put only the slightest pressure on the rope and waited. At first she tried to move forward to get away from the rope but I just held fast and she figured it out. I only asked for a few steps and quit. I only played with Duchess a little (coming 3 yr old). I sent her into the trailer and did lots of friendly since she is still a little nippy especially with less handling over the winter. I'm hoping to see a little more maturity in her this year. That was our day...hope everyone else had a great day!! Leslie