A Very Horsie Christmas

I hope that everyone had a very enjoyable Christmas. I wasn't sure how I felt about mine going into it but it turned out to be a very good holiday.

Last year, my daughter was ill and ended up in the hospital for 2 weeks with acute kidney failure. It was quite scary. This year my son is on deployment to the middle east. But we've been able to connect with him pretty often so that has been good. He called early Christmas morning and we all had a lovely chat.

Ripley crawled up on the couch to listen to her owner

We had a lot of rain and then a sudden drop in temperatures which meant that the ring was hard with icy patches. When I can't ride I turned to baking.

cinnamon buns

homemade ice cream sandwich with a scoop of french vanilla,  whipped cream,
hot fudge & strawberry sauce and grated chocolate sprinkled on top

While baking is fun it's probably not the best coping mechanism......

Ed and I had bought a new mattress so we had agreed on 'no gifts'. 

And of course we immediately violated that. 

He surprised me with a new arial shot of our farm. 

looking at the barn. See the horses watching these guys with the drone?

most of our property from the top. 

this is the one he framed

I love seeing these photos. They show all the work we've done over the years. 

My daughter bought me a lovely riding shirt and then completely blew me away by giving me this set:

I mean, can you even?

It's going to look lovely on Miss Carmen. I think we can safely assume that the person who used to heap scorn on people who dressed their horses in bright colours on their horse is now dead. 

The young woman that Irish is teaching to ride really surprised me with these beautiful signs: 

ignore the barn aisle that needs sweeping,
 there's no point until the stall doors are closed. 

We had a lovely dinner with just the three of us. Later I went out to the barn to do the night feed/clean. I was trying to decide if I should take Carmen out and give her a groom. I normally leave the stall doors open and Carmen usually hangs out at the door but doesn't leave. That night I heard her hooves on the barn aisle. 

Get back I said. Normally she would just back up and sigh. This time she actually walked out. I expected her to head to the hay pile across the aisle but she turned and walked down the barn. I wasn't too worried that she was going to leave so I slowly walked out of the stall saying what are you doing missy?

You may think I'm making up what happened next but I swear I am not. Carmen walked to where I groom her, turned around and stood in exactly that spot looking at me expectantly. She was asking me to groom her! I took off her blanket and gave her good deep groom which she appeared to savour. I then cleaned her stall, restocked her hay and water while she watched me. I put on her blanket and said there you go and she went back to her stall. 

This horse guys, she continually surprises me.

Blogger Gift Exchange

I participated in Printable Pony's Blogger Gift Exchange this year. I was actually on the ball and sent mine off early.

I knew that mine would come sooner or later. On Dec 23 I came home and Ed was looking at me with a funny expression.

I was expecting a package from Amazon today so I opened this without thinking. But it's for you. 

he had put it all back together

I wasn't upset and since it was so close to Christmas I decided to wait and open it on the 25th. 

It did not disappoint! Cozy pyjamas and socks and treats for the horses. I love flannel pjs- they feel so nice on cold winter nights! The socks will be perfect for this summer's riding too. 

The cookies are a huge hit with both horses. The dogs were quite interested as well. 

And, best of all, I found a new blog to follow! Our mares sound similar. 

Thank you so much Alaina! 

Merry Christmas everyone! 

T'is the Season

Christmas is fast approaching and, if you follow this blog, you know what that means:

THE (SOMEWHAT) ANNUAL CRITTER CHRISTMAS PHOTO SHOOT!

I grabbed my antlers and cell phone and headed out to con/ bribe entice my beloved animals into cooperating for the camera.

Irish was, as always resigned.

Irish: is it that time again? Did you bring treats? I don't perform for free you know. 

Irish: What do you mean I'm too close? I have to get the cookies before Princess Greedy Guts take them all. 

Irish: This is the best you're going to get. 

Me: I'll take it! 

Carmen: I heard that there were cookies. 

Carmen: Back up? Why would I do that? The cookies are here. 

Carmen: Okay, I'll trust you but make it fast. Also, don't give any to the dog behind me. 

Guinness:  What? No. It's beneath my dignity as head of security. 

Guinness: Mom, this is so dumb. I'll be laughed out of the Farm Dogs Guild. 

Guinness:  I'm only doing it because I love you. But promise me it won't be on the internet. 

Ripley: I'm a guest. I'm pretty sure that makes me exempt. 

Ripley:  This is not my idea of fun. I can't even look at you right now. I'm telling Dad. 

Ripley: Well I guess I look pretty good. 

Willow:  this is new. I think it' brings out my eyes. 

Willow: Make it quick. My patience is fading fast. 

I know it's silly. But when I look back on the previous cards I smile at the fond memories of my beloved animals. Many of whom are not here anymore. At least not physically anyway.


Merry Christmas from all of us at Oakfield Farm. I hope you have the holiday you want.

Christmas Gifts

Hello everyone- I hope that y'all had a wonderful holiday. We've had a wonderful Christmas despite the weather demons.

Christmas eve was a beautiful and warm sunny day so I decided to ride. Since I had only ridden once in 2 weeks it seemed prudent to lunge first. Carmen was a bit looky but pretty good. That carried over to the riding. She was very very good. I also stayed focussed on making sure that I was giving constant directions and not sitting in the back seat and letting her drive.

I always find it hard to know how much to school when she's not in regular work. I don't want to make her sore and it seems unfair to push her too hard- especially when I can't be sure to ride the next day to help clarify. I decided that I was just going to work on soft and steady contact, smooth transitions and bend.

I could feel a real change in the contact since I did her teeth- she was back to being soft in the contact and no more gaping or pulling. While she was definitely a bit looky she was not that tight ball of dynamite that I had been riding. I am filing that away as useful information- Carmen is far more explosive when she's uncomfortable. I ended our session after 50 minutes. In the barn she was quite happy to have me groom and make a fuss over her. It was a lovely Christmas gift.

That night we had lobster and a whole bunch of snacks.

Picked up the lobster at the wharf

Christmas day was a whole different story in terms of weather. We had freezing rain, followed by rain and then the winds started. Up to 130 km/hr. It was inevitable that we would lose power and we did around 3:45. Fortunately the turkey was done. Ed hooked up the generator but it doesn't run the stove.  I ended up cooking the potatoes and gravy in the microwave.  We were able to have some light with an extension cable and had dinner by the light of the tree and some candles.

Christmas dinner by candlelight

We had a ton of fun playing board games and spending time together. The barn chores are always more challenging by lamplight. I have a battery lantern that I use. It makes me feel like I'm in 'Little House on the Prairie'. 

This morning we rigged up some heavy duty extension cords to run the electric fence but first we needed to repair the fence. We still don't have power but are doing fine. It has been a wonderful Christmas with the kids (2 and 4 legged). Ed gave me a Fitbit Charge 2 which I'm really happy with. My kids appear to know their mother quite well:

From my son. I think that the will be my horse show sweater to protect my show clothes. 

My daughter saw me admiring this and sneakily bought it. 

All of these are lovely gifts but the best one is to slow down and spend time with the people and creatures I love. And eating. I will definitely be putting that Fitbit to use!

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Christmas Tag

I was nominated by Ahamoments to participate in Christmas Tag.

Here are the rules for this award:

• Thank the person that nominated you with a link to their blog √
• Add the picture in your blog √
• Copy these rules into your post √
• Add a link to this original post √ Original Christmas Tag
• Answer the 10 questions (you can add extra Christmas – related questions if you want) √
• Tag at least 3 other bloggers with links to their blogs √
• Have fun! √√√

I am not always good at doing these but I thought this might be fun. 

1. What's your favourite thing about Christmas?

I love spending time with my family. Every year we have the Annual Arab Family Wii Sports Tournament. I am not very good at a lot of the games but it's fun. A lot of times I get to ride on Christmas day. It may not happen this year but that's okay. I love the morning in the barn just with the animals and enjoying the peace. 

2. What's your favourite Christmas Memory? 

I can't pick any. There are a lot of special small memories that I treasure:

•  My mom always used to buy me a tin of Quality Street Chocolates. I miss that small gift more than anything. 
• One year we had a storm that knocked the power out so I cooked the turkey on the BBQ until it came back on. 
• Not my memory but a family story that one year a massive storm stopped all travel and my grandfather went to the local bus station and invited everyone who was stuck there to the house for Christmas dinner. I admire that more than anything- he was the most generous person I knew
• Ed and making ornaments for our own first Christmas tree. We had no money so this was all we could do. I still have many of them and they go on the tree. 
• The first Christmas I had Irish at home in my very own barn. 

3. Are there special traditions your family has for Christmas?

 Other than eating and Wii tournament, not really. Of course there's always me sending Ed back to the grocery store for one more item- that's becoming a thing. 

4. What's your Christmas wish? 

No idea really. An indoor? Peace on earth? To have everything be ready at the same time for dinner? 

5. What's your favourite Christmas dish? 

Um, everything. I make Cinnamon buns for the morning (oh wait, maybe that's a tradition?). 

6. What's your favourite Christmas Decoration? 

I have so many special ornaments it's hard to choose. I have old ones that were my in-laws, ones for my children's first Christmas etc. I always try to pick up an ornament when I travel so I can remember. Essentially decorating the tree is a trip down memory lane. I just ordered these and they arrived:

Made by a friend out of clay it's Guinness and d'Arcy. I love them. Next year I will order ones of the horses. 

7. What's your favourite Christmas Song? 

Hard to choose. I have always loved 'Oh come all ye faithful' and 'I'm dreaming of a white Christmas' but it's probably Snoopy's Christmas song'

8. Where do you usually celebrate Christmas? 

At home. It's hard to leave with the horses so I try to stay home. Every now and then I think it would be fun to go to my sisters to see the chaos or to go south. Anyone want to spend christmas in a farm house with just a few animals to look after? 

9. What does Christmas Spirit mean to you? 

Loaded question, but for me it's less about the religious aspect and more about the kindness. I hate hearing people complain about how much work it is- do less. Honestly, if it's not fun don't bother. No one wants to spend Christmas with a martyr. 

10.  Who would you want to spend Christmas with? 

My family. And the ones I've lost. 

I'm going to follow the rules and nominate three bloggers but only do it if you want. Do not feel obligated!

1. Emma at http://fraidycateventing.blogspot.ca

2. Annette at https://aspenmeadows.blogspot.ca

3. Olivia at https://diyhorseownership.com

Merry Christmas everyone. 

Domestic Goddessing

The weather has turned cold and bitter. Which I guess is fair since it's winter. But any riding has come to an abrupt halt.

not ready to stop 

There's nothing I can do about it and I'm pretty sure that Santa is not going to bring me an indoor for Christmas no matter how good I've been.

The horses stand outside at the hay feeder and eat all day. I am sure that they are muttering about the 1.5"holes in the net. Irish can eat with attitude! I've cut Carmen's feed and hay since she's not in work and she is not taking it well at all. Last night we had a chat about what is an appropriate way to express her emotions about this and what is not. I suspect we will have this conversation again.

Guinness is getting a lot of walks which he's enjoying quite a bit.

someone has figured out the warm place to lay while he waits for me to be finished

On the up side I am more ready for Christmas then I have been in years. All the presents are wrapped and placed under the tree.

who is this woman?

Last year a blogger posted a recipe for candy cane bark but I can't remember who (Hawk maybe?). Anyway, I've been playing with the recipe this year. 

dark chocolate, salted caramel with milk chocolate drizzled on top

I find myself googling 'things to do with candied ginger'. 

Part of it is my free time. The other part is that I am really looking forward to this Christmas. the last few ones have not been great- there's been a shadow thrown by death and illness the past few years. This year I feel in a good place and I want to make the most of it. Snow might be coming so I can snow shoe. 

Do you have times you can't ride because of the weather? What do you do instead? 

Holiday Hijinks

Me: Come on guys, it's time for our Christmas Photo Shoot!

Guinness: What's a photo shoot? Does it involve sticks? Because I have a great one! 

d'Arcy: Maybe if I don't make eye contact.....

Carmen: Oh- a camera! I am very photogenic. Let's go. 

Irish: Don't fall for it- it's a trap

Me: Martin? Chester? Where are you?

***crickets***

d'Arcy: I really think I'm too old for this. 

Guinness: This is boring. Where's my stick? 

 Me: You look adorable d'Arcy. Please do it for me. 

d'Arcy: Ok, but don't show any other border collies- I'll be a laughing stock. 

Guinness: STICKS ARE MORE FUN THAN PHOTO SHOOTS!

Me: GET BACK HERE YOUNG MAN! 

Guinness: *whine*

Me: Okay, try to look festive. 

Guinness: This is my festive face

Me: I guess I can live with that. 

Guinness:  Okay, back to the important stuff- STICKS

Me: Okay, that's the dogs, now for the horses.....

Irish: You put silly antlers on my head but you can't make me like it. 

Irish:  do I hear a cat snickering? 

Me: For a horse that requires so much maintenance from me you could do this ONE THING. 

Irish: Oh, sure, play the guilt card. How's this: 

Me: You look like a llama reindeer. 

Irish: But I'm smiling. What more do you want? 

Me: Try again. 

Me: This is perfect. *click*

Irish: Where's my carrot?

Carmen: It's my turn! Here's my sultry look

Me: ummm, well it's very , um, exotic but not really Christmassy. Try for less 'dramatic-spanish-mare' and more angelic. 

Carmen: Okay, here's what I call my 'Downton Abbey' look:

Me: I love it! 

Okay, now who am I missing...Oh right the cats! 

Me: Martin- there you are. Not sure why I'm surprised this is where you spend winter! 

Martin: You woke me for this? 

Me: So...how about we try for a look that is a bit less murderous? 

Martin: This is the best I can do, take it or leave it. 

Me: uh, I'll take it! 
Martin: Good call. Now go bug the fluffy squirt. zzzz

Chester: I'm no expert but I don't think that this is right. 

Me: Your neck is too small, let me try again. 

Chester: I kind of hate you right now. 

Me: You can't do that- it's almost Christmas- a time of love and forgiveness. 

Chester: I think I can work up just a bit of Christmas spirit but don't tell Martin. 

Me: That is an awesome pose. Thank you! 

Me: That's a wrap. I can't believe how exhausted I am. Now to just pull it all together. 

******
several hours later
******

Me: Okay everyone are you ready?

 Ta-dah!

Irish: Well I guess it's okay. Why is that cat riding me?
Martin: This card would be nothing without me. 
Carmen: Shouldn't I be in the centre?
Guinness: Where's my stick? It needs more sticks.
Chester: I do look adorable.
d'Arcy: Border collies don't read your blog do they?

Me: c'mon guys- let's say it all together:

"MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY HANNUKAH, HAPPY KWANZAA, HAPPY SATURNALIA. "

Or Whatever it is that you celebrate. May it be filled with love and laughter and light.